Claire & Eoin’s Ballintubbert House Wedding

Discovering the magic of a Ballintubbert House wedding through the lens of Shane O’Neill is nothing short of enchanting. I recently had the privilege of photographing Eoin and Claire’s wedding at this stunning venue, and it was one of those rare occasions where everything just clicked perfectly. Determined to create an unforgettable day for their guests, Eoin and Claire meticulously planned every detail, leaning on the expertise of everyone involved. From the nerve-wracking morning rain to the sun-filled afternoon ceremony around the picturesque pond, the day was a testament to the beauty of candid and natural wedding photography. In this narrative, we’ll dive into the heartfelt moments and breathtaking settings that made this Ballintubbert House wedding truly special.

A Perfect Setup: Venue and Preparations Stunning Ballintubbert House

Ballintubbert House is truly one of Ireland’s hidden gems. Nestled in the picturesque countryside, the venue boasts lush gardens, serene ponds, and historical charm. Eoin and Claire selected this location for its natural beauty and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a summer wedding. The morning began with a touch of rain, but Ballintubbert’s indoor and outdoor spaces were equally stunning. The sun eventually made a grand appearance, illuminating the vibrant flora in full bloom. With a picturesque pond as the backdrop, the ceremony spot was nothing short of magical. The house itself, with its elegant architecture and cozy rooms, provided the ideal setting for Claire to prepare with her bridesmaids. Guests arrived, greeted by the sight of the breathtaking setup, their expressions proving they were just as captivated by Ballintubbert House. This venue truly set the stage for a day filled with candid and natural wedding photography.

Meticulous Wedding Planning at Ballintubbert House

Eoin and Claire’s vision for their wedding day was brought to life with the invaluable help of PJ from Ballintubbert House. His expertise and attention to detail ensured everything ran smoothly from start to finish. PJ’s familiarity with the venue was a huge asset, allowing us to navigate any challenges seamlessly, particularly the morning’s unpredictable weather. He coordinated with vendors, managed the schedule, and even had contingency plans for every scenario. This meticulous planning allowed Eoin and Claire to focus on enjoying their day without worrying about logistics. PJ’s efforts were evident in every aspect of the event, from the flawless ceremony setup by the pond to the intimate dinner in the yurt tent. His dedication helped create a perfect backdrop for capturing candid and natural wedding photos, making the day unforgettable.

Morning Nerves and Irish Weather Worries

The morning of Eoin and Claire’s wedding was filled with a mix of excitement and nerves, especially given the unpredictable Irish weather. Early showers had everyone on edge, particularly since the ceremony was planned for the stunning outdoor area by the pond. Rain threatened to disrupt the meticulously planned event, creating a tense atmosphere among the wedding party. Claire, preparing with her bridesmaids upstairs, kept a calm demeanor despite the weather worries. Down by the pond, I captured some pre-ceremony shots, hoping the skies would clear. Everyone kept a close eye on the forecast, and just when it seemed the rain would persist, the clouds parted. By 1:45 PM, the sun emerged, casting a warm glow over the entire venue. The relief was palpable, and the day transformed into a perfect setting for candid and natural wedding photography, capturing genuine emotions and beautiful moments.

Breathtaking Entrance of the Bride at Ballintubbert House

Claire’s entrance was nothing short of spectacular. As the sun shone brightly, she walked down the aisle surrounded by the natural beauty of Ballintubbert House. The guests’ reactions were priceless; there were audible gasps and whispers of admiration. Claire, accompanied by her proud father, moved gracefully toward Eoin, who was visibly emotional. The shimmering pond and blooming gardens provided the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable moment. Claire’s dress, flowing and elegant, caught the light beautifully, adding to the ethereal atmosphere. This entrance set the tone for the heartfelt ceremony that followed. Every step Claire took was a testament to the couple’s meticulous planning and the seamless coordination by everyone involved. Capturing this moment was a joy, highlighting the candid and natural wedding photography style that Eoin and Claire cherished. It was a beautiful start to a ceremony filled with love and emotion.

