If I ever retire from wedding photography, the McCarras of Newcastle in County Tipperary will definitely stand out in my memories. Rosie, the youngest of ten siblings, was the fifth McCarra wedding I’ve had the honor to shoot. They are such a beautiful, close-knit, and talented family, and it’s always a pleasure to be part of their special occaisons.
The wedding took place at the Woodlands Hotel in Adare. It’s such a charming and welcoming place, complete with a petting farm for kids and a bustling atmosphere despite being in the countryside. Eoin, the groom, got ready at his home in County Limerick, and I had a lovely drive from Waterford, enjoying parts of Ireland I don’t usually see. His family was just as wonderful, and I ended up staying longer than planned, chatting and enjoying the vibe.
Rosie was getting ready at the hotel, and it was my first time working with a wedding social media content creator named Elaine, who was fantastic. The morning was filled with spontaneous moments, champagne, and hilarious stories from the hen night. Rosie looked stunning in her dress, and we managed to get some quick portraits before heading to the church.
The ceremony at The Holy Trinity Abbey in Adare was beautiful, with Eoin’s uncle officiating and the McCarra family providing amazing music. Despite the rain, the atmosphere was perfect. We had planned to take family photos in the park, but the weather had other ideas, so we headed back to the hotel. Luckily, the sun came out, and we got some great portraits under the trees.
The drinks reception was a blast with traditional music and spontaneous dancing. The bride and groom had a fantastic time mingling with their guests. Dinner was preceded by some heartfelt speeches, and the setup in the Fitzgerald Suite with mirrors surrounding the top table made for some great photos. The food at the bistro was top-notch, and I even bumped into an old friend, the make-up artist Yvonne Maher, which was a lovely surprise.
Later, I took Rosie and a couple of bridesmaids out for a blue hour shot, even though the light had faded. We brought a bottle of champagne and enjoyed a moment of chaos in the field before the dance floor mayhem began. The band, the Bentley Boys, were phenomenal, and the party was everything you’d expect from a McCarra wedding.
It was a truly special day, and I’m so grateful to have been part of it. The McCarra family is spread all over the world, and moments like these are extra special for them when they get back together. I’m delighted to have been part of it again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Woodlands Hotel Adare Wedding Photography:
How many hours of coverage do you typically provide for a Woodlands Hotel wedding?
I usually shoot from early morning preparations, covering both the bride and the groom through to dancing.
What happens if it rains on our wedding day at the Woodlands?
It rained today! The couple wanted a mainly docuentary style so the weather became part of the story. We had planned to take some photos in Adare Town Park but we improvised and waited for the weather to improve, intead taking family photos at the hotel
Are there good indoor photo locations at the Woodlands Hotel?
Yes, I like the area at the back of the dining hall, with the mirrors, it offers some very creative opportunities
Can we do a first look at the Woodlands Hotel?
Of course, there are plenty of places on offer to do that. I like to pick a spot where it is quiet with few people passing to preserve the moment
How long should we allow for family photos?
I think 15 minutes maximum for family photos. We don’t want it to drag out too long and interfere with the time that could be spent at the drinks reception.
Do you know the best photo spots around the Holy Trinity Church?
Of course, I’ve shot here many times before. It often rains too! No matter what the weather, you can get spectacular shots at the back of the Church, using the open door as a light source.
What time of day is best for couple portraits at the Woodlands?
As you will see in the above photos, my favourite time was when it was almost dark! Its called blue hour. Using a flash and a slightly long shutter exposure, its possible to let a little bit of that dim light seep into the images. The effect is dramatic and fun. The images looks very spontaneous.
Do you provide a second photographer for Woodlands Hotel weddings?
I can but I prefer if possible to shoot alone.
How long do you stay at the reception?
I stay for about 30 minutes into dancing
When should we book you for our Woodlands Hotel wedding?
Every year I book out. I have a set amount of wedding that I shoot every year so the advice is always book as early as possible! Contact Me