Castle Wedding

What a wonderful day we had with the lovely  Jessica and Will

The most beautiful couple who had their dream castle wedding in Ireland.

They had viewed Cloghan Castle and instantly fell in love with it, so a Cloghan Castle wedding was on the cards.  Best of all was the fact that the whole castle would be theirs for the entire weekend.  This suited their plans for a destination wedding

Local Suppliers

It was important to both Jessica and Will that they would have local suppliers, well let’s face it who will know the castle better than the locals.

Wedding Photographer in Loughrea

It was Will who first contacted us to enquire about wedding photography, we had availability and he booked us immediately. Cloghan Castle is local to us and we love photographing weddings there.

It is almost like coming home, the stone walls and the beautiful treelined avenue offer some fantastic photo opportunities.  As a wedding photographer in Loughrea, the castle is on our doorstep.

Buzz of excitement

The morning of the wedding dawned, a little grey and drizzly, but as we arrived at the castle we could see there was a buzz of excitement.  The weather was not going to dampen spirits.

Morning Preparations

Jessica and the bridal party had taken over the main lounge, where hair and make–up were in full swing. The Champagne was flowing, and the tunes were adding to the atmosphere of the morning.

I began clicking immediately, the light in the lounge was perfect, it is always important to me to capture that atmosphere of the morning preparations with the bride.  Beginning with the hair and makeup, then moving on to the details of the day.  Especially the dress, flowers, shoes, perfume, jewellery, and all the finer details.

Last few moments as a single man

Meanwhile, Will, on the other hand, was busy making sure chairs were organised, and chatting with the celebrant.

He was excited and understandably a little nervous about the upcoming nuptials.  It didn’t take long for his team of groomsmen to put him at ease, as they helped him fix his buttonhole and enjoy his last few moments as a single man the banter was lively.  I captured some photos inside the castle, and then we moved outside for some casual shots on the castle grounds.  Will’s Dad and Brother join us for some family photos.  The area just outside the courtyard walls always provides a perfect background for the groom shots.

First, look with dad

Finally, it was time for Jessica to put on her dress and have a first look with Dad.  These are always emotional shots. For that reason, I usually try to set it up in the cocktail lounge. The light is perfect and there is plenty of space for the bridal party, and Mum, to witness “the look”. I position myself behind the bride looking over her shoulder, as Dad sees his beautiful daughter in “the dress” for the first time.  It is such a precious moment between father and daughter, and despite almost always nearly having a tear in my eye, it is most important to capture that moment in time.

The Ceremony

The Ceremony was, as always beautiful and personal to both Will and Jessica.  With friends and family gathered around them in the banquet hall.  They made their vows to each other. During their ceremony, their friends recited poems and well wishes. The music is equally as important as the readings, it added such depth to the ceremony.   I position myself in front of the couple, but not too close, to capture the emotion and the exchange of rings.  Despite some nerves, it all went perfectly, most importantly the ring slid effortlessly onto Wills’s finger.  Within what felt like minutes the celebrant was congratulating the happy couple.

Walking hand in hand

Following the meet and greet, it was time for family photos, which we did outside.  The winter sun was still shining, and there was even a hint of warmth in the day.  At last, it was time to take the newlyweds into the grounds for some couple shots.  We walked down the tree-lined avenue. I always run ahead to capture those first few intimate moments between a couple as they finally get a few minutes on their own.  Walking hand in hand and laughing and joking with each other.  We always do some formal posed shots on the avenue with the bridal party and the couple.  Following this it’s into the grounds for some shots by the pond.  I always say if you are getting married in a castle it is most important to have it in some of the photos!  Jessica and Will were a dream to work with, Jessica had even put on some hiking boots to go into the garden as there was a possibility the grass could be wet.

Light some sparklers

Now it was time for drinks and mingle with guests.  As always I spend time with guests taking group and couple shots. I love this time of the day, capturing special memories for couples of their guests on the day.  Between the drinks, and the dinner bell everyone goes outside for a group shot.  We light some sparklers and take some photos, there is always great fun trying to get the sparklers lit.

The result is always lovely.

Dancing and having fun

After dinner, guests were treated to a magnificent display of Irish dancers, beginning with traditional Irish music and song.  Immediately after they were finished, the newlyweds were on the floor.  The floor was soon filled with guests dancing and having fun.  Despite myself, I could feel my feet tapping to the beat, nevertheless I kept clicking.  All too soon it was time for me to leave. Finally, I packed my cameras away, said goodbye, and headed for home.