Aileen and Michael’s wedding at Ballymaloe House in County Cork was an enchanting mix of elegance, Irish charm, and heartfelt traditions. Traveling from the UK with 120 of their closest friends, family—and their beloved dog!—Aileen and Michael were ready to celebrate in true Irish style, and Ballymaloe House delivered the perfect setting.
Ballymaloe House: A Dream Location for Wedding Photographers
For a wedding photographer, Ballymaloe House is a dream come true. With its ivy-covered walls, winding garden paths, and hidden nooks, every corner of this venue offers a unique photo opportunity. It’s as if every part of Ballymaloe was designed to tell a story, adding rustic charm to every shot. And with Aileen and Michael’s easygoing spirit, we captured stunning, natural moments around every bend.
An Arrival Full of Excitement (and a Furry Friend!)
Aileen and Michael’s excitement was contagious from the moment they arrived at Ballymaloe, made even sweeter by their four-legged friend who joined them for the big day. Their dog, much loved by family and friends alike, added that extra warmth to the celebration, greeting guests and trotting along the gardens like the unofficial wedding mascot. Ballymaloe’s friendly staff made sure everyone felt at home, including the furry VIP!
A Ceremony Rich in Irish Tradition
The ceremony was a perfect blend of elegance and tradition, held in Ballymaloe’s dining room, transformed into a romantic setting filled with flowers and candlelight. In a touching moment, Aileen and Michael included a traditional handfasting ritual, symbolizing their unity as their hands were bound together with a ribbon. The guests were captivated by the beautiful tradition, cheering as Aileen and Michael quite literally “tied the knot”!
And let’s not forget Aileen’s wedding dress—it was nothing short of spectacular. Flowing with grace and intricate detail, the dress added an extra layer of magic to the day. She looked every bit the Irish fairytale bride, glowing as she exchanged vows with Michael.
Weather Games: Sunshine, Rain, and a Whole Lot of Craic
Irish weather didn’t disappoint—it gave us a little of everything, from sunshine to clouds and the occasional drizzle. But Aileen and Michael embraced it all with smiles and laughter, making the most of every moment. We dashed outside for photos whenever the sun peeked through, capturing incredible shots in Ballymaloe’s gardens, and when the rain rolled in, we moved indoors to cozy up in the house’s charming corners. With Ballymaloe as the backdrop, rain or shine, we captured the magic.
An Irish Feast and Plenty of Craic
For the reception, Ballymaloe’s chefs put together an incredible feast of fresh, local dishes, giving guests a true taste of Irish hospitality. Toasts, laughter, and a bit of Irish storytelling filled the room, while a live band kept everyone’s feet moving. Ballymaloe’s staff made sure the drinks flowed, the food never ran out, and every guest felt like family. The craic was in full swing, with Aileen and Michael’s loved ones dancing well into the night.
Endless Photo Opportunities and Joyful Moments
Capturing Aileen and Michael’s wedding was an absolute joy. Ballymaloe’s grounds gave us endless photo opportunities, from garden paths to ivy-covered walls, and even a quick wander to the orchard with their dog happily tagging along. We had the craic all day, laughing our way through sun, rain, and mist, creating memories that were as candid as they were beautiful.
A Starry Farewell
As night fell, everyone gathered under the Irish stars, sharing final toasts to Aileen and Michael’s future together. Their journey from the UK brought them to a day filled with love, laughter, and a little Irish magic.
Being part of Aileen and Michael’s big day was an absolute pleasure—I truly had the craic from start to finish! Thank you, Aileen and Michael, for letting me capture your unforgettable celebration at Ballymaloe House. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and many more adventures together with your beloved dog by your side!
