Orlaith and Richard – Segrave Barns

Orlaith and Richard were married in August 2021 at Seagrave Barns in Co. Louth after a romance encompassing Ireland, England, and France. Having first met as tour guides in Paris, this Irish girl and English guy settled upon the rustic chic surroundings of Seagrave Barns in Co. Louth to tie the knot. From a style perspective, Orlaith and Richard got everything just spot-on to be in keeping with the beautiful venue they chose. From the bridesmaids on-trend dark velvet gowns to Orlaith’s show-stopper bouquet, everything about this wedding worked well to create a cool, laidback vibe.

As I’ve mentioned many times in my blogs, where many photographers are sometimes apprehensive about photographing kids and pets at weddings, I absolutely love it! (and check out the adorable pageboy and flowergirl featured in Orlaith and Richard’s big day). What you might not know, is that I also live to photograph the wonderful senior members of couples’ families. Here, you will see Orlaith’s grandmother seated like a queen in her very regal purple outfit. The image captures her exactly as I had hoped, someone who is thrilled to watch all the fuss surrounding her as her granddaughter prepares to be married. There is also an adorable snap of Richard with his own grandmother after the ceremony, and I think you’ll agree that the love between the two of them just leaps out of that photo. How lucky this couple were to have grandparents participate in their big day.

A real highlight of my first time shooting at Seagrave Barns was the epic surprise of a singing chef! As you can tell from these photos, it was a massive success. No one expects the chef to pull out a microphone and get the crowd singing, laughing, and joining in, but that’s exactly what happened at this occasion. I think I managed to do justice to the surprise and the joy that everyone experienced! If you had asked me beforehand if I thought a singing chef was a good idea at a wedding, I truthfully would not have been particularly enthusiastic at the idea, but I can honestly say that I am converted after the Seagrave Barns wedding dinner. Everyone likes to have something different at their events, and Orlaith and Richard certainly achieved that here.

At every wedding I shoot, I try to photograph important objects like the couple’s wedding rings, the bride’s handpicked accessories, or gifts they may have exchanged. Of course, these objects are valuable to photograph - they are often carefully chosen, family heirlooms, or objects that couples have diligently saved for a long time to purchase. But my own opinion is that wedding images should primarily celebrate people, not objects. Look at the love in the faces of Orlaith and Richard’s grandmothers, the couple’s happiness as they say their vows, and the sheer joy of wedding guests as the singing chef transformed their evening. These are images which will undoubtedly hold more meaning for many couples, and it is a real honour to get to capture these moments and remind people of the intense emotions felt by their most loved ones on such an important day.