A belated review!
My wife and I have just celebrated our first wedding anniversary, which makes it about a year since Elaine ‘delegated’ the responsibility of writing a review of South Lodge, the venue for our special day, to me.
We are fortunate that we live in an area with no shortage of beautiful venues, and my bride-to-be soon collated a list of potential candidates. Over the next month or so, I diligently chauffeured Elaine to many places, and we eventually narrowed the choice down to three venues. We visited Lizzie and the team at South Lodge, and at once were made to feel special. Not the most inexpensive venue to get married at, we viewed the others, but Elaine’s heart was set on South Lodge. Not for the first time, and as every husband will understand, I have to say she was right!
From the initial discussions Lizzie was attentive to our needs which included investigating the possibility of Leni, our 2-year-old lively Labrador Retriever, attending the wedding. We were so lucky that Lizzie has a Lab of her own and offered to look after her for the Wedding Day herself!
We were walked through the process, our requirements gathered, and arrangements made seamlessly. We had a tasting menu to select our food and drink choices. The menu choices were all delicious, partnered with excellent wine pairings.
We also were shown the rooms, as we had some family and friends from overseas attending. All were a really high standard.
Finally, all the arrangements were made, and it seemed as if it was effortless. Probably because for me it was, as Elaine and Lizzie did all of the hard graft!
The Wedding Day.
Although in early August, there are no guarantees on the weather in England, but South Lodge were prepared for that, with the outside wedding area set up but also an indoor room held in reserve just in case. Luckily for us the weather was glorious, so outside it was.
It was extremely hot, which for those of us waiting in the blazing sun for nearly an hour for the bride to turn up was a challenge. But just as we were about to give up and go an enjoy the fine fare on offer, she arrived, looking radiant. With our guests, including Lizzie and Leni the Labrador, we made our vows. Lots of joking and laughter, outside surrounded by views of the beautiful views of the South Downs and the grand South Lodge building the ceremony itself was joyous. Fine English sparkling wine flowed, followed by the wedding breakfast and celebrations.
The food was superb, the drink flowed for our 100 guests, who had traveled far and wide to share our special day. In the evening another 35 friends arrived, along with more fine food and drink.
We eventually retired to the wedding suite, after a long and raucous evening. Fun was had by all.
From the initial arrangements, preparation and our wedding, the South Lodge team made sure our day was truly special. I haven’t even mentioned the spa and facilities, which I am told by my wife are wonderful!
We can’t thank the South Lodge team, especially Lizzie, for making our day unforgettable.
Mark & Elaine