Even thought I predominately work within the wedding industry I also wanted to try and cover other areas that I think would be of interest to everyone which in turn will make it a bit interesting. I am also hoping that by doing these short interviews it will give a little more insight into the person themselves and get to know a little more about them.

The first interview will start this week and it is a very apt one considering the recent blog post I did about Shannon and Mike’s wedding here in Ireland.

As an incentive to get the ball rolling with this. If anyone can guess who will be my first victim candidate, I will donate €50.00 to a charity of their choice – best of luck!!!

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

And to be a little different from most weddings. The groom has his sister as the best (wo)man!!

Church:  NUIG Chapel, Galway
Reception: Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, Galway
Hair: Pater Mark, Galway
Flowers: Knocknacarra Florists
Dress: Madeline Gardner New York dress from Tracy Bridal, Galway

The wedding took place at St Michael’s Catholic Church and then at the magnificent Middleton Park House, a Victorian Country House in Castletown Geoghegan, Co Westmeath. The day started slightly overcast but that soon cleared and we had amazing sunshine.

I kept talking about this infamous dip that Evelyn did and without any further delay, I present one amazing dip ……………

I have this fantastic couple to thank for the referral for this wedding – you guys rock!!!!!

After a short pit stop at the pub across the road from the church we went back to Middleton Park House. We went straight to the bridal suite for a breather which meant that we were able to grab a couple of shots that would would not be got in the hussle and bussle of a normal wedding.

Whilst chatting and offloading my camera gear, I turned and noticed Evelyn was on the Chaise Longue taking a few minutes breather. It was just too good an opportunity to miss.

Once I left the happy couple alone for a bit of “alone” time, it was back to the guests and time to cut the cake.

And to finish off this fantastic day. A couple more images from the dining room itself.

Church:  St Michael’s Catholic Church, Castletown Geoghegan
Reception: Middleton Park House, Castletown Geoghegan

Here is my very first shot of the day and the view is from the front lawn of the Rosleague Manor Hotel in Letterfrack. What amazing scenery to wake up to in the morning and to enjoy whilst sipping your coffee/tea and nibbling on a pastry.

The dashing groom and his Best Man

Beautifully kept 1950′s Bentley and the engine still sounds sooo sweet, even today.

The expression on Siobhan’s face is priceless and it really did set the tone for the rest of the day.

Siobhan and Jim had their dog Buddy with them who was part of the celebrations when everyone returned to Rosleague Manor Hotel later in the day.

And last but not least a shot of the lovely couple together. I hope you enjoyed looking at these images as much as I took them.

Church:  Ballynahinch Church, Recess (its on the N59 on RHS heading towards Clifden)
Reception: Rosleague Manor House, Lettfrack, Co Galway
Hair: Hair Gallery, Clifden (came to hotel)
Makeup: Dorothy Creaven
Flowers: Connemara Florist, High Street, Clifden
Dress: Maggie Sottero dress from Tracy Bridal, Galway
Car: King’s Chauffeur Sevice, Connemara

In a typical Galway day of starting a bit overcast it soon developed into something more interesting with sunshine. The typical morning chaos at the bride preparation slowly developed into something very organised as the make-up and hair was finished and the girls getting their stunning outfits.

St Mary’s Church is a very popular spot with beautiful details inside and the lighting, from a photographers point of view, is perfect as not too harsh creating lovely soft tones.

Boy oh boy, you have just got to love the dress by Ian Stuart, a real stunner indeed

I love love catching these little moments like this. Nothing is said, just a glance, a smile, a gentle squeeze of the hand – beautiful!!

Church:  St. Mary’s, The Claddagh, Galway
Reception: Meyrick Hotel, Eyre Square, Galway
Hair: Zenith Hairdressers, 33 Eyre Street, Galway
Makeup: Malvina Barrett
Flowers: Evergreen Florists, St Francis Street, Galway
Dress: Ian Stuart Bride from Moreland Dublin, 7 Burnell Square, Northern Cross, Dublin 17
Car: Limousines Ireland