Michéal & Catriona

A beautiful wedding day at The Station House Hotel in Meath — a stunning venue, catering for both indoor and outdoor weddings.

I was delighted to be the wedding photographer for Catriona & Michéal at The Station House Hotel. The guys said they were looking for a natural wedding photography style — calm and relaxed — which ticked all my boxes. As you'll see below, I think that box-ticking was mutual.

— Catriona & Michéal, September 2021

'Morning of' Wedding Photography

Catriona & Michéal both live in Cavan — a long way from Killaloe, where I'm based. I won't say what time I hopped out of bed that morning, but I will say it was early enough for me to get a fast 10k run done before breakfast. I first called to Michéal for some relaxed shots of the groom and his groomsmen getting ready. The groom is a very meticulous man — great attention to detail, a consummate timekeeper, always on time. I love the shot of him checking his watch below.

Next I high-tailed it over to the bride to photograph herself and her bridesmaids getting ready. Great craic here — the preparations were spread across two houses. It was a rainy wedding day so far, but a few umbrellas and the right attitude, and who cares?

Father of the bride, below.

Back to The Station House, pre-wedding photos. While the groom sweated it out (figuratively, not literally) at the top of the aisle, his bride-to-be enjoyed some refreshments at the bar — the entire bridal party were in great spirits, no nerves anywhere at all.

The Ceremony

Things are getting serious now — showtime! A beautiful ceremony performed by a celebrant who obviously got to know the couple quite well, some lovely stories and tales, it was just lovely. Wedding ceremonies at The Station House are amazing — did you know the flowers on the ceiling are real? Fact of the day.

We were treated to some amazing ceremony music by a singing harpist — goosebump worthy.

Lovely exits and a liberal dose of biodegradable wedding confetti and bubbles. I love the happy faces on the bride and groom in these photos — so natural, unposed, just lots of joy and craic.

The Walkabout

We went for a stroll about the lovely grounds of The Station House for some bridal party photos and bride and groom photos. Spoilt for choice, but I love this old stone archway as a backdrop — nice light, perfect for couple photos.

The bridal party were great fun — I think the photos speak for themselves. We had a great time and rolled with it. Poor Michéal was very relieved I didn't have to get an action shot of him on the floor during the bumps.

Drinks Reception

I love to go long-lens and catch as many candid shots as I can of the wedding guests. No posing, but you can capture some lovely moments, in a natural style.

Speeches

A great time to get some photos of the bride and groom letting their hair down and enjoying the speeches — and roastings.

Nighttime

I love to play with the darkness and light, especially here at The Station House where the night garden is just magic. I set up a scene, do a few test shots (usually I rope in a couple of wedding guests to be my guinea pigs), then I steal the bride and groom for three minutes to stand on the mark and run off the shots. Beautiful! I never hog the wedding couple — I make it as easy as I can for them, because I know their time is so precious, best spent with their guests.

And they all lived happily ever after.