Destination Wedding in Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland

Kieran and Sinead wed on Oct. 1st in the Dingle Peninsula in beautiful Ireland.  This breathtaking location was home to not only their wedding day, but a weekend getaway before they said “I do.”  The bride shared with us how a very specific chain of events led them to their wedding locale.  “We both visit Co. Kerry in the southwest of Ireland regularly to escape some of the chaos of everyday life – loving the coastline, unspoilt scenery, relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals. We received a gift of a weekend break to Dingle had not been there for years. After weeks of deliberations over where to get married and not reaching any conclusion we decided to use this break away to sit down and think about what we wanted for our big day. Strolling around Dingle town we initially stumbled upon the beautiful St. Mary’s church and the thought of getting married there, then a discovery lead to the reception venue (Ballintaggart House) at the entrance to Dingle town run by a school friend, John. The following day we drove up the laneway to this beautiful 300 year old Georgian manner and were greeted by Rory the house dog an Irish red setter, John, roaring open fires, coffee and homemade brownies. John gave us a tour around and we immediately fell in love with it…there was no question about it dingle was to be the wedding location and this would be our wedding reception venue.”  It’s Irish tradition to place the Child of Prague statue outside the night before the wedding to bring good weather on the wedding day.  And so they did.  With just a little rain on the big day, the weather actually made for some incredible photographs outside of St. Mary’s Church.“After the wedding ceremony, we drove down a little laneway opposite the Ballingtaggart House to a secluded beach where we took pictures with our amazing wedding photographers and bridal party.  Initially both of us were quite anxious about this being very camera shy but it was handled so brilliantly it became a real highlight of the day. And even when the wind and rain started it did not take from the laughter and the beautiful landscape.”

One little prop sure does make a big impact in a photo like this!  Lovely!  Oh…and it protected the bride and groom from the elements too, of course.For the reception décor, the couple opted to let their surroundings inspire them.  “Our wedding was inspired by the beautiful countryside surroundings and Ballintaggart house. We wanted to make sure everything was in keeping with the area – simple and elegant, in a relaxed and comfortable manner. We both wanted a very homely and personal feel to our wedding day, just like what we experienced that first time we stepped foot in Ballintaggart House.”Hydrangeas and roses were carried throughout as a way to remember their grandparents who loved those flowers but were no longer with the couple to celebrate.  China tea cups were a symbol of the bride’s love of tea and water was served in old lemonade bottles, while a chalkboard represented the seating chart.  The cake was a mixture of the couple’s favorite things, “homemade biscuit cake with marshmallows, meringue and hazelnuts, carrot cake with a frosted cream topping and gluten free chocolate.”  An eclectic grouping of all the that they love, just as it should be!And of course, as nightfall came, under the stars and tent, dancing and even some champagne spraying fun was had by all!And when the big day was done, the couple opted for an extra special and a bit more casual shoot on location.  A great idea!  Take advantage of the area and time at a destination wedding and schedule an extra shoot with your photographer.  These photos came out just as wonderfully as the wedding images, but the couple will have a completely different set of photos to hang on their walls.

Congratulations Kieran and Sinead!

Destination Wedding Photographer: Solas Wedding and Portrait Photography

Wedding Vendors:  Wedding Dress: Pronovias, Wedding Ceremony Location: St. Mary’s Church, Wedding Reception Location: Ballintaggart House, Bridesmaid Dresses: The White Room, Wedding Cake: Cloudberry Bakery, Groom’s Attire: Sextons Menswear