My first Irish wedding as a wedding photographer

My first Irish wedding. Phew, I can tell you as a wedding photographer this was exhilarating. It was September 2021, we were still going through the process of getting through what seemed like forever during the hard lockdowns. I was talking to Julie (the bride) for quite a bit through phone calls and email for her upcoming wedding in November in The Entrance, NSW. The first phone call we had, I could hear the excitement and hearing the Irish accent was just awesome! As a photographer I love being able to photograph different nationalities and Ireland was always one of them.

Julie was lovely to speak to. She had told me about her wedding coming up and what she was after. We connected very well. After talking back and forth for a bit she decided she wanted me to be her photographer for her and Richie’s big day. Upon arriving, I was greeted with laughter and love. She was so welcoming. Her make up was getting done and she just told me get yourself a drink, we got plenty of alcohol. I felt right at home. The thing about Julie was so cool about everything. I got her and the girls outside and we took some beautiful photos.

I hadn’t met Richie (the groom) yet. But the girls all had something to say about him (positive of course). ‘‘His a loud one that one!’’, ‘‘you’ll hear Richie for a mile away!’’, ‘‘his a keeper’’, I could go on. When I finally met Richie, as he walked down the aisle before Julie had arrived, everything said about him was true. He was a free spirit, had a big smile and preached his goodness to everyone around.

As a wedding photographer, this was a dream. I was capturing beautiful candid photos that felt so natural. This was them in their element. I got to work, snapped away and was in awe of the energy throughout the ceremony and reception. The Irish people are loud and proudful and they love their alcohol. But above that, they’re also so friendly and generous. Infact, Richie had offered me to stay the night if I wanted and to drink with them. I had other commitments that required my photography skills, but I appreciated the sentiment none the less.

Richie and Julie, post ceremony.