I photograph a lot of weddings by myself, but more and more so, I’m photographing them with my wife Nic. Nic studied photography at Crawford College of Art & Design, so her shots are great as well and combine well with my own. Working alongside each other means we're able to capture multiple perspectives throughout the day but also that we have a nice mix of viewpoints as we go.

Garretstown Couple Shoot

Plus, it’s always helpful having a female photographer there for the more intimate shots when the bride is getting into her dress, or to have her keep an eye out for hair bobbles around the wrists during the couple shoot (women, I have learnt your pain!), while I look out for phones and keys in the pants pockets.

Emmet and Sinead's wedding in Kinsale offered plenty of opportunities for interesting shots on this gorgeously sunny morning. Each location was carefully picked as it meant something special to the couple themselves. But more of that later.

Pre-Ceremony Wedding Photos

The day started out with the usual, going over to meet the bridal party for the shots of them getting ready, having their make up applied, last minute champagne and having fun. Emmett was a sweetheart and send his future wife a bouquet of flowers that morning with a very cute card attached. I wanted to marry Emmett now!

“Emmett was a sweetheart and send his future wife a bouquet of flowers that morning with a very cute card attached.”

This is where we threw the whole day up side down. No more tradition here! Emmet and Sinead opted for a first look and couple portraits before the ceremony, not after! This is something I would definitely do again. Getting these shots done early means pristine outfits, relaxed couples, and a better time for the rest of the day as the couple can just relax after the ceremony and enjoy the company of your friends and family. I like that.

For the first look we set up on a little cliff that juts out between Garretstown and Garrylucas beach, with Emmet looking out to the ocean waiting for Sinead. We captured this beautiful moment of her coming down, her dress blowing in the wind. Sinead just looked great!

Garylucas First Look and Couple Shoot

The couple brought their camper van to the shoot, reflecting their love of travel and outdoor life. After those shots, we then went down to Garretstown beach, which looked epic that day. So empty, the tide was out so the beach seemed huge and it just made for some amazing photos that I was very happy with. Emmet was a natural in front of the camera, enjoying the attention, though occasionally we had to remind him to tone down his enthusiasm! Haha! But nonetheless his happiness was infectious.

St. John the Baptist Church hosted the ceremony. From a photographer's perspective, it's an ideal venue - light walls and plenty of natural light make for clear, crisp shots.

St. John the Baptist Church - Wedding Ceremony

The reception at Man Friday restaurant offered excellent views over Kinsale harbour. A highlight was Sinead's mother performing "I Loved Her First" - a genuine, heartfelt moment that makes wedding photography special.

It was a beautiful day, filled with all the joy that these occasions elicit. And I know Emmet and Sinead will enjoy their new life together and look back on this day as the start of something precious.