Shelbourne Hotel | Sean & Sarah

New Year’s Day in Dublin and it’s a perfect day to get married. Sean and Sarah had to reschedule their wedding last year but like every other couple I know who did, they weren’t disappointed at all. Covid weddings can be intimate and relaxed in a very unique way.

Sarah looked classically stunning but remained relaxed and calm all through the day. Sean, ever the gentleman, took it all in his stride and seemed to relish every minute of the day.

Dublin was unusually quiet, even for New Year’s Day. I was great to almost have the streets to ourselves. We took the walk from St. Anne’s Chapel over to the Shelbourne with the sun shinning and stopped off regularly to take a few photos in the empty streets.

Here’s just a small selection of images form that wonderful day.

Thanks for stopping by.

joe

Clanard Court Hotel | Lisa & Kenny

Lisa & Kenny’s wedding in the Clanard Court Hotel Co. Kildare was, what you would call, a ‘‘Covid wedding’’. However, this didn’t change a thing in terms of fun and excitement. It was during one of the levels (I can’t remember anymore which, but they could have up to 50 attending which was more than enough for them).

The weather and the venue can have a great impact on your wedding obviously and both played a part in making this, a day to remember. Everything went so smoothly and the staff of the Clanard went to great lengths to ensure everyones safety.

Every couple is different and every wedding is unique but most couples want me to photograph their wedding in a relaxed candid way. This is exactly what I love, trying to capture moments that will mean something special to the newlyweds in the years to come. Sometimes a couple will ask me to take some night shots and very often they like my shots using lights or umbrella’s and this is what I love to do before the first dance. The Clanard Court is good for this, as I don’t have to go far to set it up!! Another reason I like this venue.

I loved every minute of capturing this wonderful wedding and I’m so grateful to Lisa & Kenny for asking me to capture their memories and more.

Thanks for stopping by.

joe

The Manor Hotel Abbeyleix | Sam & Danny's wedding...

The Manor Hotel in Abbeyleix was the venue for this wonderful day. Samantha Moloney and Danny Murphy made this date forever theirs.

Everything ran so smoothly and on this lovely Spring day the sun came out. Danny even had time to nip into the famous Morrissey’s Pub in Abbeyleix for a pint with some of the guys before the ceremony.

The rain held off until late in the day, by which time they didn’t care and actually had fun taking some late evening photos out in the elements. They embraced the rain and rain I managed to get some wonderful shots using my strobe lights.

Here’s just a small selection of the images from that great day…

Real Wedding Archive …

Martinstown House | Aine & Shane

Shane & Aine always planned a small intimate and romantic wedding with their family so Covid didn’t really change their plans. Their Winter Wedding in Martinstown House Co. KIldare just before Christmas was perfect. They really did pull off the best possible wedding in the middle of a pandemic.

The staff of Martinstown’s House went to great lengths to ensure the safety of every member of the family that attended. I’ve shot weddings in Martinstown House before but the last time was in the height of Summer so I was really looking forward to seeing the venue in Winter and especially at Christmas time. Boy they didn’t disappoint. It really has so much to use all year round.

Shane & Aine welcomed me into their family circle (as much as they could under the circumstances) and I felt really at ease all day. We got tons of great photos all in good time and they never really had to leave the party because everything was so central and easy.

Here’s just a small selection of photos from their wonderful wedding day. Hope you enjoy :)

Thanks for stopping by.

joe

Kinnity Castle || Siobhan & Declan

What a Day!!! Almost a year ago to the day. The weather was perfect. The venue was ideal. The atmosphere was electric and the bride and Groom were the great conductors of this beautiful wedding.

Both Siobhan & Declan live in Australia so I’m sure it wasn’t easy to organise and plan an event like this. But they pulled it off and with the help of their families and friends (some of which came all the way from the other side of the world to be there) it was a wonderful wedding.

Kinnity is a great venue at any time but with the sun shinning it comes alive. There are so many great locations to shoot from. The main castle is the obvious feature. The entrance steps, the long avenue through the woodland, the courtyard and of course not forgetting the great Hall.

