Teresa & Jim, Spring Wedding in Kells

I had spoken to Teresa well before our meeting although I didn't get to meet her until a few weeks before the wedding.

As always with me there ends up being some kind of connection, just days before the meeting I had been to Kells to attend the funeral of Nanny Fox and mentioned in passing that I did not need directions because I had walked past the house days before. It was then that we realised our families were connected through the woman known to all as Nanny Fox.

I always look forward to a wedding anyway but when there is some connection I get even more excited, I was looking forward to being in the church and seeing it in a whole new light, previously Kells church had always been a place of sadness to me but wow did this day change that!

The sun beamed through the high windows with the church lit up almost as if we were in a garden on a summers day and that is how I felt, I was filled with a different kind of emotion on this day, happy to be around such a close and happy family. The kids beamed proudly watching their parents say their vows, Teresa and Jims family looked on filled with tears of happiness and thanks to all of them, Kells church is now among one of my favourite.

Teresa looked amazing in her dress, Jim mentioned that although he was expecting her to be stunning he hadn't expected this, the effort, the style, the perfection.

From the bottom of my heart I wish you both all the happiness in the world, that your families remain as close as they are and enjoy luck and fortune. I hope this is not the last we will see of each other, I was proud to be a part of your day!


Anticipating the day ahead for Mammy & Daddy.

Is it surprising that I got slightly excited when I saw this dress?

The detail in this dress was absolutely stunning!

Teresa made sure to attach a medal belonging to a lost brother to the inner lining of her dress.

Such a proud mother and a genuine pleasure to be around.

There was no nerves with the boys waiting at the church.

Jim said 'I knew she would look well but I wasn't expecting this'

Genuine happiness is often captured in the natural momets.

Around this tie I realised what a stunning church Kells is!

A proud boy.

The lighting in Kells church is just perfect.

Bag packed and ready to go!

Intimacy and love beams from this couple.

Visiting the tower overlooking Kells town was very important to Teresa and Jim.

Ardboyne in Navan gives fantastic opportunities for indoor and outdoor shots.

A week in the life of me.....

It is Monday afternoon although still that time of day night owls like me refer to as morning.  I have been home for over 2 hours, taken a few calls re advertising and replied to emails and queries received over the last few days. 

My new personal trainer

Last week started off quiet and calm really, it is the beginning of my high season now so there was very little for me to catch up on.  On Monday I began my new exercise regime, completed a few edits and met with potential clients in the evening.  Tuesdays and Wednesdays are a day of irritation for me, as many know I love my job for multiple reasons, one being that I can still do the Mammy stuff most days.  Unfortunately Tuesdays mean travelling across Dublin to bring my mini superstar to her stage school, I wouldn't have it any other way though, Billie Barry's has really brought her out of her shell and she loves every second of it, constantly asking when her next lesson is!  Wednesday I have a minimum of 4 little girls home after school, my own 2 and friends, bring the younger 2 to majorettes with Kerrie and Lynsey and then the older 2 afterwards.  Lately though Kerrie has been fantastic and often takes the younger ones up to the lessons and drops the older 2 back at the end which is a huge help, saving me from having to do 6 trips up and down to the school for the day!

Kelsie loves to pose whereas Nikki likes to be behind the scenes, here is Kelsie showing off one of Nikki's designs, completely made from scarfs!

I was very apprehensive last week I must say!  The weather as we all know was an utter disaster, one day in the school yard the wind and rain was so strong I felt as if I would be blown off my feet, parents huddled together looking for shelter as kids walked across the yard, tears aplenty wondering where Mammy was.  At that moment I just thought, bloody heck, what am I going to do for my weddings this week, my poor brides!  I tried to call Thursdays bride, Sonja, when I reached the car, I thought if I am this upset how upset must she be, with a location such as Kilashee House she was bound to want to get outside at some stage.  With no answer I left her a simple text telling her not to worry, come rain or shine she will have the best day of her life.  She certainly did and the rain decided to go elsewhere just when we wanted it to!  Always wary that rain may come back I ensured a few outdoor pictures outside the church but an hour later we were in the stunning gardens of Kilashee, delighted to get a FULL photoshoot in, the Gods were looking down and the rain came seconds after we walked back in the doors!

