This Summer was my first time photographing a wedding at Galtee Escape. What a place! I loved it! With a fabulous couple like Rose and Adrian, gorgeous sunshine, and the breathtaking venue, it quickly became one of my favourite weddings of the year.

Let me tell you a bit about how the day went. Rose, her mother, and her bridesmaids prepped in the beautiful Loughananna House, the centerpiece of Galtee Escape. When Adrian arrived for their “first look,” it felt effortlessly natural—just the perfect start to a magical day.

We decided to take a spin up the road to where there is some forestry for some couple photos. That was nice… until I posed Rose near a dirty puddle and ooops! we got most of it on her wedding dress! And not just any wedding dress—this stunning gown was handcrafted by her mother-in-law! Rose took it all in her stride though, and I now know what to do when a wedding dress gets dirty. Take it off and wash it! We did all that and still had time to do the family photographs and hang out while the guests arrived for the ceremony.

I have to say I am a big fan of getting whatever formal or posed photos you want done before the ceremony, particularly for bigger weddings. Let me outline some of the advantages.

The couple get to see each other for the first time in a more private situation. It’s calmer and allows time to talk to each other. If you are meeting for the first time at the top of the isle it can be overwhelming and hard to take in all that is happening.

You have more drinks reception time! More time to hang out with your guests.

It is actually quicker and easier to do them before the ceremony, because there isn’t the distraction of all the other guests, and a bar!

All the guests gathered in the teepee tent and the ceremony got underway. Led by the lovely and kind Patricia O’Donnell celebrant. The couple know Patricia, I felt that made it particularly special. Vows exchanged, the couple exited to great whoops and cheers and then greeted all their guests in the glorious sunshine. Guests had an amazing afternoon catching up and playing games, and getting the sun.

Let me tell you about some of the talents on display on the day, because I was absolutely blown away by it all. I mentioned earlier that Adrians mother had made the wedding dress. She had also made the dressed for about 8 other guests at the wedding too! The wedding cake, that beautiful big 3 teir wedding cake was made by Roses mother! And Adrians auntie did the food catering for the whole event! Talk about a talented bunch!

I stayed for speeches, dancing (which was great craic!) and we even managed to get a sparkler shot in to wrap up the evening.

What a day! Thanks Adrian and Rose for having me, and to your lovely families and friends for making me feel so welcome all day.