Category Archives: Videos

Dunmore House Wedding Story

 

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I suppose you could say I’m a people watcher.

Even back in the day, when I could not afford to own a video camera, I used to find myself sitting in cafés observing how people interact with other.  For instance, what did that hug between two friends really mean: was it a comfortable embrace or simply a polite but strained exchange?  In answering my own questions I would find myself building stories inspired by the strangers around me.  I’ll come back to this but first, let me tell you a little about Caroline and Brian’s wedding day.

The wedding ceremony took place in the same Cloheen Church where 32 years ago, Caroline’s parents, Frank and Eileen, were married and Father John celebrated both ceremonies; a beautiful touch!.  As soon as this fact came to my attention I began to see this teaser in Black and White.  Their full Wedding Story is awash with vibrant colours but B&W always summons up a nostalgic aesthetic for me so where better to use it than in their teaser.

Caroline and Brian are a fun couple and the only time they ever got choked up was when they spoke about both sets of parents.  Their appreciation and love for their parents was there for all to see on the day so, of course, there is a strong theme of family connections driving the teaser and Wedding Story.

The wedding reception was held at Dunmore House Hotel, County Cork where the views are just breathtaking.  Caroline and Brian could not praise the hotel enough so it turned out to be the perfect venue for them.  Another fantastic service provider who always deserves a special mention is documentary wedding photographer, Roger Overall.  We love working with him because he allows a wedding day to unfold with zero interference and he respects all aspects of the wedding experience.  Weddings are all about the bride and groom: some vendors only pay lip service to this fact but not Roger; his actions speak louder than words! Most of all, we love working with Roger because he has become a very good friend and, like myself, he thrives on reading people and the moments they create.

And that brings me back to people watching.  What I noticed on Caroline and Brian’s day and what made me smile while I edited their film were the people in the background, especially Caroline’s friends.  They are beaming.  Huge smiles light up their faces.  You can see them craning their necks for better views during the ceremony.  It’s a sure sign that Caroline and Brian are loved by their friends.  And these reactions say more than words can ever say about this couple!

Thanks for having us Caroline and Brian; it was a pleasure for us to share in your wonderful story!

Other ker suppliers and vendors:

Seroca Bridal, Limerick – Bride’s Dress

Virginia’s Bridal, Limerick – Bridesmaid’s Dress

Tom Murphy Menswear, Cork – Suit Hire

‘something borrowed’ Louise McCarthy – Bride’s Shoes

Maria Fitzgerald, www.wedding singer.ie – Church Music

Patsy Sweeney, Dunmanway, Co. Cork – Transport

Aisling Flowers, Wilton Shopping Centre, Cork – Florist

 

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Darre and Matt – Wedding Story Teaser

 

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This couple will always have a special place in our heart!

The Boland family live on the Galway and Mayo border and from the second we were welcomed into their home on the morning of the wedding, Elaine and I bonded with this family in a very special way.  There was a huge well of good feeling toward the bride and it was heart warming to see all the bridesmaids rally behind Darre as the nerves cranked up by the second.  Not only that, but everyone couldn’t do enough for myself and Elaine and our time with the Boland {and O’Malley} family was one of our most memorable 2010 moments.

A huge amount of care and attention went into every aspect of the day and the ceremony was no different. The church decor by Wedding Couture was elegant and stylish and Darre’s entrance was one of my all time favourites; after all her efforts, after all the build up of nerves, her moment was here and one couldn’t help but be touched by her reaction.

The homily by Father Michael Crosby was just amazing. The inflection in his voice was dreamy and somewhat nostalgic and his message was simple and yet, meaningful.

After the ceremony we travelled with the wedding photographer, Melissa Mannion to the picturesque village of Cong where The Quiet Man starring John Wayne was filmed.  Melissa’s reputation proceeds her so although I had never worked with her before I had heard many good reports; as it turns out, all well deserved. She was a pleasure to work alongside and I look forward to seeing her again in the future.

Our trip back to the hotel, in unfamiliar territory and without our Sat-Nav, was fraught with nerves in case we got lost. Despite a couple of wrong turns {I will at least try to listen to Elaine in future} we managed to get to the Claregalway Hotel before our bride and groom. Relief!

Darre made sure we were fed and watered with a gorgeous meal at the bar and again, we are so thankful to the kindness extended to us by these incredible people!

Darre and Matthias; thank you so much for choosing us to be a part of your day and congratulations on your little bundle of joy that’s on the way!!!

Key Vendors and suppliers:

Claregalway Hotel – Darre and Matthias raved about the first class attention from the wedding co-ordinator, Nora Gill.  Elaine and I were very impressed with all aspects of the hotel!

Melissa Mannion – wedding photography by an excellent photographer. Check her out.

Shirley in Branch Florists Galway – Florist

Tracey Bridals in Galway – THE DRESS by Maggie Sottero

Bridesmaids dresses by Lazaro in RK Bridals, New York City

Make up by Caroline Coyne – Such a pleasant girl and great make-up

Helga Kampff – Another fantastic girl who looked after the hair styles

Cake

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Maryanne and Phil

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I know I’ve said this before but there is something truly magical about Dromoland Castle weddings and I know the Australian – and Irish – guests were very impressed with Maryanne and Phil’s big day.

Maryanne is an Irish girl living in Australia where she met her new husband, Phil.  They have an adorable boy, Ethan, and although he was quite ill on the eve of the wedding, the little fella pulled through on the big day and he played a stormer.