Friday turned out even better with the weather completely ignoring forecasts, we had sun and clouds for the majority of the day and Teresa and Jim were delighted to have a full outdoor photoshoot, temps even seemed to rise as we went out for our shots!  The Ardboyne staff were fantastic on the day, guests great fun and all in all this was Teresa's perfect day!

I would be lying if I did not say I was tired.  I had left my house at 10am on Thursday morning, arriving home after 7, I sat down and got to work uploading and culling my shots.  I finished my work shortly after 12 and headed straight to bed, no breaks in between and a quick dinner over the laptop, I had worked for 14 hours!  Friday was much the same with me leaving just after 10, when I came home I considered going to the cinema with my youngest babe but there was nothing suitable so out came the memory cards and the laptop and I got straight back to work.  With my eyes closing and my legs like jelly I went to bed close to 1am, this time I was bold enough to order a takeaway and again, eat my dinner over the laptop.  Again I had worked straight for pretty much 14 hours.

I should say Saturday was spent working and editing but no, I spent much of the day as a taxi with birthday parties and kids friends etc I had little more than a few hours to view my selections and prepare for Sundays Rock the Frock shoot.  With little more than 5 hours sleep I was up bright and early to head to the beach.  I got out of the car and within seconds I was windblasted!  Sand in my eyes, my ears, my jacket in my face at one stage, I thought NOOOOOOOO!  I was to meet members of Swords Camera Club prior to my 3 couples arriving, this shoot was requested by the couples and they had kindly agreed to allow the camera club members to join, I allowed for 7 other photographers but as we waited we very soon realised this was not meant to be!  Huddled in the back of Paul's car as I could not stand by his window to plan the day we decided to head off to St. Anne's Park for some shots. With some fantastic backdrops we really were delighted and as the weather calmed down we headed back towards Bull Island hoping to shelter in amongst the sand dunes for more shots.  Having completed the session, heading back towards Lucan for a private session with my clients, sitting in traffic, my stomach spoke to me,  I had spent the previous 3 days non stop working and looking after mini mes that I really had only eaten 3 times!  We finished off our shoot on the 12th lough and I quickly headed home to grab the family and go enjoy a nice carvery down the local pub.

 Am I tired?  Why yes I am!  But here I sit, in my element, waiting for images to upload and get on with the editing process.


As much as I would love to share some wedding shots with you, it is unfortunately too early so instead, rocking the frock are 3 fabulous couples who gave myself and 7 photographers a fantastic experience.

Here is to many more weeks like this!

Natural and relaxed photo shoot in Merrion Square

From the moment I received the mail from Josie I knew I wanted to do this wedding. Martin from www.myweddinginhd.ie would be covering and had recommended Josie get in touch with me. When she called me her simple and polite mannerisms made me want to meet her even more however with the couple being based in Cork and myself in Dublin I was happy enough to go ahead with the booking without a meeting.

I was a little bit taken aback when Josie called again asking could we meet, not because she wanted to be sure of me, but because she wanted to be sure I would be happy to cover her wedding, so last week they both travelled to Dublin along with a friend to meet me. We went straight to Merrion Square for some engagement shots, I love outdoor shots such as these as I find it much easier to portray personalities outside without harsh studio lighting. Josie & Danielo got stuck in, telling me they had been reviewing numerous engagement shots and knew what they wanted, they needed no direction at all. In fact, the natural laughter, smiles and gigles were such a breath of fresh air, there were no inhibitions whatsoever and the short shoot left me wanting to do more.

On we went to the Cellar Bar in the Merrion Hotel for some coffee and a chat. I can honestly say, I love their laid back Brazilian attitude, I love their interest in their photography, being an important element in their day and overall I just simply love them as a couple (oh Grace, you rock too). I just cannot wait for July to come for my trip down to Cork. Really looking forward to it guys.

 

Making it extra special, the couple with 3 weddings!

There were times in March when the chill really got to me, often I would think how wonderful it would be to be on a beach in Thailand, mainly because I knew that was where Orla & Gary were.  As much as I would love to review how their wedding was I couldn't as I was only part of the third stage held at The Grill Room in Kingswood Country House by the Maldron Hotel - yes, there were 3 stages!  Mind looking at this bride, I can understand why Gary was happy to give her 3 weddings, the picture of perfection.

