Ciaran O'Neill

Look at those two smiling faced. You would never think they they had to deal with musicians and the DJ letting them down and the wedding cars breaking down on the day. But they took it all in their stride and didn’t let it spoil their day.  And what a day they had. I have to say we laughed and had fun all day long, even during the showers. Here’s what Colleen and Sean had to say about the special day.

How did you first meet and get together?

Tell us about the proposal – where, when, how?

We got engaged in June 2021 on “The Boat Strand” – near Carrickfinn Beach in Co Donegal. We took a drive around the area, stopping at  a few places before getting to Trá an Bháid where we went for a dip in the sea. Seán got down on one knee on our way back across the beach. We went to Jack Murphy jewellers to choose the engagement ring a few days later.

Where and how did you choose your dress?

I choose my wedding dress from White Blossom Bridal in Warrenpoint. I had a style in mind but ended up mixing a couple of aspects from different Charlie Brear dresses together to create what I wanted. Danielle is the best in the business and I couldn’t recommend her more highly.

How did you find the experience?

Overall, we found the whole experience enjoyable. We didn’t get too overwhelmed and kept each other level-headed. I loved the organising and really enjoyed the process of designing our stationery myself. I would love the chance to do something like that again!

What was the best part of planning your big day?

We enjoyed seeing everything come together in the last few weeks, all our ideas becoming a reality. We also enjoyed every chance we got to visit Bellingham Castle. Its such an amazing venue and the staff are outstanding.

And the most stressful part?

The most stressful part was probably being let down by musician’s and also our DJ had to pull out only a few days before the wedding. But, everything happens for a reason. We couldn’t have been happier with all the musicians and the DJ we had on the day. They added so much the atmosphere on the day – everything turned out even better than we had planned. Finalising the guest list was also quite stressful!

How did the day go?

The day was so exciting and enjoyable from start to finish. We enjoyed every second – the time just flew.  The ceremony was lovely and the music added so much. The drive from Mayobridge to Bellingham was enjoyable and probably the only chance the 2 of us got on our own to chat all day.

The reception was lively and everyone got a chance to enjoy some time outside as the sun made an appearance. In the evening, the dancefloor was never empty – the party continued into the small hours! It’s true what everyone says, it really is the best day of your life!

Why did you book us as your photographers?

I had followed Ciaran’s work for a long time on social media and knew he is an award-winning wedding photographer.  Everyone was easy to deal with from day 1.

Were there any particular photos you loved (or hated!) getting taken?

We enjoyed getting our photos on the bridge out in the grounds of Bellingham Castle. We were probably getting bit tired of smiling for the camera by the time we got out night-time snaps – but so glad we did as they turned out lovely.

Do you think we, as your photographers, helped you enjoy your day?

Ciaran was amazing on the day. He was very easy to get along with and kept everyone laughing. He ensured we got our photos taken in between the rain showers and it worked out perfectly. We never felt rushed or under pressure

Were there any near disasters/funny incidents?

What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?

You will probably meet a few hiccups along the way and not everything will go to plan. Don’t get too annoyed and stressed about things that are beyond your control – just keep a level head and remember what the day is actually all about!

Better together in Tobermore

Tell us about the proposal – where, when, how?

Where and how did you choose your dress?

I got my dress from Verona Bridal in Magherafelt.  I had went to the appointment with my mum and Ryan’s mum and had tried on a few dresses that were beautiful but I just wasn’t completely taken by them. I then seen the dress on the mannequin that I had seen on their instagram a few days before and I just knew that I needed to try it on so I did.  When I came out of the dressing room I knew it was my dress. I just loved everything about the dress and how it made look and feel, I just knew it was the one.

How did you find the experience?

I had the best experience finding my dress. Verona was the second shop I had went too so I went to the appointment not really expecting to find the one. My appointment was with Cora and she was so nice and pulled dresses that she knew would suit my style and figure and with her help I got the dress of my dreams, without realising it was a Berta Bridal gown at the time.

What was the best part of planning your big day?

For us the best part was seeing how everything came together on the day. You plan everything out in your heads and hope it all will look nice and that everything will match. So to finally see it all come together is the best feeling.

And the most stressful part?

Had to be trying my dress on for the first time from I got it. I only had my beautiful baby boy in October so when my dress arrived in the shop I couldn’t try it on as I was pregnant. Thankfully the dress was a perfect fit and it all worked out.

How did the day go?

The day was absolutely amazing, it just went by far to quick.  Everything was exactly how we wanted it to be.

Why did you book us as your photographers?

We saw you at the Wedding Journal Show back in 2020 and we just loved the style of photos and albums. We loved how natural they looked and every time the photographer topic came up we found ourselves going back to your instagram and website so we knew we had to book.

Were there any particular photos you loved (or hated!) getting taken?

We got pictures taken out the front of the hotel after our meal, just Ryan and myself. We were only out for like 10/15 minutes but the pictures we got were absolutely beautiful and we just love them.

Do you think we, as your photographers, helped you enjoy your day?

Yes 100%. We had been down with Ciaran a few weeks before the wedding and had went through a list of pictures that we wanted taken like family and friends ones and then any particular ones that we wanted as a couple. This meant that on the day Ciaran knew what photos we wanted and he got them done so quick so we could get back to spend time with our guests.

Were there any near disasters/funny incidents?

What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?

To enjoy every minute of it and take a moment for just you and your partner to catch your breath because its true what they say, it goes by so fast. You are no sooner leaving for your service until it’s all over.