Golden Egg Studios | Cua recording...

CUA

These guys know their music! I had the chance to join them in the studio for a little bit yesterday (photos below) while they worked on their new album and I wqs knocked over by their musicianship. The unique soundscape they produce is folk/roots/celtic-ish but with their own twist and tempo. Have a listen if you haven't already..you won't regret it!  

Check them here on Reverbnation.. http://www.reverbnation.com/open_graph/song/24427431?pwc%5Bbranded%5D=1

Here's a few photos from the studio yesterday..

Communion's 2017

Increasingly I've been asked to shoot family portraits Outdoors I'm delighted to say. Shooting communion photos outside can be tricky with our weather but I love it. It's nice for a change to shoot communion pics outdoor instead of the studio, in fact It's great to do most shoots outdoors if possible. Sometimes it can be really easy and the natural light is enough to make some nice pics..other times, it can be challenging and speedlights and/or reflecters are needed (which brings its own problems).

Thankfully, this year was hectic and I'm only getting a chance now to select a few from a wide range of outdoor photos. The photos that I like most, I must admit, are pics with all the siblings together. I suppose, coming from a large family it reminds me of my own happy days.

Here's just a small selection of this year's outdoor photos from the families I remembered to ask could I post..hope you like :)

joe

Langton House Hotel | Grainne & Allen's Wedding...

Just a few photos from a great day back in March when Allen and Grainne dazzled on their big day. One of the funniest moments in a cracking day came courtesy of their little man Aidan..when we stopped off in Morrissey's in Abbeyleix, for a pint and somebody put a pint in front of him, then changed it for a small pint of guinness..his face was priceless! I made a small collage of it..

During the ceremony he kept me entertained with his expressions..

And here's some photos from the rest of that brilliant wedding in Langton’s Hotel (https://www.langtons.ie/)..

Thanks for stopping by.

Joe

Gandon Inn | Michael & Margaret's Wedding...

Michael & Margaret's story is a very heart warming reminder that love and good times can visit when least expected. Although both had experienced the loss of their spouses in recent years, they both found solace in their faith..and being Eucharistic ministers it was to lead to a marriage made in heaven.

Cheers to the happiest couple. 

Wedding feature on Mrs2be website.

Last November I had the pleasure of shooting Eamon and Maggie's wedding in the lovely Durrow Castle. I wrote a blog here on my site at the time but I was contacted recently by the wedding experts that are Mrs2be, and I'm delighted to say they wanted to run the wedding as a feature on their website. Follow the link below to have a look if you have the time please :).

Many thanks,

joe

Eamon & Maggie-5.jpg

Mrs2be feature...

Eamon & Maggie Lennon's Durrow Castle wedding.

Click here.

Ballintubbert Hse & Gardens | Communion

Ballintubbert House and Gardens (http://www.ballintubbert.com/)near Stradbally Co. Laois, which is a favourite venue for weddings, recently opened its doors (and gardens) for Communions and Confirmations.

It was little Holly Malone's holy communion and she was the most playful, exuberant, happy and patient child I think I've photographed. Holly's friends and family enjoyed the seemingly endless gardens, paths and orchards around the main house while the sun warmed lush surroundings.

Kid's love this place because of the many areas they can explore and adults too because its safe, quiet and full of interesting hidden gems. I just love it because of the wonderful light!!!

There are no more bookings available for Communions this year I think but I wouldn't leave it until the last minute for next year!

Thanks for stopping by.

Joe   

The Dolmen Hotel | Tony & Julie's November Wedding...

Getting married in November is always going to be a risk with the Irish weather!! But Tony & Julie from Portlaoise seemed ever confident that the sun would shine on them, and they were right!.

Looking back at the photos we took in Emo gardens, one would think we were there in early Autumn. The lovely colours of the leaves and lush grass gave a nice backdrop for the family photos and more.

Our day was all the more interesting because Tony & Julie (who are both avid Elvis fans) had hired a beautiful 57 Chevy car in a lovely Blue colour that looked great with the Autumn forest colours in the background.

After the ceremony we headed to the Talbot Hotel in Carlow ( https://www.woodforddolmenhotel.ie/) and just after the sun set, Tony put on his Elvis outfit just in time to get a few photos with the car while there was still a little light in the sky. The lights hanging from the front of the hotel added a little element of Las Vegas to the pics.

A wonderful day with Julie and Tony was rounded off nicely when the groom delighted everyone with a few classic songs from the Elvis songbook.

Many thanks to Julie and Tony for a great day and thank you for stopping by to have a look.

Regards,

joe

Real Wedding Feature in Irish Wedding Blog..

What a nice start to the New Year...when you get nice messages from people who saw the full feature of a Wedding I shot recently on one of Irelands premier Wedding Blogs. It was Irish Wedding Blog's first Wedding feature of the year which makes it even more exciting. If you would like to see the full article please click on the logo here on the right.

Kinnity Castle | Anne & Trevor's wedding day...

On the morning of Anne & Trevor's wedding I got lost trying to find Trevor's family home in the countryside not far from Clonaslee. When I eventually found the lovely homestead, and In typical Irish fashion, I was given a warm welcome and offered lots of Tea. I found Anne's homeplace easier (even though its more remote) as I had photographed her brothers wedding a year or two back, so it was nice to see so many familiar faces.

Both Anne & Trevor had farming backgrounds (Anne works as a vet in Mountmellick) so I smiled when I got to the chapel and saw they had prepared a nice bouquet of flowers sitting in a pair of wellies at the entrance to welcome guests.

I hadn't been back to Kinnity Castle (https://www.kinnittycastlehotel.com/) for such a long time (I got married there myself, fado fado). After Anne & Trevor's lovely wedding ceremony in Clonaslee church, everyone made a bee-line for Kinnity. As we made our way through the long winding driveway to the castle, you can't help but be impressed by the uniqueness of this very old gem in the Slieve Blooms. 

After a beautiful day in such lovely surroundings we made our way out to the courtyard to attempt to launch some Chinese lanterns. With the exception of one or two fires it went off really well. It was a lovely symbolic moment for the newly-weds to see their lantern light and rise up in the night sky.

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to look.

joe

 

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