Andrea & Darran

Dublin won in Croke Park yesterday, but there was also a big match for the Dubs last Saturday, as Southside and Northside united in Carrick-On-Shannon for Andrea & Darran's wedding. Bornacoola Church was the venue, with the post-match celebrations taking place in The Landmark Hotel. It was almost a double wedding, as Andrea and Darran stepped out of the spotlight briefly for Andrea's brother John and his new bride, Sujatha to receive a blessing from Fr O'Brien, after their recent marriage in Boston.

On the way back to The Landmark we dodged between the showers in Drumsna and Jamestown, not all that successfully, and with the wind and rain whipping off the Shannon, decided the shelter of The Black Mint Bar was a more sensible place to take some photographs than attempting to venture outside again.

Ciara & James

If every bride was like Ciara, the life of the wedding photographer would be an easy one. Not only beautiful, radiant and happy to be photographed, she was also the most punctual bride I've ever worked with. In fact, on several occasions throughout the day, I encouraged her to take her time or we'd be too far ahead of ourselves. My day started in O'Donohoe's of Abbeyknockmoy, where James had a little nerve-settling single malt in his Dad's pub, while contemplating the day ahead. We were soon joined by Sean himself, Brandy the Corgi, and Oscar the Dachshund.

As we headed off to The Lodge at Ashford, we were sent on our way by a trail of bonfires from Abbey out to and beyond Finn's Cross. I've seen this Galway tradition before, but never on quite the same scale. I even spotted one enthusiatic participant using a flamethrower attached to a Calorgas cylinder. Back at The Lodge we had a great laugh doing the photos in the grounds. Pageboy Adam found a frog which he presented to the Princess Bride - Ciara didn't have to kiss it to see if it would turn into a handsome Prince - she alrady had hers right by her side.

Deirdre & Gene

A nice local one for me next, just down the road to Croghan, across the N4 to Cootehall, and then up the mountain to Cromleach Lodge. There were two dogs at Deirdre's House, one old and friendly, and the younger chap below. One of Deirdre's aunts told me he was grand, a typical bark-worse-than-bite dog. So I went over to say hello. Big mistake, as he went ballistic. Deirdre's Dad Padraig appeared, and said the dog would "eat me without salt". I decided to retreat and leave it til another day to try my Cesar Millan techniques.

Fr Brian conducted the ceremony with his usual good humour and style, sitting in the congregation and letting the bridal party take the spotlight front and centre. After that, we got down to Lough Key for a few photos before heading on to the hotel where Nicholas & Christy provided the usual warm Cromleach welcome and the party began.

Jackie & Niall

This time of year, things always get hectic, but the way my weddings have fallen means that August & September have been manic. So it's hard to keep up with everything, the Blog has suffered a little bit, and I now find myself 4 Weddings behind. I'll spare you some of my usual guff, dear reader, and just get on with posting the pics instead.

Ger was with me for Jackie & Niall's wedding, looking after the lads beforehhand and putting together a lovely slideshow for the guests to enjoy over dinner in Castle Dargan. Donnacha, Ronnie, Donal & Dave - other wise known as Late Nite Radio - took it home from there.