This wedding had been in the pipeline for as long as I can remember. I still talk to Shannon now and then about the original email she sent asking for information as when I first read it I thought it was spam, almost too good be true to be honest. As a result of how it all started, I now have it framed and on the wall as a reminder to deal with each enquiry on its own merits and not treat it necessarily as spam.

Shannon & Mike came over to Galway for a visit in August 2009 for a recce to see what Galway has to offer and that is when we first met. I always had a feeling even during the meeting that they were going to be a really great couple to work with and Shannon did not disappoint as not that long after their trip, I had an email confirming that I was going to be their wedding photographer.

To help Shannon with all the planning she enlisted the help of Jennifer Cox of  EsqEvents who was already in the wedding business and to top the icing on the cake is a wedding co-ordinator – excellent!!! I know the Americans use co-ordinators a lot more than us lot here in Europe but if anyone is considering using one then they are worth their weight in gold. The amount of work they do is unbelievable and will help future couples with the planning in a big way. Jennifer was a real dream to work with and I look forward to working with her sometime in the future.

The original plan was to do a castle wedding but in the end the logistics for that just did not pan out so it meant we had to do the next best for the guys and that was to visit a castle to have the pictures instead. I have to say it worked out really well for everyone in the end. After all, you know how the Americans love their castles  lol

After doing some shots of the gals getting their make-up done, I headed over to the guys to catch the groom getting ready. Loved the Celtic style cuff links that were a present from the bride.

When the guys were ready and on their way to get everything ready for the service. I went to the room where the girls were and doing the final touches before the service started.

After the ceremony we all headed over to Dunguire Castle for a bit of fun and frolics. When we arrived they guys had to have a go at an Irish tradition of drinking Meade and judging by the expressions it showed what their first impressions were.

After the Meade it was time for a bit of duty free shopping

Once the shop had been cleared of goodies to take back home for friends and family it was time to check out the castle

Shannon and Mike never stopped smiling all day, it was just amazing to see them soooo happy

And it was just really rude not to stop and jump into this field of Barley to finish off the day

I can not thank you guys enough for such a great time and wish you both all the very best for the future!!

Slainte

Details for reference:

Wedding Co-ordinator: Jennifer Cox of Esq.Events, Boston, USA
Reception: McSwiggans, Eyre Street, Wood Quay, Galway
Make-up: Malvina Barrett
Hair: Zenith Hairdressers, Eyre Street, Galway
Flowers: Yes Flowers, Cross Street, Galway
Cake: Goyas, Kirwans Lane, Galway
Dress: Melissa Sweet from Priscilla of Boston, USA
Castle: Dunguire Castle, Kinvara, Galway