July 2023 Portrait Highlights
Summer, where did you go????
After the joy and heat that June brought, we were brought back down to earth (and to the studio) with our usual July weather! But, despite the dampened spirits, we had amazing people (and pets) in the studio this month.
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Ballymascanlon House Hotel Wedding - Chloe & Ciarán
Our Wedding Journey...
How did you first meet and get together?
Ciarán worked with my friend Orla the bridesmaid in a shop in Warrenpoint and we met after a night out almost 10 years ago. He walked me home and dropped his bank card along the way. It was handed in to the shop that week and his sisters began their investigation to work out who the girl was. They had a list of options and we managed to keep it under wraps for the summer as Ciarán was six years older than me and we wanted to make sure we were serious before I headed to Uni and we told people. The biggest shock was to his sister Aisling when he told her the secret girl was her student from St Louis and her response was “not the wee quiet girl who didn’t speak”. I don’t think she sticks to that statement any more!
Tell us about the proposal – where, when, how?
Long story here.. We got engaged in Cuan Mor Lodges in Comber. On the 4th December 2020 we set off after I finished school. There was storms that day so Ciarán was getting text messages from the cabins to say his plans to propose on the jetty weren’t safe, a teepee tent kept blowing over so they decorated up a room for us. On the way there I had said a friend in school mentioned us getting engaged and Ciarán tried to sway my thoughts on the subject by basically saying we weren’t ready for that so the journey was a bit quiet. But once we got to the room it was beautifully decorated with candles and flowers and I had no idea what was about to happen so when he I asked I said no. But we cleared that up and are now happily married.
The Wedding Planning...
Where and how did you choose your dress?
I viewed dresses from Banbridge to Donegal and a friend of ours had opened White Blossom Bridal in Warrenpoint so I called in to see Danielle and have a look. Turns out after all the driving I said yes 5 minutes from our house. Danielle couldn’t have been better for sorting everything I needed.
How did you find the experience?
It really is true what people say that “When you know you know”. I had tried on a good few dresses before going to White Blossom and once I put on the dress I could see myself walking down the aisle in it. Overall the experience was brilliant getting to try on so many beautiful dresses.
What was the best part of planning your big day?
We just really wanted to give everyone a good day out. We have been to nearly 50 weddings together and wanted to make sure everyone coming was going to have a fun day at hours. I am very lucky to have Ciarán the chief organiser who looked after most of the planning and organising. I just had to rock up to the chapel really and even that I was late to.
And the most stressful part?
To be perfectly honest we didn’t find anything that stressful. As I’ve said it is easy for me when Ciarán is so organised but even sorting guest lists and tables wasn’t what it was made out to be. We expected fall outs at those times but managed to sort all without any drama.
The Wedding Day...
How did the day go?
It’s very cliche but it really is the best day of your life. We had received lots of good advice before the wedding day to take moments to soak it all enjoy and enjoy the time with our friends and family but suddenly it’s after midnight and Magiggs is calling the last song of the day. It goes by in a flash but we don’t think we’ll have to do it again as we think it was right the first time. Following the wedding the word “fun” was thrown about by everyone we had there with us. We smiled and laughed all day and are so grateful to everyone who made it such a special day.
Why did you book us as your photographers?
As we had so many weddings we asked those we’ve been to before and the name had come up so much when we looked at the photos on your Instagram we booked an appointment.
Our Favourites...
Were there any particular photos you loved (or hated!) getting taken?
In the run up to the wedding Ciarán was a bit apprehensive as he is Warrenpoint’s version of Chandler in Friends and doesn’t love photos. When we received our Sneak Peak we couldn’t believe how natural the photos are and some of our favourites are the ones we didn’t know were being taken. From showing the photos to our family and friends they all said how happy we look and that was all we wanted from the photos to show how great a day we had. Personally we loved the photos inside the chapel too after the guests have gone as they look so magical. We didn’t hate the family photos but would recommend a foghorn to get your family there quickly so it doesn’t go on a bit long LOL!
Do you think we, as your photographers, helped you enjoy your day?
Absolutely. From Simon arrived in my mum and dads home house you wouldn’t have known him and the videographer Conrad were there. They were just part of the day in no time. I would say the laughs started from Simon came through the front door and didn’t stop until we gave him a hug when he was leaving the Ballymascanlon. He made everyone feel at ease and we heard nothing but great reviews from our family and friends who were involved in the photos across the day. We couldn’t recommend you enough.
Were there any near disasters/funny incidents?
What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?
Don’t let anything get you too stressed because it is only you who’ll notice the little things on the day. All of your guests will just be so happy to be there to spend that special day with you they won’t notice if a flower is missing or a sign is in the wrong place. And do try to take a minute to look around the room and see all those people who are there for you two- it really is the most amazing day.