Heartfelt Ballintubbert Wedding Ceremony by Eithne Dempsey

The ceremony, officiated by Eithne Dempsey, was a beautiful blend of heartfelt moments and personal touches. Edna’s warm and engaging style immediately made everyone feel at ease. She guided Eoin and Claire through their vows with a perfect balance of solemnity and joy, creating an intimate atmosphere that resonated with all present. One of the standout moments was the reading of John Cooper Clarke’s “I Wanna Be Yours,” which added a unique and personal touch to the ceremony. Edna’s ability to weave the couple’s love story into her words made the event deeply moving and memorable. The setting by The Pond, combined with Edna’s touching delivery, made for an unforgettable experience. Each moment was perfectly captured through candid and natural wedding photography, reflecting the genuine emotions of the day. I always try to stay out of the way! This heartfelt ceremony was a testament to the beauty of that documentary wedding photography, preserving real moments as they unfolded.

Surprise Fountain Burst

Just when everyone thought the ceremony had reached its peak, an unexpected and delightful surprise added to the magic. As Eoin and Claire walked around the pond after exchanging their vows, the fountain suddenly burst into life. This surprise was perfectly timed, creating a stunning visual spectacle that left guests in awe. The water sparkled in the sunlight, framing the newlyweds in a beautiful, almost cinematic moment. The surprise fountain burst not only added a dramatic flair but also provided a wonderful opportunity for candid and natural wedding photography. Capturing the couple’s genuine reactions to this unexpected element was a joy, adding another layer of authenticity to their wedding album. The fountain’s sudden eruption symbolized the joy and spontaneity of the day, making it a truly memorable highlight of Eoin and Claire’s Ballintubbert House wedding.

Drinks Reception in the Orchard at Ballintubert House

Following the touching ceremony, guests were treated to a delightful drinks reception in the orchard. This idyllic setting, with its lush greenery and fragrant blossoms, provided the perfect backdrop for mingling and relaxation. The atmosphere was lively yet intimate, with guests sharing laughter and stories while savoring delicious cocktails. The orchard’s natural beauty complemented the candid and natural wedding photography style, allowing for spontaneous and genuine moments to be captured. Eoin and Claire effortlessly moved through the crowd, greeting their loved ones and soaking in the joy of the occasion. The relaxed ambiance of the orchard reception allowed everyone to unwind and enjoy the stunning surroundings of Ballintubbert House. As the sun began to set, the golden light filtering through the trees added a magical touch, making this part of the celebration truly unforgettable.

Memorable Speeches and Group Photo

As the drinks reception drew to a close, guests gathered for the speeches, which started at 5:15 PM. The speeches were a perfect blend of heartfelt tributes and lighthearted anecdotes, eliciting both tears and laughter. Eoin and Claire’s friends and family shared stories that highlighted their unique bond and the love they had for each other. These moments added a deeply personal touch to the day, making everyone feel connected to the couple’s journey.

Following the speeches, it was time for the group photo. We chose a spot on the mound, which provided a natural tiered effect, ensuring everyone was visible. The guests’ excitement was palpable as they arranged themselves, and the resulting photo was a fantastic memento of the day. This group photo perfectly captured the joy and togetherness of the event, aligning seamlessly with the candid and natural wedding photography style that Eoin and Claire desired.

Phenomenal Band and Choreographed First Dance

As the evening unfolded, the celebration reached new heights with the arrival of the band, Superfly. They set the tone for an unforgettable night, playing an eclectic mix of tunes that kept the dance floor packed. The band’s energy was infectious, and their performance was nothing short of phenomenal. But the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Eoin and Claire’s choreographed dance.

Meticulously practised and perfectly executed, their dance was a showstopper. It was a beautiful blend of grace and fun, reflecting their personalities and the joy of the day. The crowd erupted in applause, cheering on the couple as they moved seamlessly across the floor. A terrific moment to capture, preserving the spontaneity and emotion of the night, the Yurt keeping the atmosphere locked in. The dance set the stage for a lively evening, with guests dancing and celebrating well into the night, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

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VENDOR CREDITS

Photographer: Aspect Photography by Shane O’Neill
Venue: Ballintubbert House
Florals: Clonakenny Flower Farm
Reception Music: Juan Jose Manzano
Church Music: Family & Friends
Hair: Joe Hayes
Makeup: Anita Conroy
Cake: Kelly Lou Cakes
Cars: Martley Buses

Wedding Band: Superfly
Camera Gear: Nikon