Wedding Ballinrobe Co Mayo and Castlecourt Hotel Westport

Trish's preparations took place in her home (Ballinrobe Co Mayo) which was only a minutes walk from the Church. Her two bridesmaids Martina and Paula as well as her mum Julie were there to lend the helping hands and all were pretty excited about the day ahead of them.....no nerves on display at all!

I never saw a hanger with the name on it before....pretty cool!

After capturing Trish's preparations, I headed over to the church where Dean was waiting with his best man Chris and groomsman Shane......the lads were in great spirits and a pleasure to be around.

The lads got rid of any nervous energy they had before Trisha and her bridesmaids arrived for the service.

This is a "moment" that I like a lot. I headed up to the Balcony of Ballinrobe Church during the part of the ceremony where the priests invites everyone to "offer each other the sign of peace". Trish and Dean mingle with family and friends and shake hands.....Dean extended his hand for the "shake" but his dad pulls him in close for a nice big big....pretty cool!

Chris offers a congratulating hug at the end of the ceremony

The fact the Dean is from America, I had been looking forward to bringing the Bridal Party to Cong after the ceremony to get some lovely portraits in a beautiful location.....images that show off Ireland and it's beautiful countryside. Unfortunately, the weather didn't allow this but we manages to get some shots taken in the Castlecourt.

Dean's father John gives his son some advice during the speeches!

Trish and Dean as well as their families and Bridal Party were great people to be around on their wedding day. I'm conscious that I say this quite a lot when speaking about weddings, but it's true.....it's great when your dealing with a couple who have the awareness of what's happening on their special day and truly enjoy it!

It was great working with you lads and I hope we cross paths again in the future!

Aine & Karl

I had the pleasure of working with Áine and Karl a few weeks ago, a great wedding in the spectacular Ballina cathedral (....a dream for photographers), followed by a reception in the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport.

Having met Áine and Karl on a few occasions prior to the wedding, I knew from our encounters that this was going to be a great day as they are both good people to be around....jovial, straight up and very well prepared. It was a great day, with the added bonus of having a Bridal Party that were mad for a bit of craic!!

The lads are like men going into battle.....making sure that their supplies are all in order!

Lovely gift for mum

Where would we be without our mums!

The ring bearer!

Karl's about to leave home for the final time as a single man!

The beautiful and relaxed Áine

Janine helps Áine to get one of her two garters on!

I think you look stunning Áine!

Karl poses for a few images while getting a bit of a slagging from the lads behind!!

This is it lads...into the church ye go!!

Janine, Sinéad and Brenda....sorry Lorna, not sure where you were here??

It can be an intimidating ordeal for any person to walk up the aisle of a packed cathedral and have all eyes looking at you......however take note, in this image and in the next, everyone is happy out smiling at you and wishing you well!

Don't these guys look like pure messers!!

I forget the priests name but he was a gentleman! I love it when they take a few moments at the start of the ceremony to help the Bride and Groom to relax.

Stunning Ballina cathedral

As I said....messers!

Usually I try and take group shots outdoors, weather was a bit showery however and we went with indoors for this wedding. I'm glass we did, I think the architecture is stunning!

I wonder what messers did this to you Karl?

We stopped at the Museum of Country Life to take some Bridal portraits

Please lads don't drop her!

Five stunning ladies!

The "nice" civil photo!

The "men let loose" photo!

Right back at you guys!

The beautiful Castlecourt Hotel. This hotel was the most popular venue for me this year (and indeed next year again for weddings). They know how to put on a good show and i've never heard anything negative been said about the place....well done lads!

Áine receives a pair of weliels as a gift from the groomsmen!

Speeches are a great occasion for capturing all spontaneous moments of a wedding.

Karl was a natural with the "mike" in hand.

Alan (best man) organized a slideshow during the speeches. The lights in the room were turned down and the remaining "candlelight"gave a lovely ambience to the room.

First dance as Mr and Mrs!

Thank lads, ye really were brilliant to deal with.....I look forward to our paths crossing again next year!!