Ending the 2024 Wedding Season in Style
As the 2024 wedding season came to a close, Des and Allison’s New Year’s Eve wedding was the perfect way to wrap up the year. Unfortunately, the Irish weather had other plans—chaotic winds and unpredictable showers made their presence known. But despite the storm outside, inside, spirits were high, and the day was nothing short of magical.
Leo the Star of the Morning
The day started with a special surprise—Leo, Allison’s cat, an irresistibly fluffy ball of cuteness, who instantly stole the show. As a wedding photographer near you in Cork, I always love capturing unique moments, and Leo in his little tuxedo was too good to miss. While the wind howled over the hills of Kinsale, Allison and her bridesmaids were tucked inside the conservatory, getting ready with the stunning bay windows framing the town below. The energy was buzzing with excitement, and after a few playful moments chasing Leo for some adorable shots, it was time to turn the focus to the bride.
As Allison stepped into her breathtaking wedding dress from Milla Nova, the soft light from the windows wrapped around her, highlighting every elegant detail. She looked absolutely stunning—a vision of grace and beauty.
Real Reviews From Real Couples
The best way to understand what it's like having me photograph your wedding is to hear it from the couples themselves. These are genuine Google reviews from weddings across Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare and beyond.
Timmy O'Brien
James made us feel completely at ease from the very beginning. Everyone from the wedding was talking about him afterwards. Professional, relaxed and brilliant to have around all day. He is exactly the photographer you want beside you on your wedding day.
Bríd & Ger Counihan
James blended in effortlessly, brought the craic and made everyone feel relaxed. Every laugh, embrace and tear was captured naturally. The sneak peeks arrived the next morning and our gallery was delivered incredibly quickly. We'd recommend James in a heartbeat.
Sharon Murray
We are normally nervous in front of cameras but James made us feel so relaxed that we forgot the camera was even there. The photographs are incredible and we couldn't recommend him highly enough.
Anne Marie & Stuart
James captured every emotion of our wedding day with honesty and heart. The album is stunning and the photographs tell our story beautifully. His work is real, natural and unforgettable.
Megan O'Brien
From the moment James walked in everyone was laughing. Nothing felt posed and every smile was genuine. The surprise video and beautiful photographs were more than we ever expected.
Laura Barry
James felt like another friend in the room. He kept everyone relaxed, captured beautiful candid moments and delivered sneak peeks within hours. Our guests are still talking about him.
Wedding Photography Collections
Choose the coverage that feels right for your day.
Weddings don’t all run to the same timetable, and I don’t think photography should feel like it does either. These collections simply give you a starting point, from a smaller celebration to the full story of the day. Whichever you choose, I’ll photograph it in the same relaxed, natural way.
Small celebrations
Intimate
600
Small, simple and meaningful.
For elopements, civil ceremonies and smaller weddings where you don’t need a full day of photography, but still want the important people, moments and atmosphere remembered properly.
- 150+ professionally edited photographs
- Relaxed, natural storytelling
- Private online gallery
- Unlimited high-resolution downloads while your gallery is live
- Gallery available online for 3 months
Part-day coverage
Moments
850
The heart of the day.
For couples who want the excitement beforehand, the ceremony and everything that happens afterwards, without needing photography into the evening.
- 300–400 professionally edited photographs
- Relaxed documentary coverage
- Private online gallery
- Unlimited high-resolution downloads while your gallery is live
- Gallery available online for 3 months
- Folio presentation box with USB
- 50 professionally printed 6×4 photographs
Most Popular
Full-day coverage
Memories
1,450
The complete wedding story.
From the nerves and excitement in the morning to the dance floor that night. This is for couples who want the whole day remembered naturally, without turning the wedding into a photoshoot.
- 500+ professionally edited photographs
- Natural documentary storytelling
- Private online gallery
- Unlimited high-resolution downloads while your gallery is live
- Gallery available online for 6 months
- Folio presentation box with USB
- 50 professionally printed 6×4 photographs
Full day + heirloom album
Forever
1,950
Your wedding story, made to be held.
