A Magical Cork Wedding at the Radisson Blu Little Island – The Perfect Day for Johnathan & Sarah
18 years. That's how long Johnathan and Sarah’s love has been growing. Their bond is one of those special ones – the kind that gets stronger with each passing day. When it came time to celebrate, their wedding felt like a formality – a way to gather their loved ones for a day of joy, laughter, and plenty of Cork craic. It was, after all, about the love, and, of course, the craic—because that’s what Cork weddings are all about.
From the moment I stepped onto the grounds of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, I knew this was going to be a day to remember. As I made my way up the beautiful staircase of Ditchley House, a stunning building dating back to the late 1700s, I could already feel the magic. The house has this old-world charm, but with all the comforts of modern living – the perfect setting for a Cork wedding photographer to capture memories that will last forever.
I entered the bridal suite, and straight away, the bridesmaids’ energy was off the charts! Their banter had me in stitches—one of those moments that just scream “It’s going to be a great day.” You could feel the positive energy in the air, and if the girls were this happy, I could only imagine the fun the lads were having.
After a while, I hopped in the car and made my way over to Johnny’s family home. Walking through the door, I was greeted by the mother of the groom – “How are you, mum?” I asked. “Up to my eyeballs, boy!” she replied with a smile. Now, if that’s not pure Cork magic, I don’t know what is. That one-liner set the tone for the entire day – you just knew the craic was going to be flowing all day long.
One by one, the groomsmen arrived, each one adding their own unique character to the mix. These lads were all about fun, and they were ready to ensure the groom had the best day ever. That’s the type of crowd I love—rebellious, up for a laugh, and straightforward.
Johnny himself was just as down-to-earth. “Where do you want me?” he asked, always with a smile on his face.
Now, Johnny wasn’t one for the limelight, but you wouldn’t know it. He was up for it. He stood tall, smiled, and his boys egged him on, laughing all the way. Throughout the day, even though he wasn’t always keen on being in front of the lens, Johnny rolled with it and made sure we captured the best moments.
And then, there’s Johnny’s father—one of the funniest men I’ve met. Pure Cork humor – the kind of guy who’s always cracking jokes and keeping the energy light.
Back at the Radisson Blu Cork, the excitement was building. The bridesmaids were getting into their dresses, and little flower girl Ruby looked absolutely adorable in her mini wedding dress. She was a showstopper!
I was then invited in to photograph Sarah as she slipped into her wedding gown. As soon as the bridesmaids saw her, the room exploded with emotion. Tears flowed freely, and there was this overwhelming sense of pride and love as they gazed at Sarah, now standing tall in her stunning dress. There’s something magical about watching a team of friends support and celebrate a bride. The energy in that room was pure gold.
As the day went on, everything fell into place. Close to 200 guests gathered to enjoy the festivities, and the Cork wedding vibes were on full display. There was so much entertainment—from the wedding singer serenading Sarah down the aisle to the jazz musician who introduced the couple into their reception, to J90, the amazing wedding band that had everyone dancing until the very end. And then, of course, the DJ who took everyone on a musical journey through the years. It was one of those days where everyone was just so in the moment, enjoying life, and celebrating love.
A big thank you to the Radisson Blu Cork, to Johnathan and Sarah, and to all their wonderful guests for making this Cork wedding one for the books. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and memories that will last forever. Heres to 18 and many more years to come guys xxx
