Wedding Ardilaun House Hotel Galway

It's great being familiar with the people whose wedding you are covering and that was the case with Becky and Steven's big day.
I covered Becky's brother Ronan's wedding last summer and we would have crossed paths at that as well during our "meet up" regarding their big day. "Young, happy and great awareness" is how I'd summarize Becky and Stephen and it was a pleasure to be around them on their wedding day.






When I arrived in St Colemans Church Corofin, I must admit to being taken aback by the beautiful flower's and their arrangement. This is something that I normally don't notice too much, but for this particular wedding the church was stunning.....congrats and well done to Louise Collins and Samantha Foran who were responsible for its floral presentation.





Stephen was a treat to work with along with his best man Seamus and groomsman Benny who travelled all the way from "down under".....they were up for all kinds of fun!



"....better smile, the photographer's pointing the camera at us!".


Becky's brother Ronan (a good friend of mine) escorts Becky up the aisle.









I'm not sure why Frank has a microphone in front of him......the power of his voice is simply breathtaking.....you'd want to buckle up and have your seat belt on when going up to the gallery when he's on duty! Top drawer material and a great job Frank...well done!


The lads enjoy themselves during the ceremony....really in the moment and absorbing the whole occasion.



Of all the weddings that I've done, this is the first where I actually say releasing of doves. Beautiful creatures who gave Becky a small fright when they eventually came out of their dwellings.


We travelled into Quincentennial Park in Salthill to grab some photos en route to the Ardilaun Hotel in Taylors Hill.




The beautiful Aoife, Becky and Jenny


I was delighted when Becky and Stephen agreed to cross the road to the Prom for 5 minutes of photos....the sky was very moody and lent itself to some lovely shots.





After out brief stroll on the Prom, we headed up to Taylors Hill to the Ardilaun Hotel for a mighty reception.
Ronan always has either a pair of scissors or a microphone in his hand.....and very competent with both!


Stephen absorbs his dad's speech


Seamus shows us what he found after entering the toilet that Stephen used just before the speeches!!


Becky's mum Ger tells a few stories of Becky's youth.

Becky and Stephen wandered out the back of the hotel for some fresh air after their meal, and I availed of their few minutes there to grab a handful of shots







First dance as husband and wife!



Thanks very much Becky and Stephen for letting me play a part on your wedding day. I received your "thank you" card all the way from Australia today....thanks a million, means a lot to me. Please God our paths will cross again in the not too distant future.

Mind yourselves over there!!

Wedding Claregalway Hotel Co Galway

I was delighted to be working at Caitríona and Liam Rónán's wedding recently in Corner Chapel Church followed by a lively reception in The Claregalway Hotel Co Galway.



Caitríona initially called to me 12 months ago along with her sister to view my work and I was delighted when she booked me for her big day. Another visit took place earlier this year when Liam Rónán called with Caitríona and we were able to elaborate on their wedding day and what our plan of attack would be!



They were a fun, chatty and witty couple and I knew their wedding day would be a pretty cool occasion!


Caitríona was a stunning bride and her home was a cool place that morning. Indeed her Dad John was kidding with me when I arrived at the house, telling me that I had the wrong place! I was intrigued talking to Caitríona's mum about her own wedding day and their travels after that....pretty amazing stuff. Jackie and Edel were the bridesmaids, and the fact that Edel is also a Professional Boudoir Photographer meant there was no shortage of conversation!



After catching Caitríona's preparations, I arrived at the church just as Liam Rónán and his groomsmen Dave and Eamon were arriving.


The lads were buzzing when they arrived, and it's moments like these that I love.... you witness the awareness of the groom and his excitement at marrying the lady of his dreams.....and I've a front row seat for all of it....Good Man Liam Rónán!


Corner Chapel Church looked fantastic, and in particular, I loved all the hand made signs that Caitríona's sister Siobhán and her dad John made especially for the occasion.


John seems pretty proud of his beautiful daughter.



Liam Rónán...made for media!











The lads in the middle of their wedding vows....and soo relaxed!




















Despite living in Headford, and traveling in and out of Galway thousands of times over the past 12 years, I had never taken the turn down to Luimneagh Pier. Caitríona had mentioned it as a possible location for shoots, and I was delighted with her choice!














After our brief stop in Luimneagh, we let the Bridal Part off to the hotel and ventured into the old ruins of the Claregalway Monastery and grabbed some shots of the couple alone.








Straight off to the Claregalway Hotel where Nora and her team showed why they are an extremely popular venue for weddings!









I enjoy capturing the speeches at weddings...in many respects, I find them the soul of a wedding!





Even Caitríona won't be outdone by Liam Rónán with the microphone.



First dance as husband and wife







Thanks so much Caitríona and Liam Rónán for letting me be part of your special day. It's a pleasure to witness a wedding that exudes joy and happiness and I truly enjoyed the very special day that your wedding was.
PS....Thank you so much for the wedding cake a couple of days later!