Dunluce Castle Elopement in Sage and White / Northern Ireland Wedding Photographers
Wedding or elopement photography in Northern Ireland usually falls into one of 2 categories - it’s pouring all over and we need to get family photos done indoors, or it’s cloudy and windy and we just need to roll on with it. The Irish coast definitely sets the mood for any shoot and dictates the overall aesthetic - just look at this engagement photos taken at exact same place 2 months earlier featuring lush greens and sunset! Nonetheless, here in Ireland, we are blessed with amazing castles, cliffs, and Celtic sea and that’s the set up for today's fine art editorial elopement with this gorgeous couple (see blog post for their engagement photos).
Elopements are such a great option for couples traveling to Ireland all year round. You’re guaranteed a breathtaking scenery, no-frills ceremony with only a few close family and friends present — or perhaps no one at all. Elopements have an overall better flexibility, budgeting options and of course, it’s just utterly romantic and special to read your private vows in a faraway land. One choice isn’t inherently better than the other; it’s an intensely personal decision, but I’m always glad couples stay true to themselves and trust me in photographing such a big moment.
Today's fine art wedding shoot at Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland is an amazingly creative mixture of Charlotte’s vision combined with a set of skilled vendors, perfectly stylish Irish cottage, cliffs of North Coast, centuries-old castle and of course, a little help with planning from the photographer and a stunning couple. Beautifully flawless makeup by my favorite Sinead (Maid by Sinead), whom I trusted so many times and can’t recommend enough (Instagram @maidbysineadbridalmakeup). The dresses come from a local bridal shop in Lisburn (Instagram @ivyandwhitebride) which stocks the most amazing editorial and modern pieces you could ever dream of finding in Ireland. This one was designed by Bo & Luca (Instagram @boandluca), a luxury, an Australian brand. You can see every detail on Charlotte’s hair thanks to KellyAnn (Instagram @hairbykellyannjackson) and her skills in creating textured, relaxed hairstyles, absolutely perfect for a non-traditional and laid-back wedding. Beautiful, locally grown flowers created by Emma from Honeybee Blooms (Instagram @honeybee_blooms), always a pleasure to work with her in creating bespoke posies with attention to every detail. The kimono comes from the brad I had a pleasure to work with before in France, This Modern Love (Instagram @this_modern_love_bridal) which was my recommendation. It’s simply stunning, so delicate, handmade and perfect for the bridal preparation morning. The shoes were Charlotte’s something old, the veil came from Hello Precious Veils (Instagram @hellopreciousveils) and stationery from Ollies Studio (Instagram @olliesstudio). Photography, Paula from @hellosugar_photography
Dunluce Castle sunset engagement shoot / Northern Ireland Wedding Photographers
Sunset engagement pre-wedding photoshoot at Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland.
Hi, lovelies! Wedding season is in full swing and I'm finding it hard to believe we're approaching September! Not to mention there are so many beautiful engagements and weddings to hit the blog in the next few months - the season has been crazy busy and I'm looking forward to showing you all my beautiful couples.
Today's photos are a bit different from my usual bright and airy style of editing, mostly because sunset shoots during summer heatwave are full of lush greens and golden warmth. I'm not the one to desaturate them completely, especially if my couple is getting married in December! There will be plenty of grey and white on the ground for Lucy & Sam's wedding later on this year, so let's keep the engagement photos warm and glowing.
I'm so very happy with this year's adventures and all the couples willing to go an extra mile to the place like Dunluce Castle to have their engagement photos taken. North Coast has a very special place in my heart, as discovering it was my first proper task when I started my scholarship at Queens nearly 4 years ago. It was also my first step to becoming a wedding photographer in Northern Ireland! I'm always up for meeting on the coast - if not for the photos, then for a lovely cup of tea and catch up before your big day :)
Click here to see more places for engagement or wedding photos in Northern Ireland.
Melissa & Stephen's Causeway Coast Engagement Photos/ Northern Ireland Wedding Photographers
Straight from the sunny Provence and the love story of Lucy & Hayden, coming to you today with this utterly beautiful and adventurous engagement shoot in Northern Ireland. I previously mentioned how I love Causeway Coast and wrote a special blog post talking about all the places to elope in N Ireland. I was beyond excited to hear Melissa & Stephen, who live in Armoy - right next to the Dark Hedges, wanted to have their engagement photos at the beach. The obvious choice was Whiterocks near Portrush! Not only because I photographed another engagement there a year ago and I know all the places for the best light, but also because of the sunny weather forecast. Last time we had a completely different weather, and I wanted to make the most of our adventure day in the sun. I thrive in the sunshine and love bright and airy photos.
