Mel and Laura: Gay wedding at the Lost Village of Dode

So we have a 900 year old building, an 80 year old car, a neolithic restaurant (well kind of) and a civil partnership ceremony that was made legal less than 4 year ago. Looks like we have ourselves a fabulous gay wedding

Here’s the “first” bride, Laura. Looking, frankly, amazing in her gorgeous wedding dress.

I call her the “first” bride simply because when she was there ready with hair and makeup perfectly done in a fabulous ivory dress with white beading by Alfred Angelo, Mel was sitting in thermal pyjamas getting her hair spiked

And yes she blames Laura for the pyjamas.

They both scrubbed up OK though……

And then, down windy roads in a car built before they put the lead in petrol much less took it out, they made their way to the fairytale venue that is the Lost Village of Dode. An enchanted place where time has pretty much stood still since shortly after the Norman Conquest.

Of course being built around 900 years ago, there are a couple of mod cons that you don’t get at the Village of Dode. Like electricity. Or lights for that matter. But the candles flickered, a couple of wall sconces added a bit of colour and with hay on the floor and sheepskins for their friends and family to sit on Mel and Laura stood before the registrar for their civil partnership.

Of course you can’t really hold a gay wedding in a church. But that’s OK. This one was deconsecrated. 700 years ago.

And just look. I don’t think there was really any chance of anybody in the congregation objecting, but Mel couldn’t resist a nervous look round during the “if any person here present bit”.

Of course nobody did – they would have missed one almighty party!

Just a little paperwork to be done….

…and then a little time to pose for pictures….

…before the reception where of course hats will be worn.

No, I don’t think I will explain how James came to be wearing that hat. Suffice it to say that I have a very firm promise that the picture of me wearing it will never be posted anywhere on the internet. I made no such promise to James….

But then no party is complete without dancing….

And if you’ve seen other weddings from MyWeddingStory then you’ll know that I can never resist and after dark portrait just as the sky still glows.

Mel and Laura are off for a few days but if you know anything about Mel you’ll know she’ll be checking her iPhone. Why not leave your thoughts and comments for her below?

And yes, there will be hundreds more pictures when they get back

You may also like:

1. Mel and Laura: All the pictures from a gay wedding
2. A Kent Village wedding – Katherine and James
3. Kirsty and Lee – a village wedding….and a 30 foot limo
4. A Kentish Partnership Magazine