Everything you need from the wedding day, finished with a proper handcrafted album. Not something that lives on a screen, but something you can sit down with, pick up and keep.
- 500+ professionally edited photographs
- Private online gallery with unlimited high-resolution downloads while live
- Gallery available online for 6 months
- Handcrafted 30 × 30cm / 12 × 12" wedding album
- Up to 80 photographs designed into the album
- Your choice of beautiful album finishes
- USB included with your wedding album
The complete album collection
Eternity
2,550
One story. More than one home.
The complete wedding-day collection with your own handcrafted album and additional parent albums, so the story of the day isn’t kept in just one home.
- 500+ professionally edited photographs
- Private online gallery with unlimited high-resolution downloads while live
- Gallery available online for 6 months
- Handcrafted 30 × 30cm / 12 × 12" wedding album
- Up to 80 photographs designed into the album
- Your choice of beautiful album finishes
- USB included with your wedding album
- Handcrafted parent albums included
The album I keep coming back to
A wedding album should feel as good as the photographs inside it.
Forever and Eternity include a handcrafted 30 × 30cm / 12 × 12" wedding album, designed around up to 80 photographs from your day. You’ll have a choice of finishes, but if you ask me which one I’d choose, I’ll nearly always point you towards the Acrylic Prestige.
The crystal-clear acrylic cover gives the photograph real depth and the lay-flat design lets the story flow beautifully across the page. It feels substantial without being fussy, and it’s exactly the kind of album I want my couples to still be taking down from the shelf years from now.
No long wait afterwards
See a little of it while it still feels fresh.
I aim to share a small selection of sneak peeks as soon as I can after your wedding. If I’m not photographing another wedding the following day, that can often mean the very next day. Your complete gallery is delivered within 4–6 weeks, although, as many of my reviews mention, it’s often considerably sooner.
Your photographs are yours to keep
Download them. Back them up. Keep them safe.
Your private online gallery makes it easy to view, share and download your photographs in high resolution. Intimate and Moments galleries remain online for 3 months, while Memories, Forever and Eternity galleries remain online for 6 months. You can download as often as you like while your gallery is live. Once it arrives, I always recommend downloading the complete collection and keeping at least one extra backup somewhere safe, as the online gallery isn’t intended as permanent cloud storage.
Make it yours
Enhance Your Collection
Start with the collection that suits your day, then add only the things that genuinely matter to you. There’s no need to squeeze your wedding into a package just because that’s how the price list was written.
Talk to Me About Your Plans
Laughter & Banter with the Groomsmen
Meanwhile, down at Actons Hotel, Des and his groomsmen were in full swing, filling the room with laughter and playful banter. The jokes were flying, the energy was electric, and the craic was in full force as Des suited up. The staff at Actons were their usual incredible selves, ensuring everything was seamless. The hotel, adorned with festive decor and a beautifully lit Christmas tree, added to the magic of the day.
The groomsmen looked like they were auditioning for James Bond in their sharp suits from Morley’s Cork, while Des stood out in his stylish burgundy blazer from Red Church—a bold yet sophisticated choice.
Battling the Elements to Say ‘I Do’
With the weather still showing no mercy, guests quickly rushed inside the shelter of St. Catherine’s Church in Ardbrack, Kinsale. Allison arrived, and there was no time to waste—the wind wasn’t about to play nice with hair and makeup! The doors closed behind her, and the ceremony began—a beautiful exchange of vows filled with emotion and joy.
Curious what gear we used to capture this?
Here’s my full review of the Canon R6 vs R6 II for wedding photographers.
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.
Let’s Get the Craic Started
Whether you're planning a massive session in Cork, an elopement in Kerry, or a celebration somewhere further down the road, tell me everything. Share the details, the venue, the general plans, and exactly how camera-allergic you both are.
