Maeve and Gavin had a fantastic summer wedding at Larchfield Estate with the ceremony taking place at St Brigids in Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast. Again the weather was a bit unpredictable but it stayed dry for most of the day at least. Inside, at all of the venues, the atmosphere was just amazing with lots of emotion and great light throughout.

Maeve’s Mum Maura sent me a lovely email after the wedding.

I am just writing to thank you for all your hard work on Saturday at Maeve’s wedding. I imagine it is always more difficult for a photographer to get the best photos when the weather is so unpredictable but I’m sure we’ll be delighted with the results. Everyone commented on how unobtrusive you were and we certainly wouldn’t have known you were even in the house on the morning of the wedding.
Regards,
Maura

Maeve and Gavin then sent me a lovely email yesterday after seeing their pictures online on returning from honeymoon.

Hi Dylan!

These are my personal favourites from the wedding:

My goodness it’s almost June – where has the time gone this month? Caroline and I have been really busy recently with the construction of a new studio (more on that later) and the great news that we’re expecting our second baby! (definitely more on that later!!)

It’s not always possible to blog every wedding but we will always try!! For the first of my May weddings I had the pleasure of shooting Judith and Felim’s wedding down in Ballykinler with reception at the Downpatrick cricket club. I seem to be really blessed with lovely clients this year and the people at this wedding were fantastic – really, really friendly and the day was just full of lovely real life moments.

With March and April being amongst the driest on record I suppose we were due a little rain for May. Thankfully it managed to stay dry for the arrivals and exits at St Patrick and St Joseph’s church in Ballykinler. The rain was a concern for some of the guests and the couple but for the most part the weather conditions were perfect for photography.

Irrespective of the weather, I always find that a wedding day presents a whole series of beautiful little moments. Here’s a few more of my favourites (with more of the wee boy and his two chasers):

Last Saturday saw me back in North Down for Pete and Danielle’s wedding at Saint Colmcilles in Holywood with reception at the Old Inn in Crawfordsburn.

This wedding was just fantastic with the warmth of Pete and Danielle’s friends and family really adding to the wonderful moments I had the pleasure of seeing on Saturday.

I first met Pete and Danielle back at Catherine and Jonathan’s wedding in 2008 and I just had a feeling they’d marry one day…

They are currently on honeymoon and I’ve just received a lovely message from them
“Hey Dylan thank you for photos – we all love them, you really have captured the day and emotions… We are on our way to NYC – see you when we come home, love to Caroline and Corrina xo”

Here are some of my personal favourites from their day.

It’s competition time!

In my photographs I always look for composition and lighting first. I then wait for just the right moment that tells the story within the frame. With that in mind, I have selected some of my favourite images from 2010 and would like my blog readers to choose their favourite.

So here’s how it works – the image with either the most votes or the most insightful comment (as to why you love the image) will win and the couple will receive an 18×12″ print and a bottle of champagne.

As a way of thanking you for your time, everyone who votes will have their name placed into a hat and one person will win either a bottle of champagne or a one hour phonecall for a chat about our business, photography or life in general!!

*Only one vote per person and please make sure you leave your email address so we can get in touch with you if your name is pulled out of the hat.

*Update* Thanks to everyone who voted and sent comments. We’ve published just a few of our favourite comments below. Closing date 14th Feb – Winners announced 15th Feb.

Mark A: Fabulous moment – the little boy on the left with his hand up to his eye! Wonderful! [Feb 8, 2011 10:33 am]

Sarah McC: The joy in this photograph – a keen sense of awareness, observation and timing shown by the photographer! [Feb 9, 2011 4:19 pm]

Bronagh C: What a moment! I love how no-one is looking at the camera – you can’t see the bride but you can just imagine her coming up the path! Fantastic! [Feb 6, 2011 10:14 pm]

David C: It portrays the ending of one era and the beginning of the next [Feb 1, 2011 11:16 pm]

Geraldine: Amanda walking on her way to happiness..I expected her to run she was so excited!! [Jan 30, 2011 10:53 am]

Louise D: It\’s my beautiful sister walking down the aisle on one of the best days of 2010!! [Jan 29, 2011 4:39 pm]

