Simon O'Neill - Ciaran O'Neill Photography - Wedding Photography Northern Ireland

April 2023 Portrait Highlights

Its my birthday!

Ok, ok, its not my actual birthday. But I remember when I was but a child my dad waking me on the 1st April to wish me happy birthday! I have now passed on that longstanding tradition by doing it to my own son! The great Mark Twain once said: “The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year.” Fool I am, but a happy fool at that!!

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by Simon O'Neill

March 2023 Portrait Highlights

Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!

After what can only be described as the longest February ever, the promise of spring’s arrival was enough to get anyone through the bitter winter! Love was in the air, for soon-to-be-newlyweds and newborn babies – it was a joyous month in the studio…

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by Simon O'Neill

Manor House Hotel Weddings

Manor House Hotel

Lakeside hotels don’t come much grander than the 18th century Manor House set on the shores of Lower Lough Erne. The location is incredible for photography opportunities. You feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere but yet it is only 15 minutes to Enniskillen. In Enniskillen, if you choose to get married there it has plenty of churches. We had the privilege of shooting a recent ‘Getting Married in Northern Ireland’ cover shoot recently at the hotel. With no guests in it and plenty of time on our side we were able to discover some new and beautiful locations for photos.

Couples who book the hotel for their wedding adore the mix of styles. 18th century Manor House heritage meets elegant chic hotel interiors.

Continue reading for our lowdown on Manor House Hotel Weddings…

The bride & groom enjoy a glass of bubbly as they arrive at the stunning 18th century Manor House Hotel for their wedding reception

Our couple enjoying arriving at the stunning 18th Century entrance to the Manor House

The Hotel & Grounds

Weather awful outside? Fear not, the Manor House comes into its own when dealing with disrespectful weather! There are some many beautiful areas – in both sides of the hotel – that are amazing for photographs. The natural light floods in through opulent windows and decadent roof lights.

Couple enjoying a glass of bubbly as they arrive at the Manor House Hotel

Bride & Groom looking at each other whilst standing in front of a window in the Manor House

In the 18th century part of the House - grand decadent windows with stunning views are a plentiful

Head upstairs towards the bedrooms and you will be presented with a treasure trove…huge windows flooding gorgeous natural daylight in. Within this area, we are able to capture a series of stunning images in minutes. That ability gives our couples the best of both worlds – amazing photos and more time with their guests.

A bride leaning against a pillar looking out at a window

The treasure trove...

Bride standing downstairs while the groom waits for her at the top of the stairs

Back of the dress light beautifully with a back light

One of our images taken at a recent Getting Married in NI magazine shoot - showing off the room layout

The bride and groom enjoy their first dance

Manor House is decorated with lavish mirrors

"Fear not - the Manor House provides plentiful opportunities for photos inside if there is adverse weather :-)"

— Ciaran O'Neill Photography

Gardens & Outdoor Opportunities

A break in the weather will allow you some further opportunities at the House’s exterior. The water fountain is ideal – be aware of the direction of the wind in case you get soaked though lol! There is a wrought iron gazebo in behind the fountain which makes for a good family photo backdrop.

Bride & groom sitting at the edge of a water fountain whilst holding hands

Be careful of the wind in case you get soaked!

Bride & groom looking at each other, standing at the edge of Lower Lough Erne

The lake is accessible within the Hotel grounds - it can be a bit of a hike, however if you get the wedding cars to take down it will speed things up :-)

Bride & groom standing at the side of a lough

"Old Castle Archdale offers dramatic and stunning backdrops to your wedding photos"

— Ciaran O'Neill Photography

Photo Opportunities Further Afield

Marina

Couple looking at the camera as they hug, with Lower Lough Erne in the backdrop

The marina stands out as an ideal stop off for more photo opportunities. Two things to bear in mind if you do decide to avail of it. One – you have to book it separately with the Marina. Two – it is very exposed to the weather so prepare to be frozen lol!

Couple lit by the sunset, standing on a jetty at the Marina, Manor House Hotel

Old Castle Archdale

Drive 10 minutes (and past the more obvious Castle Archdale park) and you will find the ruins at Old Castle Archdale. A stunning location – it is free to use and provides an iconic backdrop to your photos. Its worth noting, there is a small uphill walk (on a stone path) – we have always encouraged our brides to bring a pair of trainers for ease 🙂 It is totally worth it though when you get there!

Bride & Groom looking at other in front of a pile of logs in Old Castle Archdale

Bride standing on ruins in the Old Castle Archdale

by Simon O'Neill

February 2023 Portrait Highlights

The Longest Shortest Month Ever!

Am I alone in thinking that even though February is the shortest month of the year, sometimes it seems like the longest? This February, albeit quite cool, we were still able to get a family photo session in the park. Add to that, election season had just begun…

by Simon O'Neill

Bellingham Castle Wedding Photography by Ciaran O'Neill Photography

Bellingham Castle Weddings

Another of our favourites, nestled in the medieval village of Castlebellingham in County Louth along Ireland’s Ancient East, Bellingham Castle is an elegant and spacious 17th Century authentic Irish Castle available for exclusive hire, to allow you become King or Queen of your very own castle for a truly memorable experience.

Bellingham Castle is the centrepiece of a 17-acre estate that includes a weir and man-made river island which we love to use to create the most fabulous images, memories to last a lifetime. This opulent 17th Century Irish castle is the perfect backdrop for the most amazing wedding photographs.

Inside is just as stunning. There are a host of rooms for your guests to wander through and more importantly, for photo opportunities. There are several to choose from but my personal favourite is the tiny little alcove hidden beside the Buttery Kitchen – you’ll know it when you see it!

Continue reading for our lowdown on Bellingham Castle Weddings…

Bride & groom walk through foliage with Bellingham Castle behind them

The Grounds & Outdoor Opportunities

Where do you start? Opulent gardens? Check. River with waterfall? Check. An antique bridge leading to an island with the Castle as a backdrop? Check! A short walk from the front of the Castle will take you to a man made island. Within 15 minutes you will access to enough photos to fill two wedding albums! If the weather is volatile…we will grab umbrellas and use the arch and trees as cover. Outdoor wedding opportunities like this are not to be missed.

Bridal pose for a pic on the bridge

Bridesmaids and Bride pose for a photo with Bellingham Castle in the background

The castle provides a stunning backdrop for photos

The castle's Irish wolf hound walks around the castle

In keeping with the castle traditions - an Irish Wolf Hound is on hand to welcome you to the Castle

Another lovely part of the garden is to the rear of the Castle (walk out of the bar and you are there). Not only can it hold outdoor civil ceremonies…this is the perfect place for outdoor family photos. Short distance for family members to walk, plus there is enough shelter from harsh sunlight and wind to keep eyes and hair in place respectively 🙂

A bride and groom enjoy a joke whilst standing on a bridge

The sun sets on our bride and groom as they share an intimate moment between each other

A winter sunset at the Castle...amazing

"This opulent 17th Century Irish castle is the perfect backdrop for the most amazing wedding photographs."

— Ciaran O'Neill Photography

The Castle Interior

Each room in the castle has been given careful and considerate attention and as a result there is no nook or cranny that wouldn’t provide a stunning photo opportunity. Whilst your guests enjoy the drinks and canopies in the reception areas, we can use the library or the bridal suite for some interior photos.

"There are a host of rooms for your guests to wander through and more importantly, for photo opportunities"

— Ciaran O'Neill Photography

Nighttime

When the sunsets, the castle comes alive. The function room is roomy and intimate at the same time. At winter, the festive lights add an extra element to the Castle.