Yes, I know that snow can be a royal pain in the a#se – but it can also add to the most stunning of landscapes. Early this morning, with the kids wrapped up in bed, I decided to take a bit of “me-time”.  I put on my waterproofs, packed up the camera in my bag and headed off into the snow.  I started just around the corner from my house, heading along Ballymastone Lane, then up Reillys Hill and into the grounds of St Itas. From there I headed down to the cliff walk between Donabate & Portrane and on to Tower Bay. Despite living out here for 15+ years, I think that this morning, I got my favourite pic of Lambay Island. I was in my element, but then the reality kicked in as I saw the sky turn black and copped on that I now had a 45 mins walk home, facing into a blizzard !! Was it worth it ? I think so, and have attached a small sample of my pics below. Hope you enjoy them.

Things have been a bit quiet on the ground recently in terms of wedding photography. Was able to put a bit of time into choosing & submission of pics to the IPPA for the final competition of the year, and it paid off. Received a couple of bronze, seven Silver, a Gold, and an ellusive (and my first) Diamond award. Was having a stressful morning but news of the Diamond perked me up a bit ! Have uploaded the Silver, Gold & Diamond shots below. Workwise I had a corporate gig and a school shoot but a lot of my time recently has been clearing backlogs (on their way soon for anyone waiting !!) and re-aquainting myself with needles & threads for the kids Halloween costumes. I think I pulled every muscle in my body getting up to, and around the attic, searching for the decorations so was off down the gym to try get back into shape!! Back into the saddle next weekend with a wedding in Barberstown Castle so looking forward to that.

Friday 15th saw me head off to wonderful Glendalough in the Wicklow mountains for Colette & Eoins wedding.  My poor old car deserves a rest as some of the back roads are in serious need of repair. The pressure was on me as Eoin is an avid photographer, Colette looked stunning and the landscape was amazing !! After a lovely ceremony in St Kevins  Church in Laragh I headed with the Bride & Groom down to the upper lake for a few shots, unfortunately our visit was curtailed by the arrival of rain clouds which came rolling up the valley, off for a quick stop at Clara Vale bridge and then on to the Brook Lodge in Macreddin Village.  Lovely venue, big open fires and Ciara the co-ordinator was extremely helpful. Everything was gearing up for a great night. A few draft pics below.

Moday 11th October took me back up to Cabra Castle, just outside Kingscourt in Cavan. Its one of those venues that I never tire of, how could you not like it !! The day was stunning – not a cloud in the vibrant blue sky, brilliant sunshine and hot – a photographers nightmare (or perhaps I’m just a grumpy old man). Leanne and her family & friends hopped across the Irish Sea from Wales, and had Andy in tow, but he was originally from up the road from the hotel and his parents had their reception there as well. Laid back does not describe this couple who were a dream to work with. My first ever meeting with Leanne was that morning in the cottages where she was doing her preps, and her first words were “we’re a bit behind – but what the hell !!” Out came the champers & pasta, and we would have had pork pies but couldn’t get the cooker to work !! Despite “battling the heat & strong sunshine”  I really enjoyed my time with Leanne, Andy their families & friends, and I hope the photos below capture some of the atmosphere of what was a great day.

Had a long drive on Friday up to Mount Falcon Estate in Mayo for the wedding of Karin & Brendan.  I was well impressed when, on the Thursday, I received a call from Gemma, the wedding co-ordinator in the hotel, asking me if I had any questions, and if I needed any help on the day just to let her know. I knew that Karin & Brendan were in safe hands regarding their venue – now it was up to me to deliver on the photography front !! This was a small & intimate wedding with some very individual touches which were quite special, the favours were bags of tea, entitled Karin & Brendans Wedding Blend, place setting were apples, and little Matilda wheeled the rings up to mammy  & daddy on a hand made trolley. Add to this Karins gloriously giddy sisters, the laid back couple, and the fab grounds in Mount Falcon and I couldn’t go wrong. I had trouble narrowing down the shots for the blog, but have a few below.

Saturday 2nd October took me off to the lovely village of Trim, and the fantastically located Trim Castle Hotel. Even better was the location of St Patricks Church – 2 mins walk away. In fact, it was so handy that Mairead, her dad & bridesmaids walked to the church. After the ceremony, Mairead & James danced out of the church to the Lucan Gospel Choir belting out “O Happy Day” and it seemed so apt. The whole day was unfussed and very enjoyable. See below for a few draft shots of the day.