Orlaith and Colm's Wedding

 Orlaith and Colm's wedding was one of the most enjoyable and unique weddings that I've had the pleasure of working at.
If you look up the phrase "laid back" in the Oxford dictionary, it just says "Orlaith Keane and Colm Naughton". 
I've had the pleasure of becoming friends with the couple early in 2010 when Orlaith needed some portraits for a project that she was working on. Co-incidentally, a week after doing the photo shoot with Orlaith, we played a gig together in Irishtown and it was then that I became familiar with her unique style of singing and have become a fan ever since. Her new husband Colm was also playing that night and like Orlaith, he's a laid back but talented and competent performer, and both are great craic to be around!
The wedding was unique in that they had their wedding reception "custom made"!! A marquee was erected on Orlaith's home place in Caherlistrane and was decorated in a manner fitting of the most "traditional" of Irish Weddings. The day was made even more memorable by the fact that the tail end of a hurricane was passing the West Of Ireland at the same time.....everything held firm though and the extremely high winds just added to the uniqueness of the wedding.

A chilled out Colm before the ceremony

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!!