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.

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.