Bronagh C: It is a very artistic angle and I can only imagine what she was feeling as she completed that walk! [Feb 1, 2011 11:14 pm]

Amanda B: It captures my favourite memory of our amazing wedding day so beautifully. I close my eyes and can remember ever nano second about that moment! [Jan 29, 2011 4:26 pm]

Richard B: It’s the moment I first saw my Bride.
Beat that….. [Jan 28, 2011 11:51 am]

Jane H: Once in a while no words can describe what you see, especially when its perfection personified. [Feb 8, 2011 8:16 pm]

Conrad: It captures a private moment between the couple when they manage to get away on their own for the first time as ‘Mr & Mrs’. It also reminds me of a beautiful old ‘hollywood golden era’ picture taken in the 50s or 60′s. [Jan 31, 2011 10:06 am]

John F: I like it because they don’t know they’re being photographed and it’s very natural and captures a truly genuine moment from the day. [Feb 2, 2011 3:15 pm]

James McI: This photo shows the first moment of seclusion for the couple in their marriage. After all the stress of organising in the days, weeks & months beforehand and the sleepless night before the wedding – this photo represents the first moment of bliss when they had only each other. [Jan 28, 2011 4:32 pm]

Pat C: Its just magic. Two best friends Two lovers Now Husband and Wife Made for each other. [Jan 28, 2011 8:25 pm]

Ciara N: I really love the grainy effect in the picture. It gives the image texture. [Jan 28, 2011 2:30 pm]

John F: I like it because they don’t know they’re being photographed and it’s very natural and captures a truly genuine moment from the day. [Jan 28, 2011 8:25 pm]

Martin K: There’s a wonderful feeling to this photograph – the bride and groom must have been thrilled to see this moment shown back to them – fantastic picture! [Feb 12, 2011 2:09 pm]

Steven K: Has that feel of a classic photograph yet it’s not been setup which I think makes it even better – to know that the moment is real. [Feb 13, 2011 4:42 pm]

Marionette: love this one – it’s very like an Elliott Erwitt image! [Feb 13, 2011 8:12 pm]

Fiona C: what a special photograph [Feb 13, 2011 10:25 pm]

Mary M: Fantastic image you must have sneaked up on them – brilliant! [Feb 13, 2011 10:55 pm]

Sarah C: like all of your photographs Dylan, the fact that they’re not ‘camera aware’ makes it! [Feb 13, 2011 10:42 pm]

Anna B: I love the way the little girl is on her tippy toes to get a look – a wonderfully observed moment. [Feb 5, 2011 8:06 pm]

Laura H: Such a natural moment that conveys the joy and excitement of getting ready.  Can sense the pride and love of a mother. [Feb 1, 2011 12:32 pm]

Fiona McC: this is such a gorgeous, happy photo.  It makes you wonder what all the girls are laughing at!!! [Jan 28, 2011 8:45 pm]

Sandrine R: Very natural. Dylan caught a funny moment of true complicity.   [Jan 31, 2011 9:26 am]

Kathryn L: Dylan, I love this picture, it is just one of many moments of joy you caught that day…I think we were laughing at Hannahs “assets” being revealed as the dress was laced tight!   [Feb 3, 2011 7:31 pm]

Gareth M: The composition, the framing and the timing of it is fantastic! [Feb 3, 2011 10:12 pm]

Emma T: It’s just the two of them in their own little world – wonderful! [Feb 4, 2011 6:25 pm]

Emma M: Amazing landscape and very special memories. Granted it was a bit of a surprise when the veil went flying and luckily I didn’t go with it but I think it’s a fantastic photo that we love to look at. [Jan 26, 2011 5:10 pm]

Lynn B: Reminds me of what a great day we all had! [Jan 26, 2011 9:58 pm]

Hazel W: It was an unusual photo showing an artistic balance of light & shade & lovely scenery & highlighting the romantic drift of the bride’s veil. I especially liked the fact that it was not posed giving the moment a special magic. [Jan 26, 2011 6:01 pm]

Andrea L: Love the expression on the girl on the left – great picture [Feb 10, 2011 10:53 am]

