It's great not to be strangers with couples when photographing one of their "life events" and this was the case with Rachel and Eoin's wedding....Eoin's family in particular have been friends for a considerable length of time.
The wedding took place in Ballina Cathedral....a place that I love and quite often I've to stop myself gazing at the architecture while the ceremony is on.
Rachel's preparations took place in her home which is less than a 5 minute drive from the church and she looked awesome when I arrived at her home on the wedding morning (take that comment in the manner it's intended Eoin!!)
Although the Child Of Prague was on display in the front lawn, I'm afraid it's best efforts didn't keep the heavy rain and winds away.
Fair play to Rachel along with bridesmaids Ruth and Sarah who were very well organized on wedding morning....it's always great not to be on the back foot time wise when leaving the brides home, and that was certainly the case when I arrived at the church....all going to plan and no stress or dramas! Indeed I enjoyed the time I spent there....talking photography with Rachel's dad Feilim and inspecting his new camera.
Eoin was in good spirits at the church although a bit of friendly persuasion was required by the Meldan and Tom to get him into starting position!
I think this part of the ceremony can quite often be a difficult time for young pageboys and flowergirls.....when you think about it, they have to walk up the aisle (and long ones on occasions) while there are several people (a lot of them strangers) looking at them (or hiding behind smart phones ipads etc) and they normally don't have the support of their mothers and fathers hand that can mean a lot. Take a bow Anna, Lucy and Patrick!
It was great to see Headford priests Fr Ray, Fr Newell and Fr O'Grady at the ceremony.
Sometimes it's the small things that can make a day for you, and I was very grateful to Fr Ray while the wedding vows were taking place.....he was conscious of where I was standing with the camera and ensured that he didn't block the view I had of Rachael and Eoin. I appreciate that Fr Ray, the day is always better for the couple when people work together as opposing to pulling against each other and I appreciate your efforts!
I love observing the different worlds that young kids are living in while a marriage ceremony is taking place....their almost oblivious to what's going on which is kinda cute and cool!
Even though there were some refurbishment works taking place in the Cathedral, it was still hard not to be in awe of such a beautiful place!
The legendary Fr Newell! Two years ago I huffed and puffed my way up Croagh Patrick on Reek Sunday only to see Fr Newell celebrating mass up there and not a bother on him!
When the ceremony was over and everyone had left the church, our initial plan was to grab some outdoor photos in locations nearby, but alas the weather had scuppered that plan and we retreated to the church to take the family portraits as well as some Bridal ones.
The Bridal party then moved onto Rachel's sisters home for a quick snack while availing of the wonderful photo opportunities that it offered!
Our final stop was the lovely Diamond Coast Hotel in Enniscrone....a place I like working in as a result of the brilliant staff and wedding coordinator Mary!
After the speeches, I witnessed the best after diner performance that I have seen at a wedding....Gino, the singing waiter! In recent years, there have been many of these singing waiter/waitresses, drunken uncle's, singing security guards at many weddings that I've covered, and they have all been good at what they do, but I think Gino sets the bar! His singing prowess is second to none, but it's his charisma and ability to get everyone involved in proceedings that makes him that bit different. Well done Gino, I think the photos show how you had the whole room in the palm of your hand!
Finally, the night was wrapped off by the brilliant music of Simon Casey and his excellent band! A dancefloor doesn't tell any lies, if it's full you have a band that's doing it's job and guests that are enjoying themselves!
Thank you very much Rachel and Eoin for trusting me with your wedding photography. I thoroughly enjoyed being around you and your wedding party last December and I'm very grateful to your bridal party for being so accommodating and friendly.
Looking forward to bumping into ye around Headford lads and wishing you both the very best!!
Photo slideshow of the say can be viewed below
http://video214.com/play/dij1vB5Xg4R5tHV6DX1Rcw/s/dark
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