Moments after the bride reached the groom after walking up the aisle, tears of pure happiness from the groom,
Your wedding day is coming up, and you want photos that actually matter—images that don’t just sit on a USB stick but live on your walls, in albums, and in your heart. I’m James, a wedding photographer in Cork, Kerry, and Ireland, covering everything from luxury wedding photography to elopement photography packages and intimate wedding photography. Whether you need a professional wedding photographer near me or a destination wedding photographer, I’ve captured it all. This isn’t some fluffy guide filled with generic tips; this is the real talk on choosing a wedding photographer who delivers every time. Let’s get into it.
Images define us. On a wedding day, emotions are everywhere—we look for every single one. As humans, we often put up a tough exterior, but inside, we’re fragile. And on a wedding day, a couple’s mind is racing with everything happening around them.
I love scanning the crowd, watching the parents of the newlyweds, waiting for those unexpected moments. So many times, a groom has told me, “James, I’m grand, move on to the women—they’ll be in floods of tears.” And for most of the day, he holds strong. But eventually, it all catches up with him. The emotions build, and when they finally spill over, they’re pure, raw, and honest.
These emotions make us human. Let’s never change that.
Father and daughter dance, that hug is getting tighter by the second, that is a hug you will never want to end.
Just before the groom began his speech, he paused, gazing at his wife, and overwhelmed with emotion, he broke down in tears. It was such a beautiful, raw, and real moment—one that captured the depth of love and emotion between them.
After adjusting his tie, the groom’s brother leans in and plants a kiss on his cheek. Just look at the small grin on the groom’s face—it’s a moment full of brotherly love and happiness.
The way this bride gazes at her new husband is filled with pure joy and love, a look that speaks volumes about the happiness and connection they share.
Just five seconds after walking down the aisle, the bride rushes to hug her soon-to-be husband, overcome with emotion, and breaks down in tears.
At Gougane Barra Church, as she spoke her vows, I caught a glimpse of her father watching his daughter, a faint, proud smile on his face. Absolutely priceless.
The father of the bride jokingly after walking his daughter up the aisle.
Bridesmaid, cannot finish her speech,
The way this groom is looking at his wife, Happiness !!!
Father turns around and sees his little girl in her wedding dress, this emotion is pure Love and Pride.
All Three bridesmaids, Happy tears.
Fathers reaction when he sees daughter in her wedding dress
Father, and two brothers of the bride, watching on as that little girl they knew is saying her vows, look at the look of Love within their eyes.
Beautiful wedding photography isn’t about stiff poses. It’s about emotion, real moments, and images that make you feel something. Whether you’re searching for candid wedding photography, elopement photography packages, or the best wedding photographers near you, the first step is figuring out what style fits you best.
Maybe you love:
Luxury wedding photography with golden light and stunning landscapes.
Candid wedding photography capturing the raw emotions of the day.
Artistic wedding photography with creative compositions and fine art touches.
Small wedding photography that focuses on intimate, real moments.
Elopement wedding photography where it’s just the two of you, somewhere stunning.
Look through wedding photos online, search for a professional wedding photographer who aligns with your vibe, and make sure their portfolio screams you.
My website is packed with moments like these—real, raw, and unscripted. Have a look. This is what weddings are made of.
Step one in finding your photographer? Figuring out the style that speaks to you. And here’s the truth—98% of a wedding is candid. We don’t, and can’t, pose every shot. But some photographers have an eye that can catch a moment from across a crowded room before it even unfolds.
A wedding is a storm of emotion—happiness, laughter, tears, that quiet pride in a father’s face, the kind of look that, 20 years from now, will break you down in tears because it takes you straight back to that exact second, to that exact person. That’s what I capture. That’s what lasts.
We Have covered step 1, find the style that you can see yourself in.
Let’s talk euros—because wedding photography prices are a significant part of your wedding planning. You’re not here looking for cheap wedding photographers who’ll hand you a pile of blurry snaps and vanish. You want quality—wedding photos that will stand the test of time.
Here’s how my wedding photography packages break down:
Moments Package – €850
Coverage from bridal preparations up to the meal, delivering 350-500 images. Includes a USB in a presentation box, individually edited photos, a private online gallery, pre-wedding consultations, and, weather permitting, drone photography and creative elements like smoke bombs. A folio box with a USB and a selection of 50 printed 6×4 images is also provided. All travel costs within the Munster area are included.
