Caoilfhionn and Colm

Sorry – I’ve been away for quite some time. Well, aside from a few days in Killarney and Kinsale, I haven’t really been away anywhere – We’re at full on wedding season so it’s been a matter shooting lots of weddings and then spending the rest of the time post processing and building albums. So the blogs posts had to wait I’m afraid. But, to kick things off again I’d like to bring you a few shots from the wedding of Caoilfhionn and Colm which took place in Galway last month.

Caoilfhionn and Colm got ready just a few rooms apart from each other in the Clayton Hotel, where the reception would later be held. Caoilfhionn was in the bridal suite which was pretty impressive to say the least. Floor to ceiling windows stretched along one side of the entire suite letting in loads of light – once we figured out how to get the electronic blinds open that is  The room was a hive of activity but Caoilfhionn was the queen of calm – happily playing with her iphone while people busied themselves around her.

For the lads down the hall it was ironing and beers. Enough said.

Colm wasn’t completely missing out on the fun back in the girls room though when bridesmaids Claire and Sinead found the perfect way to include him.

You’d swear he was right there.

The makeup artist applies a final few finishing touches.

Preparations complete it was time to get to the church. I waited patiently in the lobby for her arrival to get a shot from the balcony over reception. Her train made this shot!

St Mary’s church in the heart of Galway – a stones throw away from the Spanish arch.

Have you ever seen a more happy, at ease groom at the end of aisle ever? I don’t think I have.

Caoilfhionn just about manages to keep it together on seeing her man.

The only way I can put the ceremony is to say it was ‘just lovely’. The priest, who’s name I now unfortunately forget, gave the nicest, most calming possible service you could imagine. People were asked to introduce themselves to the rows infront and behind them. “Take as long as you want, cross the aisle if you’d like, we’re in no hurry” he told us. He really put everyone at ease and after a couple of minutes of ‘hellos’ everyone was sitting there with big smiles on their faces.

The nicest priest in the world.

Communion – A good time to get a sneaky shot from the middle of the church.

Vows said, rings exchanged and signatures to prove it they pose for their guests before walking down the aisle as husband and wife. How proud do they both look?

Hold onto your veil!

After meeting and greeting their guests at the door we took a few of the family shots at the door of the church – As is usual for a photographer you get a gaggle of people behind you taking pictures over your shoulder. I always find it fun and usually pretty successful to spin the camera around quick and take a picture of them. Always raises a smile

The Gaggle

Before heading back to the hotel the bridal party went a few yards down the road to Nimmo’s Pier for a few photographs. It’s littered with swans and busted old boats. We stayed away from the swans – they can break your arm you know – and instead stayed closer to the boats. I got to test out a shot I’d been wanting to try for a while. I’m not sure what I’d call it – maybe, blurry bridal party? You’ll know it when you see it.

How she loved her Louboutin’s!

A few minutes later and it was back to the Clayton where their guests waited patiently before giving them a nice big welcoming cheer.

Time for another grand entrance – this time for dinner!

Time for speeches and I have to say, these speeches had it all. Lots of laughter, plenty of cheers, the odd heckle, great stories, some tears and then lots more laughter.

Once the band (Weightless Astronauts btw) had setup they called everyone to line the edge of the dancefloor for Caoilfhionn and Colm’s first dance. As they held each other close and dipped and swayed to the music it wasn’t long before they were beckoning the rest of their bridal party to join them on the floor – it then turned from less of a dance to more of a group hug. You could tell this was one very close group of friends.

Of course – first dance over, it was time to party! I think, and I’m pretty sure some of the guests will thank me – the less pictures from then the better!

Caoilfhionn gives it loads!

A massive, massive thank you to both Caoilfhionn and Colm for a brilliant day. They couldn’t have been more relaxed and made me feel more welcome. And thanks too for sitting me down with a lovely bunch of people for dinner. What a feed!