Why JOD Photography for Your Kinsale or Cork Wedding
Every wedding has its challenges — weather, light, nerves — and New Year’s Eve in Kinsale is no exception. But one thing couples tell me again and again is that they never have to worry about their photography. That’s what makes the difference.
From Clonakilty to Old Head, Inchydoney to Actons Hotel in Kinsale, I’ve been trusted by couples to capture moments that aren’t posed, staged, or stiff — just real. Allison & Des said it best after their New Year’s Eve wedding:
“From the moment James walked in, the whole room relaxed. He blended in with the guests, cracked jokes with the lads, and put me at ease straight away. Our album arrived within 10 weeks, and the quality was unreal. Fair pricing, amazing service, and photos that feel like us — what more could you want?”
Fair Pricing, No Surprises
Weddings in Cork and Kerry are expensive enough without hidden extras. My packages start at €850 for shorter coverage and go up to €2,550 for full-day with albums included. No surprise invoices, no hidden clauses — just honest value.
Reviews That Speak for Themselves
With five-star Google reviews, couples consistently mention the same things:
Relaxed, natural photography.
Fast turnaround.
Fair pricing.
Someone who actually cares about their day.
Those aren’t my words — they’re theirs.
Local Knowledge of Kinsale & Cork
Being based in Macroom means I know Cork inside out. Kinsale especially is one of my favourite places to shoot. I know how the evening light falls at Charles Fort, where to find shelter when the weather turns, and how to time portraits at Actons so you don’t miss your reception. That knowledge means you get your photos without losing time with your guests.
FAQs
How much does a wedding photographer in Kinsale cost?
Full-day packages in Cork range from €2,000–€4,000. Mine are €1,950 and include an album — no hidden extras.
Do you know Kinsale venues like Actons Hotel and St. Catherine’s Church?
Yes, I’ve photographed both many times and know how to work around the light, weather, and logistics so you can relax.
Can you cover weddings that move between Cork and Kerry?
Absolutely. Many couples split the day between counties. Being based in Macroom, I’m perfectly placed for both.
Do you deliver albums or just digital photos?
Both. Every full-day package includes a premium album, delivered within 10 weeks.
What makes your style different?
No stiff posing. I keep it natural, fun, and storytelling — so when you look back, you see yourselves, not a staged version of you.
A Celebration to Remember
Back at Actons Hotel, the celebrations kicked off in style. Des comes from a large family, and one of the most touching moments of the night was capturing him and his father surrounded by all the grandchildren—a moment that truly defines why wedding photography is so special.
The stunning floral arrangements, created by Wonderous Wedding Ireland, added an elegant touch to the venue, complementing the festive ambiance perfectly.
As the evening unfolded, the newlyweds took to the dance floor for their first dance. The room was filled with warmth and love as they held each other close, embracing the moment, surrounded by family and friends cheering them on. It was the perfect way to begin their journey as husband and wife.
The wedding cake, crafted by the talented Trace of Cakes, was a masterpiece, both in design and taste—a true showstopper. And to keep the party going, the incredible tunes of The Poor Boys Wedding Band had everyone on their feet celebrating into the early hours.
A Huge Thank You
A special thank you to Allison and Des for letting me be part of your incredible day. To the amazing staff at Actons Hotel, you were fantastic as always! St. Catherine’s Church in Ardbrack, what a stunning venue to tie the knot. A shout-out to the talented vendors who helped make the day extra special:
Hair: Lyndsay O’Leary
Makeup: Jamie Lee Davis
Wedding Dress: Milla Nova
Groomsmen Suits: Morley’s Cork
Groom’s Suit: Red Church
Flowers: Wonderous Wedding Ireland
Wedding Cake: Trace of Cakes
Wedding Band: The Poor Boys Wedding Band
Here’s to an unforgettable wedding and a lifetime of happiness for Allison & Des!