How do you immunise your wedding against a global pandemic? You aim big by planning small.
Apart from the ceremony, it was the couple and myself wandering the city, visiting the places that meant something to them. They told their story to me as we went along, and revealed their joint history. It was a real privilege to be invited to share a trip like this — the physical trip, but also the metaphysical journey.
My job is usually to tell the story of the day via relaxed wedding photography. Here I attempted something new — to tell the story of their entire relationship, through the lens of one day.
By the way, I have to say this was one of the most enjoyable weddings I ever worked. The couple were absolutely lovely people, up for a bit of craic, and we pulled off some great shots (if I may say so myself) and had a great laugh.
Chapter One — The Shelbourne Hotel, Preparations
The Shelbourne Hotel is one of my favourite Dublin city wedding locations. Marvellous natural light abounds through clear and stained glass windows, beautiful architecture and features are everywhere, and the staff are always so friendly and helpful.
Chapter Two — The Shelbourne Hotel, First Look
This is increasingly popular in Ireland — the first look. Traditionally the bride and groom didn't set eyes on each other until that first view at the top of the aisle, but that's changing. It's such an intimate moment that many couples prefer to share that first look in private, where they can appreciate each other and enjoy a little time together before the ceremony. Lovely.
Chapter Three — Royal Hotel, Bray, Ceremony
I know I say this every time, but I'm a big fan of the ceremony room in the Royal Hotel. Massive windows flood the room with delicious light. Yum.
And just like that, this lovely couple were husband and wife.
Chapter Four — Bray & Dublin City Centre, A Ramble
This was mighty craic, and I think it shows. The guys travelled in style via the superb Volksweddings (shout out to Derek, sound guy) for the longer trips, and then we went on foot for the city centre gallivant.
Hilary is an accomplished musician, even with the nail extensions, and Daniel picked up the mandolin so they could session together. O'Donoghue's would be a regular haunt in regular times, and sure why not even in these irregular times?
Next off to St Stephen's Green, where the guys used to go on their early dates together — and of course "that bench," where they had their very first date, from that date to this one.
Quick stop off at another great trad music venue — Kehoe's pub, they now being Mr & Mrs Kehoe. They brought their own music to O'Donoghue's, and they brought their own booze to Kehoe's. Sure why not.
And thus continued the gallivant — lots of relaxed and fun wedding photography around Dublin city.
So there you go — a couple that increased the size of their wedding during Covid. What a beautiful and fun day.
Photographer — Stephen O'Sullivan | Transport — Volksweddings | Ring — Martin Gear Jewellers | Cake — Cupcakes and Counting | Headpiece — Rosie and Dott | Bridal Jacket — Wedding Belles Accessories
About the Venues
The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin & The Royal Hotel, Bray
A city-and-coast pairing — glorious natural light and period architecture at The Shelbourne, a bright ceremony room at the Royal Hotel in Bray, and a gallivant through Dublin's most-loved spots in between.
Planning an intimate Dublin wedding or elopement? Get in touch — I'd love to help tell your story.