No 1 Perry Square Wedding, Limerick Ireland
On the corner of a quiet side street in Limerick, looking over People’s Park is a gem of a Georgian country house turned into an elegant yet cozy hotel, restaurant, and a perfect venue for a quiet, intimate wedding. No. 1 Perry Square is full of romance and luxury, comfort, details, and was also (and most importantly) the location of one of the most perfectly delightful wedding celebrations I’ve been privileged to be a part of.
Although I wasn’t supposed to be there until the afternoon, I couldn’t resist popping in early to get some pre wedding photos of the rooms, decor, and details that No 1 Perry Square is so good at. Not a single thing was forgotten, and when I walked into the beautiful bridal suite with the wedding flowers practically propped against the pillows to drip dry and the biggest smile from Jessica, I knew that this was going to be my kind of a day… relaxed, fun, and full of family & friends.
Jess and Shane have been together through it all, from college parties to grown-up jobs, from buying a house to planning a wedding and all the ups and downs in between. There’s something deep and true about these kinds of relationships, these kinds of weddings - it’s because when you say “I do”, when you make that promise, you know exactly what you are saying yes to - you have seen them through the rough times, you’ve fought with each other, you’ve fought for each other.
I think that their wedding photos show that but they also show an amazing element of friendship - between Jess and Shane, but between everyone else too. Jess is already part of Shane’s family and Shane is already part of Jess’s family, their wedding was not just a ceremony between two people, but an acknowledgment of how their two families were already a part of each other’s lives, which is also rare and wonderful.
The ceremony was lovely, and the rest of the day?
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL
After the traditional family photos, Jess and Shane and I headed out for some bride & groom portraits. Or attempted to. We got a bit waylaid.
But that’s ok because we eventually made it out.
What I love most about bride and groom portraits is that it gives them a few moments alone, it creates a bit of space to enjoy finally being married.
All I ask is that we go for a walk, and when we find the right place, to stop and just BE - and inevitably, their joy makes magic.
And of course, it’s the quiet stolen moments that are the sweetest memories
After our wee walk there was plenty of time for them to spend with their family and friends - that’s important to me as a documentary wedding photographer. I am happy to take whatever time out that a couple wants to take for their wedding photos, from 5 minutes to an hour, but my main goal isn’t really to create a beautiful bridal portrait (although look at this bride!) or the absolute perfect wedding portrait - my goal is to step back, let you enjoy your day, and document the moments that make it special.
AFTER ALL…
This is your day - yours to spend with the people you love. My goal is to make pictures that capture the experience of the day, that tell the story of the day in pictures that are beautiful, funny, creative, emotional, and all the feelings in between.
Wedding Day Checklist:
Get ready (✓)
Get married (✓)
Family Pictures (✓)
Have a drink (✓)
Speeches
Dinner
Cake
First Dance
Relax & enjoy the rest of the evening (✓)
I was so very grateful that Jess and Shane asked me to stay a couple more hours. After their first dance, you could feel everyone settle in for the night - oh the stories that were told! The amazing caricaturist Mark Heng created hilarious & unique wedding favours, the musicians were a delight to listen to and you could see that every single person was there because they truly loved being a part of Jess and Shane’s life. I enjoyed every second of documenting their day.
