Can you imagine arranging your wedding at one week's notice? Can you imagine if that week was the week of Christmas?
Hats off to the lovely Lisa & Stephen who did exactly that. Originally scheduled for the following February, talk of impending Covid restrictions prompted the pair to bring their date forward so they could have their big day, the way they wanted it.
Lisa's preparations took place in her parents' home in Dublin. We had a bit of fun, plenty of natural light, some relaxed photographs — it was really lovely.
Hop, skip and a jump over to the magnificent Clontarf Castle — a stunning castle wedding venue — where Stephen awaited his bride-to-be. Perfect time for journalistic and natural wedding photography.
Always good to know you can rely on your family to take the mick out of you at every possible moment. But good things do come to he who waits.
The Ceremony
The handshake, replaced by the elbow tap! A little sign of the times — but the joy in the room was exactly the same.
We had some great fun taking quirky wedding photos, not your typical group photos — this gang was well up for a bit of craic.
The couple's kids were a big feature of this wedding, and kids are so much fun to photograph.
I love these candid wedding photographs — so nice to see the couple enjoying themselves and the glow of the newlyweds. Of course, we did grab a few non-candid shots too.
The Reception
Pre-meal debriefing and strategy chat with the wedding co-ordinator — a little calm before the storm, with all the guests already seated in the room next door.
Nice moment in the speeches — anyone for an embarrassing story?
"There are no words, but I laugh every time I see this photo. The reactions on the faces are just too good."
Hands up who's impressed by this fantastic cake? I know one guy who is.
Nighttime
I like to borrow the couple for a night-time wedding photo, especially in a venue like Clontarf Castle with its magnificent features. I spend a little time setting up the flashes and getting the scene ready (sometimes I'll get an innocent bystander to stand in as a model — they're usually very obliging). The couple then step on the spot, we take some quick shots, and they're back to their guests before the arrival of the first goosebump — even in the middle of December.
About the Venue
Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin
One of Dublin's most iconic wedding venues, combining genuine medieval heritage with contemporary luxury — and a magnificent backdrop for wedding photography at any time of year, Christmas included.
Planning a Clontarf Castle wedding? Get in touch — I'm a preferred photographer here.