Daniel & Elaine: Ballyseede Castle Hotel Ireland

Daniel & Elaine got married on a beautiful day, which is a sight for sore eyes in Ireland. This was a big day for all as they have three beautiful children, Molly & Maya who were flower girls & baby Daniel who was also christened right after the wedding ceremony. The house was filled with family & friends as they got ready & neighbours cheered them off in the limo. Their dog Bo, a giant white Samoyed, was dying to make an appearance & luckily after the wedding ceremony, he arrived at the church in time for photos. Daniel looked so dapper in his tweed suit & Elaine was gorgeous in her dress with pink shoes. We stopped in Blennerville Windmill to take photos & take in the beautiful views of our surroundings. The reception took place in Ballyseede Castle Hotel, supposedly one of the most haunted hotels in Ireland but after being there twice, I have yet to see anything (thankfully). Heading to the bathroom downstairs on your own is enough the freak the daylights out of you. Ballyseede grounds are absolutely stunning, with a castle backdrop, you cannot help but to snap photos outside. Inside staircases & tearooms line the hallways. The staff are some of the friendliest & most helpful that I have come across as a wedding photographer. Daniel & Elaine rented some vintage bikes from Kilflynn just to add another element of surprise to their day. Combined with their outfits, I can safely say that it looked like the perfect vintage inspired wedding.

This was a very special wedding for me. I have known Daniel since we were early teens. My uncle who has sadly passed too early from this life is married to Daniel's sister Joan. Every Christmas, Easter, family outing, I would see Daniel & his brother Edward, I believe we even went to the bazaar together as kids with Tommy & Joan. I felt extremely honoured to be shooting their day knowing full well that Tommy was looking down on them & was most definitely part of the party.

Thank you Daniel & Elaine for choosing us to shoot your fabulous day.

Suit: Suit Select// Dress: Aibheil, Adare// Rings: Billy Nolan, Tralee// Flowers & Vintage Bikes: All Seasons, Kilflynn, Kerry// Hair: Caitriona Rohan, Tralee// Make-up: Aine McMahon, Tralee// Watch: Family Heirloom// Second Shooter//: Farah Khan

Anita & Mike, Ballyseedy Castle, Ireland

I was absolutely delighted to get an email from Anita asking me to be her wedding photographer. This would be my first destination wedding across the pond to Ireland. I would finally be going home & shooting a wedding, a dream I longed for. I know Anita from secondary school, we were in the same year & had the same friends. Her closest friends & two of her sisters were my basketball buddies. Her sister Mags, had the pleasure of sitting next to me in French class for a year. Knowing that I would see a lot of old friends at her wedding had me reeling with excitement.

I arrived in Ireland just before Paddy's day & the wedding was the following day. I was nervous about the weather, it being in Ireland where it never stops raining but someone must have left a child of Prague or even a dozen under a bush, because we got an absolute cracker of a day. As I got lost looking for Anita's house that morning, because Irish addresses are something else lads, you won't believe it till you try it, her dad saved me by coming to my aid. I entered a house full of joy & laughter. After recognising so many wonderful faces all at once, I knew instantly this was going to be a fantastic day. Anita was as cool as a breeze, just taking it all in her stride. Her dress & jewellery hanging in her room. Mom helped her get ready, buttoning carefully. Her bridesmaids faces dropped when they saw her emerge from the room. Out in Ballyseede castle, Mike was popping bottles of champers with his bestmen. Jokes, suits, shoes, watches, cufflinks & boutonnière's filled the room. Family members popped in & out to see all the goings-on.

The ceremony was held at St John's church, Tralee. It brought back tons of memories, that was our school church, many a mass had been held there. The priest, a close friend of the family was witty & spoke highly of Anita & Mike. After we headed to Ballyseede for the reception. Ballyseede is a 1590's castle with a forest and lawns. The old stables are now converted into the dining room where the reception was held. There are two drawing rooms, a bar & a breakfast room. There is a lot of chatter that this is also one of Ireland's most haunted hotels but to be honest, we didn't see nor hear a thing. We opted to do our couple portraits around the gardens of ballyseede, because the day was so perfect & the setting was gorgeous. Anita & Mike were simply wonderful & very easygoing, gems of clients to work with. You two looked so happy during our shoot that it would make any couple envious. After hearing your speeches, how you met, your love for each other & your families, you had people in tears & it continued when both of yer fathers took over to wow the crowds with stories that left laughter ringing for days.

Anita & Mike, thank you so much for trusting us with your big day & for giving me my first wedding in Ireland.

Second Shooter - Farah Khan // Dress - Justin Alexander// Suit - Canali// Florist - Every Occasions// Rings - Appleby Dublin// Make Up - Mary Kelly, Tralee// Shoes - Minx, Tralee// Jewellery - Chupi//