Kasia and Phil | Relaxed and Glam Dublin City Wedding

I first spoke to Kasia on the phone after being introduced by a fellow photographer. Within 30 seconds I said YES! THIS is a couple I want to photograph! Kasia was super cool and wanted natural, relaxed photographs - which I happen to specialise in! When she described the details of her day, I was even MORE interested! Their wedding sounded like SO MUCH FUN!

It turns out……I was RIGHT! Gorgeous Kasia was a vision in a tea length vintage style gown, topped with a super cute denim jacket - ideal for the chilly weather. A hot pink boutoniérre matching her glam bouquet elevated the look. Phil looked very dapper in a gorgeous navy textured wool suit, which he kept right up to date with an open collar. Their little son stole the show as both ring bearer AND aisle escort, and was the most wonderful model for photos on the day! Total pro!

After their ceremony in Dublin Registry Office we hopped in taxis over to St Stephen’s Green for some portraits, first the family photos under beautiful cherry blossoms and then we went on a wander to create romantic couple portraits. It was the perfect day - stylish, laid back and fun: just like Kasia & Phil.

Venue Spotlight: Ardgillan Castle, North County Dublin

In the first of a series of spotlighting amazing wedding venues I MUST start with Ardgillan Castle in Balbriggan, Co Dublin. Just 15 minutes from my home, Ardgillan Castle is one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Dublin! With a stunning buttery cream/gold wedding ceremony room (with a conservatory opening off of it!) it holds up to 80 guests with views over the sea. Across the foyer there is a dramatic deep red and dark wood dining room which is used for the post wedding ceremony drinks receptions. With Its easy to feel like lady or lord of the manor in this opulent Dublin wedding venue!

In addition to the great rooms, there are beautiful stairways with stunning shafts of light. As well as the ‘secret library’! A gorgeous traditional library filled with dark wood and hundreds of traditional books as well as cute little library steps, so you can have your Belle moment!

Then we step outside to the see the stunning sea views from the front of the castle! To one side an enchanted forest, to the other side a row of cypress trees that lead to a formal rose garden and then the traditional walled gardens. Ardgillan really is a fairytale wedding location and a photographer’s dream!

Ardgillan Castle is available for civil wedding ceremonies and the drinks reception afterwards, with the main reception to take place elsewhere. See https://ardgillancastle.ie/ for more details or email them at eventardgillan@fingal.ie.

It is also possible to visit the castle’s gardens to take your wedding photos, even if you are not holding your wedding there. Simply contact Fingal County Council’s Operations Department on 01-890 5595 at least a week before your event to secure permission. Your photographer may be asked to provide proof of insurance.

Lindsey and Fergal | Beautiful Summer Skerries and Osprey Hotel Wedding

I only met Lindsey and Fergal once before their gorgeous Skerries wedding - back when they booked me, what seems like many years ago! But that didn’t stop it feeling like we knew each other forever on the day! I walked into Lindsey’s Skerries home to cries of ‘the kettle’s on’ and ‘PLEASE take a sandwich!’, which definitely set the tone for this wonderfully laid back day! Lindsey looked amazing in her vintage styled wedding gown with angel sleeves and delicate beading giving it a magical, ethereal feel. Her fab shoes from Quiz were not only extra sparkly, but she cleverly chose comfy wedges - smart move as weddings are LONG! Her beautiful makeup look was created by Suzanne Kavanagh and all gorgeous hair-dos on the day were created by none other than Lindsey’s sister-in-law, the talented hairstylist Claire Allen - lucky or what! Lindsey was blessed amongst women with her 6 gorgeous ladies, in aubergine bridesmaids dresses from La Bella Sposa in Swords, chosen to flatter each bridesmaid perfectly. Add to that her stunning junior bridesmaid in a stylish floral gown and her adorable flowergirl and Lindsey was very well attended!

The boys held their own in the style stakes with Fergal in a gorgeous classic navy 3-piece suit and his groomsmen in light grey, all from Dorian Black, who never disappoint. The light pink summery wedding bouquets were by Malahide Florist and echoed the bright floral motif on the beautiful wedding stationery created by Amore Designs.

The ceremony in stunning Skerries Church and officiated by Fr James was both touching and fun, with lots of giggles throughout and fabulous music by Nicola Griffin. Then a quick stop at Skerries Harbour (Lindsey is a Skerries girl through and through!) to brave some portraits in the wind before we headed to the Osprey Hotel in Naas, Fergal’s hometown! This was my first time shooting an Osprey Hotel wedding since they renovated their ballroom and I was very impressed - it’s really gorgeous and bright!

I really enjoyed working with Lindsey & Fergal - it was such a fun and laid back day with a warm and welcoming group of guests! I hope you enjoy seeing the highlights below!

Rita and Daley | Elegant Radisson Blu Athlone Wedding

It was a case of ‘fourth time’s the charm’ for Rita and Daley’s wedding, having been forced to postpone several times due to the situation. But it was worth all of the waiting and planning as their Athlone wedding day was the picture of understated elegance, filled with lots of laughter and love. Luckily (or perhaps wisely!) their choice of colour scheme worked perfectly for whatever season they found themselves in. That said, the deep blues and pops of sunny orange looked especially impressive when the clouds finally parted and the sun shone down on their day, allowing them to enjoy a gloriously sunny drinks reception on the impressive terrace of the Radisson Blu Athlone. Their ceremony in storybook pretty Drumraney Church, near Rita’s family home, was sweet and personal with beautiful music by professional duo Ciaran & Lisa and impressive flowers by Creations florist in Ballymahon decorating the space.

I love when arriving at the house on the morning of a wedding feels like walking into a friend’s house, (it really sets the tone for the day and lets me capture the getting ready madness at its most natural) but in this case it really WAS as beautiful bride Rita is the little sister of one of my dearest friends, Richard. So no pressure then! Luckily it made the day even more fun, as I was welcomed with open arms by the whole family, new in-laws included! Every single person at the wedding was genuinely a joy to work with. I was especially impressed with the stunning bedroom styled by Rita’s Aunt Irene just for her to get ready in!

Rita herself was a vision in a fitted gown with lace detailing and a classic veil with satin trim. Every one of her choices was understated and elegant, from the soft updo to the bridal back necklace. Her hair was expertly created by Medussa hair studio in Athlone and her beautiful makeup look was created by Sórcha O’Dówd. Not to be outdone, Daley and his gents looked very dapper in navy suits with a subtle checked pattern and pops of colour in their ties. Daley, who is English, had witty nods to his heritage in his Tudor rose cufflinks and patriotic socks!

Huge thanks to Rita & Daley, and their wonderful families for such a fun day! The day goes by so quickly, I wish I could have stayed and hung out with you all weekend! And big thanks to the lovely Deon at the Radisson Blu Athlone for looking after us all so wonderfully!