G&N - Elopement Photography at the Hayfield Manor /  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

Let the Sunshine In - Engagement Couple Shoot West Cork /  by Jan

It was so fitting that we had such amazing weather on this couples shoot. There was just so much to celebrate with this photo shoot! Not only was it an engagement shoot, with Jonathan and Megan already planning their wedding, but it was also to celebrate their pregnancy. So many new chapters! Which made it incredibly fitting to have this amazing sun shine down upon us and gift us with these amazing sunset couple photos (with the sun symbolizing new life and positivity).

The two also knocked it out of the park with their outfits wearing fully white in this natural environment, and with this golden sun, really made them pop out so naturally and elegantly! I send all of my couples a PDF with my clothing advice for these photo shoots, and either Megan really took my advice to heart or they’re just naturally elegant! Either way, they did a great job with their outfits.

Gougane Barra sometimes feels like a bit of a trek to get to but I’m always happy when I’ve made the long journey (in time, if not in mileage) as it’s such a treat to photograph in. With just a short skip away from Glengarriff and Skibbereen, it is one of West Cork’s, not so secret, treasures! With the forest in one section and the gorgeous St Finbarr’s Oratory on it’s little “island” in the lough, there are so many amazing spots to discover and photograph in. And a little surprise that always astonishes people, is that the oratory is unlocked and free for visitors to enter.

St. Finbarr’s Oratory

Gougane Barra’s gorgeous attraction.

A lot of couples and families that I take to Gougane Barra are from overseas, so I’m lucky enough to show tourists this gorgeous scenery. I remember the first time I came here, and just like everyone else, I was amazed by all of the gorgeous moss growing everywhere. I don’t know why it’s so much more impressive than the tall trees, but for some reason it always grabs everyone’s attention. Ireland is just so green and lush!

If you are looking to do a vacation couples shoot in Ireland, you can contact me here to schedule a photo shoot. We can do a couples shoot in Gougane Barra, or, I do also have a few new locations planned for 2024!

70th Birthday at FOTA Island Golf Club Cork /  by Jan

Birthdays are always special occasions and a great opportunity to invite your favourite people and have a big party. Having said that, some birthdays are bigger than others, and in my experience as a photographer, the 70th birthday always seems to be the most celebrated!

Yvonne's 70th birthday party took place at the illustrious FOTA Island Golf Club, just outside Cork city. With the event room placed right next to the lovely greenery and on the edge of the golf course, it wasn’t just a lovely venue but also a blast to photograph. The place was buzzing with more than 100 guests. It was a mix of family and friends, all ready to celebrate Yvonne’s big day. And you could tell she was having a great time, running around welcoming each group of guests that were arriving and introducing everyone to each other. This made capturing the event a breeze!

It’s magic!

As part of the entertainment of this evening, there was also a magician roaming around, delighting the guests with fun magic tricks. People were laughing and freaking out in equal measure by these party tricks. As you can tell by their reactions, it got a great reaction!

Yvonne was also absolutely delighted with her presents, being gifted several art pieces from local artists. It's always so much fun to see someone really enjoying their special day.

Now, let's talk decorations; from a wall full of donuts calling your name, fancy cocktails flowing, and the name "Yvonne" was shining in mirrored letters. Plus, there was a photo backdrop where guests could snap selfies with funky sunglasses and hats, or have me do a photo shoot with them.

I moved through the crowd, capturing all of these lovely, candid moments of laughter, cheers, and the occasional gasp of amazement from the magician, it was a blast to be a part of this birthday party.

Yvonne's turning 70, but you wouldn't know it from the energy in those photos. Here's to keeping the party going!