Miriam and John at Ballybeg House

I photographed Miriam and John’s big day back at the very tail end of November. It was a cold and rather bleak day with hardly a drop of sunshine but for the setting for a day like that was perfect. John got ready with his brothers and father in a b&b near Ballybeg House and Miriam got ready in the infamous Grouse Lodge that’s nestled away in the Wicklow hills. Given that Miriam and John were going to have quite a late ceremony they decided to have a first look as there was going to be pretty much no daylight left after the ceremony and what a great idea that was. I’m such a firm beliver in First look sessions – the more I do them the more I wish they were far more common – especially in the winter months when daylight is at a minimum. John came up to Grouse Lodge to see Miriam and I just loved seeing the look on their faces when we had the big reveal – shock, excitement, joy, emotion and lots and lots of laughter. I don’t think Miriam will mind me telling the story of how I remember at the end of the session Miriam’s mascara was starting to run, not from tears of emotion – it was from all the laughing she was doing! I’ve had some seriously happy brides in my time but I don’t think I’ve ever photographed a bride who laughs and smiles as much as Miriam. And what a laugh it it is. It’s real throw your head back and belt it out stuff. I love it! You can’t help but be happy around her because her mood is utterly infectious.
Once the photo session was over it was on to the church for the ceremony with a priest that really should be on the stage and then to Ballybeg – which at this time of year couldn’t be any more inviting with it’s hot apple cider and trays and trays of moreish cocktail sausages welcoming you in.
I can’t thank Miriam and John enough for having me there to photograph their day – it was a non stop fun fest from start to finish and great to meet some familiar faces too!