When Shannon and John tied the knot in the stunning surrounds of County Kerry, there was no shortage of laughter throughout the day. With their closest family, friends, and their delightful daughter Síomha by their side, the day unfolded in a way that felt both intimate and joyously grand.
A Picture-Perfect Ceremony at the Old School
The day kicked off with a 2 p.m. ceremony at the Old School, located just across from Shannon’s family home. Stunning in its blue color, the building was an absolute showstopper. Let me tell you, this place was a photographer’s dream! The charming rustic details, paired with the natural light streaming through the windows, created a setting so photogenic that even my camera gave me a smug nod of approval. Surrounded by the love and laughter of their guests, Shannon and John exchanged their vows in a ceremony that was as heartfelt as it was gorgeous. Helen O’Sullivan, the celebrant, brought warmth, wit, and just the right amount of charm to make the ceremony unforgettable.
Toward the end of the ceremony, Shannon and John incorporated a unique tradition: jumping the broom., they even got Síomha involved. This brief but meaningful act is symbolic of binding a couple in marriage and represents wishes for their fertility and prosperity. It’s safe to say their guests cheered so enthusiastically, the broom practically levitated!
Maura’s Magic: The Flowers That Stole the Show
Speaking of gorgeous, let’s take a moment to appreciate the floral artistry by Maura’s Cottage Flowers. Maura worked her magic with blooms that seemed to have been plucked straight from a fairy tale. From delicate wildflower arrangements to bold, vibrant centerpieces, every petal seemed to tell its own story. The Old School and later the Skellig Hotel were transformed into botanical masterpieces – a fitting backdrop for such a beautiful day. Honestly, if flowers could smile, these ones would have been grinning from stem to petal.
Slea Head Adventures
After the ceremony, we headed out to Slea Head for photos, and wow – what a spot! The dramatic cliffs, the sparkling sea, and the lush green landscapes looked like they had been Photoshopped by nature herself. Even the weather played along, offering us sunshine and a soft breeze that made Shannon’s veil dance in the wind (in a very graceful way, not the “caught-in-a-bush” kind). Síomha even joined in for some photos, her cheeky grin adding an extra layer of charm to every shot.
At one point, John joked about eloping with a herd of sheep that wandered by, and honestly, they looked so photogenic that I wouldn’t have blamed him. But we convinced him to stay put – after all, Shannon’s laugh is way better than a sheep’s baa any day.
The Celebration at Skellig Hotel
The celebrations continued at the Skellig Hotel in Dingle, where laughter, love, and a lot of dancing took center stage. Nestled in the heart of County Kerry, Dingle Peninsula is truly one of the best places to elope in Ireland. With its breathtaking views, charming coastal villages, and rugged landscapes, it’s no surprise couples from all over the world dream of eloping to Ireland and choosing Dingle for their special day.
Overlooking the bay, the Skellig Hotel was the perfect spot to toast to Shannon and John’s future. The staff at the Skellig Hotel were absolutely incredible – professional, attentive, and effortlessly ensuring every moment of the reception ran smoothly. From the delicious food to the seamless coordination, they truly added to the magic of the day.
The evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, some questionable (but hilarious) dance moves, and enough craic to power all of Kerry. The band, Brass & Co, kept the dance floor alive all night with their incredible performances, making sure everyone had a blast. At one point, even I found myself tapping my foot – though I left the moonwalking to the experts.
As a photographer, days like this remind me why I love what I do. From the intimate moments shared between Shannon and John to the fun and energy of their guests, it was a privilege to capture it all. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventures for this amazing couple and their beautiful daughter, Síomha!
A massive thank you to Shannon and John for having me capture their big day in Dingle – what an absolute joy to be part of such a special celebration.
