Best of 2019 / Hello Sugar Photography
Welcome to another year crazy cats! So many of you can now say ‘‘we are getting married this year!’’ and I’m delighted for you, can’t wait to capture your wedding and give you the best memories. Honestly, 2019 was a crazy one in a good way, with so many weddings abroad, editorials organised, miles driven, French pastries consumed, workshops attended, cameras fried... Wedding photography is such a fulfilling job and those who say ‘‘it must be amazing to travel and capture the best day of peoples life's'' I say it is! I feel so blessed and grateful to be a part of your journey.
Welcome to another year crazy cats! So many of you can now say ‘‘we are getting married this year!’’ and I’m delighted for you, can’t wait to capture your wedding and give you the best memories. Honestly, 2019 was a crazy one in a good way, with so many weddings abroad, editorials organised, miles driven, French pastries consumed, workshops attended, cameras fried... In 2019 I photographed couples and weddings in Malta, Spain, France and the Azores. Wedding photography is such a fulfilling job and those who say ‘‘it must be amazing to travel and capture the best day of peoples life's'' I say it is! I feel so blessed and grateful to be a part of your journey.
Today I wanted to share with you a little slideshow (above) with some of my favourite moments from each 2019 wedding. You can also view the images below - it’s a combination of documentary work, some epic moments & lovely portraits. Take a look and feel free to pass it on to someone who’s getting married.
If you're getting married yourself and still haven’t booked a photographer, please get in touch by submitting a form in the CONTACT section. Let’s chat about your day!
North Coast Elopement at Kinbane Castle, Limepark Arts & Cottages Wedding - Molly & Lu
Elopements in Northern Ireland are increasingly popular in opposite to traditional big weddings, especially among couples travelling to Ireland, but also for local ones, who really want to have an intimate, different wedding. You’re guaranteed vows in the breathtaking scenery and fabulous memories of a lifetime adventure.
Elopements in Northern Ireland are increasingly popular in opposite to traditional big weddings, especially among couples travelling to Ireland, but also for local ones, who really want to have an intimate, different wedding. You’re guaranteed vows in the breathtaking scenery and fabulous memories of a lifetime adventure. Elopements have overall better flexibility, budgeting options and of course, it’s just utterly romantic and special to roam around the greenery, hills and read your private vows in a faraway land. To elope or not is your call, one choice isn’t inherently better than the other; it’s an intensely personal decision. Molly & Lu, today’s couple chose both - romantic Irish elopement and a big party on the ‘Paper Day’ back at home. I’m always glad couples stay true to themselves and trust me in photographing (and taking video!) on such a big moment of their life.
The morning prep took place at Limepark Arts & Cottages, where we did first look and took some photos with a local mini horse Tothem (yes, we did call him Lil Sebastian all day! who wouldn’t :D). Molly & Lu exchanged the vows at Kinbane Castle, then we head out for a pint to Portrush and finished the day off with a run into the Celtic Sea. It was a perfect day in every way.
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.
Charlotte & Michael Islandmagee Sunset Engagement Shoot/ Northern Ireland Wedding Photographers
For the past 3 years, I have been pretty committed to exploring Northern Ireland and it's raw coastline, forests and hidden gems, but I somehow managed to miss Islandmagee. It just never occurred to me it exists. It was a total blind spot until I heard about Rob's Heart & Soul workshop from my friends Sheena & Christin. They were raving about the workshop itself, the energy and fuel it gives, about the couples they were photographing and the location.
Fast forward to late May when I attend it, not only learned a thing or two about having a wedding photography business in Northern Ireland (and destination in my case!:)) but most of all met some amazing people. The couple that we were photographing on the island, Charlotte and Michael, are getting married in July and I'm more than sure they will make a wonderful bride and groom. I'm a huge fan of natural, sweet and candid photography focusing on the couple and their loved ones, and I always express how important it is to have your pre-wedding shoot. Not only because it's a great chance to bond a bit with your photographer, but also because on your wedding day you can focus on the moment, on being present and not on the fact that you are being photographed.
Islandmagee will be definitely joining my list of places to elope in Northern Ireland and I'm just delighted I was able to attend the workshop and make some new friends. Keep your eyes peeled for more of Charlotte and Michael, as they have agreed to help me with the secret project I'm planning for August.
For the past 3 years, I have been pretty committed to exploring Northern Ireland and it's raw coastline, forests and hidden gems, but I somehow managed to miss Islandmagee. It just never occurred to me it exists. It was a total blind spot until I heard about Rob's Heart & Soul workshop from my friends Sheena & Christin. They were raving about the workshop itself, the energy and fuel it gives, about the couples they were photographing and the location.
Fast forward to late May when I attend it, not only learned a thing or two about having a wedding photography business in Northern Ireland (and destination in my case!:)) but most of all met some amazing people. The couple that we were photographing on the island, Charlotte and Michael, are getting married in July and I'm more than sure they will make a wonderful bride and groom. I'm a huge fan of natural, sweet and candid photography focusing on the couple and their loved ones, and I always express how important it is to have your pre-wedding shoot. Not only because it's a great chance to bond a bit with your photographer, but also because on your wedding day you can focus on the moment, on being present and not on the fact that you are being photographed.
Islandmagee will be definitely joining my list of places to elope in Northern Ireland and I'm just delighted I was able to attend the workshop and make some new friends. Keep your eyes peeled for more of Charlotte and Michael, as they have agreed to help me with the secret project I'm planning for August.
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
Tasha & Kurtis / Intimate Eco Irish Wedding at Slieve Aughty, Galway
There have been a few funny stories between the Weir family and me, but possibly the funniest one dates back to 2016, of how we met. I have never photographed a wedding at that stage, but I had 2 booked for late summer and autumn and I knew I want to pursue it. Tasha dropped me an email because she was pregnant and she liked the look of my baby photography. I wasn't overly professional at that stage, so I read her email exactly a month after she sent it. Boy, was I mad at myself. But if you ever talked to Tasha you know, that these small things are not a problem for her. She is a pure walking kindness.
The wedding has been now published at Love My Dress.
Natasha & Kurtis got married on the 30th of August in Slieve Aughty Centre in Galway, Ireland. They had an intimate, humanist, outdoor ceremony with only 25 guests. The ceremony was non-religious, without a script & tailored to meet their needs. It included oak tree planting, poem & vows reading and a ‘ring warming’ tradition, where the rings were passed around the guests and each was asked to warm them with their hands. Tasha & Kurtis are both vegans & environmentalists, therefore the food during the day was organic & vegan.
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.
Katja & Rian / Belfast Wedding Photographer
Katja & Rian wanted their engagement photos to look bright, airy & editorial like, which I was more than happy to make possible for them. We started brainstorming over a possible location a few weeks before the shoot and we both agreed that The Palm House in Botanic will be our best bet. It was mostly due to Northern Irish weather - February wasn't a particularly bright month and the only place with the abundance of fresh flowers and light would be the Palm House. We also exchanged many photos with outfit options - I have never been so close to planning an engagement outfit with a bride! Hands down most curated & stylish engagement shoot to date.
Katja & Rian wanted their engagement photos to look bright, airy & editorial like, which I was more than happy to make possible for them. We started brainstorming over a possible location a few weeks before the shoot and we both agreed that The Palm House in Botanic will be our best bet. It was mostly due to Northern Irish weather - February wasn't a particularly bright month and the only place with the abundance of fresh flowers and light would be the Palm House. We also exchanged many photos with outfit options - I have never been so close to planning an engagement outfit with a bride! Hands down most curated & stylish engagement shoot to date. Katja and Rian are an amazing couple and so good at showing emotions in the photos!
