Kieran & Eva’s Wild, Windy & Wonderfully Warm Wedding in Kinsale
There are days that just stay with you. Not for the perfect weather or perfect timeline — but because the people, the laughter, the place, and the love all just click. Eva and Kieran’s wedding in Kinsale was one of those days.
From Windy Mountains to Wild Love
I first met Eva and Kieran in the Gap of Dunloe for pre-wedding photos. The sun was shining, the sky dramatic with cloud breaks, and yes — the wind was absolutely off its rocker. The sort of wind that doesn’t blow gently… it attacks. You can read that blog here
At one point, Eva’s hair wrapped completely around Kieran’s neck like some kind of wild floral scarf. We all laughed, tried to keep going, and eventually gave in to the chaos — down the mountain to the Black Valley, where the air was quieter and we caught our breath.
And even then, I knew — these two weren’t just easy to photograph. They were easy to be around. No drama, no fuss, just real connection and comfort with each other. That was Day One. Day Two would be even better.
The Wedding Morning – A Home, Not Just a House
I arrived to Eva’s family home, perched high above the Kinsale coastline, and was greeted by her dad, flat out washing the car. The first thing I see is two of Eva’s brothers legging it up the road, mid 5k run — on the morning of the wedding. Sure why not? Red faces, wind in their hair, and me wishing I had the cameras rolling.
Inside the house was exactly what a family home should be — warm, lived-in, full of stories. The walls weren’t blank, showroom-white. They were full of memories — school photos, graduation frames, baby pictures, drawings. You could feel the energy of a big family growing up here. There were 7 kids in total. Laughter. A few rogue cups of tea going cold. Everyone doing a job.
Eva, the youngest, was in the makeup chair with Charlotte O’Mahony working her magic. Charlotte has this gentle, calming way of chatting — you’d forget there was a wedding happening. Across the room, Lynsey O’Leary was styling hair, all smiles and steady hands. These two are brilliant — relaxed, kind, and so good at their work.
Outside we braved a quick champagne shot, even with the wind howling across the hill. Eva gave it a good shake and Cal Callaghan from On Track Films got absolutely misted with Prosecco. Fair play to him, he just said, “Got it!” and kept rolling. That’s a pro.
The Lads, the Laughs & a Bit of Bond
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.
Just down the road at Shearwater Apartments, Kieran and his groomsmen were suited up and laughing before I even got through the door. All in slick black suits — proper 007 vibes — and pure mischief in their eyes. We got the shots we needed (in between the joking) and then it was time.
The Church in Kinsale – A Ceremony of Two Families
The church was full of warmth. A local priest close to Eva’s family led the ceremony, and a Kerry priest friend came up to say a few words for Kieran. Cork and Kerry, side by side. It was simple, heartfelt, and full of laughter in the right places. No awkward silences. Just a room of people who genuinely knew the couple.
Curious what gear we used to capture this?
Here’s my full review of the Canon R6 vs R6 II for wedding photographers.
Charles Fort – The Wind Makes a Return
After the “I dos”, we made our way to Charles Fort, just visible from Eva’s parents’ home. It’s a stunning place — sea cliffs, old stone, and wild beauty. Of course, the wind made a grand return.
But you know what? That wind made the photos. The veil flew like it had a personality — wrapping around Eva, lifting behind her like a flag. You can’t plan that kind of movement. You just go with it. And we did.
Back to Actons Hotel — And Into the Party
At Actons Hotel, the garden was buzzing. The sun finally decided to stay put, the wind died down, and the pints flowed. Guests were in top form — it happened to be Cork vs Kerry in the football that day, so the banter was top class. Kerry won (surprise), but no one really cared. There was a wedding on.
The staff at Actons are brilliant. Honestly — fast, kind, and they’ve seen every curveball weddings can throw. It’s a class venue with real heart.
The Pat Fitz Story – Full Circle
Then the music kicked in — The Pat Fitz Band. Let me tell you something. I remember Pat Fitz as a teenager, back in Gallagher’s Bar in Cork City. He was 15, just a kid with a guitar, playing cover songs to packed crowds of tourists and locals. His dad used to drive him to gigs, carry his gear, and wait at the bar with a Coke while Pat lit the place up.
Fast forward 20 years — and here he is with a full band, one of the best wedding bands in Ireland, commanding the room with energy and soul. From Ed Sheeran to Irish trad to floor-fillers, he played them all. And the room moved.
Kieran and Eva’s first dance? Unreal. Guests were in a circle, clapping, singing, hugging. It wasn’t just a dance floor. It was a celebration of their story — wild wind and all.
Thank You’s From the Heart
To Eva & Kieran — you’re the kind of couple photographers dream of. Thank you for the laughs, the trust, and the memories.
To your families — for making everyone feel welcome, and for that unreal house full of love.
To the brilliant team at Actons Hotel, thank you as always for running the show so well.
To the suppliers who made the day sing:
Charlotte O’Mahony – Makeup
Lynsey O’Leary – Hair
Brides of Éire – Wedding dress
Daisy Chain Kinsale – Florals
Cal Callaghan / On Track Films – Videography
The Pat Fitz Band – Music, magic, memories
And to every guest — your energy made the day.