It was a bit of a mixed bag for me in the first quarter of the 2011 IPPA awards. Some results I was a bit disappointed with, for others I was pleasantly surprised. These competitions are a good gauge as to how & if you are developing as a photographer. It also is a showcase for the very high standards of photographers throughout the IPPA in all manner of photography. This time I entered 11 images, and, I cant really complain as I was awarded 4 gold and 7 silver awards. Considering the fact that last year (my first in IPPA competition) I achieved 4 golds in total I should be delighted, but, in a perverse kind of way, the fact that I was a bit disappointed is a good sign. Good is not good enough anymore.

I have uploaded the images below.

It was a touch of deja vu when I entered the bridal suite in Kinnity Castle yesterday, 07th May. Nearly three months ago I photographed Siobhans wedding, and now we all met up again for her sister, Ciaras wedding. They were well used to my relaxed approach and I knew that I couldn’t go wrong with the three stunning daughters. The staff at Kinnity were extremely attentive and helpful, plyed me full of delicious coffee when I arrived so they knew how to get on my good side. The ceremony was in the quaint church in Kinnity village only minutes drive from the hotel which is always a plus. My only problem with the day was, yet again, the weather (grumpy old man syndrome kicking in !!). Blustery showers and even more blustery winds had guests battling with their hairdos, and others battling to protect their modesty !! We managed to get a few outdoor shots in the courtyard, but luckily with Kinnity there are plenty of photographic opportunities indoors. I have attached a few proof pics from the day below. Hope you like them, and, if you know either Ciara or Joe feel free to leave a comment as they will be checking in while on honeymoon.

The weather Gods did not smile on Co. Wexford yesterday for the wedding of Sinead & Cillian at Seafield. All we managed at the beach was a quick glance – stormy seas, gusting winds & heavy rain forced us to hasten our retreat back to the hotel !! However – the bad weather couldn’t dampen the great spirits & good humour of everyone in attendance, and the sweet trolly full of retro confectionary ensured that all guests, young & old, were kept suitably hyper ! From the tea & sambos for guests before the ceremony, and the bride being full ready with an hour & twenty minutes to go, I had another couple of  “firsts” to chalk up. This wedding was an absolute pleasure to shoot, and I’d say the celebrations went on long into the night. I have uploaded a few pics below, hope you enjoy them.

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.