Darver Castle Wedding - Orla & Steven

A Sunset Proposal and a Perfect Day: Órla & Steven’s Darver Castle Wedding

 

Some love stories unfold slowly, building from online chats to lakeside meetings to mountaintop proposals. For Órla and Steven, their journey from that first meeting at Camlough Lake to their wedding day at Darver Castle was filled with laughter, love, and all their favourite things.

From Camlough Lake to Forever
Órla, a primary school special education teacher from Newtownhamilton, Co. Armagh, and Steven, an operations officer from Banbridge, spent a few weeks chatting online before finally meeting face to face one Easter Sunday evening at Camlough Lake. Six years later, they would say “I do” surrounded by all their favourite people.
A Mountaintop Moment
The proposal came during that limbo week between Christmas and New Year’s—a time when the world feels suspended between celebrations. Steven suggested they walk up Kilbroney mountain to see the big stone, and despite Órla running late (as usual), they began their climb as the sun started to set.
“Steven was eagerly climbing with me somewhat a few steps behind,” Órla recalls with a laugh. As they reached the summit with the sun painting the sky, Steven told her he had one last Christmas present—and got down on one knee against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Finding ‘The One’ at Petticoat Lane
When it came time to find her wedding dress, Órla visited Petticoat Lane in Hillsborough with no clear idea of what style she wanted. Enter Paula, the consultant who would change everything.
“Paula was amazing,” Órla remembers. “She was the one who said, ‘I have a dress I think you should try.’ And that was the one.”
The moment was unforgettable. “When I first walked out in the dress, everyone had tears in their eyes and it was the first time I felt like a bride.”
Órla praises the entire experience at Petticoat Lane: “The ladies were so helpful and supportive. I really felt listened to and they were honest about how dresses would fit my shape.”
Planning Their Perfect Day
For Órla and Steven, wedding planning was about creating a day filled with their favourite things, hoping everyone else would love them too. “We loved planning all of it,” they share.
The most challenging part? “It was hard at times juggling wedding planning, building a house and working. But I wouldn’t change any of it.”

A Day That Felt Like Them
On 16th July 2025, Órla and Steven married at St. Michael’s Church in Newtownhamilton, followed by a reception at the stunning Darver Castle.
“The day was amazing, we couldn’t have asked for a better day,” the couple beams. “It was nice, chilled and ran smoothly just as we like to be in our everyday lives. It was wonderful to see all our favourite people gathered together, especially those who made the journey to travel home.”
Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Working with photographer Simon (from Ciaran O’Neill Photography) was a natural choice—he had photographed Órla’s brother’s wedding in 2018. “I remember how comfortable you made everyone feel and how wonderful the photos turned out, so we couldn’t imagine anyone else capturing us on our day too,” Órla explains.
For a couple who “don’t do photos,” they were pleasantly surprised. “Simon made us feel so comfortable, he was amazing especially with our crazy families,” they laugh. “We enjoyed them all, especially once we got the hang of the lingo. Simon made us feel so comfortable from the start it was easy to forget that we were even posing.”
Favourite Captured Moments
When asked about their favourite photographs, both Órla and Steven had clear answers:
Órla’s favourite: “It’s hard to tell as we’ve only had a sneak peek, but I’m excited to see how our photos under the archway turn out. I also love the photo with my parents at the doors of the chapel. It really captures us as we are, always laughing and messing with each other.”
Steven’s favourite: “I like the photo at the top of the aisle where you catch Órla giving me her ‘well’ look when we first see each other. I also like the photo where we are coming down the aisle as husband and wife.”

Dancing to Fleetwood Mac
For their first dance, Órla and Steven chose “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac—a timeless classic that perfectly captured the feeling of finding your person.
A Day That Felt Like Them
On 16th July 2025, Órla and Steven married at St. Michael’s Church in Newtownhamilton, followed by a reception at the stunning Darver Castle.
“The day was amazing, we couldn’t have asked for a better day,” the couple beams. “It was nice, chilled and ran smoothly just as we like to be in our everyday lives. It was wonderful to see all our favourite people gathered together, especially those who made the journey to travel home.”

Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Working with photographer Simon (from Ciaran O’Neill Photography) was a natural choice—he had photographed Órla’s brother’s wedding in 2018. “I remember how comfortable you made everyone feel and how wonderful the photos turned out, so we couldn’t imagine anyone else capturing us on our day too,” Órla explains.
For a couple who “don’t do photos,” they were pleasantly surprised. “Simon made us feel so comfortable, he was amazing especially with our crazy families,” they laugh. “We enjoyed them all, especially once we got the hang of the lingo. Simon made us feel so comfortable from the start it was easy to forget that we were even posing.”