All this was made even better with Siobhan & Declan’s fun-lovin relaxed attitude. To top it all off, they even surprised everyone with a first dance spectacle that was just amazing.

Here’s just a small selection of the many photos from that great wedding. Thanks for stopping by.


Joe


Killeshin Hotel Portlaoise | Lisa & Dave

Lisa & David’s wedding was on a lovely November day in the Killeshin Hotel Portlaoise. The ceremony and reception were all within the hotel on the day so we had lots of time to concentrate on the little details that Lisa and the lovely staff put so much effort into.

Dave, being a thoroughly chilled individual, was nearly as relaxed about everything as Lisa was. Although he was getting quite nervous before the ceremony as you might expect.

We had a lovely mild day for November which mean’t we had lots of time to leave the hotel and go to get some photos in Emo Court just outside of Portlaoise.

The weather gave us ample scope to get loads of photos outside. Even late that night after the meal and before the first dance we managed to get some lovely night shots.

Here is just a small sample of the photos…Hope you enjoy.

Sheraton Hotel Athlone | Amy & Mike Wedding Day

Amy & Mike’s wedding day got off to a great start!! With the sun shinning and the beautiful light in the bridal suite we got some fantastic photos of the preparations. Amy’s bridesmaids were practicing their dance moves for the night while Laura Behan (the fab Make up artist on the day) worked her magic.

The staff at the Sheraton were friendly and very helpful and nothing was left to chance for the ceremony which was in their fine ballroom.

Amy was just so calm and relaxed which always sets a lovely tone for the day. Mike was with his boys getting ready and I found the same relaxed approach with them too. I just love it when everyone is on the same page as it means I’m gonna get lots of great images!!

After the ceremony we had ample time to venture down to the park for some very casual relaxed pics of the bridal party by the Shannon river. The Winter sun shone and I got lots of candid, over the shoulder photos that Amy and Mike really wanted. They couldn’t believe I managed to get so many because they hardly remembered me taking them.

Then back to the hotel for more fun and games. Later in the evening just before the first dance I managed to grab them for one quick night photo outside. All in all it was a fantastic day and I hope you enjoy the photos as much as Amy & Mike do.

Clanard Court Hotel | Lesley & David

It was raining for nearly a week in early December. Then it stopped for a day. Luckily, that beautiful sunny morning gave way to a beautifully sunny afternoon and Lesley & Dave got married.

Winter weddings can be difficult to time. The weather can be sunny but it’s pretty much always cold. But that never stops an Irish wedding from being a great day. The lovely Winter colours and tones. The low sunshine. The inviting fireplaces. All make for great atmosphere and that is exactly why I loved every minute of Lesley & Dave’s wedding day.

A large bridal party ensured the craic was going to be great all day. There was absolutely no shortage of laughter and fun.

When Christmas is on the horizon too it helps and the Clanard Hotel in Athy was decorated beautifully seasonal with lights of candles, fireplaces and fairy lights.

Everything came together nicely to create a brilliant wedding for Lesley & Dave. Here’s a snippet of just some of the photos from that day…

Rathsallagh House | Aidan & Lorraine's Wedding Day

Aidan & Lorraine’s celebrated their wedding day recently at the wonderful Rathsallagh House Co. Wicklow. The sun was shining and everything ran according to plan for Lorraine as she prepared for the biggest day of her life. Rathsallagh house is such a beautiful venue to get married. Every last detail is checked by the lovely staff.

Aidan’s preparations consisted of fixing his tie in the pub!!. He and the groomsmen had enough time to nip down to the local for a one or two pints of Guinness, and that can be the hardest part of my job…looking at the lads enjoying a few nice jars.

Pippa their faithful dog made an appearance at the church and again at the reception afterwards. He got great milage out of all the guests who took the time to throw his tennis ball for him.

The day ended under the lights of the great Oak tree at the back of the House. Just like the entire day, without fuss and full of the joys of life.

