Cora and Sean's Mount Juliet Wedding by Aidan Oliver Photography

Cora and Sean are the perfect couple, and are honestly one of the most genuinely happy couples I have met in a long while. You'll see in the photos as you pan down the wedding collection. They were married in the postcard picturesque village of Inistioge, Kilkenny last October on a beautiful crisp Autumn day. Inistioge (the jewel of the west) is nestled in the Nore valley in which the river Nore winds an almost semicircle from Ballyduff to Woodstock and is surrounded by magical woodland and walks that take hours to complete, or you could just pop into the Woodstock Arm's, then O'Donnell's pub for a, (ahem!), coffee or latte. Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum, up the hill on the right is listed in Georgina Campbell's Ireland guide. You have many choices upon entering Inistioge, interesting ones, adventurous ones. 

The couple held their ceremony in Saint Columcille's Church in the village, literally side by side with St Mary's Church. Cora had asked for a shot of the empty church, i.e., before guests arrived and I always find solace in sussing out a venue pre arrival of the wedding party - it helps to create the framework in my mind for each and every individual wedding story. After a coffee in the quaint "circle of friends" cafe off I drove to Mount Juliet to meet the groom. Sean had stayed the night in Mount Juliet and was chatting to his Dad when I arrived. I captured a few photos of the Manor House and the groom with his Mum and Dad and headed off to Maidenhill, Kilkenny to meet the bride. 

Cora was as relaxed as can be and there was plenty to see and photograph so I watched and observed, took some time out to grab a few detail shots not forgetting to mention that her red dress was absolutely stunning, even more beautiful on Cora than I envisioned as it waited patiently upstairs. So unusual to see a bride move away from the norm, so refreshing. I wished them the best and headed back to Inistioge (yes, the miles were clocking up well!) to get guests arriving and see the lie of the land. There was plently of banter and Sean was enjoying being pulled left and right by his neices and nephews - they were as excited about the wedding as Sean. Cora arrived and most guests were settled in the church so a few adjustments (bride adjusting drivers necktie) and we were off. 

Ceremony over we grabbed some family shots in the village and then some relaxed couple shots agains the varied backgrounds in Inistioge. Back in the car we all headed to Mount Juliet where we took a few couple shots at the walled garden then they were chauffeured off back to the Manor as requested, and to enjoy the celebrations, the canapés and the people gathered. Spending time with their guests was a prerequisite and I just knew we had some lovely shots in the bag. I spent some time moving around watching guests engage in conversation and capturing this emotion. Speeches were pre-dinner and in the Manor House, the stairs providing the perfect arched podium for some very funny anecdotes. Dinner was called and guests took a stroll in the evening sunshine up to Kendals restaraunt. This is where the guests were treated to a real surprise with the food - it was a mixture of Moroccan, Italian and Irish food, cooked at stations, both laid out and also served to guests - the smells were enticing. You chose what you wanted, spoke to other guests regarding what they are getting and what might tickle your fancy. You could feel the energy in the room, people were excited about what to try next, and there was a giddy anticipation for more. There was of course a star dish, it being a succulent minature beef wellington that people kept going back for. I captured the atmosphere of this very personalised and entirely unique meal and headed back to Dublin. Cora did surprise me with a doggie bag of goodies for my trip home. I thanked them both for being such wonderful people.

I do wish Cora and Sean the very best for their future together they were made for each other.

Suppliers:

Photos: Aidan Oliver Photography

Venue: Mount Juliet

Dress: Miriam Rice

Grooms Suit: Louis Copeland

Makeup: Sarah Bateman

Hair: Antons hair Saloon

Church Flowers: Soah Flowers

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.

WEDDING FAIR WITH A DISTINCT DIFFERENCE

Delighted to be part of a very special Wedding Fair this Saturday/Sunday 20th & 21st February 2016 @ the Dean Hotel on Harcourt Street. See Press release below for more details...

WE DO @ THE DEAN

Wedding Showcase!