"I would say the laughs started from Simon came through the front door and didn’t stop until we gave him a hug when he was leaving the Ballymascanlon"
- Chloe & Ciarán
June 2023 Portrait Highlights
Summer is here!! 🌞🌞🌞🌞
Tis’ the real season to be jolly….summertime is upon us and the weather has been spectacular! We had multiple outdoor shoots this month, including a lot of returning customers who it was great to catch up with and see how their families have grown.
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May 2023 Portrait Highlights
Motivation comes from working on things we care about
We had so many great customers in this month – both new and returning ones that it was a truly special month. Whilst Ciaran and I love photography, it is the people who truly motivate us to produce life lasting images. This month we were lucky to have so clients who wanted to push the ‘envelope’ and look for something different . We duly obliged…
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Ask the Wedding Expert - Motion Media Productions
Hello. I am Bobby from Motion Media Productions :-)
First up in our new series of ‘Ask the Wedding Experts’ is Bobby McKeown. Bobby first started his cinematography business in 2007 and named it Motion Media Productions.
Having always had an interest in audio/music/video, Bobby has counted himself very lucky to have made a career out of it and what a career!
He specialises in weddings and considers it a pleasure to be asked along to a couples special day. Having witnessed his style first hand, we would describe it as being very discreet and unobtrusive during a wedding. He will regularly get feedback from couples saying: “Bobby, we hardly even noticed you were there most of the day”.
Well, I can guarantee he is here with us today as he answers our customer related questions. So lets begin!
Easy one to start with here Bobby…what is your approach to filming weddings, and what type of videography style do you specialise in?
I want the couple, along with their family and friends to enjoy the day without feeling they’re constantly being filmed. I pride myself on being discreet and unobtrusive.
My style would be a hybrid between documentary and cinematic. Couples receive their full doc edit and also a short highlights clip.
That leads me nicely into the next question – what is included in your wedding videography packages?
My most popular package includes filming from bridal prep in the morning right up to dancing and everything in-between. I have options to exclude speeches or dancing.
We know the price range of the photography market pretty well – but what should a couple expect to pay for a quality wedding video package?
My packages range from £900 to £1300. Their chosen package can be changed and confirmed right up to 2 weeks before the wedding.
That seems very reasonable – considering the effort and quality that goes into the wedding video. Ok, lets go slightly left field…what are your passions outside of weddings?
Cliche – but I love spending time with my wife, family and friends.. holidays together, good food or even just a drive with old school tunes playing! We have a fur-baby Toby who is spoilt rotten.
I enjoy training and trying to stay fit and healthy! Refusing to admit I’m getting older lol.
Haha! I feel your pain on that one! Ok, without giving too much away about your age – how long have you been filming weddings, and how many have you filmed in the past year?
I’ve been shooting weddings for over 20 years!
Last year was very busy.. busier than usual with so many previous weddings rescheduled due to covid. Thankfully 2023 and 2024 continue to be busy and 2025 is coming in too.
Brilliant! Now, we are already know the answer to this one, but for our the sake of readers – are you be the main videographer on the day of a wedding, or will you be working with a team?
Yes, I work by myself on the day.. although I’m thankful to be part of a great professional wedding community and know I can call for help if/when I ever need to.
I agree, being part of that wider wedding community is hugely important. Now – trying to keep it ‘current’ -Videography has changed so much in the digital age – how do you stay current in this modern age?
My style hasn’t drastically changed over the years. My clients appreciate the longer style edit. I only get one chance on the day – so I still like to capture as much as I can for them.
In recent years camera gimbals and drones have allowed for shots that were never feasible years ago! I always try to include drone shots with all my videos.
Delivery has also changed.. Currently I supply the final film on USB, but I’m also introducing online delivery, which allows you to share it with friends and family anywhere in the world.
Can couples request specific shots or moments that they want captured on our wedding day?
Yes.. Although I like to capture the wedding day as it naturally unfolds and don’t like to manipulate or recreate special moments.. I’m also keen to hear what’s important to the couple.. These might include; drone shot of the family home, footage of their children (including fur-babies) or a particular song captured during the ceremony.
I don’t take any offence when couples speak up.. I’d rather know so I can do it for them.
I’m trying hard to not make this question about Ciaran O’Neill Photography – so I’ll attempt to keep it general. How do you work with the photographer and other vendors during the wedding, and how do you ensure that everyone is working together effectively?
I’m happy for the photographer to take lead throughout the day when guiding couples during their photos.. but I’m also there to back them up. To help round up bridal party/family etc. If I spot something happening I’ll always alert the photographer, as I know they often do the same for me. It’s important to work as a team. I’m very lucky to have met so many wedding vendors over the years and now consider them friends. A wedding day is often like a day out working with your mates!
Fantastic answer. I couldn’t agree more, vendor relationships are very important to ourselves as well. Ok, last question before I let you inevitably hit the gym for the 6th time today…have you noticed any changes in the industry over the last 10 years?
