Wedding at Finnstown Castle ~ O+J

Wedding at Finnstown Castle

Orla & James’s Wedding at Finnstown Castle came to me by recommendation by another photographer. It’s always a big thumbs up when one of your peers boasts about your work, can’t begin to tell you how special that feels!

When Orlagh & James came to me via Mark (who was also in Orlagh’s father’s photography club), I was chuffed also to find out that we share Rock Climbing as a hobby. I knew this was going to be a fun couple to photograph when a few requests for their day were discussed. James being an avid pilot, requested a stop off at Weston Airport to get  some of their photos done. Happy dance!

Preparations

The day started at Orlagh’s family home where celebrations were in full swing. Upon entering you could see Kevin (Father of the bride) was big into photography with beautiful photographs adorning the walls. I felt right at home.

I started with details of the dress, shoes and flowers. I like to get these done early so I don’t hold any of the proceedings so bride can get dressed when she needs to.

I can then also focus on getting some of the more casual photos of people mingling and activities before setting off to the church of the ceremony.

Ceremony in Rathfarnham

The Church of the Annunciation was the location for their ceremony, often used by RTE for their live mass broadcasts.

It was beautifully lit so there was no need for flash photography inside so I could use most of the natural and available interior lighting.

The priest was a good friend of the family, which always makes for a humorous and intimate ceremony.

Photo session

En route to Finnstown Castle, reception venue we stopped at the Lucan based airport for their photos with the airplane. The weather was taking a bit of a turn in the afternoon so we kept it quick getting a few moody photos with some additional camera flash.

At Finnstown I gave the newly weds a few minutes to grab a drink and mingle before taking them off to do their group and family photos. They really were a great group of people, and well used to the camera by this stage. The session was quick and they were even up for some less formal, quirky and funny photos, much to the amusement to passers-by.

Speeches, Dinner and First Dance

The dinner bell rang, signalling the start to the evenings proceedings. First off was the speeches and this can only be summed up in one word: LAUGHS.

Padraig, the best man had everyone’s sides splitting with laughter during his speech, revealing a few things about James during their youth, which I’m sure he rather wished had stayed in the past :)

I left the guests to enjoy their dinner and returned once plates were cleared and drinks were flowing again.

A short while later, once the band was setup and ready to kick off the first dance began. Slow and steady at first, but in true James and Orlagh style once a few of the guests joined in the party really started.

I stayed for the first few dances of the evening. Happy with shots I made my way home.