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! 🙂
Darver Castle Wedding - Eileen & Darryl
Our Wedding Journey...
Eileen McConnell, an accountant technician and Darryl Lipscombe, a contracts manager, both from Virgina, Co. Cavan got married in St. Matthews church, Maghera, Co.Cavan. They had the reception in the stunning Darver Castle.
How did you first meet and get together?
Funny story actually, we are next door neighbours my home house is to the right at the cross roads and Darryl’s home house is to the left. My brother and sister would know Darryl’s younger brother Keith but we didn’t know Keith had older brothers. We met on tinder January 2019 and had our first date 27th January after two weeks of texting.
Tell us about the proposal – where, when, how?
We had planed to go to Vietnam in the summer of 2020 but unfortunately with covid we had to postponed this trip. We had booked to go Gran Carinaria in July 2020 but a few days before our trip the government announced that Spain wasn’t on the green list. Darryl noticed that Italy was so he suggested we go to Venice. I was a bit unsure but as he told me it’s on the green list so its safe to go. It was the third day on our trip the Venice and Darryl had booked us a tour to go a gondola. I should have noticed that something was going on as he was acting funny and he was nervous, half way through the boat trip he got up and down on one knee and proposed to me. I was in complete and utter shock!
The Wedding Planning...
Where and how did you choose your dress?
I found my dress in My Fairlady in Monaghan. I was just having a scroll through Instagram and I noticed there page.
How did you find the experience?
I liked the style of dresses they had to offer so I book in for appointment just to see how things looked. I thought the dress process was going to be horrible but it was completely the opposite. When I went in December 2020 to my appointment Cera was lovely she sat down with me first of all and just spoke about what I think I would like and what I think would suit my figure. She listen to me, I told her I didn’t want a ballgown dress as it would kick out too much on me. She asked me to try one on first just so she could see and she knew exactly what I was saying. As I was trying on dresses she knew what styles would suit figure so was so patient and honest and what I loved the most she wasn’t pushy. They dress I actually said yes to that day I had a screen shot of it on my phone.
What was the best part of planning your big day?
I love that fact that every decision that was made me and Darryl sat down together and planned it. It was difficult planning a wedding during covid as we couldn’t visit venues and go see the bands live. We were really looking forward to having nights out and getting a feel of the bands but it ended up being hours on YouTube searching for live performance’s so we could get a feel of the band. We never got to see our band until the wedding day and to be honest all the hours scrolling definitely played off The Vinyl’s were amazing, exactly what we wanted.
And the most stressful part?
The table plan!!! You think you have it sorted and then one person drops out and you have to rethink some people and having no kids at the reception apart from immediate family.
The Wedding Day...
How did the day go?
Absolutely amazing, everything was just perfect. The whole day went far too quick. We can’t wait to see the photos and the video to relive it all again. The day just disappeared.
Why did you book us as your photographers?
We loved your Instagram page, how all couples looked natural, how the background and setting were used in photos that really stand out. We loved the off the cuff photos of people so really looking forward to seeing all the photos.
Our Favourites...
Were there any particular photos you loved (or hated!) getting taken?
I loved seeing to ones of Darryl getting ready. I wasn’t too sure on the one Ciaran took of me as I got a bit overwhelmed and started crying when I see the finish look, but looking at it now is fab, very raw. We love the couple ones and the different lighting, We like the fact the photos are natural and that we are not made to overly pose or keep smiling at Ciaran. Everything felt natural.
Do you think we, as your photographers, helped you enjoy your day?
Omg 100 percent, Ciaran was amazing from start to finish. He was so patient and we never felt rushed, he was also super quick with taking photos that we had time to go around and talk to people without being pulled aside for a long peirod of time. For the photos at the Darver I never had to look for my bouquet, he had them in his hand ready to go. He was just on the ball.
Were there any near disasters/funny incidents?
One of the bridesmaids dropped a sparkler on my dress, she grabbed it quick enough! I wish I knew to get my bridesmaids to tie up my dress for the first dance, it was hard to dance in it as it was getting caught around my ankles and Darryl was standing on it. Both of us were muttering to each other on the dance floor.
What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?
Enjoy every second of your planning, make sure you keep in mind that it is about you two as a couple celebrating your love and not about anybody else.
" Absolutely amazing, everything was just perfect.> "
- Eileen & Darryl
Quality Linen Products by Samuel Lamont
Quality bed linen products by Samuel Lamont
This was a shoot at New Forge House in Magheralin, outside Moira for Samuel Lamont, producers of fine Irish linens.
