August Wedding Celebrations IN the Dean Hotel

Think about getting married in Rotterdam, in Great St Lawrence Church - Grote of Sint- Laurenskerk, then the SS Rotterdam for a meal and celebrations. A couple of days later fly back to Ireland to have a celebration for the Irish, and then throw a christening into the mix while you are here?... well that it is exactly what Carl and Kim did in August just gone. Their little fellah Eoin was christened in Shankill earlier that day. 

I was asked to photograph the Irish celebrations part as I photographed Carls brothers (Micks) wedding a few years previously - which was a four day wedding and a magnificent one at that. The venue chosen was The Dean Hotel, Dublin's newest boutique hotel. If you have not been here so far well all I can say it that it is well worth a visit. The bridal suite was full of great music, books, and fabulous decor. Something to see around every corner and an ideal place to get ready for the ensuing party. Photographing the getting ready bit was wonderful, so much to capture, a lot to take in and process, quality problems for my good self as snapper!. I just love the B/W shot of Kim standing in the hallway of her room, right before she sprayed her hair. 

Room shots covered, we headed downstairs for a shot outside as I wanted to capture an image of them both through a passing Luas, to tie it all in with Harcourt Street and the Hotel.

Carl and Kim were well up for a little walk into Stephens Green for a couple of photos on the bridge, as Carl had noted the night before that a certain sliver of light passed through the trees around 19:15. It did bathe a streak of warm evening sunlight on the happy couple just as evening crowds ambled by with kids, shopping, life.

We then went back to the hotel for the celebrations, the dancing and some Dutch style selfies which I could not resist capturing. A little spin up to Sophies for a push on the swings and what about that captioned insect picture frame on the wall, done Irish style? - it was all there. What a thoroughly enjoyable wedding it was to photograph. I wish Carl, Kim and Eoin the very best for their future together.

Michelle and Conor - Summer Wedding

Michelle and Conor were married in July this year in St Mary's Church Barrowhouse. Michelle had her bridal preparations in Portmarnock and headed off to Barrowhouse for the ceremony. The reception was in the Clanard Court Hotel which a few miles from the venue through the picturesque & busy town of Athy. 

This booking came as a result of photographic friends of theirs wedding last year, i.e, Eva and Gavin. I'll be posting this wedding soon as I was waiting for the ability to post a video inside the blog. 

All I can reiterate here is that this wedding was fun, absolute and utter fun, two people made for each other and so full of life. 

I particularly love the series of images that were taken on top of the bridge near the canal as. Conor saw a branch which was caught up in Michelle's dress which he removed. Being a tall lad and both being absolute characters the he removed this branch but not without this moment being translated into a fun scene - it made for the series of photos, a kind gesture turned into a photographic opportunity. This is what we as photographers see, opportunities at every corner, observing and documenting, the whole shebang. During our pre-wedding talks Conor mentioned to me that there was a field full of grain at the back of the hotel which was aching to be used for a couple of shots so fingers crossed we set out for a look and it was dry, phew...

Have a look at a selection of images of the day below to get a feel for the day as it unfolded. 

Supplier list:

• Venue: Clanard Court Hotel
• Photographer: Aidan Oliver Photography
• Church: St Marys Barrowhouse

Ailish and Paul's July Wedding

Ailish and Paul were married in July this year. Ailish is a cousin of mine and I was chuffed when she asked me to photograph her wedding. Ailish also hails from Rathvale, Co Meath while Paul comes from the heart of Connemara, both speaking Irish as their first language and both talented musicians in their own right. Rathvale is a stones throw from Rath Cairn which is one of two Gaeltacht areas in Meath, the other being Gibstown in Navan.

I started the photography in the Ailish's house in the morning, capturing this story through the eyes of one who looks for the fun, the laughter, the little things that all make weddings a real pleasure to photograph. The ceremony was in Kilbride Church (North Meath) as opposed to the Kilbride which is near Clonee. It was a surprise when I was told that TG4 were their to video their ceremony for the news next day - what a delight. This quaint little church is located between Trim and Athboy, slightly off the beaten track. Bective Abbey was our chosen venue for some bridal shots and then back to Trim Castle Hotel for the reception. I was invited to the next day celebrations in the Clubhouse in Rath Cairn (which I believe were stellar) but I had to decline as I was more worried about backing up the days images and getting some rest as it was a long but thoroughly enjoyable day. 

What a beautiful couple, both independent, caring and most of all up for some fun. Have a look at some of the images that were captured throughout the day below. 

Suppliers

• Photographer: Aidan Oliver Photography
• Hotel: Trim Castle Hotel
• Car: AT&T Chauffeurs

www.aidanoliver.ie