It took a while — August! — but there it was: a 2020 summer wedding at last. I was like a kid on Christmas Eve as I packed up my gear and headed to Bray to capture the magic for a very lovely couple.
Maya grew up in Brazil and Michael in Donegal, but thankfully Maya brought the weather that day. It. Was. Stunning. The ceremony was in The Royal Marine Hotel in Bray — a beautiful room, glorious natural light, and a really lovely celebrant who quietly made sure everything went juuuust right.
Michael's mam sadly passed away that year, but she was remembered and in all thoughts.
There's always a blissful moment, never the same at any wedding, when the couple are pronounced married. Maybe it's just me, but it seems to catch people unaware — everyone so wrapped up in the joy of the ceremony, it's a bit like a collective hypnosis, broken by the celebrant pronouncing the couple married. Smiles erupt, and of course the couple share that first special kiss.
Haddington House
From Bray we all high-tailed it to Dun Laoghaire for the reception in the stunning — on any day, but out of this world today with the sunshine — Haddington House. A gorgeous outdoor eating and drinking area overlooks the harbour; you'd easily convince yourself you were in Santa Margarita, especially after the crafty cocktails (not for me, of course, never on duty).
A Walk to the Pier
We took this chance to nip down to the pier and take some photographs. Maya looked absolutely stunning in her elegant dress, turning heads and prompting well-wishers at a rate of ten per hundred metres.
Our first stop was the bandstand — freshly painted, in fact so freshly that it was fenced off, but love (and a cheeky photographer) finds a way. I think you'll agree the people, place and weather all played a blinder.
After a slightly awkward encounter with a harbour security guy (Michael impressively smooth-talked our way out of a jam — I assume he's some class of horse whisperer in his day job) we had a bit of fun with the nice benches.
What would a summer's day trip to Dun Laoghaire be without a Teddy's ice cream? It would be a shameful opportunity lost. The lady was as sweet as her delicious treats — the guys got theirs on the house. Thanks Teddy's! Today, more than ever, people everywhere were so happy to see a happy married couple.
"Serendipity is a beautiful thing, and it's a bit magic when it pops up on a wedding day."
Maya has a beautiful Labrador in Brazil, identical to one we met that day — named Luna, which means August, which is where we were. I asked the pup's lovely human if we could take a few pictures, and she was happy to oblige (as was the pup). This photo is tinged with a little bitter-sweet, as this dog passed away the very next day. It's lovely — and hugely serendipitous — that she was remembered at this moment.
Back to Haddington House
Job done, a little rest, then a stroll back to Haddington House. Beautiful food, good company, and fantastic light — what more could anyone ask for?
So long, Maya & Michael — congratulations from Stephen O'Sullivan Wedding Photography on your beautiful day, and may there be many more in your long and happy life together.
About the Venues
The Royal Marine Hotel, Bray & Haddington House, Dun Laoghaire
A two-venue wedding day pairing a beautifully lit ceremony room in Bray with a stunning harbourside reception in Dun Laoghaire — with a walk along the pier in between.
Planning a wedding around Bray or Dun Laoghaire? Get in touch — I'd love to be part of your day.