Trudder Lodge Wedding Photographer
Evan and Alan experienced perfect weather for their wedding at Trudder Lodge in Newcastle Co. Wicklow. Well, it’s almost perfect, but we’ll come to that in a minute. Before the event, they provided me with clear instructions: they requested that I remain unobtrusive during the ceremony, minimize staged shots, and focus on candid photography throughout the day. This aligned perfectly with my usual approach. I arrived early to familiarize myself with the venue, which was new to me. Trudder Lodge left a lasting impression on me, one that I still remember vividly after all these years.
Outdoor Ceremony at Trudder Lodge
Three strong memories from that day stand out. The wedding ceremony was due to take place in The Walled Garden. Despite the beautiful weather, there was a concern about potential showers around the time of the ceremony. Luckily, one of the guests was an employee of Met Éireann, the Irish meteorological service. You would expect them to have reliable weather predictions! However, just 15 minutes before the decision had to be made, that guest guest predicted rain. This led to a scramble to move all the garden furniture indoors in preparation for the ceremony. Ironically, it never rained!
The Food At Trudder Lodge
The second memory is of the exceptional food at Truder Lodge. I remember having an egg and celeriac sandwich that was simply divine. It was so good that I’ve considered returning just for another taste. The canopies and dinner throughout the day were equally amazing
Aidan Gillan Doppelganger
The third memorable aspect was being mistaken for actor Aidan Gillan. This frequently happens at weddings, but on this occasion, a guest was particularly insistent on taking my photo because he believed I closely resembled his next-door neighbour, who is Aidan Gillan. I found it amusing and obliged him with the photo.
Bride & Groom Prep
Both the bride and groom prepared for the wedding on-site that morning. The atmosphere was relaxed, with drinks and snacks being enjoyed. The ceremony was conducted by humanist Billy Hutchinson, featuring readings by friends, singing by Alan’s sister, and seven prayers of the faithful. Rose petals were used as confetti for the couple’s walk down the aisle.
After the Wedding Ceremony
After the ceremony, there was a request for a full group photo, but I don’t believe it was taken due to the day’s hectic pace. We did manage to capture some quick family photos, as per the couple’s wishes, off to the side near the drinks area. The couple spent two hours at the drinks reception, which was held in the many charming spaces of Truder Lodge, particularly enjoyable on the lawn during the hot summer day.
Trudder Lodge Portraits by The Pond
Dinner was announced at 6 pm, with everyone seated and eating by 6:30 pm. So we used that time to zip down to The Pond. The evening light was perfect. They enjoyed the portrait session more than they thought they would. It is nice to take a few minutes out before the mayhem kicks in again.
Wedding Speeches
The meal began with a quick starter, followed by four speeches. The cake cutting took place at 9 pm, succeeded by a performance from the wedding band, The Goods, who were outstanding. The dance floor was energetic, with guests fully engaged in the celebration. After capturing the lively scene for about 30 minutes, I discreetly left, the sounds of the festivities echoing behind me.
I thank everyone at Truder Lodge and look forward to returning someday soon.
“We had an amazing day on our wedding and many thanks for enthusiasm you had on the day. Many of our guests mentioned to us that you always had a funny word to say before taking photos, which made everyone feel at ease. So thank you. We know the photos will be utterly amazing”
Alan & Eavan
To Book Shane as your Trudder Lodge Wedding Photographer, get in touch here: CONTACT
Trudder Lodge Wedding Vendor List
Photographer: Shane O’Neill Aspect Photography
Venue: Trudder Lodge
Celebrant: Billy Hutchinson
Camera Gear: Bermingham Cameras