What a day. We were blessed with the weather at St Finbarr’s Oratory, Gougane Barra. The lake was still, the mountains rolled back, and the little stone chapel glowed in the light. For a wedding of just 25 guests, it carried so much atmosphere — quiet, intimate, but full of joy.
The celebrations rolled on to the beautiful Seaview House Hotel & Spa, where every detail was handled perfectly. But for me, the best part wasn’t the sunshine or the scenery — it was Alan and Brenda stepping into their day completely themselves.
Brenda shone with the most natural, radiant smile. At first, her portraits carried that gentle fragility that often happens when the camera comes up — a mix of excitement and awareness. But as the minutes passed, she trusted me fully. With each frame her smile grew wider, more confident, more present. That trust is everything.
Alan was steady from the start, and the way he matched Brenda’s energy all day was something special. Together they owned every frame, every laugh, every quiet glance across the chapel, every squeeze of the hand at the speeches.
Editing these images later was a joy. And knowing what’s next for them makes it even better: just married, they’re off climbing Kilimanjaro at sunrise, then onto a safari in Africa, and finishing it all with a week on the beach. An epic honeymoon that perfectly matches the energy they bring as a couple.
Ceremony at St Finbarr’s Oratory, Gougane Barra 🌿
If you’ve ever been to Gougane Barra, you know it’s one of Ireland’s most iconic places to say “I do.” The tiny oratory sits on an island, surrounded by still waters and mountains that seem to hold the moment for you.
For Alan and Brenda, the chapel held not just tradition, but meaning. With only 25 of their closest family and friends, it felt personal and grounded. The laughter at the door, the stillness inside, and that moment when they walked back down the aisle as husband and wife — it was powerful in its simplicity.
If you’re planning your own wedding here, I’ve created a full Gougane Barra wedding photographer guide to show you the best ways to plan and photograph at this location.
Your Cork & Kerry Wedding Story
Many couples choose to celebrate across two counties — with a beautiful church ceremony in Cork and a lively reception in Kerry. It’s the best of both worlds: Cork’s historic charm meets Kerry’s epic scenery. I’ve photographed dozens of weddings that cross this Cork–Kerry border, and it always creates something unique.
Couples often say the same thing about their day:
“James fit in so well with the Kerry crowd he may as well put Kerry based photographer on his profile!”
“He was outstanding with my children… the photos turned out beyond what we could have imagined.”
“We’re over the moon with the photos — they capture us, not just the day.”
“A master of his craft, one of the best photographers in the country.”
“From the moment he entered the room, we were laughing — he changed my mood from bridezilla to relaxed.”
That’s the kind of feedback that keeps me going.
Why Choose JOD Photography
I don’t just move between Cork and Kerry on your wedding day — I help you enjoy it. I know the roads, the light, the angles, and I make sure you’re not worrying about logistics. You just enjoy the crowd, the craic, and the moment.
When couples ask about pricing, I keep it simple: fair, transparent, and no hidden extras. My packages start at €850 for smaller weddings and go up to €2550 for full-day coverage with albums included. You’ll always know exactly what you’re getting — no surprises, just honest value for work that lasts a lifetime.
If you’re planning a day split between the two counties, check out:
And if you’d like to see more of my work and what I offer:
Finally
To have someone capture the emotional rollercoaster of a wedding that moves from Cork’s quiet chapels to Kerry’s wild mountains is a privilege. My couples often tell me it’s like reliving the day when they open their album — the laughter, the nerves, the mad Irish weather, and the moments that only happen once.
If you’re crossing the Cork–Kerry line for your wedding, let’s make it a story worth keeping.
Portraits in Gougane Barra
After the ceremony, we took a few minutes for portraits around the oratory and lakeside. This is where Brenda’s smile really bloomed. Each shot became easier, lighter, freer.
The mountains stood tall, the reflections on the lake added depth, and the intimacy of a small group meant there was no rush. Alan and Brenda could breathe, laugh, and just enjoy the quiet in between hugs from guests.
These portraits show why Gougane Barra is one of my favourite places to photograph. The landscape does half the work, the emotions do the rest.
Reception at Seaview House Hotel & Spa
The celebrations moved on to Seaview House Hotel & Spa — a gem of a venue. With gardens, cosy interiors, and staff who care about every detail, it’s perfect for an intimate wedding.
The speeches had the room buzzing — laughter, tears, stories that will be told for years. The food was top-class, the setting warm and welcoming.
For a wedding of 25 people, it never felt small. It felt like every guest was part of the story. That’s the magic of intimate weddings: you remember every word, every face, every embrace.
The People Who Made It Happen
A wedding like this doesn’t just fall into place. Massive thanks to the crew who made the day flawless:
💇♀️ Hair – Amanda Gowers @amethysthairbyamanda
💄 Makeup – Jennifer Lenihan @thebridalartistireland
👗 Dress – Vows.ie
📹 Videographer – Ian @storybeginsfilms
🎂 Cake – Dawn Holland-O’Donovan @cakesbydawncork
💐 Flowers – Twig and Stem @twigandstem
🏨 Venue – Seaview House Hotel & Spa
To the guests — thank you for the warmth, the laughter, the kindness.
Why Intimate Weddings Work So Well
Some couples dream of 200-guest weddings. Alan and Brenda dreamed of something else: a small gathering of the people who mean the most.
When you have 25 people, everything feels amplified. The joy is bigger, the laughter is louder, the silences are more meaningful. For photography, it means every guest gets space in the gallery, not just background cameos.
If you’re planning something similar, you’ll find inspiration in my West Cork wedding guide and Kenmare & Sneem weddings — both ideal for small but unforgettable celebrations.
Linking to Other Wedding Locations
Alan & Brenda’s story ties into many of the places I work:
Gougane Barra’s lakeside charm? Compare it with Killarney weddings.
Seaview House in West Cork? See also Fernhill House & Inchydoney weddings.
Want cliffs & wild ocean vibes? Dingle weddings will stop you in your tracks.
Love luxury lodges like Seaview? Look at Sheen Falls Lodge weddings in Kenmare.
Dream of epic Ring of Kerry coastlines? Explore Ring of Kerry weddings.
By tying these together, couples can compare ideas and find what matches their vision.
Why JOD Photography
Alan and Brenda’s day shows what I aim for in every wedding:
Relaxed photography — you don’t lose hours in staged shoots.
Trust — fragile moments turn into strong memories when you know I’ve got you covered.
Experience — from St Finbarr’s to Seaview House, I know how to work with the light, the venue, the rhythm.
Fair pricing — check my wedding packages to see exactly what’s included.
Real connection — couples aren’t “clients” to me. They’re people whose story deserves to be told honestly.
If you’re planning your wedding in Gougane Barra, West Cork, or anywhere in Kerry & Cork, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch through my contact page and let’s see if your date is available.