Favourite Captured Moments
When asked about their favourite photographs, both Órla and Steven had clear answers:
Órla’s favourite: “It’s hard to tell as we’ve only had a sneak peek, but I’m excited to see how our photos under the archway turn out. I also love the photo with my parents at the doors of the chapel. It really captures us as we are, always laughing and messing with each other.”
Steven’s favourite: “I like the photo at the top of the aisle where you catch Órla giving me her ‘well’ look when we first see each other. I also like the photo where we are coming down the aisle as husband and wife.”

A Day of Smooth Sailing
The day went remarkably smoothly, with only one minor hiccup: the best man’s bow tie was missing a clip. But Steven’s father Frank quickly came to the rescue with a clever solution, manipulating a key ring to make it stay in place. Problem solved!

Words of Wisdom
Órla and Steven’s advice for couples planning their wedding is simple and heartfelt:
“Do what makes you happy. Everyone is there for you, so as long as you’re happy they’ll be too.”
A Greek Getaway
After their perfect day, Órla and Steven jetted off to Rhodes, Greece, for their honeymoon—the ideal way to begin their married life together.
From an Easter evening at Camlough Lake to a sunset proposal on Kilbroney mountain, from tears at Petticoat Lane to laughter at Darver Castle, Órla and Steven’s wedding was a beautiful reflection of who they are—relaxed, genuine, and surrounded by love. Their day was filled with all their favourite things and all their favourite people, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Congratulations to Órla and Steven! Thank you for trusting us to capture your special day, just as we did for your brother’s wedding in 2018.


Georgia and Turlough signing register in St Patricks church Derrymacash by Ciaran O'Neill

Lurgan Golf Club - Georgia & Turlough

From Best Friends to Forever: Georgia & Turlough’s Lurgan Golf Club Wedding

Bride under her veil in Lurgan Park by Ciaran O'Neill

Some love stories begin with a spark. Others begin with friendship. For Georgia and Turlough, it was the latter—a connection that started at a wedding in 2018 and blossomed into a love that would last a lifetime.
A Friendship That Became Forever
Georgia from Derrymacash and Turlough, a classroom assistant from Belfast, met at a wedding seven years before their own special day. “We have been best friends since,” Turlough explains. “We have pretty much grown up together.”
After years of friendship and love, Turlough knew exactly where to propose. He chose the stunning Silver Strand in Delphi, County Mayo—a long, beautiful beach where he asked Georgia to be his wife. It was the perfect setting for the beginning of their next chapter.

Finding the Perfect Dress
Finding the Perfect DressFor Georgia, finding her wedding dress was a truly special experience. She chose Perfect Day in Lurgan, where Bernie and the team helped her find “the one.””Bernie and the girls were so helpful and kind in helping me select the perfect dress,” Georgia recalls. “10/10, a really lovely memory.”Planning the Big DayLike most couples, Georgia and Turlough found wedding planning to be a mix of excitement and stress. The most exciting part? “Booking our honeymoon was really exciting,” they share. The most stressful? “Definitely the invites were a bit stressful.”But through it all, they kept their focus on what mattered most—celebrating their love with the people who meant the most to them.FFor Georgia, finding her wedding dress was a truly special experience. She chose Perfect Day in Lurgan, where Bernie and the team helped her find “the one.”
“Bernie and the girls were so helpful and kind in helping me select the perfect dress,” Georgia recalls. “10/10, a really lovely memory.”
Planning the Big Day
Like most couples, Georgia and Turlough found wedding planning to be a mix of excitement and stress. The most exciting part? “Booking our honeymoon was really exciting,” they share. The most stressful? “Definitely the invites were a bit stressful.”
But through it all, they kept their focus on what mattered most—celebrating their love with the people who meant the most to them.
A Perfect June Day
On 19th June 2025, Georgia and Turlough tied the knot at St Patrick’s Derrymacash, followed by an intimate reception for five at Lurgan Golf Club.
“Our wedding day was perfect,” the couple beams. “Everyone said they had a lovely time and the food was amazing.”
The day was blessed with gorgeous weather, making their photo session in Lurgan Park a surreal and beautiful experience. “We were so blessed with gorgeous weather,” they remember.