Melissa & Stephen brought their tiny dog, which is always a good idea when comes to couples photoshoots. The attention was divided and they could just relax and take a good walk - or run, straight into the cold water!
Straight from the sunny Provence and the love story of Lucy & Hayden, coming to you today with this utterly beautiful and adventurous engagement shoot in Northern Ireland. I previously mentioned how I love Causeway Coast and wrote a special blog post talking about all the places to elope in N Ireland. I was beyond excited to hear Melissa & Stephen, who live in Armoy - right next to the Dark Hedges, wanted to have their engagement photos at the beach. The obvious choice was Whiterocks near Portrush! Not only because I photographed another engagement there a year ago and I know all the places for the best light, but also because of the sunny weather forecast. Last time we had a completely different weather, and I wanted to make the most of our adventure day in the sun. I thrive in the sunshine and love bright and airy photos.
Melissa & Stephen brought their tiny dog, which is always a good idea when comes to couples photoshoots. The attention was divided and they could just relax and take a long walk - or run, straight into the cold water!
Watch the slideshow below
Places to Elope in Northern Ireland / Northern Ireland Wedding Photographers
When I first arrived in Northern Ireland in 2014 to study Politics & Journalism I signed up for a Photo Society at Queens University. I had a big passion for photography and wanted to learn and improve my style. For the next couple of months, I travelled the coast of Northern Ireland nearly every weekend with friends I met at the society. Then with friends who visited me here. Then with my boyfriend Neil, whom I also met at the photo society. Little did I know, four years later my love for Northern Ireland will continue to grow and my love for photography.. well, it will reach the next level. It will become my lifestyle, my daily bread, my ups and downs (mostly ups tho!) and I'll be able to share with you my puppy love photos and videos of Northern Ireland I took nearly 4 years ago.
If you're planning an engagement shoot or an elopement in Northern Ireland - or simply want to walk down memory lane with me, here are some of my absolute favourite locations.
~Paula
When I first arrived in Northern Ireland in 2014 to study Politics & Journalism I signed up for a Photo Society at Queens University. I had a big passion for photography and wanted to learn and improve my style. For the next couple of months, I travelled the coast of Northern Ireland nearly every weekend with friends I met at the society. Then with friends who visited me here. Then with my boyfriend Neil, whom I also met at the photo society. Little did I know, four years later my love for Northern Ireland will continue to grow and my love for photography.. well, it will reach the next level. It will become my lifestyle, my daily bread, my ups and downs (mostly ups tho!) and I'll be able to share with you my puppy love photos and videos of Northern Ireland I took nearly 4 years ago.
If you're planning an engagement shoot or an elopement in Northern Ireland - or simply want to walk down memory lane with me, here are some of my absolute favourite locations.
~Paula
Kinbane Head
The most wonderful little secret we discovered while exploring the coast. Dramatic castle ruins on a rocky headland and absolutely breathtaking views from the top. It's a little scary walk to reach it - on a stormy day the wind might blow you into the Celtic Sea! Very little known and very private place, ideal for a small wedding, vow renewal, engagement photos.
Dunluce Castle
Best known among couples & travellers. It's stunning location and well preserved medieval ruins, featured in the Game of Thrones, make the most memorable backdrop for wedding photos. I photographed an engagement there last year and I'm looking forward to going back this year for more photos. My style has improved ever since and I'm definitely more aware and conscious of what I want to give away to my clients. Lots of jaw-dropping wedding photos for sure! :)
Tollymore Forest
I should probably warn you - it's another of my favourite locations here! Tollymore Forest Park is a massive National Park at the foot of Mourne Mountains. I have visited it more than I could count - it's ultimately the most magical forest I have ever seen and no wonder it was an inspiration for the famous C.S.Levis series of books! Fab location for wedding photos and worth the drive to Newcastle - you can have photos at the beach, on the mountaintop or in the forest in one trip!
Ballintoy, Torr Head & Coastline
Any self-respecting Game of Thrones fan will know Pyke and Iron Islands. The little harbour in Ballintoy was yet another filming location and no wonder - rugged coastline delivers stunning backdrop, sunsets and medieval scenery. Lots of little corners for your wedding or engagement photos. All the coastal locations are quite close to each other - Dunluce, Dark Hedges, Ballintoy and many more - all featured in the tv show. Another of my personal favourites is the coastal way to Torr Head. Not the head itself, but the way up, the journey is what makes this place special. Worth parking your car next to the little church and turning around for the most idyllic Irish countryside picture ever.