Memories Package – €1,450
Full-day coverage from bridal preparations up to the first dance and a few songs after, providing 500-750 images. This package includes all features of the Moments Package, plus extended coverage to capture the evening festivities.
Forever Package – €1,950
Comprehensive coverage as in the Memories Package, plus a 3-in-1 combo product that includes a full Photo Album, Photo Book Pro, a matching hand-crafted box, and a USB. The standard album includes 20 page spreads with up to 70 images, with options to add more spreads for an additional fee.
Eternity Package – €2,550
Includes everything in the Forever Package, plus two 8×8 parent albums. This ensures that your loved ones have their own keepsakes from your special day.
Vows Elopement Package – €600
Ideal for intimate ceremonies, this package offers 4 hours of coverage, delivering 150+ high-resolution images, and an online gallery. It’s perfect for a no-fuss “I do” anywhere within Munster, from Killarney National Park to Gougane Barra.
We’ve had our fair share of wild, back-to-back wedding weekends—thinking we’re younger than we are, only to feel it on Sunday! We’ve spent years running at full speed, capturing love stories non-stop, and while it was amazing, we’ve found a balance that lets us give each couple the attention they deserve.
Family is everything to me. My son is sitting his Leaving Cert soon and turning 18—big milestones. So, this year, I’ve taken a step back to be there for him. It’s a choice I’m lucky to make, thanks to my partner’s career, and it means that when I take on a wedding, I can give it 100%. No rushing, no burnout—just the best experience and photos possible.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who pours everything into their work, captures the real moments, and still has the energy for the dance floor shots, I’d love to be part of your day.
Step 2 the Investment- Covered
little soppy story, but I love the movie, Meet Joe Black, especially when Pitt meets the Jamaican lady in the hospital,
And he asks her if she has enough nice pictures to take with her,
And she replies “Yes”
If you know that movie you will know how powerful them words are for the scene they are said in.
I love that whole dialog, talking about memories, and having enough to take with us when we go. Its fragile,so powerful, and beautiful, Because life is all about creating enough pictures to take with us, beautiful memories that can travel you back in time, to a place, and make you feel everything you felt that day.
Images allow us to become time travelers
Your photographer will be by your side all day. Choose someone whose personality fits your vibe so that you feel comfortable and relaxed—whether you’re after fun, candid shots or intimate wedding portrait photography. On my website, I’ve dedicated an entire page to the heartfelt reviews from Brides, Brides’ Mothers, Grooms, Grooms’ Mothers, and friends of the newlyweds. These testimonials offer you an honest insight into the wedding photographer I am: fun, upbeat, and cheerful. I know you might have heard horror stories, but just read what past clients have to say. Their words truly speak louder than anything I could write here.
Step 3, Personality and Connection- Covered
Praise, The word “praise” holds a special meaning, especially during a Christian wedding. As I was taking photos, I realized how images have the ability to take us back to a certain time and place. I’ll never forget that moment when everyone bowed their heads and began singing songs of praise. It was so moving that I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Growing up as a Catholic in Ireland, it really touched me. These moments aren’t just pictures; they capture the love, faith, and sense of togetherness that means so much. This was a touching wedding. the groom in this moment is feeling the words, and seconds later he just throws his head back and sings the song of praise.
Praise
Hiring a professional wedding photographer isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about someone who understands the flow of a wedding day, can handle unexpected weather, and knows when to step back and let moments unfold naturally. Whether you’re looking for wedding photographers near me, a destination wedding photographer, or an elopement wedding photographer, choose someone who matches your energy.
Nerves
Research. I think this is the most important step—this and the reviews section. Let’s face it, you look at 20 of my images, and they’re awesome. You click “contact” and sign me up. But maybe I got lucky 20 times and created 20 awesome images over the years. I know they’re stunning, so I use them to promote myself. My style is my own—it looks like others, and elements of it, but the core style is mine. I’m forever perfecting it. I love some other photographers’ styles, some in Ireland and some all over the world, I think as photographers we are our own worst critics, at least we should all be.
But honestly, with very little research, I could find what you can’t see in images on others’ websites. I can see images that are slightly blurry when they shouldn’t be. I can find 20 of those in one gallery and say: his shutter speed’s off here, his lens isn’t good in low light, or he’s moving too much. I can find mistakes—of course, I can, I’m a photographer. Do your research. Check out their blogs.