A Morning to Remember
The day didn’t start without a bit of drama, though. On the morning of the wedding, Turlough was driving to his house to get ready when disaster nearly struck. “I blew a tire after a piece of masonry fell off a quarry truck and hit my car,” he recalls. But even this unexpected hiccup couldn’t dampen the joy of the day ahead.

Captured Moments
Working with photographer Simon (from Ciaran O’Neill Photography) was a highlight of the day. “Simon absolutely helped us enjoy our day and relax,” the couple says. “He was always telling us to just enjoy because it goes past so quickly. He has a great sense of humour.”
The couple chose Ciaran O’Neill Photography because of their “stellar reputation as fantastic photographers,” and they weren’t disappointed.
When asked about their favourite photograph, Georgia and Turlough didn’t hesitate: “The photos of us meeting at the top of the aisle are our favourite. It’s nice to see captured the moment we spent so much time planning and stressing over.”
Dancing Into Forever
For their first dance, Georgia and Turlough chose “I’ll Be Here in the Morning” by Townes Van Zandt—a beautiful, heartfelt song that perfectly captured their commitment to one another.

Words of Wisdom
After their perfect day, Georgia and Turlough have some advice for couples planning their own weddings:
“We would say just relax and enjoy the day for what it is. You can’t control everything. It’s all worth it on the day.”
It’s advice born from experience—from a blown tire on the morning of the wedding to the stress of invitations, they learned that the unexpected moments don’t define the day. What matters is the love you’re celebrating and the people you’re celebrating with.
A Greek Adventure
After their beautiful wedding day, Georgia and Turlough jetted off to Rhodes, Greece, for their honeymoon—the perfect way to begin their married life together.
From best friends to husband and wife, Georgia and Turlough’s wedding was a celebration of a love that grew naturally over seven years. Their day at St Patrick’s Derrymacash and Lurgan Golf Club was filled with sunshine, laughter, genuine emotion, and all the beautiful moments that make a wedding truly unforgettable.

Congratulations to Georgia and Turlough! Thank you for trusting us to capture your special day.


Beechlawn Hotel Wedding - Rachel & Peter

Rachel & Peter...A Love Story 12 Years (and One Rogue Seagull) in the Making

Some love stories start with a grand gesture, others with a twist of fate. Rachel and Peter’s? It all began at a house party, where fate (and possibly a bit of alcohol) played matchmaker. Twelve years, countless memories, and one perfectly timed New Year’s Eve proposal later, they stood before family and friends in St Paul’s Chapel, ready to say, “I do.”

A Proposal with a Bang...

Peter, knowing that timing is everything, got down on one knee just as the fireworks lit up the sky on New Year’s Eve, four years to the day before their wedding. Talk about dramatic effect! While most people were making resolutions they’d forget by February, Rachel was saying yes to forever. And honestly, that’s a way better way to start a new year.

"Memories that will last a lifetime that were caught perfectly in the moment"

— Rachel & Peter

The Dress (and the Bridesmaid Saga)...

Rachel’s hunt for the dress took her to Perfect Day in Lurgan, accompanied by her two sisters. “It was a dream come true,” she said. “The most exciting part of planning my big day!” The bridesmaid dresses, on the other hand? Less dreamy, more decision-making nightmare. “It’s hard enough keeping one girl happy, never mind five!” she admitted. But, as with all things wedding-related, it all worked out in the end—after a few deep breaths and possibly a glass (or three) of wine.

The Wedding Day...

31st December 2024. A day filled with laughter, happy tears, and just a touch of chaos. “It was one of the best days of our lives,” they said, and honestly, I could see it written all over their faces. The love, the joy, the slight panic when they realised the rings were missing 😂

Oh yes, let’s talk about that.

There’s a version of this story where a fearless seagull swooped in, stole the wedding rings, and led a heroic chase across Ballymurphy. And then there’s the real version, where Peter simply put them in the wrong bag and forgot them on top of the fridge. “Easily done lol,” he admitted. Crisis averted, vows exchanged, and one very relieved groom lived to tell the tale.

"We knew what pictures we wanted to keep and cherish for the rest of our lives ❤️"

— Rachel & Peter

The Photos & The Party...

The newlyweds were kind enough to say I was a “pillar of stability” on their big day, which is a fancy way of saying I kept them calm, cracked a few jokes, and made sure they didn’t look like deer caught in headlights in their photos.

