Beautiful Blackwell House
Blackwell House,5 Star Luxury Boutique Hotel, Northern Ireland
We recently had the pleasure of doing a photoshoot for Blackwell House in Scarva. Blackwell House is a luxurious 5-star boutique guesthouse nestled in the rolling countryside near Scarva, County Down, Northern Ireland. This award-winning retreat, run by hosts Edele and Alessio Rampa, combines warm Irish hospitality with refined Swiss-inspired precision, offering guests an elegant and tranquil escape.
Indoor Settings:
The Loft Suite: Features a private rooftop hot tub with uninterrupted countryside views, luxurious spa-like amenities, and a plush Super King bed, perfect for intimate and serene shots.
The Charleston Room: Offers period-style elegance with a freestanding bath and walk-in shower, providing a vintage ambiance for classic portraits.
The Orchard Room: Overlooks serene views of pear and plum trees, complemented by a designer bathroom with a freestanding bath and couples shower, ideal for romantic and tranquil imagery.
The Blue Room: Boasts panoramic countryside views and spectacular sunsets, featuring an authentic Victorian double-ended cast iron bath, suitable for capturing the golden hour glow.
Lily’s Room: Showcases an antique Barley Twist four-poster bed and cherished Irish heirlooms, offering a cozy ambiance and unique character for storytelling through photography.
Outdoor Settings:
Gardens and Orchard: The lush gardens and blooming orchard provide a vibrant and colorful backdrop, especially during spring when the apple trees are in full bloom.
Countryside Views: The surrounding hills and landscapes offer expansive views, perfect for wide-angle shots and capturing the essence of the Northern Ireland countryside.
Sunsets: Blackwell House is known for its stunning evening skies, providing a dramatic and romantic setting for evening shoots.
Whether you’re aiming for a romantic or nature-inspired break, Edele and Alessio offer a versatile and enchanting environment for a memorable getaway at Blackwell House.
Showcase Your Business at Its Best
High-quality photography makes a lasting first impression. Whether it’s your workspace, products, team, or brand story—professional images build trust and attract clients.
Get in touch if you’d like us to help elevate your business visuals.
New Price List
I’m delighted to introduce my New wedding Photography Price List, designed to make choosing the right coverage for your day simple and flexible. With three carefully designed packages, you can select the level of photography that best suits their plans — whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a full day with family and friends.
Each package is built to capture your story naturally and beautifully, preserving the memories that matter most.
Hand-made Italian Album Packages from £1595- £2495
https://ciaranoneill.photography/our-handmade-italian-album-packages
Digital Only Packages from £1095- £1995
https://ciaranoneill.photography/our-digital-packages
Ceremony Packages from £350
https://ciaranoneill.photography/ceremony-package
Bespoke Home Portraits
Bespoke Home Portraits by Ciaran O'Neill
New for Summer 2025, we are now offering a completely bespoke home portrait session. We will come to your home and photograph you and your family right there, in your beautiful home or garden. Perfect for larger three generation family groups, smaller intimate families or for special anniversaries, birthdays or as a gift for Mother’s Day. Gift vouchers are available.
The price for the session (including a stunning framed 20×16 inch wall enlargement, travel, the photoshoot, editing and showing the images in the same visit to your home) is £300. Other sizes of wall enlargements and prints are also available.
Personal Touch:
You can use your home’s unique decor, furniture, and personal touches as backdrops, making the portraits more meaningful and reflective of your family’s identity.
Convenience:
You can avoid the stress of traveling to a studio, saving time and effort. Everything is set up in the comfort of your own home.
Familiar Environment:
Being in a familiar space helps younger family members feel more relaxed, leading to more natural and authentic expressions.
Flexible Scheduling:
You can book the session at a time that works best for your family, whether that’s during the day when natural light is optimal or during the evening for a cozy ambiance.
Creative Freedom:
You can choose several locations within your home, such as the living room, garden, or even a cozy nook, providing a range of settings for diverse shots.
Inclusion of Personal Elements:
You can incorporate personal items, such as family heirlooms, pets, or favourite toys, adding depth and storytelling to the portraits.
Professional Guidance:
We can guide you in terms of poses and interactions, helping to bring out the best in your family and ensuring that everyone feels comfortable.
Time for Candid Moments:
With no strict time limits, we can capture spontaneous moments that highlight your family’s dynamics and interactions.
Post-Session Convenience:
After the shoot, you can easily review and select images without needing to coordinate travel to a studio for proofs or consultations.
Legacy Creation:
Timeless Keepsakes: The portraits taken in your home can become cherished keepsakes that capture your family at a specific moment in time, contributing to your family’s legacy.
Overall, having a Bespoke Home Portrait in your own home combines comfort, personalisation, and creativity, resulting in stunning images that truly reflect your family’s unique story and style.