Currently, right now, I’m moving from one website to this new one you’re on. More than 10k images to format, resize, and get up—years of work. I have to write so many blogs about weddings I never blogged about. I said I’d show enough images you wouldn’t see on a wedding photography website. I’ll add more over the months—change some out, change some in. But I’ll show you enough of my style that you won’t be thinking, “What type of photographer is he?” You’ll see it. If you see yourself in my images, then perfect. If you don’t, you’ll find yourself in someone else’s images—maybe they’re the right fit.
I try to have it all: great attitude, great personality, take awesome images of every kind—creative, documentary, candid—and keep the energy upbeat. But I’m not perfect. Here’s a tip: no one is. Every photographer just hopes they tick enough boxes. Writing this just now, the thought came to me—this should be Step 1. No more steps after all this truth I spilled out. Lol.
Just research, Use a desktop laptop or something, see the images on a bigger screen than a phone, look for what is off, check out their blogs,
Step 5, I think we are good with this one.
Connecting with your potential wedding photographer through a simple phone or video call can reveal a lot about their personality and compatibility with your vision. While their portfolio may showcase stunning images, it’s essential to ensure that their working style aligns with your expectations.
For instance, my life is bustling with two Belgian Shepherds—a Malinois and a Tervuren—and supporting my son through his Leaving Cert year. I don’t hide this; in fact, during our call, one of my dogs might make a cameo! This glimpse into my world can help you gauge if we’d be a good fit.
Taking a few minutes to chat allows both parties to assess compatibility beyond the photographs. After all, your wedding photographer will be by your side throughout your special day, so building a comfortable rapport is crucial.
Before you sign a contract, ask:
How many weddings have you photographed?
Do you have backup gear?
What happens if it rains?
Do you provide a wedding photo package with an album?
How do you approach wedding portrait photography?
Can I see a full wedding gallery?
The best wedding photographers will have clear answers.
Wedding photographers in Ireland get booked up quickly, especially in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Clare. If you’ve found a candid wedding photographer whose work you love, don’t wait—lock them in!
Wedding photography isn’t about just snapping pictures—it’s about capturing the emotions, the love, the madness, and everything in between. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement in Gougane Barra, a scenic wedding at Kenmare Bay Hotel, or a grand affair at The Kingsley Hotel in Cork, your wedding photographer needs to understand the weight of the moments they’re capturing.
If you’re looking for the best wedding photographer in Ireland—one who blends candid wedding photography, luxury wedding photography, and fine art wedding photography—then let’s chat.
📞 086 322 6492
📍 Covering all of Ireland: Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Dublin, Galway, Tipperary
📷 Visit my portfolio
Let’s make your wedding photos unforgettable.
When couples search for candid wedding photography, they often imagine a documentary-style approach—raw emotions, stolen glances, and unposed moments. And while some photographers specialize in this style, here’s the truth: every single wedding photographer shoots candidly at some point.
You simply cannot stage every moment of a wedding. Weddings are fast-paced, full of real emotions, unexpected laughs, and fleeting interactions that no photographer could—or should—control. From the bride’s nervous smile before walking down the aisle to the spontaneous dance floor chaos at the reception, candid wedding photography happens naturally in every wedding.
Even photographers who focus on artistic wedding photography or luxury wedding photography blend in candid moments. The best professional wedding photographers know when to step back and let moments unfold, ensuring your wedding photos feel authentic, not forced.
So, whether you’re searching for a candid wedding photographer near me, a destination wedding photographer, or someone who can create beautiful wedding portraits, know this: candid photography is at the heart of every wedding gallery. It’s not a trend—it’s the way we capture the real magic of your day.
How much does wedding photography cost in Ireland?
Prices vary based on experience and coverage. Expect to pay:
When should I book my wedding photographer?
Book at least 12-18 months in advance, especially for summer and weekend weddings.
What’s included in wedding photography packages?
Most wedding photography packages include full-day coverage, digital images, and albums. Some offer drone wedding photography, second shooters, and engagement sessions.
Can I get candid and artistic wedding photography?
Yes! Many wedding photographers in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary specialize in candid wedding photography and artistic wedding photography for a more natural and creative style.
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