G&N - Elopement Photography at the Hayfield Manor / February 8, 2024 by Jan

I had the pleasure of photographing a lovely elopement at the Cork City registry office, a place that holds sentimental value for me. It's where I exchanged vows nearly two years ago. I think I’ve said this before but I am always surprised how this registry office has a knack for turning a simple affair into a heartfelt celebration. I personally, was just expecting to sign a document and that be it but it’s actually a full on ceremony! They are even more than happy to accommodate post-ceremony group photos indoors.

Gavin and Niamh are the couple of the day. Having exchanged vows and rings, making it official with the legal paperwork and signatures, it was time for the couple photo shoot!

We made our way to the elegant Hayfield Manor. This was my recommendation as we would be able to do the couple shoot even with the rain. We found refuge from the rain and wind in the charming greenhouse within the front garden, creating a picturesque setting for capturing intimate couple moments. The rain, rather than dampening the mood, added a unique charm to the photos.

With the brother/brother-in-law supplying us with his chauffeuring services, we drove to our next destination; the River Lee Hotel. Here family and friends were waiting for us, for some post-elopement celebrations. We took some lovely group photos of everyone there, and then my time came to end. And I left Gavin and Niamh, now husband and wife, to celebrate into the evening, before heading onto a plane to New York City for their honeymoon!

5-star Google Review

Gavin and Niamh were lovely enough to leave me this amazing review;

“Jannik couldn’t have been more professional or courteous, was brilliant to deal with from start to finish and made everyone feel at ease. Shooting with him was like second nature. Would highly recommend.”

— Gavin and Niamh

A&F - The Anglers Wedding Photographer / November 22, 2023 by Jan

I had the immense pleasure of witnessing the unique love story between Adrian and Fadzai unfold on their special day. With Ireland’s unreliable weather, most of my weddings take place indoors, but Adrian and Fadzai took a chance, and it paid off. Located at The Anglers, the wedding had a beautiful, bohemian air filled with light and love.

The couple played with tradition, keeping some elements intact while also creating their own, special variations for others. Which brings me to the things I loved the most…

1) Starting Out Together at The Kingsley Hotel

I thought it was so unique that the couple had decided to get ready together, and it was so much fun to photograph the pre-wedding preparations with them together. When I met them at The Kingsley Hotel, where they were preparing, I sensed an air of excitement and unity. The traditional concept of the bride and groom getting ready separately was beautifully replaced by their joint anticipation, culminating in a heart-warming walk down the aisle hand in hand. This departure from convention created a sense of togetherness that set the tone for the day.

2) UCC - A Love Story Captured

The couple opted for family photos and a couple shoot to take place prior to the ceremony, at the University College Cork, the very place where their love story began. Taking the photos before the ceremony felt less rushed and allowed for a more relaxed and natural flow. The architecture of UCC never fails to provided a picturesque backdrop, each building telling a chapter of their journey. From the iconic structures to the intimate chapel which we used for the couple shoot, even if they didn’t tie the knot there. These photos resonated with the depth of their relationship.

After UCC, the couple dropped in at the pub they used to frequent as students for a quick toast to the new chapter.

3) The Charm of The Anglers Bar & Restaurant

I really enjoyed the outdoor setting at The Anglers as it offered the perfect lighting and created a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. Even though certain traditions were put aside, others were embraced. The guests were given the chance to bestow their blessings upon the union with the ring warming; and there was a lighting of candles to honour departed loved ones.

Thoughtful arrangements emphasised the natural beauty of The Anglers, making it feel like the grand celebration it was. From the bouquet toss (a fun interval in any wedding) to the speeches, every moment was a blend of significance and warmth.

The evening culminated in capturing a few awesome shots of the women – the high spirits of the day giving inspiration to act and pose spontaneously without needing any direction from me. This marked a happy end to an eventful day, reflecting the easy joy that filled the celebration.

5-star Google Review

Adrian and Fadzai's wedding was a tapestry of unconventional yet deeply meaningful snapshots. I am delighted that I got to document these cherished moments, and they clearly had a great time too, leaving me this amazing 5-star Google review:

“What can I say, Jan was absolutely brilliant to work with from beginning to end for our wedding day!
He was so professional, organised and helpful as we planned the photo shoot and party photos. When the day came we were a bit nervous about being the centre of attention but Jan made the photo shoot so relaxed, easy and a lot of fun, we ended up really enjoying it!
The photos in the end were SO SO beautiful. Going through them was like reliving our wedding day all over again as he captured so many natural happy moments of us and also of friends and family!
Thank you so much Jan for the amazing photos, we are absolutely delighted and looking through them gives us that warm fuzzy feeling every time! :)”

If you would like me to be your wedding photographer in Cork, you can contact me here for my wedding packages and availability. I’d love to hear from you!

More wedding photography at The Anglers Bar & Restaurant:

Daniel and Kamilla - Wedding in Ballycotton / August 15, 2023 by Jan

As a wedding photographer, I had the incredible opportunity to capture the love story of Kamilla and Daniel on their special day. I love photographing at the coast, but you’ll find me most often in Ballycotton and/or Castlemartyr. Be it these family adventure shoots, couple adventure shoots, or previous weddings, I love photographing here!

As I arrived at the Sea Church, the soft sea breeze carried a sense of anticipation and excitement. The weather was perfect, which was a big relief to us all, as thunderstorms were initially predicted for this wedding day.

As per usual, I like to highlight my three favourite parts of the wedding in no particular order.

1) The Ballycotton Cliffs

After the wedding ceremony, we ventured to the picturesque Ballycotton cliff walk for a couples shoot. My favourite! The rugged coastline, with its towering cliffs and gentle waves, offering a dramatic and just plain gorgeous backdrop. Kamilla and Daniel's love was so clearly visible in these photos. It must have been one of the most laughter filled couple shoots I have done in a while! So cute to see.

Against the backdrop of the vast ocean and the dramatic cliffs, I captured these lovely candid moments of tender embraces, and carefree laughter.

Baby Bump

So much for Daniel and Kamilla to celebrate!

Photographing Kamilla and Daniel's wedding at the Sea Church in Ballycotton was so much fun. Their story and the picturesque locations provided an exquisite canvas for me to document their special day. These photographs will be something they will be able to cherish forever, and that is something that means a lot to me.

2) Walking In

I loved how the couple decided to walk down the aisle together at the beginning of the wedding ceremony. Something I have never seen at any other wedding before, and I must say, I really like the concept. It’s just a small thing but I thought it just added another level of unity to the whole procession. A lovely touch!

3) Intimate but big

This was a smaller, more intimate wedding with about 20 guests, which was a really nice number of people to have. What I really liked about this wedding though, was that it still felt like a big wedding because of the gorgeous venue, the decorations with delicate floral arrangements adorned on every corner. It enhanced the natural beauty of the Sea Church and made the whole wedding feel big as there was clearly a lot of effort that was put into the whole day. I really liked that!

5-star Google Review

I had such a fun day out with Daniel and Kamilla, as I said, it’s always such a treat to photograph in Ballycotton. They loved the photos so much that they left me this lovely 5-star review:

“Jan is a very likable guy and his award winning photography speaks for itself. From the first contact to the last hand shake, he was a gentleman and a true professional. He is now our go to photographer for life. Thank you Jannik.”

If you would like me to be your wedding photographer in Cork, not just Ballycotton, say hi to me here, I’d love to meet you and your partner!

Or, if you would prefer a couple shoot like this instead, give me a shout as well.

Till the next blog post!