Ophelia Melita - Fashion City, Dublin
Ophelia Melita
A few shots from our visit to Fashion City, Dublin for John Campbell Fashions – his new Ophelia Melita range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if it rains?
I love the quote “ Life’s not about avoiding the showers, its about learning to dance in the rain”.
Some of my favourite images were created in “bad’ weather, but obviously the final choice is down to you.
We always discuss with our couples a ‘Plan B’ 🙂
How long does it take to get my photos?
I love it when clients ask this question!
We aim to have a “sneak peak” of your photos to you within 7 days.
Just imagine lying up on honeymoon looking at your fabulous wedding photos!
The rest of your images will usually be ready for you to view with 14 days of your wedding.
When we chat with you before the wedding we can arrange when and how you can view them though we always recommend coming to our studio and viewing them with us if possible.
That way we can help you make your decisions for your album.
I don’t want much fuss. Is it worth getting a professional photographer?
Absolutely, especially if you don’t want too much fuss or time wasted because we won’t just take photos.
We’ll be there to help you at every stage of the day.
We’ll be helping with flowers, fixing your dress and even entertaining the kids.
I can’t think of anything worse than wasting time on your wedding day with an inexperienced or disorganised photographer.
Who will actually take my wedding photos?
When you enquire about your date we will tell you who is available so you can chat with them and see samples of their work.
If both of us are free you can choose.
"Life’s not about avoiding the showers, its about learning to dance in the rain."
— Ciaran O'Neill
How much should I expect to pay for a wedding photographer in Northern Ireland?
I read recently the average price for in Northern Ireland is around £1500.
We are slightly more than that but when you see our images and our stunning albums, I think you’ll see why.
How long will you be there on the day?
That’s up to you but typically we start at the bride’s house and stay until you are called for dinner, until after the speeches or for the first few dances.
We can tailor your package to suit your needs.
Cabra Castle Weddings
Cabra Castle Weddings
The Hotel & Grounds
Where to start with such a beautiful castle? Arriving at the main entrance – you are just blown away by the surroundings. The grounds are immaculate and staff are incredibly attentive towards our couples. Sometimes, it works out that we need to get the ‘Castle’ shot straight out of the car, in this case the Piper holds off until the couple are ready. Inside, the drinks reception provides for a fantastic atmosphere. Whilst the guests are enjoying the drinks and canapés – we normally take our bridal party away for 10-15 minutes to use Mitsy’s Garden, or if the weather is struggling to control its temper – we use the main castle staircase and Gold room.
When using the gardens we try and move as quickly as possible. This is to minimise the time you’re away from your guests! Whilst Cabra Castle feels huge – to travel between locations is actually quite quick and accessible for brides (and grooms) in heels!
The Gold Room
The great JRR Tolkien once wrote: “All that is gold does not glitter.” This time, however, is not the case. One of the finest decorated rooms I’ve ever witnessed (it still beguiles me every time I go to Cabra) is the Gold Room at Cabra Castle.
Over the years, it has always been a sanctuary for our couples – either a bit of respite from the onslaught of well-wishers, or providing a stunning backdrop to family photos. Cabra recently upped their game and use it as a landing place for the bridal party to enjoy a bit of downtime with nibbles and drinks.
The Bridal Suite
The two bridal suites Cabra offer are equally stunning – however we tend to use the castle room as it lends itself more to photos. From the four posted bed to the Victorian style bathtub – photos and opportunities abound!
The Staircase
Is there a more dramatic staircase in Ireland? Perhaps…but this one has to be one of our favourites. So many opportunities present themselves from so many different angles.
Civil Ceremonies & Evening Time
We’ve been lucky to capture civil ceremonies inside and outside of the castle. These are very intimate ceremonies and allow us as photographers to blend in with the guests and surroundings as we capture those special moments.
The Gate house at the entrance of the Castle is an amazing space for hosting your bridal prep.
Night Time
Sports Car Photoshoot - Mourne Mountains
Maserati 3200GT Vs Porsche Cayman
Photoshoot for sports car owners in the spectacular Mourne Mountains
Killeavy Castle Weddings
Killeavy Castle Weddings
The Hotel & Grounds
Killeavy’s grounds are extremely well kept and get better every time we have the privilege of shooting there. The different seasons offer different photo opportunities – Autumn in particular provides a wealth of orange and red tones with the forest area just behind the car park. Our advice, go walking in the forest for some beautiful images…
We mentioned the Archway and tunnel earlier – it was originally used to transport food and drink into the main Castle. No matter the weather it is accessible – so if it is raining outside you can get into the tunnel and capture some stunning photos without getting soaked!
Gardens & Outdoor Opportunities
The Walled Gardens are getting better and better each time we visit. The pebbled walkways are clean and absorb water quickly, meaning if you get a break in the rain. you can use them shortly after without getting your dress dirty or soaked.
Photo Opportunities Further Afield
Main Hotel & Marquee
Civil ceremonies in the marquee are private and personal – allowing you and your guests the opportunity to enjoy a full day at the Castle without the intermediate travelling. The main hotel is modern and spacious.
The Castle & Bridal Suite
Night time
Darver Castle Weddings
Darver Castle Weddings
The Castle & Grounds
In the 15 years we have been shooting at Darver, they have never sat still and rested on their laurels (and we are not just talking about the plant!). They constantly update their interior design and their gardens to provide their guests with an amazing experience. When the weather is good (and sometimes bad!) we try and use every inch of the gardens – finding new and exciting shots every time we shoot there. It is all within walkable distance – meaning in a short period of time we can have stunning photos taken and have you back drinking bubbly (non-alcoholic options available) with your guests in no time!
Whilst keeping with the traditions of the castle – the interior is very stylish and current. There are so many different little areas to produce photos – so should your day be rained out entirely there is no need to worry.
Civil Ceremonies
The courtyard has hosted many a civil ceremony – these are always intimate and personal. I’m not sure why – but the emotion seems to be heightened at these ceremonies. I’ve been close to tears myself lol! This is what Darver Castle weddings do to you! Natural daylight floods through the quaint windows – making it easy for candid photos of the guests and our couples alike. This enables us to blend into the background and capture those special moments without being intrusive.
The Corn Field
So often at wedding venues we look for photo locations further afield in search of something different for our clients. With Darver Castle weddings this has never been necessary – the gardens and interior are so varied that we never recommend taking our couples and bridal party anywhere else. However, at a certain time of year (July/August normally) – one such opportunity arises and it doesn’t even have to take you off the beaten track. Not far from the Castle lie a couple of stunning cornfields. We even know the best place to park to capture some stunning images (as below). Just be ready to run in case the farmer catches us!! 🤣
Night Time
When the sun sets over the Louth horizon, it would be easy to think that no more photo opportunities could arise. But in actual fact, a whole new range of dramatic and contemporary prospects present themselves. Fear not the dark – embrace it! 🙂