Here’s just a small selection of the photos from that wonderful wedding.

Castleknock Hotel | Priscila & Robert's wedding day...

Priscila & Robert’s wedding in the Castleknock Hotel in Dublin recently was a truly international affair. Priscila moved to Ireland a few years ago from Brazil where she met the love of her life, Robert (from Co. Monaghan).

Their wonderful wedding had family and friends from Brazil in great numbers. There were friends from everywhere from South America to Europe, all mingling and merging into one happy family to celebrate their wedding in Dublin.

Priscila’s family had little or no English but we all managed to communicate nicely and even shared a lot of laughs during the morning preparations and long in to the day and night.

The venue was perfect and the sun shone on us. Everything went perfectly and both Robert & Priscila were the relaxed and full of energy at the same time…which made my job easy!!

Here’s a small selection of the many photos from their big day.

Thanks for stopping by.

Joe

The Midlands Park Hotel | Megan & Ray's wedding day...

Megan & Ray’s wedding day began in the most relaxed way. Everyone was so chilled I worried we might be way behind getting to the church on time! Not a bit, as it turned out everything ran like clockwork.

The sun shone and Fr. Paddy’s ceremony was short and sweet. After the mass in the lovely chapel in the Heath, we had time to go to the lake for a few pics followed by a quick trip up to the epic ruin of Dunamase Castle just outside Portlaoise.

Afterwards we went to join the rest of the guests at the reception in the Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise (https://www.midlandsparkhotel.com/) where the fun really began.

We carried on the party all evening and even managed a few lovely night shots after I got lots of pics on the dance floor as things got funny very quickly!!!

Here’s just a small selection, hope you enjoy…

Thanks for stopping by,

joe

Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny | June Byrne & Darren Strong wedding...

June & Darren’s wedding day was a joy to photograph. June is a really well known hair stylist in Portlaoise, Co. Laois and Darren is a well known footballer and business owner who plays for his County Laois, and his local club Emo. So you can imagine the large crowd in attendance.

This Autumnal wedding was really beautiful as the sun shone and the weather was nice and calm all day.

We even managed to bring their beloved Bernese mountain dog to get into some of the photos in Emo Court between the ceremony in Emo church and the reception at https://www.newparkhotelkilkenny.com/ in Kilkenny.

Here’ just a small selection of the photographs we took that day…

Barberstown Castle Wedding | Joanne & Micheal's wedding day...

Barberstown Castle Wedding | Joanne & Micheal wedding day…

What a day!! Micheal Cushen and Joanne Scott’s wonderful wedding day started in lovely sunshine at Joanne’s home place in Ballyfin, Co. Laois. Joanne’s family made me feel so welcome and at ease straight away. I knew we were in for a great day. Myself and Kevin the Videographer (https://littlebear.ie/) had a really nice relaxing working day with this beautiful couple.

After the ceremony in Mountmellick Church we made our way to the beautiful grounds of https://www.barberstowncastle.ie/. in Co. Kildare. All day the sun shone and we managed to get some cracking images in the and around the grounds of this lovely venue.

Here’s just a small selection of the photos from there lovely wedding day…

Ballintubbert House and Gardens | Eimear & Mark's wedding day...

I absolutely love this venue!! So when Mark & Eimear asked me to capture the photographs for their wedding here I was delighted.

Mark & Eimear both work in the Bloodstock industry and the horse racing community came out in force to celebrate with them in the beautiful setting of Ballintubbert House & Gardens (http://www.ballintubbert.com/).

As the sun shone down on the gleaming Bentley’s parked outside the Old house, I had to remind myself that I was still in Co. Laois.

Everything went so smoothly and when the ceremony started everyone made their way to the beautiful Fountain garden at the back of the house.

We took loads of amazing photographs all over the grounds before the happy couple took the party late into the night.

Here’s just a sample of some of the photos…

Rathsallagh House Hotel | Leonie & Keith's wedding day...

Absolutely brilliant day!! The weather, the venues, two warm and welcoming families!! Add to that, a bride and groom that are united in everything, including their love of dogs and cats.

