Shane & Katie’s Kenmare Bay Hotel Wedding
Wind, Rain, and the Craic Was 90
Shane and Katie’s wedding day had a bit of everything — and I mean everything.
Rain threatening to lash, wind picking up along the coast, and one of those Kerry skies that changes its mind every five minutes.
I met Shane and Katie the year before at another wedding. Salt-of-the-earth people. Down to earth, genuine, and just sound. The kind of couple you know straight away will take whatever the day throws at them and roll with it.
Morning Prep – Calm, Craic, and Cereal Boxes
We arrived that morning at their newly built home with the rain always hovering — never fully committing, but never going away either.
I was teamed up that day with John O’Sullivan from Event Videography, and honestly, it’s always a pleasure working alongside John. He just gets weddings. More importantly, he gets people. Years of experience, calm presence, no fuss, and work that’s consistently top notch.
The lads were full of beans from the minute we walked in. Proper good form. Pranks flying early — including the bride’s brother presenting Shane with a box of cereal. An inside joke that had the whole place in stitches. The lads were relaxed, chilled, and just gearing up for a serious day of celebrations.
Over at Katie’s Family Home
At Katie’s family home, it was much the same.
“Will ya have a cup of tea or coffee lads?”
Era sure, go on.
No panic. No stress. Just chatting with Katie, the bridesmaids, the parents — snapping away quietly as the morning unfolded. Everyone calm. Everyone present.
That was until Katie stepped into her wedding dress.
Her dad popped his head around the door to have a look at his little girl in her dress — and that moment caught her. Just for a second. A small tear. One of those real, unforced moments that says everything. Katie gathered herself quickly, but it was a proper moment all the same.
When the Weather Plays Games
The weather haunted us all day. We were genuinely thinking outdoor photos might not happen at all.
Church done, we headed towards Kenmare Bay Hotel, stopping off at the Four Statues along the way.
And honestly — it was like magic.
It rained the entire drive. It rained while we waited. Then, just as we pulled in, the clouds parted. Instantly. The sky shifted colour. The rain stopped.
The wind was still wild, but when that happens you lean into it and go for it.
And fair play to Shane, Katie, and the bridal party — they’re made of hardy stuff. A bit of Kerry wind wasn’t going to stop them.
Myself and John were thankful for those few precious minutes outdoors. We made them count.
Kenmare Bay Hotel – Always a Pleasure
Then it was on to Kenmare Bay Hotel — and look, I’ll say this straight: the crew there are unreal.
They sent out a driver for the couple who knows Kenmare like the back of his hand. Sound fella. Always lending a hand, always watching what’s happening, always helping without being asked.
Inside the hotel, everything runs like a Japanese train — on time and smooth. The food is always top class. And as a photographer, I love being down there because the location puts you right beside so many photo opportunities, even when the weather is trying its best to ruin your plans.
A Savage Crowd & A Packed Dancefloor
Shane and Katie had assembled an absolute savage crew of guests. Plenty I’d met at other weddings, all up for the craic. Laughs at every table. The kind of atmosphere you can’t fake.
Danny O’Leary sang them onto the dance floor for their first dance — and within seconds the place was hopping. No warming up needed. Straight into it.
A Proper Kerry Wedding Day
An unreal day with unreal people.
Wind, rain, laughter — and memories made the hard way.
A proper Kerry wedding.
Thank You to Everyone Involved
A massive thank you to everyone who played a part in Shane & Katie’s day:
Venue: Kenmare Bay Hotel
Hair: Bridal by Honeybee
Makeup: Lotte Laure Colombine Makeup
Video: EventVideography.ie
Band: Danny O’Leary Music
Cake: Kenmare Bakes
And most importantly, thank you to Shane & Katie, their families, the Kenmare Bay Hotel team, and every guest who brought the laughs and good energy all day long.
Planning a Wedding in Kerry?
If you're getting married in Killarney, Dingle, Kenmare, Tralee or anywhere across the Ring of Kerry, you can explore my full Kerry wedding photography guide below.
I photograph weddings across the county in a relaxed, documentary style — capturing real moments without turning your day into a photoshoot.