Rebecca S: I love the light in this image and the timing and the feeling of happiness [Feb 10, 2011 1:18 pm]

Colin P: I love how the photograph has been taken right at the point where the groom is twirling his bride around – their expressions are fabulous also – stunning capture! [Feb 11, 2011 8:25 pm]

Suzanne McC: A little biased as this is my sister. This image just shows the excitement in her eyes and you can tell she is very happy, even though she was nervous, I just see happiness. Despite not being able to see Neil’s face, I know he is smiling back at her. Thanks for the special memories. [Jan 29, 2011 10:37 am]

Sophie B: I love this image because it captures the most important moment of the entire ceremony ie- the beautiful glint in the brides eye! [Jan 28, 2011 2:44 pm]

Debbie H: This is absolutely stunning as it captures a very unique image of an unforgettable moment! [Feb 7, 2011 12:03 pm]

Lisa McC: love the way she is holding onto him as they dance – very romantic image [Feb 10, 2011 4:58 pm]

Helen C: i love how the light shows the detail on the back of the dress and it’s a real moment where the bride’s Mum is fixing the veil – the light really makes this picture [Feb 11, 2011 8:28 am]

Stephen S: I love how the photograph is a wide scene to capture this moment showing all the faces in the crowd – great composition and timing! [Feb 11, 2011 10:07 am]

Tracy M: I think you always photograph children so beautifully, but this is my favourite of all your photos I’ve seen. She looks so innocent and delicate in her little flowergirl’s dress, and there she is trying to lift a big heavy stone, like a mini Atlas trying to hold up the world – inspiringly ambitious for one so young! [Feb 9, 2011 12:20 pm]

Maeve K: The innocence of a child’s mind. All she wanted to do was to pick up the ‘ball’! How do I know this?, because it’s my wee Goddaughter! Fabulous photo! [Feb 12, 2011 6:00 pm]

Nicola:She looks so oblivious to the camera and it genuinely seems as though she is going to lift this big stone. She is so cute ! [Feb 12, 2011 8:57 pm]

Maggie P: I love the way there is so much going on in this picture. Music playing, register bring signed and bride and groom sneaking a quite moment for themselves. Gorgeous picture. [Feb 12, 2011 6:08 pm]

Catherine B: Such a tender look about Cathy…she is truly a beautiful bride [Feb 12, 2011 9:49 pm]

Claire C: you catch the most beautiful looks between your couples – i just love the way the bride in this picture is looking at her groom – it’s fantastic! [Feb 10, 2011 8:02 pm]

Mary M: You captured Rachel’s sparkle and calmness which she carried throughout the special day!! [Feb 2, 2011 10:24 am]

Steve M: Love the fact it’s in black and white and it’s such a natural look. [Feb 1, 2011 7:49 pm]

Maurice C: Simple, honest and capturing a girl in love and a nice feeling of depth. [Feb 5, 2011 6:38 pm]

Wilma T:A quiet moment for Rachel on a wonderful day. A glance back at her old life on the way to the new! [Feb 2, 2011 3:09 pm]

Kevin M: my daughter! what a moment, what a day! i love that wee look of happiness and anticipation! almost like a gaze to the future through a mirror. brilliant! [Feb 2, 2011 11:00 pm]

Su Lewis: The bride looks calm but there’s a nervous edge to her! A fab picture in black and white to make it a timeless classic! [Feb 3, 2011 3:07 pm]

Colette McL: I love this picture as it is so glamourous and elegant,it captures all the feelings that a bride has on her special day and shows off Rachels true beauty [Feb 3, 2011 1:12 pm]

Alma W: love this picture of Rachel its just so …moving with the little backward glance leaving home to move towards the next wonderful chapter of her life. [Feb 6, 2011 6:30 pm]

Adeline McB:I love this picture and the image portrays calmness and serenity – quite enchanting. [Feb 11, 2011 4:46 pm]

Liz: It captures the essence of a new beginning [Feb 11, 2011 11:22 pm]

Ruth C: A classic photograph of Rachel. You captured the brides beauty and thoughtfulness. [Feb 12, 2011 1:31 pm]

