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…

Clonard Court Hotel | Joanne & Karl's wedding day...

Photographing Karl & Joanne (Jojo) was a dream. Both of them were so calm and cool that it set the tone for the best wedding day one can imagine.

They got married in the beautiful Heath chapel, Co. Laois. Afterwards we went up to the Rock of Dunamase for some amazing photos in and around the ruins of this amazing gem at the heart of Co. Laois.

Then we went to the lovely Clonard Court Hotel (https://www.clanardcourt.ie/) to carry on the party in style.

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

The Dolmen Hotel Carlow | Bernie & Michael's wedding day...Bernie & Michael @

The Dolmen Hotel Co. Carlow (https://www.woodforddolmenhotel.ie/) was the reception venue for Bernie & MIcheal’s wedding day. This beautiful wedding was flawless for the happy couple. The weather was beautiful and calm. The ceremony in the lovely church in Rathdowney beforehand was intimate. The photographs we managed to get in the ruins of Aghaboe Abbey were amazing.

Bernie was the most amazing bride and her calm and grace set the tone for the day. Micheal was full of fun and charm, constantly injecting fun and craic in the proceedings.

Here’s a small selection of the images we made that day…

The Lord Bagenal Inn | Martina & Fergus wedding day...

Old Leighlin in Co. Carlow is a beautiful little village with lots of charm and was the old stomping ground for Martina. It was great to get the history from both Fergus and Martina...over a pint, in the middle of the day...at THEY'RE Wedding Day!!.

Martina's friend Ken was the driver for the day and I was onboard with them when we took a detour after the ceremony to go to their local in the village. Carey's pub in Old Leighin is a classic old pub. It's small, cosy, and has a nice half-door with a lovely landlady who opened early especially for the newlyweds. Sure what better way to get away from the crowd!! :)

After a pint we headed back to the crowd in the Lord Baganel (https://www.lordbagenal.com/) in Leighlinsbridge. The weather continued to be kind which made it all the better for pics outside. After the meal I managed to squeeze in a few more photos down by the river on the jetty.

All in all it was a great day with great people..hope you get a sense of the day we had from the photos.

Many thanks for stopping by.

joe    

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

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.

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   

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.

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

Irish Times Weekend Magazine Article

My second article in the Wedding section of the Irish Times Weekend Magazine. Chantelle and Rory Coss shared their photos from the Wedding in Ballintubbert House and Gardens last Summer with Sarah Gereghty of the Times. She loved their story and contacted me to get some pics to publish. 

Needless to say I was delighted to get the exposure and see my work in print like that.

If you have time please click on the link below to view the online edition..thanks for stopping by.

Joe

Irish Times Weekend Magazine

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

Fern House Avoca | Damien & Karen's Wedding...

On a beautiful summers day at the end of July last, I had the pleasure of photographing the Wedding of Karen and Damien Keane. I began taking photos of Karen at her family home in Portlaoise. As she prepared for the biggest day of her life, she remained cool, calm and ever smiling. The light was lovely and she radiated with a glow of happiness. I quickly made my way to Powerscourt Hotel in Wicklow to catch the Groom Damien as he added the finishing touches too..then, to the lovely venue in The Esplanade Hotel Bray9http://www.esplanadehotel.ie/).

After the Ceremony we managed to nip over to the seafront in Bray for a few sweeping shots on the beautiful stoney beach there, and it was made all the better when we got a few ice-cream cones from one of the kiosks..(thanks Mr. Twissler :) )

Fern House in Avoca (https://www.avoca.com/)was our final destination and this venue did not disappoint. The evening light was warm and the we managed to get some beautiful photos as everyone enjoyed the outdoor reception on a lovely Summers eve.

Later that evening there was a little sprinkle of rain and this gave me a chance to steal the happy couple and get some atmospheric shots under an umbrella in the garden as the Summer shower passed.

Hope you get a little sense of the wonderful day we all had on that day in July last. 

  

Irish Times Article

Saturday the 23rd of April 2016, the Irish Times Weekend magazine, featured an article about one of my Weddings (Noelle & Tony Burke's wedding which i have here on my blog ). 

Noelle contacted Sarah Gerathy of the Times and sent her some pics which she loved, along with a small romantic backstory. They contacted me and I sent the High res pics for printing and the next thing I know is it's in the Saturday paper!!

Click the link below if you have time to look at the full Online edition. Many thanks for stopping by.

joe

Irish Times Weekend Magazine Online Article

  

Communion 2016

The 2016 Holy Communion and Confirmation's kicked off in fine style this year, and by that I mean the weather was beautiful on most of the days! Most of the photos I take on such occassions are formal shots with family or parents of the children, but all of the good folk that ask me to capture their day wanted me to take lots of extra pics of the fun surrounding the events. I put together a small selection of pics that I like from them. Hope you like..

The Midlands Park Hotel | Oliver & Denise's Wedding Day...

I've been so lucky in my work, photographing cool couples on probably the happiest day of their lives! 

 Recently I had the pleasure of photographing the Wedding of Oliver Dowling and Denise Cotter at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise.(https://www.midlandsparkhotel.com/).

This wonderful couple were a joy to photograph, as they and they're lovely family, went about the business of enjoying themselves. All day, they and their children, made me feel at ease as if I was part of the family. Here, are just a few of the photos from that day..hope you enjoy.

Joe   

The Midlands Park Hotel | Noelle & Tony's Wedding Day...

The Wedding of Noelle & Tony.

A beautiful September day and the sun was shinning like it was mid-summer. Rath Church, Co.Laois was beautifully decorated in anticipation of Noelle and Tony's big day. Everything ran perfectly and the happy couple were totally at ease and relaxed all day as the Autumn sun shone in the cloudless sky. The photographs we got were just great and looked like we were in a different country.

We had arranged for a friend to chauffeur the Bride and Groom in a beautiful old Black Hillman car, and this set the theme for the photos which we took on Tony's farm after the ceremony. I hope the fun we had is conveyed in the photos from that wonderful day.

Pamela & Brian's Wedding @ Emo Court

Brian & Pamela's Wedding Day.

On a beautiful Day in Emo Chapel, Brian Flanagan & Pamela Conroy came together with all their friends and family to say 'I Do'. It was a perfect setting and everything ran so smoothly, in no small part because of the lovely relaxed mood of everyone on the day. 

One of the nice things about shooting weddings is getting to know the extended family and friends of the couple. Feeling comfortable is essential for getting great shots on the day.  If I can get to know all the extended family it means they are happy to allow me to capture intimate moments..and also they feel confident enough to trust and ignore me!! Sometimes by ignoring me, they let me get on with the job of capturing those special moments.

James O'Connor Official Video - Lorraine.

Here is the official video for James O'Connor & the Friendly Stranger's new single 'Lorraine'.

We filmed it in Golden Egg Studios during the recording of the single a little while back. The single will be launched in Kavanagh's Pub next Saturday the 9th of May. 

I'd like to thank James for asking me to film and photograph the day. Also Niall Harney the great Laois Bassist, Matt Cross the most excellent drummer, Brian O'Mahoney the multi-talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer..who also editied the video.

I can't wait for the launch next week, and hope to see you all there to support a great talent.