Real Life Weddings at South Lodge

We met when Jade was standing in her first Saturday morning fitness class after signing up for a new gym and Rob (the instructor) walked in.

Six years later, on the way to Las Vegas for Rob’s birthday, he got down on one knee in the first class cabin of their flight and popped the question.

Initially the venue, it’s beautiful. However, what really swayed our decision was the fact that our dogs could be accommodated, both at the ceremony and at the hotel. Every time we have stayed the service and staff have been unbelievable, and every experience has reaffirmed South Lodge as the right choice for our wedding venue.

We really wanted a relaxed day and we didn’t focus on conforming to “traditions”.

Whilst some things we did were no doubt on point for a wedding, we wanted the day to be our own. Due to the pandemic, we had already postponed our day twice, so third time around we were just happy for everything to come together however that happened!

The dress was in fact dress number two! The original dress was chosen in September 2019, which in the end was a long time before it was due to be worn. Just before the first fitting in January 2022, Jade tried on the dress with her mum and decided it wasn’t the right one. “The” dress was purchased about six weeks before the day and was perfect. She was a Vera Wang halter neck with racer back definitely had the impact the bride was hoping for!

Surprisingly – everything. Everyone tells you the day will fly by and you don’t really have time to take it all in. However, both the of us have lots of memories from the day and managed to enjoy every aspect. Although the build up to the ceremony did very surreal, but we think that was because we had waited so longer with the pandemic. However, that did mean we ended up marrying on our 10^th anniversary, which was particularly memorable.

The attention to detail provided by South Lodge was fantastic. As we got closer to the day we had lots of questions about everything from the vendors setting up to supplying wine on the table and managing the open bar. Emma and the team were amazing, asked all the questions before we did and clearly thought of everything. We could not fault how well our day went. Also, South Lodge connected us with Toastmaster Dan who took care of our guests and our day with an equal level of care. Being able to have both our dogs attend the ceremony was very special and personal for us. They are our family!

Book South Lodge! Or at the very least, meet with a coordinator and discuss your plans. Also, we booked a stay at the hotel (with our pups) once we had viewed it as a venue to get a feel for the environment, atmosphere and service (plus test out the spa!). It really helped us to decide we had picked the right venue and made us feel more “at home’ on the big day. We cannot recommend them enough. Other than, enjoy every moment; try to not stress over the small things; focus on what is important – you celebrating your commitment together. Your wedding day is your day. As long as you both turn up and the registrar is there to make it official, just accept that whatever else happens (or doesn’t) can’t ruin things!

Photographer @edpeers
Flowers - Etsy
Hairdresser - Thomas Hill Oxted
Dress @verawanggang
Bridesmaid @coastfashion
Suits @tedbaker