Sunday the 19th took me off to one of my favourite hotels for shooting weddings, Marie & Matthew tied the knot in Kilmainhamwood with the reception being held in Cabra Castle. This was my first “kilted” wedding in some time, and luckily the lads didn’t come over all Braveheart on me and show me what they had (or had not!) on under their kilts. Despite the  rain making an occasional appearance we still managed to get our shots in, but we stopped short of getting Oscar, the Irish Wolfhound, involved as he was just a bit too “damp” and I don’t think any bride, even one as laid back as Marie, would like to spend their evening with a subtle hint of “eau du chien” wafting off them !!. That didn’t stop my daughter (and chief bag carrier) wanting to dog-nap him.  Have uploaded a few pics of the day.

The early bird catches the worm, and so it was on Friday 17th. Due to the new roads, I arrived at Moaty, Kiltormer Co. Galway about 50mins before schedule (although I always aim to have a bit of time to spare). When arriving at the Lynches I was whisked off into the kitchen, handed a plate & had a knife and fork thrust into my hands, I was then lead over to the running buffet of rashers, sausages, B&W pudding etc….(felt a bit like an extra from the Denny ad.!), so after a big feed, plenty of coffee and divine brown bread with real butter (not that stuff out of a carton – I can’t believe people think it tastes like real butter!) my arteries were screaming for mercy but I was well set up for the day ahead. In fact, I could have been running on empty and photographed this wedding, everyone was so calm, so happy & so friendly. The lads were just the right amount of cool, and the girls were all stunning. Due to time constraints we didn’t make it to the Claddagh for some shots with the Swans, but we did get onto SalthillBeach. They also had one of the most stunning cakes I have seen – the detail on the flowers made from icing was amazing. Have uploaded a few snaps from the day below.

Was down in Wexford on Friday for the wedding of Grace & Garrett. The ceremony was in Riverchapel, just beside Courtown with the reception being held in the Amber Springs Hotel in Gorey.

Unfortunately, between the church and Courtown Woods we lost our Bridesmaids – luckily for us there was another bridal party at the woods so we roped in their bridesmaids for a shot or two !! (hence the title of the blog). See below for a few draft shots of the day, including the “rent-a-bridesmaids” !!

This was the second time around for Sarah Jane & Gary as we had been on the beach running off some pre-wedding photos for a signature print to be signed by all guests on the big day,  so they were well used to posing for the camera!! Although there wasn’t much posing to be honest, as again, the focus again was on a more relaxed style of photography, with minimal interruption for formal shots.

This wedding was also a bonus for me as the reception was in the Waterside Hotel – 10 mins drive from home !! Have uploaded a few draft shots from the day. Hope you enjoy.

Had the recent pleasure of photographing Anita & Denis’ wedding which encompassed three counties. Reception in Waterford (this was borderline, but the brides mother gets her way !!), on for photographs in Glencomeragh House in Tipp (very near where they filmed the Bulmers ad. I have been reliably informed) and finally on to Kilkenny for the reception. We also had a stop off in Walls, Anitas local, where they both had a sip of the black stuff – guess from the photo below who had not drunk Guinness before !! All in all a great day, learned some rally driving skills from Anitas brother, rain stayed away, and, despite the amount of time spent travelling, still managed to get all the important photos without any fuss. Draft pics below.

It had been a while since I was in Bailieborough – 25 years or so – but I was still able to find my way around it and to Samanthas house. First obstacle over with, the rest was a doddle – weather was great, fab back garden for pics (even had its own waterfall) , lovely people to deal with etc.

We were off then to a small village in Meath, where the party was in full swing in Samanthas aunts house (right next door to the church !!) Following the lovely ceremony onward to the Radisson Farnham Estate.

There was a nice relaxed feel to the whole days proceedings, the hotel was stunning, and even found a McDs to help sustain me for the long trip home !! I love it when a plan comes together !!