Part 1 was a registry office in Dublin followed by a group trip to Thailand to marry on the beach.  From what I hear it was a fantastic experience, Orla's eyes lit up as she told me about it, guests at their Dublin party stood in awe looking at the slide show of images playing on the big screen.  Both Orla and Gary looked absolutely amazing, sunkossed, refreshed, relaxed and beaming from the inside out! 

As I stood focusing on their eyes for a photo in the gardens I couldn't help but say, I felt as if I was photographing superstars, they were positively gleaming and really would not be out of place on the cover of a glossy mag!

I know I say it often enough, but guests say so much about a couple and this was another case where if you weren't blown over by their genuine happiness and friendliness then you would only have to meet their guests to see how truly special they are.

We all know I am terrible with names but I couldn't forget Aido, the best man, not because he was present in almost all of their Thailand wedding photos or every time I went to take a photo on the night he was there although he certainly was memorable for that but mainly because of his genuine delight for both Orla and Gary, seeming so happy to be a part of something so wonderful and that really is special, when friends such as Aido, Pamela and all of the others there on the night were equally as happy and delighted to be there as the couple themselves.

Speeches on Saturday night brought a mixture of emotions, heartfelt words from Orlas mum to tear inducing laughter from the best man, my favourite moments of the night was watching this amazing couple and their reactions to the stories being told.  Eyes welling up with pure happiness, laughter, hugs and cheers.

Orla & Gary, I need to thank you both for having me as a part of your celebrations, seeing true happiness and love lifts me every time and I feel very blessed to have experienced so much of this with you guys.  As wonderful and beautiful as you both are on the outside you have blown me away with how fantastic you are individually and together as a couple.  I wish you both all the happiness in the world and look forward to seeing you again in the future. xxx

A crazy little thing called love

Why do I love weddings? Because of love!  It is the one thing everybody in the world has in common, the desire to love or be loved, the most beautiful thing in the world which manifests itself in so many different ways, in ways we never thought possible.

From the gentle kiss upon the cheek to holding hands in a moment of sadness, it is the tiny things that matter, not the public displays of passion.  What would I rather?  My husband stand up on stage in the middle of a gig and say 'babe this ones for you' or a cuddle when he comes in from work?  I prefer the cuddle just as when looking at each of my clients the things that touch me most are the little moments, from a look in her eye to the way he strokes her hand, the small more private displays really are the ones that show exactly how we feel.

We all have different relationships, some of us lead completely separate lives to our other half's but come home to each other and some of us, like myself and my husband, like to do everything possible together, even if it is just going to the shops.

From a recent wedding, reviewed below, my favourite moments of the day was when my couple disregarded my presence and behaved natural, giggles and smiles, happiness and joy!

So simply, here is to love, I wish it for one and all, true and everlasting!

Image from Keith &Ian's big day.

A Kilashee bride and her childhood sweetheart

When I met the girls at Tony & Guy hair salon in Naas they were surprisingly calm.  I watched in awe as the make up artist applied the finishing touches to some of the best make up I have ever seen!  It is all in the detail girls, from the attention to the eyebrows to a vintage inspired head piece the detail is what sets the day apart from others.

A beautifully elegant lace gown, which I was sure a child would even have trouble fitting in to, accompanied by the stunning fresh roses, ivory for the bride and a mixture of ivory with a wonderfully dyed blue for the bridesmaids.  As I said, detail...

Arriving at the quaint village of Two Mile House, the boys anxiously awaited Sarah's arrival.  I thought to myself, this may be the most relaxed groupo I have met in quite some time.

However relaxed and calm though, Sarah and Ross gave me everything I needed to ensure a great result.  From their choice of venues to, yes, their detail but most of all their attitude when having their photos taken.  Both Ross & Sarah relaxed completely, enjoyed their little moments together as I stood back capturing them and were completely at ease as individuals and as a couple.

To be chosen as the photographer for any wedding is an honour, it is an invitation to view a couple in my own way, to see who they are but also who they are to each other. 

