"Full Irish Wedding" - Caitríona's and Paudie's wedding in the West of Ireland
Over 20 years ago, I visited Ireland for the first time - by bike and big parts on foot. Today that would be a bit different though, but my passion for the small country in the wild west of Europe , however, is still unbroken. And so, every now and then I make a trip to the Emerald Isle - for among other things, a number of portrait- and after-wedding sessions, once for shooting my image film and often just for the fun of it.
During the many times I have been there I met many very kind people and therefore I was delighted by the inquiry of Caitríona and Paudie from County Clare, who wanted it have me as the photographer at their "wedding with a whimsical vintage feel". Of course I did that. And as expected the wedding of the two was in fact "fabulous".
Since a few weeks Caitríona and Paudie are proud parents of little Maisie and after a long time waiting also their wedding album has been finalized - a fineart album with grand 240 pages of wonderful natural uncoated paper. Alltogether, this is the ideal time and place show you the whole story - a complete wedding coverage with over 500 photos and so rather something for the curious among you. Enjoy! ;)
Oh yes, this wedding was also the first one with my OM-D (even if only in a supporting role) and so somehow crucial for my change to mirrorless cameras.
With a warm greeting to Ireland, to Maisie, Caitríona and Paudie - take care!
Fad saol agat, gob fliuch, agus bás in Éirinn!
Some words by the bride...
I was curious about all the details surrounding those two and their wedding. So I asked Caitríona about everything.
And here’s what she told me:
When and how did you meet Paudie?“We met 10 years ago in Doolin though a mutual friend, Philip. He likes to takes credit for getting us together, even though Paudie did the hard work!” “We hit it off straight away, he made me laugh! We have the same sense of humour and he is extremely generous, loyal and lovable.” How was the Proposal?“Paudie proposed in 2010 on the May bank holiday weekend 2 years prior to our wedding date, at home in the house we designed and built together he got down on one knee and it was perfect.” |
You’re part of a big family, right?“Oh yes! Paudie and I live together in the home we built, across the road from Paudie’s parent’s house. So it’s important to have family close by. They have been amazing, treating me like part of the family long before we were engaged or married.” “My parents have been married over 45 years now, they have seven children and eighteen grandchildren and Paudie’s parents have been married 36 years, have 3 children and 2 grandbabies.” “Together we really are a BIG family!!” |
What else can you tell us about your wedding?“We got married in 2012 on the May bank holiday weekend, 2 years after the proposal and only a few days after my parents 45thwedding anniversary - two incredible people who we aspire to be like in life and marriage, they’re setting an amazing example to follow.” “I’ve never been very traditional so when it came time to plan our wedding I looked for anything that was different and unusual, particularly vintage as my dress. I loved everything about it and Paudie wanted an old style suit with waistcoat and pocket watch so we decided on a wedding day with a whimsical vintage feel.” |
Links & Facts | The Wedding Vendors
I also asked about information on all the hard working people on this fabulous wedding - and Caitríona had much to say:
The ChurchWe selected the cute little St.John’s Church in Cratloe for our ceremony. It was simply fantastic! The ChoirThe ceremony was accompanied by the Shannon Gospel Choir - great people and awesome singers. The Wedding VenueThe Old Ground Hotel in Ennis catered for the good food and reception venue! They did a fantastic job, Especially the guys at the bar - they really had a hard time. The Wedding DressI was so thrilled with my wedding dress, I fell in love with it the minute I put it on. I found it in a vintage store in Dublin: The Wedding CakeI also made my own wedding cake, wedding cakes and 3D novelty cakes are a hobby of mine, affectiontaly known as Smarty Cakes! |
Hair and MakeupIt was pure chaos that day. We all were supposed to get our hair done at a hairdresser’s over in Lahinch, but I simply wasn’t happy with what I got. So we did it again at Doughmore with the whole family around. The MusicPaudie & I had 2 main priorities for our wedding day; good food and good music and “The Marvels” were the best! A Wedding PortraitBarbara gave us an amazing wedding portrait by Mr. Toontrait - lovin’ it! The Wedding StationaryI designed my own wedding invitations and stationary and with the help of my sister Maeve of Maeve Keavey Creations www.maevekeaveycreations.com together we created a new line for her business called ‘Caitríona Couture’ and its really popular! |
Ruffled RubyI couldn’t have done all the planning and preparations without my friends, particularly my bridesmaid Barbara. The Wedding PhotographerWell, how did we find our wedding photographer and why somebody from Germany? |
