I took a small break over the last couple of weeks to recharge the batteries for the upcoming wedding season, and, just in case I got a call, I also kept this weekend free…..no royal calls arrived, but I’d prefer to do Harrys wedding anyway, that would be mad crack, with plenty of photo ops.!!! I was out at Roganstown House & Country Club this morning doing a photo shoot for Forget-me-not florist in Donabate (http://www.forget-me-not-florist.net/) and it was nice to talk to another supplier without a wedding going on in the background. It was the usual talk of the downward pressure on prices yet the constant increase in costs, the importance of business networks, supporting local businesses where possible and the need to adapt and diversify. Generally boring stuff but nice to have a face to face about it rather than a chat via email/facebook/twitter as has become a much more regular occurrence. The photos ranged from bridal bouquets, buttonholes, lanterns, table settings and flower arrangements used by the hotel itself and it was great to be able to take a bit of time and not be under huge pressure. I have included a small selection of pics below. Hope you enjoy.

Yesterday saw Bernadette & Gerry tie the knot in the Unitarian Church on Stephens Green, in a lovely, relaxed & genuinely sincere ceremony. From the centre of town we headed out to Newbridge Demesne in Donabate where they got a big cheer & round of applause from a couple of busloads of brownies  on arrival. After a quick photo session, on off to the Waterside Hotel on the beach in Donabate. This was great for me as not only were the wedding party all very relaxed & helpfull, but I was operating on home turf, with just a 5 minute drive home. The meal was called for quite early at 5pm, which had nothing whatsover to do with a certain Manchester derby kicking off at the same time !!! This left me home at a completely alien early time of 5:15pm, quick glass & wine, bowl of chicken casserole (prepared by my ever suffering better half) and still had time to meet with Polly & Ken to discuss their wedding plans etc. for 2012. All in all a very busy & enjoyable day finished off by getting whipped by the kids in a game of Disney Trivial Pursuit. A few pics from Bernadette & Gerrys celebrations below.

To quote a certain Hannibal Smith (people of a certain age will know who I’m talking about !) – “I love it when a plan comes together”. Friday the 8th saw me take to the roads for Eimear & Ians wedding. Being welcomed with a wave & a mug of coffee when I arrived at Eimears was a sign that this was going to be a good day, Eimear & her sisters looked stunning, as did her mam, and her father was beaming with pride over the four main ladies in his life, despite the nerves over his speech. After a lovely ceremony in the Heath Church off then to Mount Wolesley for the reception. I was pleasantly surprised & delighted when I arrived the the hotel as they came out to greet me, offered me a coffee (they all know how to get in my good books!) and showed me around the hotel, the reception room, where the welcome drinks would be, and then brought me down to the private gardens before the bridal party arrived so I could check locations & lighting etc. Fantastic customer service, and, throughout the afternoon, they couldn’t do enough for everyone. As the bridal party arrived the sun went in behind a small strip of cloud cover, just enough to remove the glare. My one complaint for the day ?? Not enough time for photos on the stunning gardens, I could have spent all afternoon there with the fantastic “models” who had been brushing up by watching americas next top model !! I have attached a few draft photos below.

At my age I don’t normally wait for the post with baited breath. Usually its more bills, notice of mortgage rates going up etc. in general, depressing stuff. Last week was different, I actually got a couple of (unexpected) birthday cards in the post, and I got a call on Thursday telling me my new sample storybook album would be delivered on Friday. It was like youthful valentines days again, watching & hoping, only this time I was not disappointed. The album arrived in a fabulous hard case, the heady smell of leather & glue wafting through the air, yes, it was that good, I knew how Sile Seoige felt at the Kylie Gig !! (google it !). Ok, maybe a little over the top, but, the album looks & feels great. Genuine leather cover, fantastic quality printing, and, its all hand made in Ireland. The albums come with a choice of cover options & sizes and represent real value for a superb quality product that will stand the test of time. I am also expecting another sample storybook, similar as the first one received, but just a little different, with options of matching parent albums & mini albums. The second one is a couple of weeks away yet.

Along with this album I will also be launching my timepiece product which is an all inclusive package with coverage from preparations through to the first couple of dances. This package can be tailored as required to fit budgets & tastes. Just ask for details.

I have attached a few pics of the new album below, unfortunately they don’t really do it justice as the album has to be seen to be fully appreciated, and finally, many thanks to Babs & Colly for allowing me to use their wedding pics for the sample.