It’s funny how you can be shooting weddings for a few years – shooting in countless venues all over the country and then visit a place for the first time and be back there again within a matter of weeks. That’s exactly what happened to me in summer when I shot at the amazing Dromquinna Manor and then a month later was back for more. And you know what? It was awesome to return. I mean seriously – what a venue. I wish it was closer to Kilkenny because I’d love to shoot there all the time. Maybe I should move?
This was the wedding of Simon and Maria. We go back a bit. I shot Simon’s sister Deirdre’s wedding in 2012. That was one of those weddings which you came away from feeling you knew the family and couldn’t wait to reunite with. So when Simon and Maria’s day came around I got to do just that. It was great seeing all of the familiar faces and and some new ones, especially Deirdre and Trevor’s new baby boy Serious cutie.
I was also shooting this day with my nephew Connor who was staying with me for a couple of weeks in the summer – he’s only 14 (well was then). I’d asked Simon and Maria if he could tag along with me and shoot in the background – he’s studying photography in school (and has just started up his own little photography blog) and this would be a perfect learning ground for him. Maria and Simon were so welcoming to him and we are both so grateful for that.
I just loved this day. It was just a pleasure to witness and photograph. So easy going and relaxed. Connor and I just blended into the background and had the easiest time as everything was picture perfect right there in front of us. Simon was getting ready in a holiday home in Kenmare. The house was busy with family, friends and the kids were having the best time in their temporary playground. Maria meanwhile was getting ready in the very posh and quite beautiful surroundings of The Park Hotel. Stunning. All of it – photographic goodness.
Our heatwave had ended at this point and the weather could have went either way in the morning but when I heard the news as the morning progressed that the outdoor ceremony was given the green light I was delighted. It doesn’t happen to us much in Ireland so I was massively looking forward to it. It was everything I could have hoped for. The guests sat facing the big long slope down to the ocean and the hills across the way. The weather became even better with only the wind having a small effect meaning the candles had to be lit indoors but that in itself provided a quirky interlude to proceedings.
When the ceremony was over it the drinks reception kicked off immediately and the day was only just beginning. That’s the beauty of having your ceremony and reception in the same venue – you loose no time at all between venues and you get to enjoy the day to the max which Simon and Maria definitely did.
We just had an amazing time and I’d like to thank Simon and Maria once again for having both myself and Connor there on your big day. It was a massive pleasure and I can personally vouch for Connor that when we got into the car that night he called his mum on the phone and this was his words – “It was brilliant! Just brilliant! Such a rush!” The sign of any good wedding surely.
Bride’s preparation Address : The Park Hotel, Kenmare.
Bride’s Dress: deStafford Couture
Hair: Upstyle Junkie
Makeup – Nicki Flanning
Groom’s Suit: Reiss
Groomsmen Suits: Tangos Suit Hire
Venue: Dromquinna Manor
Car: Horan’s Wedding Car Hire, Tralee
Band: Soul Purpose