Sarah & Ross, I thank you for choosing me, for allowing me to see what a fabulous couple you are and how happy you make each other.  I hope that for the rest of your days you can look at each other as if nobody else were around, with genuine love and compassion, as you did despite my presence.  I wish you all the best for your future together. 

Maybe one day Ross, you can be the man standing at the top table, talking about a boy who once only said hello, is Sarah there?

Wedding Songs

This is one thing that brides definitely stress about.  From music for the church, the dvd to the first dance, the band etc etc. 

These days though, couples are becoming increasingly aware that their choice of music is what can set their wedding apart from others.  Music is way to ensure that your wedding is tailored to your tastes, be it the band choice, the church music, even just the background music in the hotel.

People are quickly moving away from bands doing the likes of Abba and looking for something with a rockier edgy feel.  Many pub bands are breaking into weddings because of this, take for instance Kev, my husband, who never thought he would do weddings with his band yet they are getting more and more requests.  There is a simple explanation for it, we have moved on a generation, many of the couples getting married today were kids of the 80's and 90's, come on, we have to admit it, the best night dancing we ever have is when it is the music of our teens so the likes of Guns n Roses is now acceptable  to be played at a wedding (we had November Rain play as we walked in to the reception) Bon Jovi is very popular also.  With today's music reverting back to a rock genre this gives the rock bands the opportunity to stick in some new songs into their set also so everybody is happy. 

The big question though for most, is the first dance.  First we would think about songs we love, I for one LOVE Adele but lets face it, her songs are about broken romance, sadness etc so straight away they are out, it is very important to remember the lyrics should be relevant and the song does not need to be a slow soppy song, you can go for something upbeat, I went for Queen and you're my best friend but they have many options you can go for, U2's beautiful day is another, here is something crazy though, for our wedding dvd we used Adam Sandler (the wedding singer) singing I wanna grow old with you and to me, this is possibly one of my favoutire choices of songs to suit us, having said that we also used Highway to hell ;)

Just remember, the songs you choose are to suit you, not to keep others happy, yes you want a band that caters for all but when you choose songs for your dvd and your first dance make sure they relate to you both as a couple and to your taste in music.

Good luck with it, if you have any suggestions please do comment below as I am sure other brides would love to hear them.

The stresses of modern Ireland

So this may not be completely wedding related, ok not at all,  but it may be something some of my clients, past, future or present, are experiencing. 

Yesterday I came across a site (http://antievictiontaskforce.com/), complete with video of a deputy sheriff being denied access to repossess a house in Co. Laois.  It goes to say people power can work.  There are so many arguments to say how we the people should be given some form of debt forgiveness considering the bank bailout.  Should we? 

Going through the site there are plenty of true stories, people in trouble and I sympathise greatly.  I believe the banks should be re-structuring the loans, they played a huge part in the mess up, we bailed them out so they should be helping us control our finances.

I bought my first house in 2003, I was a single mother working part time and I was extremely lucky to get a mortgage at all, but I could afford it, I was used to living on the bread line and despite being advised by a state employee to quit work, go on the list and claim rent allowance I thought no, if I can put a roof over my childs head myself, I will.  Only 3 months later I met the love of my life and after another couple of years we bought another house.  The mortgage was twice as big and we struggled greatly.  After selling we intended building our dream house in the country but one thing after another prevented that and for the first time I joined the rental market.  We are the lucky ones, we were given the support we needed when my husband was out of work, unlike friends who were only offered amounts to cover interest on their mortgages all the while receiving threatening letters from the bank.  It is a stressful situation, although we recently had 2 months back with him out of work, when he is working we are ok, we pay our way and get the odd night out.  Had we not sold that second house, well let me just say I would not be where I am, I would never have been able to afford to live the dream of becoming a wedding photographer, I would probably be doing some job that I hate and be so debt ridden my hair would be falling out. 

My point is, reading some of these stories I often think, that could be us and although many people told us we were crazy for selling when we did, looking back the house was worth twice what it is now, I only hope those who own it now are not suffering.  I often thank God that we made that decision, although there were times when we regretted it, we feel so lucky now.

