Sonia & Paul

We were Sligo-bound on Friday for  Sonia & Paul's big day in St Joeseph's and then The Clarion Hotel. Sonia's house is literally 200 yards from the Church as the crow flies. I was able to pop over and back several times in the build-up to the ceremony. Ger  was with me as second-shooter, and he put together a lovely slideshow for the guests to enjoy over dinner. As well as tears from the aunties at the emotional bits, it's always funny to hear the laughter from different tables around the room, as one of their number appears on the big screen.

The hoped-for clearance in the weather didn't happen, but  it didn't dampen anyones' spirits as we popped the umbrellas up and took a stroll on the headland at Rosses Point. Even on a sunny Summers' day, it can be wild enough up there, so it was an adventurous bridal party who braved the elements. We were in and out of the cars in 5 minutes, but to quote my friend and fellow photographer Mark Capilitan, "5 minutes outside is worth an hour inside". Very true.

Eamon filmed events in his usual discreet and witty style, adding to the craic on the day, and Dejá Groove  got the crowd on the dancefloor - it was good to meet guitarist Keith again - I photographed his wedding a couple of years ago.

Finally, there was one special guest absent on Friday - Sonia & Paul's beautiful Golden Retriever, Mavis, She came to Killaraght a couple of weeks ago, but had gone to the doggy hotel by the wedding day. She was represented on the wedding cake alright, but the icing model doesn't do her justice, so I've included one from the pre-wedding shoot.

Fiona & Niall - The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon

A beautiful morning greeted us on Friday for Fiona & Niall's wedding, which was an extra relief to Fiona's Dad Michael, who had lovingly tended his garden for the occasion. He was bringing the Child of Prague in as I arrived, confident it had done its job. Indeed it had - the daffodils and primroses were in full glory in the Spring sunshine. Speaking of flowers, Niall's sister Jacinta did a great job on the bouquets and the Church with some really funky arrangements.

As the groom was nearby, I was able to visit both houses before the ceremony. Niall even had time to introduce me to his prize heifers - triplets from last year - though only two of them agreed to pose for the picture. The Sacred Heart Church in Roscommon Town provided a spectacular backdrop to the ceremony, and Simon Casey added to the atmosphere, with his singing from the pulpit resounding around the arches.

Then it was back to The Abbey Hotel for a warm welcome from Adrian & Elaine. We walked around to the old ruins where there was plenty of fun and games as we took a few shots of the bridal party. Thady Kavanagh was alongside me, filming discreetly. The top hats just had to be used as props, and I couldn't resist posting the comical shot of groomsman Ciaran below. He looks like one of Charles Dickens' villains. Niall looks more like Hugh Hefner in the next shot, surrounded by such a bevy of beauties - he looks pretty happy there. Who could blame him? Fiona & Niall are off to Mexico, California and Vegas for the next few weeks. Sounds like a fantastic way to round off the big day.

Martina & Andy

After a welcome break to catch up on last year's workflow, I was back out for Martina & Andy's wedding last Saturday. It always feels a little harder when you're out of the groove - a bit like a footballer not being quite match fit maybe. So you hope for things to go smoothly to help ease you back in. I couldn't have asked for more than I got. Sunshine, a beautiful bride and bridesmaids, a great location at Forbes Castle, and working alongside Eamon from Big Apple and Trish & Emma from The Landmark (which has just won the Best Wedding Venue in Connacht Title at the Weddings Online Awards).

Champagne is usually the drink of choice on a wedding day, but for Martina & Andy it definitely takes second place. The apple is mightier than the grape in Ballinalee, and it was Bulmers all round. They even have their "own-brand" version.

Andy is a carpenter, and his skilled work was all around in their beautiful new house, though I don't think he expected to have to put his toolbox to use on his wedding day. But after the ceremony, a pin popped out of the seam of Martina's stunning Maggie Sottero dress. A quick pincer movement from Andy soon sorted it out.

A stop at the sun-soaked Forbes Castle means that when they look at their album in years to come Martina & Andy will find it hard to believe they got married in February and not August. By the time we got back to the hotel, the rain had arrived, but at that stage it didn't matter. Everyone's spirits were high and a fine set of speeches rounded off the evening.

Out With The Old, In With The New - Mella & Noel

It has taken me too long to post my last wedding of 2011 - maybe I just didn't want to say goodbye to what was a great year of weddings. Despite the poor Summer, of the 50 weddings I photographed, not one was rained off, and we managed to get outside for some photographs every time. Having a even a few minutes outside makes such a difference, so here's hoping for the same in 2012.

So, as the curtain came down on 2011, it was all happening in Fenagh on New Year's Eve.  Mella's house was calm and relaxed, with only flowergirl Ellie showing any signs of giddieness. It was the same at the Church. I'd say it would take a lot to faze Noel, and his groomsmen followed suit - they were like Cool & The Gang.

After a quick champagne stop outside McKeon's in Kesh, it was on to The Landmark where we squeezed in a couple of quick shots at the Shannon before twilight closed in completely. I stayed for the speeches before slipping away to be home for midnight, by which time Busy Fingers had the wedding party in full swing.