Ben S: Just one moment of a million moments that day; captured, and frozen in time. Framed perfectly by the structure of the car, Rachel looks beautifully pensive, with a hint of joyous expectation… [Feb 13, 2011 9:17 am]

Colleen C: I loved this pic of Aoibheann and Neil because of the difference in height between them and Neil’s protective hold of his new wife. It just looks truly beautiful. :) [Jan 28, 2011 12:39 pm]

Catriona: It captured a beautiful realistic moment between the happy couple in a very scenic location [Feb 4, 2011 10:22 pm]

Cian McC: Dylan, this is my favourite photo from our wedding. I love that it captures the majesty of the building, as well as us and all out guests. Stunning shot! [Feb 9, 2011 12:53 pm]

Danielle: You can feel the happiness and relaxation of the bride and groom. [Jan 28, 2011 2:40 pm]

Angela C: Has the look of a real life moment. [Jan 31, 2011 9:36 pm]

Catriona W: The image portrays a thoughtful act of love by the groom assisting his bride. the bride is radiant and looks forward to her reception. the groom is starting off as he means to go on in assisting his bride :) [Feb 4, 2011 10:35 pm]

Paula G: I love the fact that I am now Mrs Graham; I feel so happy & proud to be Gerard’s wife. This is the start of our wonderful journey together forever! [Jan 31, 2011 9:36 pm]

Lucy C: It’s simply beautiful – just a breathtaking image of a perfect couple, in the perfect location and the perfect image! [Feb 13, 2011 7:18 pm]

Elizabeth N: Everyone is so relaxed and happy I remember seeing the photographer at the wedding just standing back and waiting for the right moment to snap beautiful, beautiful job! such good memories picture tells it all. [Jan 31, 2011 11:57 pm]

Betty H: To me this image tells a story of such a fun and happy time. Everyone looks so natural and comfortable, the bride is radiant and the photo itself is so alive. it’s almost as if you could walk right into it and join the wedding celebrations. I love it! [Jan 29, 2011 8:26 pm]

Bridget R: I love this photo, it says it all. If any picture is worth a thousand words, it is this one. All you have to do is look at the photo to know that you captured the love and happiness that Angie was feeling that day. No words were needed, the photo says it all! [Jan 29, 2011 7:50 pm]

Elaine D: You’ve captured the bride with a look of joy in her smile…joy in her new husbands speech, joy in the look of contentment and joy in the look of love she gives him. [Jan 28, 2011 8:25 pm]

Eileen D: I love the movement, the animation of the people in the photograph. You’ve captured a living moment that will resonate through time. [Jan 29, 2011 9:13 pm]

Ann K: I love how you captured Angie’s beautiful smile.  She is absolutly glowing.  Both she and Darren look so happy. [Jan 30, 2011 1:45 am]

Allie R: An insightful comment need not be posted as the picture says it all… you can simply look at the expression on my sister’s face and be filled with emotion…I’ve known Angela for 28 years and never have I seen her so happy! An age old question, “how do you know when you have found your soul mate?”…from this day forward if someone asks me, I will simply show them this photograph and reply, “when you look at him like this”. [Jan 30, 2011 6:23 pm]

Angela M: I love this picture. It tells the story of one of the reasons I fell in love with Darren in the first place, he always makes me laugh. This is a typical \”Darren & Angie\” moment. Here’s to years and years of those! [Feb 3, 2011 4:05 pm]

Yvonne F: This photo truely shows the bride Angie with an expression of love and admiration on her face for her groom in such a natural pose. Everyone is looking to Darren and clapping as he speaks and he has his hand up like he’s saying “Hold on there’s more.” Love it! [Feb 13, 2011 4:29 pm]

Amanda M: I love how in the moment everyone is. [Feb 13, 2011 11:00 pm]

Stuart C: 3 happy couples lined up from background, main and foreground with the happy couple in the main. [Feb 10, 2011 9:10 am]

Lesley P: Bride and Groom are obviously in love! What a beautiful picture. [Feb 8, 2011 2:21 pm]

Adria G: When you look at this photograph you are there, on the dance floor with the couple.The kiss doesn’t look posed so it’s almost like you’re seeing something private. I also love the way photographers in the background have their faces hidden making Laura’s Mum’s face stand out more. [Feb 8, 2011 8:14 pm]