Rachel loved the pictures at the chapel with their nearest and dearest—memories caught in the perfect moment. Peter, meanwhile, was all about the big bridal party shot. “The people who helped make our big day come together,” he said, proving that it really does take a village (or at least a well-coordinated group chat) to pull off a wedding.

Then came the reception at Beechlawn Hotel, where the first dance to Take My Hand by Picture This kicked off a night of celebrations. Love, laughter, and a few questionable dance moves were in full swing, proving that weddings are best enjoyed with a little bit of madness.

Advice from the Newlyweds...

Rachel and Peter’s words of wisdom? “Remain calm and don’t care about anyone else—it’s your big day. Things will all work out.” And if that’s not the perfect wedding mantra, I don’t know what is.

Happily Ever After...in Paris...

With the wedding rings (eventually) safely on their fingers, they jetted off to the city of love, Paris, to start their next chapter. If their wedding was anything to go by, it’ll be filled with laughter, adventure, and maybe just a little bit of mischief.

Rachel & Peter, it was an absolute pleasure capturing your day. Wishing you a lifetime of love, laughter, and slightly fewer seagull-related incidents!

"Remain calm and don’t care about anyone else—it’s your big day. Things will all work out!"

- Rachel & Peter


Four Seasons Carlingford Wedding - Niambh & Darren

Niambh & Darren’s Wedding – A Love Story with a Dash of Laughter

If ever there was a wedding day filled with love, laughter, and a few slightly muddy shoes, it was Niambh and Darren’s. From the moment I stepped into their homes on the morning of their wedding, I knew I was in for a treat. This wasn’t just a wedding—it was a day of celebration, teamwork (shoutout to Darren’s dad for the homemade shortbread favours!), and a love story that had been years in the making.

How It All Began...

Niambh and Darren’s story kicked off in 2018 when fate (and a very determined personal trainer) decided to play matchmaker. A few gym chats later, a little patience on Darren’s part, and a lunch date in Armagh set the wheels in motion. Mini golf, cinema dates, and bowling quickly followed, and by early 2019, these two just knew—they were in it for the long run.

Fast forward to Easter Monday 2023, when Darren popped the question in one of their favourite places, the Four Seasons in Carlingford. It was private, intimate, and completely perfect. So perfect, in fact, that it became the very place they chose to tie the knot.

"Our day was absolutely perfect – we wouldn’t change a thing."

— Niambh & Darren

The Wedding Day...

On October 18th, 2024, Niambh and Darren said their ‘I do’s’ at St. James’s of Jerusalem, Mullaghbrack before heading to the stunning Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford for a reception to remember. From the start, the morning was calm (no dramatic nerves here!) and filled with excitement.

The ceremony was beautiful, featuring heartfelt readings from their nearest and dearest (including their adorable niece and nephews). The love in the room was only matched by the energy on the dance floor later that night—because when The Professionals feat. Joe started playing, there was no stopping this crowd.

The Highlights...

The day was packed with incredible moments, but a few stood out:
📸 Niambh’s reaction walking up the aisle—sheer happiness as she locked eyes with Darren.
🎮 A trip to the arcade, where the newlyweds got some epic photos inside the guestbook booth.
And, of course, the grand reveal of the Mr & Mrs Arsenal jerseys and Darren’s legendary ‘football contract’ surprise. (Yes, Niambh, this contract is legally binding—marriage and Arsenal fandom are for life now!)

"Simon was more than a photographer – from carrying my dress to cracking jokes, he made the whole day feel effortless and fun ❤️"

— Niambh & Darren

A Bit of Mud Never Hurt Anyone...

Now, no wedding is complete without a little adventure. Carlingford’s scenic beauty came with a touch of rain, which meant one thing—Niambh’s dress got a little… let’s say, ‘earthy.’ But fear not! Armed with some trusty wipes, and later, the heroic efforts of the Four Seasons’ housekeeping team, her dress was back to its pristine glory just in time for the evening photos. Disaster averted!

The Photography Experience...

From the moment I arrived, my goal was simple—capture the magic while keeping things fun and relaxed. Whether that meant carrying the train of the dress, putting on bracelets, or removing my shoes to avoid dirty footprints, I was all in. Darren and Niambh made my job easy; they were naturals in front of the camera, and their genuine joy shone through in every shot.

A Piece of Advice from the Newlyweds...