Baby & Child Portraits
The Joys of Baby & Child Photography: Capturing the Littlest Smiles and Big Personalities...
If you’ve ever seen a baby’s first laugh or watched a child discover something new, you know why photographing kids is such a joy. Each session brings a fresh perspective, with every child bringing their own unique energy and personality. And as a photographer, capturing these fleeting, one-of-a-kind moments is truly magical.
Why 8-10 Months is the Sweet Spot for Babies
When it comes to photographing babies, 8 to 10 months is pure magic. At this age, babies are typically sitting up, curious, and full of expression – yet they’re not quite in the stage of speed-crawling away. They’re past the sleepy, fragile newborn phase, but they haven’t hit the super-active toddler stage either. By 8-10 months, their little personalities really start to shine – you’ll see big gummy smiles, wide-eyed wonder, and those hilarious baby giggles that light up a room.
The Beauty of Photographing Kids of All Ages
But, of course, the magic doesn’t end at 10 months! Photographing children of all ages brings its own brand of joy. Each age has unique characteristics that are an absolute dream to capture. Toddlers bring boundless curiosity, preschoolers come with wild imaginations and giggles, and older kids often surprise us with their confidence and unexpected wisdom. Every stage has its own charms, from silly facial expressions and big belly laughs to shy glances and mischievous smiles.
Childhood is a time of big feelings and bold expressions – that’s why, as a photographer, there’s so much beauty in capturing kids just as they are. From the most playful shots to quiet, reflective moments, photos of children radiate an honesty and energy that’s unmatched.
Tips for a Successful Kids' Photography Session...
1. Choose the Best Time for Them
Babies have a “happy hour,” often in the morning, when they’re well-rested and ready to explore. Older kids are often best after a bit of a snack or a run-around to let off some steam. The key is to work with their rhythms rather than against them, so avoid the pre-nap or post-school slump and aim for a time when they’ll be at their best.
2. Keep It Fun and Short
Kids, like us, have limited attention spans, so keep things lively and keep it moving. Plan for no more than an hour and fill it with playful prompts and silly games to keep the energy high. The best moments often happen in the first 30-40 minutes, so stay flexible and ready for anything.
3. Be Ready to Play
Kids love to be silly and have fun, so don’t be afraid to get playful with them. For babies, bring along toys that make noise or have bright colours to capture their attention. For older children, games like peek-a-boo, making funny faces, or a little dance-off can bring out the best in them. The more fun they’re having, the more natural the photos will be.
4. Capture Their Natural Style
Kids shine when they feel comfortable, so keep outfits simple and true to their style. Think soft pastels or earthy tones for younger children, and let older kids pick out a favourite outfit to help them feel relaxed. Simple clothing keeps the focus on their faces, expressions, and personalities.
Wrapping Up...
From babies just discovering the world to children bursting with confidence, photographing kids of all ages brings endless joy. Every stage has its own beauty – those sweet baby giggles, the wide-eyed wonder of toddlers, the silly playfulness of preschoolers, and the vibrant personalities of older children. Each session is a chance to capture a little one’s authentic self, preserving these special, all-too-fleeting stages of childhood.
So, if you’re thinking about capturing these precious years, whether it’s baby photos or portraits of your not-so-little ones, remember it’s all about creating memories. One giggle, one adventure, and one cheeky grin at a time.
"Each age has unique characteristics that are an absolute dream to capture"
- Ciaran O'Neill Photography
Leighinmohr House Wedding - Kelli & Ciaran
Kelli and Ciaran's Perfect Day...
Hello, wedding world! It’s your friendly neighbourhood wedding photographer here, back with another story that will warm your hearts and tickle your funny bones. This time, I’m taking you behind the scenes of Kelli and Ciaran’s magical wedding day. Trust me, it was a day to remember!
Setting the Scene
Let’s start with a bit about our lovely couple. Kelli, a stay-at-home mum, and Ciaran, an aeronautical engineer, both hail from Belfast. They met 20 years ago in June 2004 (yes, that’s right, two decades ago!) thanks to a little matchmaking help from their siblings. Four kids later, they decided it was time to officially tie the knot.
The Proposal?
Picture this: the serene ambiance of the Galgorm Spa, the first trip for our unsuspecting bride-to-be. Ciaran, ever the romantic, waited for the perfect moment to drop to one knee and pop the question. Kelli was floored, and not just because the spa robes are notoriously slippery. It was a surprise, a shock, and a perfect proposal rolled into one.
Dress Drama (Not Really)
Kelli’s quest for the perfect dress took her to Divinity Bridal, accompanied by her mum, her best friend Colleen, and her daughter Lucy. Ten dresses in, she found the one. I can only imagine the scenes in that dressing room—tears, laughter, and the occasional fashion show twirl.
