Wedding at Virginia Park Lodge – The Venue
When it comes to picturesque wedding venues in Ireland, Virginia Park Lodge in County Cavan truly sets the bar high. Nestled just outside the town of Virginia, this historic gem boasts breathtaking views of Lough Ramor and offers an exclusive-use experience that ensures privacy and charm for your big day. Alison and David made the most of this stunning venue on a crisp, sunny day, turning the lodge into the perfect backdrop for their unforgettable celebration of love. Their wedding was a beautiful blend of heartfelt moments, laughter, and plenty of craic, with every detail coming together seamlessly. As an Ireland wedding photographer, it’s days like these that make capturing love stories such a joy.
Virginia Park Lodge is a dream location for weddings, offering the freedom to explore its stately house and enchanting gardens. The venue can host up to 125 guests and provides elegant accommodations, including 23 en-suite bedrooms for up to 47 guests, 15 courtyard cottages, and 12 cozy two-person huts tucked away in the woods. These spots not only ensure your guests are comfortable but also create some of the most scenic settings for wedding photos.
The lodge is fully licensed to host ceremonies, giving couples the choice of exchanging vows outdoors in its romantic walled gardens or indoors in the bright, picturesque pavilion with stunning views of the lake. For those who prefer a traditional church ceremony, the surrounding area offers plenty of charming options, allowing you to return to Virginia Park Lodge for a stylish and lively reception. With its versatile spaces and breathtaking scenery, it’s a venue that truly delivers on every level.
A Civil Ceremony Full of Love and Laughter
The ceremony was made even more magical with live music performed by the brilliant Ukebox band. Their captivating melodies added an extra layer of emotion and joy, perfectly complementing the heartfelt words shared during the service.
The day kicked off with Alison and David’s civil ceremony at the lodge itself, starting at the perfect hour of 2 PM. With around 60 of their nearest and dearest in attendance, the intimate setting buzzed with warmth and excitement. Their celebrant, Connie, brought her A-game, delivering a ceremony filled with heartfelt words and a sprinkling of humor that had everyone smiling (and maybe shedding a few happy tears). Connie’s energy set the perfect tone for the day — heartfelt yet light, just like Alison and David.
Getting Wedding-Ready
Before the ceremony, Alison’s bridal prep was a little slice of glamour. Her stunning hair was styled to perfection by the talented Michelle O’Halloran, while her makeup was flawlessly executed by Zoe Clarke. Together, they created a look that was classic, radiant, and totally Alison. The bride’s elegance was only matched by her beaming smile as she walked down the aisle to meet her groom. (And let’s be honest, she probably also smiled at how great her hair stayed in place — a true Irish wedding miracle!)
Meanwhile, David got ready nearby at the stunning Loughcrew House, a venue as charming as it is historic. Surrounded by its breathtaking grounds, he and his groomsmen prepared for the day ahead in style, adding an extra layer of magic to the morning’s preparations. Rumor has it, the lads debated the tie-knotting technique more than the wedding vows. As a Cavan wedding photographer, it was such a treat to capture these moments in such a beautiful location.
Virginia Park Lodge: The Dream Venue
Virginia Park Lodge’s idyllic charm was in full bloom for the wedding. Ciaran and the team were nothing short of phenomenal, ensuring every little detail was handled seamlessly. From coordinating with vendors to ensuring guests felt welcomed and cared for, Ciaran’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Alison and David couldn’t stop raving about how accommodating and attentive the entire staff was throughout the day. Honestly, if Ciaran could manage Brexit negotiations, we’d all be sorted.
Floral Elegance
The lodge was beautifully decorated with floral arrangements from Absolutely Fabulous, and “absolutely fabulous” they were! From the ceremony space to the reception, every bouquet and arrangement added a vibrant touch of romance, tying the entire aesthetic together in the most breathtaking way. Guests couldn’t decide whether to take more pictures of the flowers or the couple!
A Vintage Ride That Stole the Show
And let’s not forget the stunning vintage car that made quite the entrance! This classic beauty wasn’t just any vintage car — it was David’s granddad’s 1981 Mercedes. The sentimental touch made it even more special. This timeless car didn’t just transport Alison and David in style — it turned heads and stole the show. Guests couldn’t resist snapping photos of the sleek, elegant car, which added an extra dash of glamour and a heartfelt family connection to an already magical day. (It also added a new level of pressure for guests choosing their wedding day transport.)
Wedding Pictures at Virginia Park
Capturing wedding pictures at Virginia Park Lodge is always a dream, and Alison and David’s day was no exception. As a Virginia Park wedding photographer, I was spoiled with the perfect combination of natural light, romantic florals, and the timeless elegance of the venue. Every moment, from the intimate ceremony to the scenic surroundings, was a picture-perfect opportunity that highlighted the couple’s love story. Plus, the guests’ impromptu poses were pure entertainment gold!
A Cake to Remember
No wedding is complete without a showstopping cake, and Alison and David’s was no exception. Created by the incredibly talented Clare Ann Taylor, the cake was a masterpiece of both design and flavor. It perfectly matched the elegance of the day and had guests raving with every bite. (Let’s be real — more than one person asked for seconds and quietly debated sneaking a slice home.)
Music to Match Every Moment
Dinner was accompanied by the soothing melodies of Fergus Nolan, whose piano performances created an elegant and relaxing ambiance as guests enjoyed their meals. Later, the tempo picked up as In Crows Vinyl took over for the nighttime entertainment. Their energy was infectious, keeping the dance floor buzzing well into the night. Even Uncle Tom, who swore he wouldn’t dance, was spotted busting a move — proof that this band can work miracles!
A Day to Remember
Every aspect of Alison and David’s wedding at Virginia Park Lodge was a testament to their love, style, and personality. From the intimate ceremony to the lively celebrations, it was a day filled with joy and connection. For me, as their photographer, capturing those candid, authentic moments was an absolute honor. Writing this Virginia Park wedding photographer blog post brings back all the wonderful memories of their special day.
To Alison and David: thank you for letting me be a part of your incredible day. Your laughter, love, and the way you both light up a room made my job easy. Here’s to many more adventures and a lifetime of happiness together!