NI weddings are often very traditional – which is lovely! and I feel the structure and run of the day is still very similar 10 years on. However, I have noticed that speeches are getting shorter and some opting to exclude them completely.
Humanist ceremonies are much more popular and they’re so personal to the couple. I often hear guests remark on how relaxed and enjoyable the humanist ceremonies are.
In more recent years I’ve be fortunate to capture several same sex marriages. I think it’s great that everyone in NI can now express their life long commitment to their partner through the celebration of marriage with their family and friends. Love is love!
Even better answer! Ok, this is a wee trick I use on my couples – I tell them its the last photo – then as we walk back to their guests I use that opportunity to squeeze another photo in without them realising. Soooo…with that in mind – how did you get into videography?
😂😂 No problem – I was studying sound production and started to help another videographer part time. A few years later I knew it was something I had a passion for and could make it my full time career. I started Motion Media and haven’t looked back. The majority of my work comes from vendor referral or from previous couples recommending me to their friends 😀
"Love is love!"
- Bobby, Motion Media Productions
Four Season's Carlingford Wedding – Michelle & Shane
Love, Laughs & Lightning-Fast Photos – Michelle & Shane’s Wedding Day...
Ah, wedding days. A mix of love, nerves, and the occasional rogue groomsman trying to escape photos. But when Michelle & Shane tied the knot on the 6th of May, 2023, it was nothing short of a masterclass in how to do a wedding right—chilled, seamless, and full of heart.
A Love Story That Was Meant to Be (Because, Well, Co. Down is Only So Big)...
Michelle and Shane’s love story is one of those classic “of course, they were going to meet” tales. With the rolling hills of County Down as their playground, it was only a matter of time before fate (and a well-timed blanking incident in Belfast) brought them together.
And when it came time for the big question, Shane kept it simple and perfect—just the two of them, a Sunday morning at home. No grand gestures, no big productions, just a moment between two people who knew they were forever.
A Bride Who Knows What She Wants (And a Groom Who…Just Turns Up)...
Now, wedding planning can be a battleground of indecision, spreadsheets, and Pinterest boards. Not for Michelle. With her background in marketing and event management, she ran the wedding prep like a well-oiled campaign. Venue booked, suppliers locked in, and a dress that was custom-designed to perfection from Castle Couture Ballymena—this was a woman who had her wedding sorted before most brides have even started a Pinterest board.
Shane? He just turned up. (His words, not mine!) Though he did suddenly take an interest in the details after attending a wedding two weeks before their own, firing off last-minute questions like, “Do we have this? Do we need that?” The man had his priorities straight.
The Big Day – Chilled Mornings & Bubbly Laughs...
Some weddings start with panic and misplaced cufflinks. Not this one. The morning was a breeze—bubbles were flowing, the playlist was spot-on, and there was an air of excitement rather than stress. Even Michelle, who was the last to get her makeup done, took it all in her stride. No mad rush, just pure wedding morning bliss.
Then came the ceremony at St. Colman’s Shinn Chapel, where Michelle and Shane sealed the deal in front of family, friends, and (most importantly) a photographer who knew exactly how to handle a camera-shy bridal party.
Photos? Short & Snappy—Just How Shane Likes It...
Now, I’ve photographed my fair share of weddings, and let’s be real—groomsmen are rarely queuing up to pose. Shane and the lads were no exception. Luckily, I work fast. Short and snappy was the name of the game, meaning they could enjoy the drinks reception instead of spending hours posing in uncomfortable shoes.
And let’s talk about that Carlingford backdrop—blue skies, stunning views of the lough, and an atmosphere of pure celebration. Michelle and Shane nearly skipped a shot down at the waterfront, but thank goodness they didn’t. That photo? Absolute magic.
Westlife, No Disasters & A Masterclass in Wedding Planning...
The party kicked off at the Four Seasons Carlingford, where Michelle and Shane took their first dance to “Starlight” by Westlife (because obviously, Westlife was always going to feature).
Any disasters? Nope. This was a wedding planned with military precision. Michelle swears by staying organised, making decisions when you’re sure, and trusting top suppliers to do what they do best. Oh, and a good “To-Do” list in your phone notes.
Honeymooning in Style...
After the big day, they jetted off to Italy for two weeks, soaking up the romance of Florence, Rome, and Sorrento—because if you’re going to honeymoon, you might as well do it in style.
Final Thought: A Wedding That Was Truly Theirs...
Michelle and Shane’s wedding was proof that you don’t have to overcomplicate things. It was fun, relaxed, and focused on what actually matters—celebrating love with the people who mean the most. And if I had to sum it up? A dream to photograph, a joy to witness, and an absolute masterclass in how to throw a wedding with style.
Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and Shane never questioning wedding budgets again. 💍📸✨
"Once you have great suppliers you do not need to worry about a thing"
- B&G name