From South Carolina to Blarney Castle: A Memorable Engagement Shoot

When Amber and Tanner reached out, I knew we were in for something special. This laid-back couple from South Carolina had made a quick stop in Cork, Ireland, to visit friends before jetting off to a wedding in Portugal. They figured, “Why not get some engagement photos while we’re here?” And honestly, Blarney Castle was the perfect place to make that happen.

So, I met them at the castle, camera in hand, ready to capture their story. I’ve been on a bit of a health kick lately – you know, eating better, getting in some extra steps, and just trying to stay quick on my feet for those long days behind the lens. By the time I left the house that morning, I had already racked up about 12k steps. But I knew there was more to come.

The Magic of Blarney Castle Gardens

If you’ve never been to Blarney Castle, let me tell you – the castle itself is iconic, but it’s the gardens that really steal the show. Sixty acres of beauty, with some areas that make you feel like you’ve wandered into a jungle, while others bring you face-to-face with ancient ruins and hidden caves. It’s truly a photographer's dream.

We started the shoot in the woods. Amber, being super chill, kicked off her Adidas and slipped into heels, ready to take on the adventure. It wasn’t long before we found ourselves wandering through all the beautiful spots the grounds had to offer. The Fern Garden, with its towering plants, made it feel like we’d stepped into another world. Then, we walked through the Herbaceous Border, where colorful flowers lined the path. The Great Trees stood tall, creating a stunning backdrop, and we even took a stroll past the Poison Garden (no touching the plants, though!).

Amber and Tanner were up for anything, which made my job easy. Their playful spirits shone through as we explored Rock Close, one of my favorite spots. This part of the garden has an almost mystical feel to it, with ancient stones and tree tunnels that made us feel like we’d stepped into a fairytale. We took full advantage, capturing some of my favorite shots of the day there.

But we didn’t stop at Rock Close – we kept going. From the scenic Broad Walk that seemed to stretch endlessly to the peaceful Water Gardens, we made sure to explore every corner of the grounds. Each spot had its own unique vibe, and Amber and Tanner were more than happy to take it all in.

Capturing Real Moments

One thing I love about photography is how relaxed it can be when you’ve got a couple like Amber and Tanner. Right from the start, they were super easy to talk to, and as we walked and chatted, it felt less like a formal photoshoot and more like a couple of friends hanging out.

My main aim was to have them pose and just let them talk away to one another, throw a few suggestions in there, and they would created the magic themselves. Walk and bump into each other, separate and pull back in, in doing so we capture the laughter,

And trust me, we covered some serious ground that evening. We walked over 6,000 steps during the session, exploring every corner of Blarney Castle’s gardens. By the end of it, we had looped back around, but Amber and Tanner were still full of energy – and I knew we’d captured something special.

Blarney Castle: A Photographer’s Dream

If you’re planning an engagement session or just looking for a stunning spot for some photos, Blarney Castle has to be on your list. The variety of the gardens alone is worth it – from the lush greenery of the Fern Garden to the calming atmosphere of the Water Gardens. Each area has its own personality, and there’s something new around every corner. Plus, the space is so vast that it feels like you’ve got your own private little world to explore.

Amber and Tanner made the most of it, and we got some incredible shots in so many different places. The towering trees, blooming flowers, and historic stonework made for some truly unique backdrops. Every part of the gardens has its own magic, and we captured it all.

Hugs, Laughter, and Looking Ahead

After two hours of walking, laughing, and snapping photos, we wrapped things up with hugs and good vibes all around. Amber and Tanner were off to continue their adventure, and I was left with some incredible memories and a camera full of moments that captured their love. By the time I got home, I had closed in on 20k steps for the day – a decent number to round it all off.

Amber and Tanner, thank you so much for letting me be part of your journey. It was a blast spending the evening with you and exploring one of Ireland’s most iconic spots together. I hope these photos bring you as much joy as I had capturing them.

For anyone else out there thinking about where to have your own engagement photos taken, Blarney Castle is definitely worth considering. It’s not just about the castle – it’s the gardens, the history, and the feeling that you’re somewhere truly special. You won’t regret it.