Table of Contents
- Engagement Session at Quin Abbey (Day One)
- Rehearsal Dinner at Dromoland Castle Golf Course (Day Two)
- The Big Wedding at Dromoland Castle (Day Three)
On day one, they had their long-awaited engagement photoshoot! Mairead’s family history has its roots in County Clare, and the nearby Quin Abbey was a sentimental place for them. It was the perfect choice for their engagement shoot which we timed carefully for gorgeous sunset light.
Dromoland Castle was the ideal place for Mairead and George to host their wedding. For this great occasion, they made their wedding a three-day event (right in the middle of Ireland’s big summer heatwave)!
Engagement Session at Quin Abbey (Day One)
We had a great time together on that warm August evening in front of Quin Abbey. It was such a lovely shoot that we wrote an entire blog post about it and the process of having an Irish engagement session.
Having an engagement shoot means:
- setting a romantic date to enjoy each other’s company;
- familiarising yourselves with being photographed by us;
- adding more variety to your final gallery of images
(with a more relaxed andcasual vibe), and; - creating lovely memories together at a place significant to you both.
See if an engagement shoot would be fun for you too – check out theirs here!
Rehearsal Dinner at Dromoland Castle Golf Club (Day Two)
On the second day, we shot Mairead and George’s rehearsal dinner at Dromoland Castle’s Golf Club. The atmosphere was so fun and relaxed; most of the guests were Americans, and many told us how excited they were to visit Ireland for the first time! There was plenty of good cheer, hearty toasts, and traditional Irish music too – including the groom’s father, who is an experienced multi-instrumentalist!
This hot summer evening had such beautiful light, thanks to August’s long stretch. There was plenty of time for catching-up, casual candid photos, and once-in-a-lifetime family portraits too.
The Big Wedding at Dromoland Castle (Day Three)
The day finally arrived! The third and final day of Mairead and George’s epic wedding celebration at Dromoland Castle Hotel. This wedding had 120 guests, 29°C heat (the hottest that summer!), an eighteen-person wedding party, one wee church, and more laughs than the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Dromoland Castle’s Queen Anne Suite is where we found Mairead. She spent her morning in the company of her doting mother and adoring bridesmaids (and one fab bridesman).
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
Meanwhile, George and his team were suiting up in The Inn at Dromoland: a sister hotel on the other end of Dromoland’s golf course, only a 5 minute drive from the castle.
Morning Preparations at The Inn at Dromoland
There were plenty of hands on deck to help out with buttons, ties, and whatever else needed a final touch. George’s father looked on proudly as his sons helped fit each other’s jackets and get ready for the big day ahead. Our goal as your photographers is to blend in like guests and capture these moments in an artful and authentic way.
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
Back at Dromoland, Mairead was in her dress and ready to impress! Her mother and sister helped with the final few touches, before she stepped out into the sunshine to dazzle her bridal party and proud father.
Once the guys were ready, they headed down to Shannigan’s Bar for a hopeful few pints. Sadly for them, it was too early, but they had great craic down in the bar nonetheless.
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
Inevitably, it came time to pile into the bus and head down to Cratloe for the ceremony.
Wedding in the Wild Atlantic West
Dromoland Castle is easily found just off the M18 motorway, which runs between Athenry (near Galway City) to the north and passing Shannon Airport to reach Limerick City to the south. Dromoland Castle is just across the motorway from the town of Ennis and the barren beauty of The Burren.
Also nearby is the infamous Wild Atlantic Way, which weaves along the west coast of Ireland and is a must-see! Here, you’ll find the quaint (but lively) coastal village of Doolin and the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. Also nearby are the Hag’s Head and O’Brien’s Tower – two gorgeous photo spots!
With everyone ready, we all headed off St. John’s Church, Cratloe. On the hottest day of the year, this church was full to the rafters. People didn’t mind the heat, as everyone was captivated by Mairead and George at the altar.
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
After the ceremony, there were excited meet-and-greets outside before a big group portrait to mark the occasion!
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
A Royal Welcome at Dromoland Castle
Back at Dromoland, guests were welcomed regally and there were drinks and good spirits aplenty. The touching little details, like the family dog napkins, did not go unnoticed!
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
At a large family gathering like this, family formals take some time and organization. We followed our tried and tested stress-free process and found the perfect spot under the shade of Dromoland’s giant oak trees.
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
Mairead and George were fortunate to have such a large and loving family all around them, as well as an eighteen-person strong wedding party!
Dromoland Castle Wedding Celebrations
With family and wedding party portraits complete, Mairead and George took a well-earned break with us while we took their newlywed portraits. During this time, they could just enjoy each other’s company as they strolled through the Walled Garden and took in the lake views from Dromoland’s Temple Wood and Tree Walks.
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
Dromoland Castle’s expansive grounds offer spectacular views, especially at sunset. Take the time to soak them in, either atop Temple Hill or within the lush Walled Garden.
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
Dancing the Night Away at Dromoland
You know the rest: good drink, fine food, cakes, toasts and dancing!
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
Thank you Mairead and George for choosing us as your photographers to share this incredible three-day event with you and your loved ones.
We wish you a long and happy life together!
All photos by Ivana & Sam Photography
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WEDDING PLANS TODAY! >
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Dromoland Castle Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Ivana & Sam
Makeup: Oksana Lobanova Makeup
Hair: Niamh Lee Hair
Dress: Monique Lhuillier Bride
Flowers: Lawless Flowers
Videography: Clive McLaughlin @ PigMintFilms
Ceremony Music: Nova String Quartet
Wedding Band: The Whole Hog Band
Venue: Dromoland Castle Hotel
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