Dearbhla & Kieran
Dearbhla and Kieran’s wedding closed out the year on a high point. It was my final wedding of 2016, and it set a strong tone to finish.
From the beginning, they were a pleasure to work with. Warm, relaxed, and completely genuine. That ease carried through the entire day. The morning preparations reflected it clearly. Dearbhla was surrounded by her maid of honour and two bridesmaids, all close friends. Two of them were professional makeup artists, so everything was done in-house. It kept the pace steady and the atmosphere light. There was constant laughter, which always leads to natural, unforced images.
The day took place in mid-December. Cold, but bright. Clear skies and low winter sunlight created clean, directional light early in the day. The ceremony was held at St. Martin of Tours Church. It was my first time working there. The interior is relatively bright, which makes a real difference. It allows for a more discreet approach without relying heavily on artificial lighting, especially during key moments. Afterwards, we returned to Ballymagarvey Village. It is a venue I know well, and in winter it takes on a different character. The entire space was dressed for Christmas. Warm lighting, seasonal greenery, and carefully placed décor created a consistent atmosphere both inside and out.
Winter timing is always tight. In mid-December, sunset is around 16:00 in Ireland. That leaves a very short window for outdoor portraits. Before the light disappeared, I asked Dearbhla and Kieran to step outside briefly. We moved to the back of the main building and worked quickly. The sky had shifted into post-sunset tones, with layered pink hues across the horizon. That short window produced a distinct set of images that would not have been possible even ten minutes later.
What matters most for winter portraits? Timing. You have minutes, not hours, so decisions need to be immediate.
The rest of the day unfolded indoors. Guests settled into the reception, and the atmosphere remained relaxed and consistent. There was no need to stage anything. Interaction between guests carried the story naturally.
As the evening progressed, the energy shifted. The Trips took over, and the impact was immediate. The dance floor filled quickly and stayed full. Even in the short time I stayed, it was clear they knew how to hold a crowd.
Looking back, this wedding combined strong personalities, favourable winter light, and a venue that adapts well to the season. It was the right way to end the year. And a privilege to capture.