The chapel in Ballysax Co. Kildare was full of character and beautiful to photograph. We got lots of photos in and around the grounds. We even managed to bring the dogs for a short walk after the ceremony.

Rathsallagh House (https://www.rathsallagh.com/) in co. Wicklow was the next destination. It’s such a nice spot for a wedding. Lots of photo ops there too and when the sun was setting, it gave me a great canvas to create some lovely moody photographs. Then, before the 1st dance we had just enough time to get a few final night shots under the Hotel’s fine big old Oak tree.

Thanks for stopping by :).

Lough Rynn Castle | Ailish & Dougies Wedding day...

Another amazing venue!! When Ailish & Dougie asked me to capture the photographs for their wedding here I was delighted.

I loved every minute going around with them in the beautiful setting of Lough Rynn (https://www.loughrynn.ie/). This place is fantastic and great for photography. Lots of interesting nooks & Cranny’s. They even supply a golf cart for the happy couple to jaunt around on and for me to follow.

Here’ just a small selection of the many photos we took…

Everything went so smoothly and when the ceremony started everyone made their way to the beautiful Fountain garden at the back of the house.

We took loads of amazing photographs all over the grounds before the happy couple took the party late into the night.

Here’s just a sample of some of the photos…

Castle Durrow | Eamon & Maggie's Autumn Wedding...

Castle Durrow (https://www.castledurrow.com/) is a beautiful place at any time of the year, but in Autumn it is just perfect. When Maggie and Eamon put their stamp on this wonderful wedding venue, they managed to make it even better! They prepared their wedding room by themselves in their own style. Beautiful candle jars sitting on staggered rustic logs, large weathered pine cones on old distressed books and wedding rings presented in a handmade Ashwood box on a nest of lush green moss.

My couple obviously put a lot of thought into creating a mood that set the tone for a lovely timeless wedding. The sun-gods were kind also and we managed to get some beautiful photographs in the soft evening light after the intimate ceremony. In between photos the happy couple showed their playful side and kick their way through every bunch of fallen leaves, as I struggled to keep up with them.

As the sun set I stole them away for a few final pics before they retired to the beautifully set dining room. Again, Maggie and Eamon went to great lengths to make this a meal to remember. Hopefully my photos do their style and creativity justice.

Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to browse.

Joe

Ballintubbert House & Gardens | Rory & Chantelle's Wedding...

This was the moment it all began..Rory proposed to Chantelle by surprise at Glenbarrow waterfall. We had planned it in such a way that Chantelle would not be suspicious. Chantelle, (being a beautiful part-time model) and I, had previously worked together on a few photoshoots so we tricked her to the location on that cold crisp December day. At just the right moment I made a retreat and Rory made his entrance to make the grand proposal. I had to use a long lens to get this pic and let them have their moment.

Fast forward to September 2016 and their lovely ceremony was in Mountmellick church followed by the reception at Ballintubbert House & Gardens (http://www.ballintubbert.com/).  

But the two soul-mates, Rory & Chantelle, were the cool stars of this wedding. I've had the pleasure of knowing both of them for a few years now. Their relationship, and they themselves, are a breath of fresh air. Happy, easy-going, fun and charming are words I'd use when describing them and the wonderful atmosphere they created in Ballintubbert. 

Ballintubbert house and gardens is such a beautiful place for a wedding. The gardens have evolved over the years and change completely with each new seasons. The gardeners (Lorraine & Tony) are a mind of information and willingly share their time and tell tales of the past characters who have previously lived in the house. Its historical owners include such famous people like Cecil Day-Lewis (poet Laureate and father of Daniel Day-Lewis) and the Actor John Hurt.

All their friends and family mingled and enjoyed the lovely surroundings in the late summer sunshine. I managed to steal them away for a walk around the many hidden gardens which also gave them a little time to take it all in..but these guys didn't need any help relaxing as they seemed to be completely at ease on the day, all day.!

Hope you get a sense of the magic day we all had.

joe