Sacrificing is hard to do, be it your tv subscription, heat, even just a routine night out, it is hard to change your way of life when the bank balance drops and the bills increase.  It is even harder when you see that many of the bankers who earned through your hardship are still driving fancy cars and enjoying life.  I remember though watching the video and for a moment I sympathised with the deputy sheriff, he seemed like a genuinely nice man, he was doing his job, I suppose as we all would do int hese times, probably feeling lucky for the fact he had a job.  Our whole system is messed up and that is not his fault, thankfully he wasn't dealing with an angry mob but an educated man who posed no threat to him. 

We, in the traditional human way, feel angered by our misfortune and we like to find someone to place the blame on, be it the sheriff, the judge, the bank teller or manager.  The truth is though, in this country we know who we can put the blame on and it is our whole political  system.  Our Taoiseach says the people of Ireland got greedy, well I believe the government led the greed, starting with a fame hungry Taoiseach, we were led to believe that our boom was forever, buy now or you never will.  There was a sudden snobbery that became so overwhelming many of us felt we had to live up to the standards of our neighbours, otherwise suffer the laughter of others if we did not drive the right car or have the right size tv.  I succumbed to it, I had the house, I had the fancy car I couldn't afford, I pretty much had it all.  Did it make a difference?  Ok so I would love the fancy car again but I am a lot happier now and less stressed without an ever increasing mortgage and trying to keep up with the Jones' as they say.  Thing is I have hindsight, I made that decision to sell at the perfect time, I am lucky, how many of me are there?  The pitiful thing is, I actually do not know of anyone else in my position, all I know is there are people out there who are in such dire straits they have been broken beyond repair.

The question I have though is this, should the houses be re-valued and the loans reduced? Ok there are few things I look at in this world in a black and white view but this is one. We made the decisions to purchase, to take a specific amount in the loan, an informed decision, looking at our finances etc and we went ahead and did it.  So we stupidly believed that our politicians were Gods but is it right to assume that the loans should be recalculated?  I mean if one family is in trouble with their mortgage so their loan is revalued shouldn't the loans of all people be revalued, even those who are not in trouble.  How much worse off do we want our country? To me the only fair way to go ahead is re-structure the loans.  The only problem is there are reports the banks are not willing to do this, they want what they want and if they don't get it then tough luck. 

I say fair play to those who are working to help people who are in need through no fault of their own.  We as people should not feel ashamed that we need help, there are people there willing to give the help needed, to work alongside us and help us figure out a way through the mess.

The Nanny and her prince Charming

Sounds like a fairytale right?  All I can say is, if the tears are anything to go by, Christina really did marry her prince charming. 

I started the day bright and early, the sun beaming through the blue sky.  Cold, fresh air waking me up and getting me ready for the day ahead.  Arriving at the house I was led into a bright sun room where the girls were having their makeup done, excited but quiet, anticipating the day, the future, the rest of Christina's life. 

Guests were treated to some stunning music at the church, a quaint old country parish in Co. Wicklow.  I met Ann a few years back, believe it or not at the local swimming pool where our kids had lessons together.  She continues to impress me with her immense talent and really is the perfect addition for any wedding.  Christina walked down the aisle beaming, her eyes streaming tears of joy with Quentin completely mesmerised by her beauty.  They stepped forward together, as they would for the rest of their lives.



To me, Quentin and Christina fit, there is nothing seperate about them, they are one of those couples where I feel no matter what life throws at them they will stand together, as one. 




I pulled up at the hotel and had a brief chat with Martin, the videographer (www.myweddinginhd.ie) both of us amazed that we had made the 1 hour 40mn journey before any of the bridal party, when we saw a car pull up to the entrance.  Seeing the ribbon we assumed it was family so made our way to the door to await the arrival of our couple only to be shocked that in fact, Quentin had decided that he wanted to drive to the venue with Christina, spending some time alone, rather than travel in the wedding car.  It was a lovely idea and even though I had never come across it before I thought to myself, why not, on the one day of your lives where you completely give yourselves to one another, declare life long love, trust and devotion, why not take any opportunity to spend some time alone together.

Although surrounded by loving family and friends, I am sure both of you will find plenty of time in your lives to devote solely to one another and reflect on your journey, not just your trip from church to hotel but your whole journey from the very beginning, I wish for you that on those occasions you feel the happiness, warmth and closeness you felt on that one journey. 

All of my love to you both, Rachxxx