Real Weddings

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I was looking forward to photographing Kathleen & Tonys wedding as, not only had I never shot in the Stationhouse Hotel previously, but we were also planning to take a short trip to the wonderful Bective Abbey which now has a small carpark & paths. In the past it was a jump over a fence & skipping up an overgrown trail (not ideal in a wedding dress !!). The weather on the day really behaved itself and Kathleen & Tony were an absolute pleasure to work with. I was also very impressed with the super grounds in the Stationhouse and in particular with the staff who were fantatsic & very helpful, I am looking forward to working there again shortly. Unfortunately, on the day, the great enemy of any photographer caught up with me – time !! Before we knew it, dusk was falling, tummies were rumbling but we had managed to get all the photos we needed. I have uploaded a small selection of pics below, just click on any for a slightly larger version & if you happen to know the happy couple feel free to leave a message.

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One thing about (work related) housekeeping is that you get to revisit weddings from way back. Although it can sidetrack you, the memories of these special days are great to have. One wedding which sticks in my mind was that of Enika & Conor back in July 1997. The couple travelled from Australia to get married in Ballyliffen (way way up in Donegal) and it was one of those days when everything just fell into place. Leading up to the wedding the weather had been horrific, and, even when I was driving up the day beforehand  it was still lashing out of the heavens. On the morning of the wedding, the black clouds were replaced by white fully clouds & deep blue skies. Enika & Conor had hired a local mini-bus to ferry the bridal party, myself (and a slab of tinnies !) to nearby Pollan Bay where I was able to capture the beauty of the area and the afternoon made for a very special photoshoot. The gang were all so laid back and we had an absolute blast before returning to the hotel. I have uploaded a few of the pics below, hope you enjoy.

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When I met up with Christine & David their brief was simple, mainly reportage shots, but a small bit of time on a few family shots, neither wanted to spend too much time in front of the camera. At that stage I knew the day would go well as that is exactly what my style is, and the the day did indeed go great. There was fantastic light in their house for the preparations (and a very calm atmosphere) the priest was a real charachter, had everyone in giggles but still managed to retain the solemnity of the occassion, the Step House Hotel is a real hidden gem, lovely interiors, great gardens and the staff were ever so helpful. Also, Borris Castle, which is across the road from the hotel, had its doors open (only does this on a limited number of days each year) and I heard from a colleague who was shooting a wedding in neighbouring Wexford that there was torrential rain – we had a nice, bright (but very cold !) evening. So all the pieces fell into place nicely, Christine & her bridesmaids looked stunning, herself, David and their families were an absolute pleasure to deal with, and I’m thrilled to say, they were delighted with their photos – and I’m fairly happy with them myself (although I am biased !!). I have uploaded a small selection of shots below. Feel free to have a look and just click on any image for a slightly larger version.

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I had the pleasure of shooting Marie & Daves wedding in Clane on 28th December. The ceremony was in the lovely chapel in Clongowes Wood and the reception held in the Westgrove Hotel where the staff were ever so helpful. Marie & her bridesmaids looked fab and, despite the gale force winds and cold, managed to hide the goosebumps and look warm for a very speedy photoshoot of the bridal party (I think about 5 minutes !!). On arrival at the hotel the mulled wine reception went down a treat with the guests, and everyone was in great spirits heading for the reception suite. I have a few pics uploaded below so feel free to have a look (just click on any image for a larger version) and, if you know either Marie & Dave leave a message for them as they will be checking in while on honeymoon.

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On Sunday 18th December I had the pleasure of shooting Lisa & Andys wedding in the stunning Barberstown Castle. As a venue I love covering weddings there as it has great grounds, great indoors and very helpful staff. I arrived at Lisas house and everything was nice & calm, but, as often happens on the mornings, the time just flew, and before long everyone was milling around and the rescue remedy was out !! Barberstown was done up beautifully and the ceremony took place in the conservatory. Lisa, Andy and little Jamie all took part in a lovely sand ceremony and before long they were marching down the aisle as Mr & Mrs. My brief for the day was quite simple (and suits my photographic style) – very little time to be spent on posed shots. They wanted relaxed & informal photos and with laughs aplenty and a magician (Magic Daniel) wowing the guests there was plenty of scope for this. For a change I hung on for the speeches & first few dances but it was well worth it for the extra photos. I have uploaded a selection of photos below (had trouble whittling them down) and, if you happen to know Lisa or Andy please feel free to leave a message for them. Just click on any photo for a slightly larger version.

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Saturday 10th December saw me heading off to the small village of Kilkerrin, Co. Galway for the wedding of Sarah & Oliver. The priest mentioned in his ceremony that they did things a little different around there and he was right. When driving from Sarahs house to the church the roadside had lots of posters, balloons wishing them luck (think Tour de France !) I was also perplexed at how neat & tidy the litter was. Outside every house on the road were little stacks of rubbish. I didn’t know at the time that when Sarah left her house these were all set alight by their neighbours for good luck. We also had some fun when a wet sheepdog joined the greeting line in the church !! A more relaxed & unfussed couple you could not meet, with a bit of rain & failing light they hit the pub instead of heading off for photos, but despite the long drive to the Lady Gregory Hotel in Gort, we had just about enough time to get a few family shots before the meal was called. Have a few pics below, just click on any for a larger version.