Heather I: A loving kiss between Husband and Wife – oblivious to everyone around them-a wonderful moment to capture and treasure. [Feb 10, 2011 4:06 pm]

Alicia H: I love that it is not a posed picture and you can see how relaxed and truly in love they are! Magical! [Feb 8, 2011 10:05 am]

Heather I: A loving kiss between Husband and Wife-oblivious to everyone around them-a wonderful moment to capture and treasure [Feb 10, 2011 4:06 pm]

Claire S: The way you’ve framed this picture at the precise moment they kiss is incredible [Feb 11, 2011 9:06 am]

Katie K: Laura and Colin – the stars of the photograph and the focus of all yet lost in their own private moment! Beautiful! [Feb 13, 2011 7:14 pm]

Lesley R: Very natural. Obviously not staged which makes the moment more special. [Feb 13, 2011 9:02 pm]

Nina H: A truly stunning picture which captures the magic and love seen in the first dance. This picture was taken at the perfect time and gives a real feel for the wedding. Great photo! [Feb 11, 2011 7:35 pm]

Mrs Audrey C: the kiss is soo magical as if they are the only couple on the dance floor. [Feb 13, 2011 10:03 pm]

Ceremony: St Mary’s, Knockbridge, County Louth

Reception: Castle Leslie, Co Monaghan

To me, venues like Castle Leslie act like fabulous film backdrops, which, when filled with the characters of the wedding day, allow me lots of opportunities to document the story of the day by freezing little moments in time with my camera. And this wedding certainly felt like a film to me.

Many of Angela and Darren’s friends and family had flown in from Bermuda and Newfoundland for the day and even though it was cold and damp outside I have to say I enjoyed every minute of covering this wedding.

Ang and Darren sent me these lovely words after seeing their pictures:
“Hi Dylan, Love the pics! Thanks a million for sharing in our special day. I really felt like you were a guest and love what you captured on film…truly amazing and we will cherish them for years to come. We’ll raise a glass to you and your talent in Barcelona!
Angela and Darren”

Here’s a few of my personal favourite photographs from their day:

The first of my Christmas weddings was in County Down with Paula and Gerard’s wedding in Ballykinler and reception at the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle.

The week before the wedding it had snowed a fair bit down in the Mournes and the whole of Northern Ireland was covered in a blanket of ice. Thankfully on the wedding day the sun shone and the church and Mournes provided a fabulous wintry backdrop to the occasion.

Paula sent me a lovely email after seeing their pictures online:
“Hi Dylan; the wedding pictures are gorgeous; I can’t remember you taking half of them! They are so beautiful and everyone looks really happy happy!! I loved my wedding day, wanted to do it all over again; it goes by so quickly!”

I have to say that Paula, Gerard and the whole of their family and friends were a delight to photograph. There’s a real warmth to the people and weddings here in Northern Ireland and especially at this time of year. Here are just some of my favourite moments from the day.

Jo and Andy are both pilots and have been in Belfast (and up in the sky) for a few days before they head off on honeymoon next week. In between flying their aeroplanes across the water they’ve sent some lovely words of appreciation. I just loved what Andy said about Jo arriving:

“Dylan the photos are all amazing. We sat down to dinner last night & pressed play on the slideshow. Dinner had to be reheated! We were blown away and both very teary (OK OK Andy teary and me sobbing my heart out! If I could gather up all the compliments you have had since you’d be bowled over.” – Jo

“Hey Dylan, Have been looking at our pictures on the blog and they are fantastic! Really reminds us of the great day we had and how special we were made to feel by everybody who came along.They also really reminded me of standing at the front of the church waiting for Jo to walk in, that nervous/excited feeling. And then seeing the white dress appear behind the guests in the corner and move towards me and become the vision that took my breath away. Thanks again for all your help in the build up, and on the day, you were great.” – Andy

Arriving at the church I stepped out of the car and walked up the drive – a walk Jo and her parents must have been making ever since she was a little girl. The bells rang out as Jo arrived and I stepped back inside the hushed church with my camera and watched the drama unfold.