30 Wedding Photographs that encapsulated 2016 by Aidan Oliver Photography

2016 was a great year wedding photography year for Aidan Oliver Photography. It was a year that I traveled north, south, east and west to capture some rather unique ceremonies and celebrations. One of my favourite weddings of 2016 was Lynda and Jeroen's wedding which took place in Killyon Manor in Meath, nestled between Boardsmill in Trim and Kinnegad, Westmeath. Their ceremony was held in the island forest adjacent to the Manor and it was pure magic. Mayo beat Tyrone in the All-Ireland football quarter-final that very day and Lynda's friends from the Heather County (while glamping it out later) tuned in to the game that afternoon, post ceremony. I captured a few choice expressions from the ladies as the points were scored...and chances lost, emotions were high let me just say. 

I was also chuffed to be asked by my friend and awesome wedding photographer Leanne Keaney to assist at a wedding she was shooting in Kinsale at the end of May. Leanne was expecting a few months later and wanted a wingman to help take the pressure off. The wedding was a sheer delight to photograph if only due to the fact that you get to be a tad more creative by taking time to see more, to mingle, to observe. I focused on the lads getting ready in Actons Hotel, the walk from Actons to the church and guests arriving, drinks outside the landmark Greyhound pub & market bar post ceremony, all in the glorious sunshine, the craic, and much more. Both myself and the blonde made a weekend of it. We were told not to leave without eating at the Black Pig & Bruno's restaurants - we did on alternate nights and were not dissappointed. 

Another memorable wedding was Cora and Sean's wedding, the ceremony which was held in the RC Church in the picturesque Inistioge, a number of miles from Kilkenny City and in the Nore valley. What a beautiful village, what a happy couple to photography, as content as I have met over the year. They wrote me an unprompted Facebook review which went as follows: 

"Aidan completed the photography for our wedding in October. We only booked him a few weeks beforehand after receiving a recommendation. What an excellent recommendation it was. 

We wanted an easy going photographer to do a documentary style shoot, with minimal amount of time spent posing and maximum amount of time with our guests. Aidan listened and understood our requirements from the outset. He is a consummate professional, with a fantastic manner. Family commented how easy he was to have around the house as he was not at all imposing in our space. He created a very relaxed atmosphere. 

The end result was excellent photos, which we were very happy with. When I printed some of them out, the printer asked me who the photographer was, as he said it was abnormal for a wedding photographer to provide so many consistently high quality shots. 

I would highly recommend Aidan as a wedding photographer."

Now that 2016 is over I have shortlisted 30 images below from throughout the year that I have enjoyed capturing during my various weddings - not all made the cut but this does not mean they are better of worse, the 30 below just made more of an impression on me throughout the year.

All that is left for me to do is to wish everybody a very happy, prosperous and content 2017 and I thank the universe for enabling me to pursue a career that gives me such immense satisfaction. 

Finally, if you are looking for a photographer to capture your special day in a unique style and most importantly want a documentary photographer who is seasoned, who is unobtrusive and accommodating just give me a call on 087 2861544/01 460 2617 or email me at aidanoliverphoto@gmail.com. I'd be delighted to have a chat and see where it takes us. You can also fill in a request form here.

Here is an excellent article on how to edit wedding Wedding Photos from the folk at ShootDotEdit:

As a wedding photographer, editing photography is one of the responsibilities that comes with the job. Knowing how to edit wedding photos is a time-consuming, stressful, and tedious part of your post-wedding workflow. Here at ShootDotEdit, our mission is to empower the success and increase the profit of professional wedding photographers. And because of that, we know your time is better spent on things you love to do (meeting clients and vendors, shooting) rather than on wedding edits.

Johnnie and Joanne's Dublin City Engagement Photo Shoot

Johnnie and Joanne are getting married this August in the picturesque Kenmare, Co Kerry and I can't wait to photograph this wedding. I suggested an engagement photo shoot to them last October when we met up (most couples chose me at least a year before they get married) and straight off the bat we got on well which is half of any battle when couples decide on a photographer and vice versa. 

Cue eight months later and we have fixed a date for their engagement shoot. Normally I give two options, urban or rural and they decided on an urban shoot. I knew there was a lot going on down the North East Quays heading towards the 3Arena, so we picked the coffee shop (you know the one!) adjacent to the Gibson Hotel as a meeting point and a 7:30 start. Eye opener coffee's were a requisite to start. 

We headed on a loop around the block, starting off on Mayor Street, took a left at Guild Street, a right onto North Wall Quay and back to the 3Arena. A couple of kilometres of a walk but with plenty to see. I am delighted that the old unfinished Anglo building is now under construction as the New Central Bank. It was an eyesore and a testament to the most ridiculous legacy we have ever seen in this country, period. Some of the images we captured included people as it was early morning, and people were going to work, some with suitcases, which means they had travelled here for that purpose. The IFSC (Irish Financial Services Centre) is close by. We also nipped onto the MV Cill Airne for a shot or two on this working restaurant boat which really made the shoot special. 

Simply put we, had a bit of fun and it shows in the shots I captured. That is the main reason why I am chosen as a photographer - I make it easy for people, I know what my art is so I bring a bit of excitement to each shoot. 

Later that night I took the Luas (Dublin's tram system) in to see Hans Zimmer right back to the 3Arena where I witnessed a concert of epic proportions. A very satisfying day overall.

Roll on August, Johnnie and Joanne - we will have some fun!. 

Simon and Natasha Engagement Shoot - Lifestyle Photography

The photos in this collection are some of the shots taken on Simon and Natasha's recent engagement shoot. Simon contacted me through the o2 treats program and we settled on a location in the Pheonix Park, ie the pond just off the Ordinance Road.

Being mid Spring the weather was cool but not warm enough to take off coats, but this did not stop us from capturing some intimate moments of the lovely couple. The backdrop is wonderful to shoot in and the light this time of year very illuminating.

If you would like to get a quote for some natural, fun and unique photography from one of Irelands Leading professional photographers please call Aidan on 087 2861544 or fill in the contact form here. We will quote you immediately.

Sarah and Billy Engagement Shoot - Lifestyle Photography

More engagement shoots this summer and Sarah and Billy's July shoot was undertaken in the rain which was not ideal but we did our best to ensure that we covered as much of the shoot as possible in the shelter, ie, under tree cover, and also with the help of the trusty umbrella (a number of which I carry along for the inevitable Irish weather).

The photoshoot was undertaken early morn in St Anne's Park in Raheny, a short stroll from the James Larkin coast road.  I was after shooting a wedding the day before in Kilkenny and we had decided that evening to go ahead pending Met Eireann's 'wet finger in the sky' forecast and all appeared well until a half an hour into the shoot and the the rain appeared!. So fiddlesticks and all the rest, we carried on, and to be honest it turned out well, Billy's wet dog adding some character to the shoot - he seemed to have delighted in the whole affair!. The shot taken which looks like a foggy background, was actual heavy misty rain and it is one of my favourites of the day as was a second shot of the railing taken with dripping rain.

Of particular interest was the rose garden which was part of St. Anne’s Park Rose Festival 2011 which was held a week later in St. Anne’s Park, Raheny on Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th July, 2011. The colors of the roses added a lively palette to the shoot, further enhanced by the diffused light of early morning.

Four hours later I was photographing Neil Delamere on the river Liffey for his new show "The Only Viking In The Village", which will be aired in a few months time - the weather could not have been more amiable. A busy but enjoyable two days of action packed photography.

We thank Sarah and Billy for being so easy to work with and we so look forward to photographing their wedding next year!.