MJ & Lucca’s Wild and Joyful Wedding at Loughrea Hotel & Spa – A Real Galway Celebration
Some weddings just hit different — and MJ & Lucca’s big day at the gorgeous Loughrea Hotel & Spa in County Galway was one of them. Wild weather, full hearts, and a hotel packed with love and laughter — this day had it all.
💄 Morning Prep – Laughter, Wind & Glam
The morning started wet and wild, but MJ and her crew were buzzing. In her suite at Loughrea Hotel, MJ was surrounded by close friends and family, and the energy was electric. The Galway wind was howling outside — but inside, it was all love and calm vibes.
Makeup: @cbeautywithfiona kept everyone glowing and smiling, cool as ever.
Hair: @gleamglowhair worked pure magic, creating natural, wind-proof styles with a smile.
MJ’s dress from @tdrbridalbirmingham was simply breathtaking — when she stepped into it, the entire room just stopped. That moment you dream of? This was it.
Curious what gear we used to capture this?
Here’s my full review of the Canon R6 vs R6 II for wedding photographers.
🤵 Lucca & The Lads – All Craic, No Stress
Down the road, Lucca and the lads were still laughing from the night before. The energy was unreal. They helped him into the suit, had a few sly jokes and sips, and made sure he was ready and looking sharp — full of confidence, suited and booted.
💍 Ceremony – Intimate, Honest, Full of Love
Led by the brilliant @mkceremonies, the ceremony was packed with laughter, heartfelt moments, and real emotion. You could feel the connection — not just between MJ & Lucca, but among the entire group. That room was full of love.
Outside, we battled the wind — but embraced it. The veil flew, the hair swirled, and the smiles got even bigger. That’s Ireland, and that’s what made this wedding even more iconic.
🎉 Party Time – Galway Style at Loughrea Hotel
The staff at @loughreahotelandspa were next-level — warm, efficient, and sound out. From the prep to the party, everything flowed effortlessly.
Florals: @pampasbox / @pampasboxweddings dressed the room in natural textures and timeless elegance.
DJ: @djlloydbracken brought the house down. He knows how to lift a room and had the floor packed from the start.
💬 Thank You
To MJ & Lucca — thank you for the laughs, the wind, and the trust. It was a joy to photograph ye.
To your friends and family — thanks for the craic and the welcome. Pure sound bunch.
To the team at Loughrea Hotel & Spa — top class, as always.
And to the brilliant suppliers who made it all come together:
💇♀️ @gleamglowhair
This was Galway at its absolute best.
– JOD’Photography
I’ve photographed weddings all across Munster — from candle-lit ceremonies in Gougane Barra Church to vibrant summer parties at Inish Beg Estate. I’ve worked in elegant venues like Ballyseede Castle, The Brehon Hotel Killarney, Maryborough House Hotel, and The Maritime Hotel Bantry, to scenic estates like Blackwater Castle, Fernhill House, and Fota Island Resort.
I’ve also covered unforgettable wedding days at The Radisson Blu Little Island, Actons Hotel Kinsale, Garryvoe Hotel, Vienna Woods Hotel, Trident Hotel Kinsale, Charleville Park Hotel, The Kingsley Hotel Cork, and Springfort Hall.
If you’re tying the knot in Clonakilty, Dingle, Kilkee, Adare, Kenmare, or along the Wild Atlantic Way — chances are, I’ve photographed there. Every venue and county has its own vibe, and I’ve learned how to adapt my style to suit the setting — whether it’s a grand ballroom, a coastal clifftop, or a rustic field in Tipperary.
Wedding photography in Munster is not just about photos — it’s about capturing real moments, working with Irish weather (and craic), and making sure your story feels as authentic as your day. And I’ve done just that at venues like Dunraven Arms Hotel Adare, Ferrycarrig Hotel, Woodlands House Hotel, Ballygarry Estate, Parknasilla Resort, and Aghadoe Heights.
No matter where your day takes place — I know how to find the light, the laugh, and the love in the middle of it all.