If I could describe my ideal wedding to photograph, Clara and Kieran’s wouldn’t be far off it.
Relaxed, great fun and far more interested in enjoying their wedding than spending the day posing for photographs.
Exactly my kind of couple!
Getting Ready at Loughcrew
The day started at Loughcrew, where I joined Clara as everyone got ready.
From the beginning, there was such an easy-going atmosphere to the day. No desire to turn every part of the morning into a photoshoot — just capturing everyone getting ready, the excitement building and all the little moments happening around me.
Before the ceremony, Clara and Kieran had also decided to do something a little different.
A First Look Before the Ceremony
They chose to have a first look and see each other before heading to Tankardstown House.
I love photographing first looks, particularly with relaxed couples like these two. There’s no need for a big performance for the camera. I get everything set up, give the couple their space and photograph the reaction as it happens.
For Clara and Kieran, it gave them a chance to have a moment together before the rest of the wedding day really got going.
We were also able to capture some gorgeous relaxed portraits without taking a huge chunk of time away from their guests later.
A Relaxed Tankardstown House Wedding
From there it was on to the beautiful Tankardstown House for the rest of their celebrations.
Clara was honestly my ideal bride to photograph. She trusted me, wanted natural photographs and, most importantly, wanted to enjoy her wedding.
That’s exactly how I love to work.
I’ll always make time for the family photographs and beautiful portraits, but I don’t want your memories of your wedding day to be of your photographer constantly pulling you away from everyone.
Once we have what we need, I want you back with your guests while I concentrate on capturing what happens naturally.
And Then Came the Dance Floor…
This was definitely not a wedding where everyone disappeared after dinner!
The dance floor was brilliant craic and exactly the kind of ending I love to photograph — everyone completely forgetting about the camera and just enjoying themselves.
Those photographs often end up being some of my favourites from a wedding day.
Clara and Kieran’s wedding was a perfect example of the kind of wedding photography I love: beautiful photographs without making the wedding all about the photographs.
If you’re planning a Tankardstown House wedding — or simply want a photographer who’ll keep things relaxed, give you direction when you need it and then let you get back to enjoying your day — I’d love to hear what you’re planning.
And if you’re wondering about seeing each other before your ceremony, I’ve also written a guide on whether you should do a first look on your wedding day.
