Four Seasons Carlingford Wedding - Mariane & Benny
Our Wedding Journey...
Having had their first date in Cookstown, Mariane, a dental nurse from Brazil & Benny, a welder from Newry decided after 4 years it was time to tie the knot. In case you recognise them – it was their proposal that caught the headlines as Benny thought it would be a good idea to use the Illuminate Festival in Derry as the venue. He got in contact with the city council and arranged for ‘Mariane, will you marry me? Love Benny’ to be projected 3 stories high onto the front of the Guild hall in Derry, while they waited in Guild hall square. Thankfully, for Benny’s sake she said yes and now the rest is history ❤️❤️❤️ Read on to find out more about their super wedding day in Four Seasons Carlingford…
Lets answer the question that most girls who are reading this blog want to know…where did Mariane get her dress?? Well, she chose it in the amazing Elody Bridal in Newry. Mariane found the experience very exciting and it was amazing to have my family and close friends with her as she chose the perfect dress.
The Wedding Planning...
Next on the list was the wedding venue. The couple really enjoyed visiting the different venues but when they first arrived at the Four Seasons Carlingford…their hearts were set on it and the location. Whilst all that is said, in Mariane’s own words: “It was nice when all of the planning was finished so we could focus on the actual wedding day” and they especially struggled with the table plan (as a lot of couples do!).
The Wedding Day...
You only have to look at the stunning photos to see how glorious a day it was. It was like Brazil sent us over the weather as a present for Mariane! In the couples own words, the day went brilliantly – everything was simply perfect!
The photos flowed very quickly, the couple loved the speed of the photos and the craic we had taking them. These remarks mean so much to us as photographers!! Whenever we play our part in a wedding day we always prioritise the couples needs – get amazing photos in the shortest amount of time!
Having found us on Instagram and loving our style, it was an easy match up and the couple were so easy to work with, both before the big day and on it. The venue and weather certainly added to the beauty of the wedding – the couple in particular loved the photos taken around Carlingford.
Mariane’s advice for newlyweds for is to plan early and have as many plans in place as early as possible. Save yourself the stress of trying to get things booked in the months and weeks leading up to the wedding. Its great advice, take the pressure off early and get the wedding vendors you’ve always wanted 🙂
"Ciaran was very funny and made us laugh a lot, especially the slagging between him and the videographer!"
- Mariane & Benny
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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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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Manor House Hotel Weddings
Manor House Hotel
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.
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.
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.
Photo Opportunities Further Afield
Marina
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!
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!
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…
Bellingham Castle Weddings
Bellingham Castle Weddings
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.
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 🙂
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.
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.