“The cliche is true—the day goes by in a flash. Enjoy every single moment. Do the planning together, make time for each other throughout, and don’t stress the small stuff. The only thing that matters is standing at the top of that aisle, looking at the person you’re about to spend forever with.” ~ Niambh

Happily Ever After…in Dubai!...

To top it all off, Niambh and Darren jetted off to Dubai for their honeymoon, where the only decisions left to make were whether to lounge by the pool or explore the city. (Something tells me Darren may have tried sneaking in a bit of football-watching, but we’ll let that one slide!)

Final Words...

Niambh and Darren, your day was an absolute joy to be a part of. The love you share, the fun you bring to every moment, and the way you simply ‘click’ is something truly special. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and maybe even a few more Arsenal-themed surprises along the way!

"Darren’s surprise Arsenal jerseys and football contract made for the funniest and most unexpected wedding photo 😂"

- Niambh & Darren


Clanard Court Wedding - Kristina & Sean

Kristina & Sean’s Wedding – The Best Day Ever!

From the moment I met Kristina and Sean, I knew their wedding was going to be something special. These two are the definition of laid-back, and their entire wedding day reflected that—no stress, just pure joy, a whole lot of love, and a few unexpected laughs along the way!

A Love Story That Started With a Snapchat

Kristina and Sean grew up in the same area and even went to the same secondary school, but their love story didn’t kick off until Sean sent a random friend request on Snapchat. (Who knew that was the start of forever?) From that moment on, they just clicked, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Fast forward to March 2nd, 2023, when Sean popped the question at The Johnstown Estate. He had secretly scouted the perfect spot days before, waiting for the right moment. As Kristina admired a beautifully decorated hut and joked about getting married there, she turned around to find Sean on one knee. After a solid two minutes of shock-induced silence (and a few happy tears), she finally said yes!

"We just had the best time celebrating with all our favourite people."

— Kristina & Sean

The Big Day – 5th October 2024...

Kristina and Sean tied the knot at Clanard Court, Athy, Kildare, and what a day it was! The morning kicked off early for the girls with hair and makeup at 6:30 am, while the lads had a well-deserved lie-in and even managed to sneak in a relaxed café breakfast. (Typical!)
Their ceremony at 2:30 pm was filled with personal touches, including the incredibly talented Kala (Kristina’s best friend) on vocals and Aoife Hennessy on piano. The love in the room was undeniable, and before they knew it, they were officially Mr & Mrs Farrell!

"Ciaran was absolutely brilliant on the day— we couldn’t have asked for a better photographer!❤️"

— Kristina & Sean

The Highlights...

📸 Favourite Photos – For Kristina, it was the beautiful shot of her, Sean, and their two boys Callum and Tadhg. For Sean, it was the elegant fireplace shot of the two of them together. Both are absolute winners in my book!
🍰 The Cake Disaster – Every wedding needs a little drama, right? In this case, the wedding cake didn’t quite survive the journey. When Sean opened the car door… let’s just say it wasn’t looking its best. Thankfully, the incredible team at Clanard Court saved the day by getting it sorted at a local bakery, and by the next morning, the cake was looking as good as new.
💃 The Dance Floor Madness – Their first dance to Goo Goo Dolls – Iris was a beautiful moment, but once that was over, it was party mode. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a dance floor fill up so quickly!

Working With Kristina & Sean...

From the moment we met, these two were an absolute dream to work with. From our first Zoom calls to our meet-ups in the studio, they were so easy-going and full of fun. On the day, I made sure to keep things relaxed and natural—capturing the moments without being intrusive. Some of the best shots are the ones where they didn’t even realise the camera was on them!

Advice from the Newlyweds...

“Don’t stress the small stuff! Enjoy every moment because it flies by. If something goes wrong, just go with the flow—at the end of the day, all that matters is marrying your best friend.”

Happily Ever After in Santorini...

To round off their perfect wedding, Kristina and Sean jetted off to Santorini for their honeymoon (not jealous at all…). I can only imagine how stunning their sunset photos must be!

Final Words...

Kristina and Sean, you guys were a joy to photograph, and your wedding was nothing short of amazing. From the laughs during morning prep to the emotional vows and the full-on party at the end of the night, it was a pleasure to capture it all. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and maybe a few more Snapchat surprises along the way!

"Walking back down the aisle together as husband and wife, knowing we had all our family and friends cheering us on—that was a moment we’ll never forget.""

- Kristina & Sean


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