Saturday, 20th  & Sunday, 21st February 2016 12:00 – 4:00pm

Appassionata Flowers / Patrick Sheary / Grafton Barbers / Caiomhe Keane of Que-Va / Claire Barry / Trudy Hayes / Grace Flood of Cherry On Top / EF Creative Studios / Judy Wong / Aidan Oliver / Leanne Keaney / The Cake Cuppery / Designyard / DJs

The engagement ring is on. The wedding is ON! What next? If the idea of traditional Wedding Fair sends you into a spiral of dread then fear not. We’re on hand to help you out. We’re putting together our first ever Wedding Showcase at The Dean Dublin. Happening on Saturday, 20 February and Sunday, 21 February, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite friends to showcase their extraordinary talents so you can see how your big day could be.

We’ll have wine tastings. We’ll have some gorgeous canapes, a DJ spinning some tunes. We’ll have beautiful cocktails, and our expert mixologist will be on hand to chat to you about drinks options. Plus, our team will be there and happy to talk to you about all the possibilities.

So, banish thoughts of cocktail sausages and satin bridesmaid outfits. Come to The Blue Room at The Dean Dublin. Grab a cocktail and come and talk to the experts who will be on hand to answer any of your queries and show you their wares. We’ve handpicked some fabulous folk and we know you’ll love what they do.

We’ll have the amazing award winning Appassionata Flowers there, showing off some of their incredible displays. They’ve created a flower set for Barack Obama, dressed the CCD for Queen Elizabeth, made Christmas magic for Brown Thomas, put together tropical jungles, winter landscapes and worked with the likes of Christian Louboutin, Tiffany and Tom Ford to name a few. If you dream it, they can do it. They’ll be on hand to talk to you about all the possibilities for the big day in order to create flowers tailored to suit your tastes and personality.

For the gents, we are delighted to say we have one of Dublin’s most exclusive menswear specialists, Patrick Sheary’s Menswear, displaying some of their finery to check out. Patrick Sheary is renowned for his personal service, which has earned him legions of loyal fans. We’ll also be welcoming Bonagrew, a unique and sophisticated Irish accessories label, who craft simple and beautiful products inspired by the glorious colours of the garden. Their goal is to create well-made products that can endure beyond trends and be worn by any generation in any setting. These guys are the first and only Irish label with a signature white and black self-tie bow tie designed and made in Ireland using premium Irish linen.  Plus, the wonderful Grafton Barber will be displaying all their bespoke wares and packages for the groom/s and his party.

One of the leading names in bridal couture design, Caiomhe Keane of Que-Va, will also be with us on the weekend. She provides a bespoke designer service creating exquisite bridal wear and complimentary accessories her whimsical and romantic timeless creations with chic cutting edge style. Caiomhe incorporates her commitment to social and environmental responsibility into her creations collaborating with top master craftspeople and often using organic materials such as hemp, cashmere, silks, reincarnated materials such as recycled cashmere, vintage trims and hand dyed silks with ribbons, lace, crystals and hand painted embellishments in her bespoke couture inspired bridal designs.

For tresses, we have the incredible Claire Barry on Saturday. Claire also styles hair for fashion photoshoots, magazines and TV. She’s skilled in creating classic up-styles like the Chignon, the Audrey Hepburn, the Ballerina Bun as well as many red carpet looks and is a dab hand at creating vintage styles too, such as glamorous Hollywood Waves, 1920's Finger Waves and 1940's Victory Rolls. On Sunday, we’ll be welcoming the uber talented Trudy Hayes. She has worked on many publications such as Style, Image, Tatler, Noise, Vox, U, Stellar, Kiss, Totally Dublin, Life, Vouge.com, Irish Brides to name but a few. She has also worked with many leading designers and celebrities over the years and regularly works in film and TV and we’re only thrilled she’ll be with us!