Pre-Wedding Shenanigans
Planning a wedding is a bit like engineering a rocket—right, Ciaran? While the prep can be thrilling, it’s also nerve-wracking. Table plans, in particular, seemed to be Kelli’s arch-nemesis. But hey, they nailed it, and everything came together beautifully.
The Big Day
June 21, 2024. The weather? Perfect. The vibe? Electric. The ceremony was held at St. Agnes Chapel in Belfast, a stunning setting that complemented the couple’s love story. And let me tell you, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Picture Perfect
As their photographer, I had the honor of capturing every magical moment. My personal favorite? The intimate shots of Kelli and Ciaran in the chapel right after the ceremony. There’s something special about that quiet moment when two people realize they’ve just embarked on a new journey together.
Behind the Lens
Kelli and Ciaran made my job easy. They were naturals in front of the camera—no awkward poses or forced smiles here. They even managed to keep their cool when their youngest decided to photobomb a few shots (future model in the making, perhaps?).
Honeymoon Bliss
After the whirlwind of wedding festivities, the couple escaped to the Galgorm Spa and Resort for their honeymoon. A fitting choice, considering it’s where their engagement story began.
Words of Wisdom
Kelli and Ciaran have a nugget of advice for all you lovebirds out there: “Take in every single second. The day goes by so fast!” Wise words from a couple who knows a thing or two about savoring life’s precious moments.
Signing Off
To Kelli and Ciaran, thank you for letting me be part of your incredible journey. Your wedding day was a testament to love, family, and the beauty of a well-executed table plan. Here’s to many more decades of happiness, laughter, and the occasional dance misstep.
Until next time, stay romantic!
"Take in every single second. The day goes by so fast!"
- Kelli & Ciaran
Manor House Wedding - Aisling & Ciaran
Love in the Clouds: Aisling and Ciaran's Sky-High Adventure
Hey there, wedding enthusiasts and camera aficionados! Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of Aisling Barr and Ciaran McConvey, two lovebirds from the bustling streets of Belfast. As their trusted documentarian, I had the pleasure of capturing every candid moment, every heartfelt smile, and every quirky adventure on their journey to happily ever after.
Love at First Match: A Serendipitous Soiree...
Picture this: a fateful gathering where cousins, boyfriends, and best friends collide. Amidst the mingling and matchmaking, Aisling and Ciaran found themselves drawn to each other like magnets. Who knew a birthday bash could spark a love story for the ages?
Peak Proposal: Love Takes Heights...
Let’s start with a bit about our lovely couple. Kelli, a stay-at-home mum, and Ciaran, an aeronautical engineer, both hail from Belfast. They met 20 years ago in June 2004 (yes, that’s right, two decades ago!) thanks to a little matchmaking help from their siblings. Four kids later, they decided it was time to officially tie the knot.
Six Years Strong: The Road to “I Do”…
Six years of laughter, adventures, and shared dreams paved the way to their magical day. From Belfast to Lisburn, Aisling embarked on a quest for the perfect dress, ultimately finding her fairytale gown at Lauren Elizabeth Bridal. Sometimes, the dress finds you when you least expect it!
The Bliss of Planning: Celebrations and Smiles…
For Aisling and Ciaran, the journey to “I do” was a joyous affair. From selecting venues to crafting wedding booklets (with a touch of stress), every step was infused with love and excitement. But hey, what’s a wedding without a little last-minute chaos, right?
April 4th, 2024: A Day to Remember...
As the sun rose over Christ Redeemer Lagmore, Belfast, and set over Manor House Country Hotel, the stage was set for a day of magic and merriment. From heartfelt vows to lively celebrations, Aisling and Ciaran’s smiles never faltered. And let’s not forget the little ones, who added an extra dose of charm to the festivities!
Through the Lens of Love: A Photographer's Perspective...
As their chosen storyteller, I had the honor of capturing their love in pixels. From shaky walkways to natural poses, every click immortalized their unique bond. Laughter echoed, smiles abounded, and memories were made for a lifetime.
Words of Wisdom and Whimsy...
When it comes to wedding planning, Aisling and Ciaran have some sage advice: Keep it real, keep it fun, and don’t sweat the small stuff. After all, the day is about celebrating love, not perfection. So dance like nobody’s watching and cherish every moment!
Mini-Moons and Magical Moments...
After the whirlwind of their wedding day, Aisling and Ciaran embarked on a mini-moon at Farnham Estate, with plans for an exotic honeymoon abroad in the coming year. But for now, they basked in the glow of newlywed bliss, savoring every precious moment together.
And so, dear readers, we bid adieu to Aisling and Ciaran, two souls united by love, laughter, and a touch of Belfast charm. As their story unfolds in the pages of time, may it serve as a reminder that love conquers all. Until next time, keep smiling, keep loving, and keep snapping those unforgettable moments. Cheers to the happy couple! 📸💕
"Ciaran and I smiled from start to finish and just really enjoyed ourselves"
- Aisling & Ciaran