On a warm and sunny October day, I had the privilege of attending Anna and Barry’s wedding in stunning Donegal.
And what a special couple to photograph! They are childhood sweethearts, and a match made in heaven.
Anna’s family are lucky to have a holiday home in Rossnowlagh, where I spent many happy weekends in my own childhood – and it was wonderful to go back and photograph this couple’s special day.
The night before, I realised I actually knew some guests at this wedding when they instagrammed a shot from our venue, stunning Lough Eske – what are the chances! Lovely Susan is my husbands cousin, and had flown back from London just for the occasion.
As the day progressed, it became obvious that both Anna and Barry have friends and family from all over the world. And as they are incredibly popular, the guest list was huge – yet the atmosphere was intimate and full of joy.
The preparations at Anna’s holiday home were low key and relaxed, with her parents and sisters serving up a buffet breakfast any hotel would have been proud of. The family were joined by this beautiful bridesmaid – a family friend of the girls, the hair and makeup team – and Clive from PigMintFilm.
The dress was fit for any Grecian Goddess, with delicate gold embroidery, and an intricate pleated bodice. It fit Anna like a glove, and showcased her gorgeous figure to perfection.
Don’t you just love the little moments like putting on the veil. It was only a few months earlier that Anna’s sister was a bride herself making her the perfect woman for the job.
So as the guests began to arrive for this most special of ceremonies, we made our way to Saint Bridget’s – where Barry was patiently waiting for his beautiful bride, and even the little one’s were getting nervous!
A little smile, a few words of encouragement …
And so it began, their life as a married couple. Guests laughed, smiled and enjoyed a ceremony officiated by a Priest with a special connection to the family.
We took our places to watch the newly married couple greet their guests …
Fortunately, we were able to steal them away for a few shots in that beautiful chapel.
Isn’t Anna just stunning! Look at that detail on the back of her dress.
Speaking of little moments, how precious was their little flower girl …
Is Rory double checking he still has his buddy’s speech safe and sound?
And there it is, there’s always a photo that gets me all emotional, tears tripping me!
Just incredible. But it was time to go, the autumn days are short.
I captured some lovely moments amongst the bridesmaids as they were seeing Anna and Barry off …
Anna already had an idea of where she wanted her wedding portrait taken – by the castle’s gate lodge – overlooking the water. Fortunately enough I was there that day, as we almost missed them waving us down at the entrance. Keri-Leigh saves the day!
And lucky I did, as the light was lost mere minutes after we stopped.
We had so much fun with this pair, you can tell just from one picture that they share the most incredible connection. Best friends.
It was time to make our way to the reception – and what a venue, a photographers dream.
Lough Eske is just out of this world. I had such a giggle at this moment, how cool was their chauffeur!
The champagne was on ice, canapés on the silver tray …
Cheers to the happy couple, congratulations! I bet you didn’t notice me taking this photo.
Kids just make weddings. How adorable.
It was time to round everyone up for the formal family shots.
Where do they all disappear to? Good job I go to weddings in flats.
Worth the wait I think you’ll agree, what a stunning group of girls!
And such fun company!
Such a happy group, and such style.
And while we worked, Anna’s mum was keeping an eye to the proceedings.
The entire day went like clockwork.
The guests were having the time of their lives.
And it was a beautiful day to be outside, taking in the grandeur of the surroundings.
When they went in to join their friends, we were able to capture a few more private moments with the newlyweds.
Barry, you will agree, is a very lucky guy. They are blissfully happy.
They really were just the loveliest couple. So unassuming, and their families made me feel so welcome.
With the formals all taken, they were free to rejoin the fun indoors.
Time for the party to begin!
People were waiting patiently, a huge ballroom full of guests!
The speeches were so heartfelt, and the connection between the two families was really clear for all to see.
The bride and her sisters, the groom with his brothers. They were having such an incredible time together.
It wasn’t just the top table though, young and old alike were delighted to be there.
Look who has the moves!
We left the party animals to their night, as the band struck up and the heels were kicked off! I felt so blessed to be a part of this fantastic day.
Best wishes for your marriage – may it be long, happy and healthy.
Most of all, thank you for having me. I loved every minute!
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