Nail technician Grace Flood, owner of Cherry On Top, prides herself not only on beautiful, pretty and simple nail work, but also on keeping on top of the latest nail trends. She’s been recognised for her work across the globe, with shout outs from UK New Look Magazine, ASOS, Beyoncè's personal stylist Ty Hunter. She’s worked with brands like Rimmel, Sally Hanson,  Butter London, NYC,  and Isa Dora and looked after Beyoncè and Nicki Minaj’s dancers! Grace will be on hand (!) to talk to you about all your nail requirements

All about the face? On Saturday, we’ll have a leading make-up artist from EF Creative Studios on hand to discuss different looks for the wedding. EF Studio make-up artists have years of experience in fashion, TV and media. They make sure that you get the look that you want! The lovely Judy Wongwill be with us on Sunday. As one of Ireland's most recognisable faces in the make-up industry, Judy is seriously in demand! Working for everyone from Kanye West to Alexander McQueen, Judy will be showing you some tips and tricks, and will be happy to talk through what would suit for your wedding. 

What about capturing the moment? Fear not, we have 2 amazing photographers! Professional photographer and artist Aidan Oliver is all about telling a story. Specialising in capturing the excitement and happiness of your wedding day, as well as the intimate moments and little details that can really tell the true story of each couples celebration. Aidan will be with us on both Saturday and Sunday to talk to you about possibilities. Photographer Leanne Keaney mixes her background in photojournalism and Fine Art to create the perfect memories for your wedding day. Over the last 10 years she has become an expert at predicting when a bunch of guests are about to erupt with laughter or a groom is about to wink at his bride. At the end of the day you will have a collection of magical images to tell the story of your day. Leanne will be with us on Sunday only.

It’s all about the cake, too! Domestic Diva Cat Lawlor of The Cake Cuppery and her expert team, create bespoke cakes to suit all tastes. From traditional tiered masterpieces to mouth-watering miniatures, every creation is distinctive in design and truly delicious in taste. All her cakes are made with the finest fair trade and free range ingredients and decorated with handmade edible decorations. They want to bake your dreams come true! Cat will be around to talk ideas and show you some of her work.

Last but certainly not least, we’ll have Designyard, who have a well-deserved reputation for stocking the most beautiful contemporary jewellery in Ireland. Each designer is handpicked by Designyard and is a master designer – they work with more than 60 Jewellery Designers from both Ireland and abroad. They develop a special collection of rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings in precious metals and gemstones. These pieces are exclusive to Designyard and you cannot find them anywhere else on the high street.  Some pieces are even one-offs. They will be showing you some of their gorgeous pieces and can talk to you about jewellery options

Come and check out our first Wedding Showcase!

The Dean Dublin |  33 Harcourt St | Dublin 2 | Ireland

For more information contact Jenny Headen /  Jenny@pressup.ie / 0879815585

@thedeandublin

Michelle and Conor - Summer Wedding

Michelle and Conor were married in July this year in St Mary's Church Barrowhouse. Michelle had her bridal preparations in Portmarnock and headed off to Barrowhouse for the ceremony. The reception was in the Clanard Court Hotel which a few miles from the venue through the picturesque & busy town of Athy. 

This booking came as a result of photographic friends of theirs wedding last year, i.e, Eva and Gavin. I'll be posting this wedding soon as I was waiting for the ability to post a video inside the blog. 

All I can reiterate here is that this wedding was fun, absolute and utter fun, two people made for each other and so full of life. 

I particularly love the series of images that were taken on top of the bridge near the canal as. Conor saw a branch which was caught up in Michelle's dress which he removed. Being a tall lad and both being absolute characters the he removed this branch but not without this moment being translated into a fun scene - it made for the series of photos, a kind gesture turned into a photographic opportunity. This is what we as photographers see, opportunities at every corner, observing and documenting, the whole shebang. During our pre-wedding talks Conor mentioned to me that there was a field full of grain at the back of the hotel which was aching to be used for a couple of shots so fingers crossed we set out for a look and it was dry, phew...

Have a look at a selection of images of the day below to get a feel for the day as it unfolded. 

Supplier list:

• Venue: Clanard Court Hotel
• Photographer: Aidan Oliver Photography
• Church: St Marys Barrowhouse