Elaine and I travelled up to Clare the night before and we stayed in our favourite guesthouse, The Courtyard, because we had an early rise next morning to film the bride and groom preparations at the castle.  The girls were very well behaved but the boys’ camp was full of mischief and I struggled to keep the camera steady as I laughed at three grown men trying to dress little Ethan.  Off the top of my head I can’t tell you for certain if they ever managed to get his shoes on….

The ceremony was held at St. John’s, Cratloe and we love working with the parish priest, Fr. Liam Enright.  He is an absolute gentleman and his common touch always puts to bed any nerves that a couple might have during the ceremony.

Margaret Daly and Nico Hernandez from Dromoland Castle made sure that the everyone – including myself and Elaine – had an incredible time at the reception.

Thanks for having us, Maryanne, Phil, and Ethan!!!

 

Key vendors and suppliers:

Dromoland Castle – just magic!

Fr. Liam Enright – no wonder so many Dromoland couples choose St. John’s, Cratloe.

Cormac Byrne – despite being on the end of some tragic circumstances at the time, Cormac carried on with his duties with a big smile on his face. True professional and a pleasure to work with!

 

 

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Canadian Wedding Story

 

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In some ways, this wedding event was a fond trip down memory lane for me. Since I first decided to try and redefine wedding video into something more film like… and cool… I always had an idea of where I needed to go and one of the early steps in my evolution was taken in Connemara when I filmed a wedding for a couple of American families at Rossleague Manor about four years ago.

So when a Canadian couple, Susan and Shane, enquired to see if I would travel from Tralee and into the heart of Connemara to film their day at that same country house I jumped at the chance.

The wedding party was made up of close family, friends, and the priest. Eighteen people in total, if I remember correctly. And I’ve got to admit, I love filming these type of days where the guest list is small. I can learn so much more about the couple through watching and listening to the people around me… and it is so easy to capture a sense of the tight bonds these small groups hold for each other.

I’m not sure what Susan and Shane expected from their Irish wedding but it couldn’t get any more romantic than what they got; a quaint church in the middle of the countryside, a charming Irish priest, candlelit ceremony, pints of Guinness, and old manor house, and of course, rain. It was a fantastic day and I know it’s one they will never forget!

Susan, Shane, and your family and friends: Sláinte!

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Clodagh and Edmond

 

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The groomsmen were trying hard to convince me that Edmond was nervous underneath his happy, charming exterior.  They failed.  Edmond was by far the coolest man in the church; in fact, I think my usual pre-bridal arrival nerves far outweighed any jitters the groom was experiencing.

Speaking of bridal arrivals, this one happened at about 100km an hour in a Maserati.  I was setting myself up for a creative shot of the approach and I nearly had to dive out of the way of incoming vehicle.  And, someone somewhere was definitely in a hurry to get Clodagh, the stunning bride, up that aisle to Edmond because her parents were just short of running her to the top of the church.  Clodagh joked about it in her speeches and promised her parents that “only the finest of nursing homes await you…”

Dunloe Castle and general manager, Jason Clifford, deserve a big shout out for the part they played in this amazing event.  Exquisite food and first class service for the guests and as ever, Elaine and I were made to feel right home.

Thanks a million to Clodagh and Edmond for having us!

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The Sheltering Tree

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When John and Maria {who are living in Sydney} re-introduced themselves to me at Karen & Barry’s wedding in Clare – the week before their own big day – I couldn’t place them at first.  I had met the couple about a year beforehand for a nice cup of tea and even though they had left a huge impression upon me at the time, right now I couldn’t for the life of me remember who they were.

It was September, I was working on a wedding for Ireland’s biggest and best known wedding planner, we were in the middle of my busiest summer of shooting ever, our enquiry rates had gone through the roof, and my own wedding was less than one month away.  I got up at 6 every morning and spent 12 hour days editing weddings, when I finished work our families discussed nothing else but my wedding, and when I’d take a drive to get a break from it all I would find huge billboard campaigns on the roadside advertising wedding fairs and the like… There was no escaping My Big Fat Wedding Life.

One week later, we made the short trip back west to Castlegregory and Dingle and we found ourselves on very familiar territory.  Keith and Evelyn Woodard – who we love working alongside but never get enough time to continue our great chats with – were looking after the wedding photography.  Christina from All Seasons {who was our amazing florist for our own wedding} was looking after the floral arrangements, Marina Cassidy {who was one of the stars of my wedding!} was the musician, and Father Michael Hussey was the celebrant and he is well known to myself and Elaine.

The ceremony was amazing.

I may have been going through an overload of all things weddings but this day’s events had an almost hypnotic affect on me… In fact, Elaine commented afterward on our way to the Dingle Skellig Hotel that I looked lost in the music as I gazed into Marina’s harp while she played.  The woman is an amazing artist and she has a gift that very few possess; what she does is very special.

Then Father Hussey delivered one of the most poetic homilies I’ve ever heard about friendships and home.  It was beautiful and very meaningful to the couple, their families, and friends.

As the day unfolded, Fr. Hussey’s words stayed with me and the theme of “home” grew stronger and stronger as I looked and listened closer to John and Maria’s story.  I also learned that they are the nicest people you could wish to meet and although it took me a few moments to place them just one week before, I can honestly say that after sharing in their amazing day I will never forget them!

Thanks for having us, John and Maria!!!

 

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You Marry The One You Can’t Live Without

I didn’t meet Lynsey in person until the morning of the wedding but I left for the road back to Kerry that night feeling like I knew her all my life.

The day started at the home of Lynsey’s parents, Ber and William.  I know the relative calm in the house was inspired by the make-up artist, Terry Lane, of all people.  Lynsey would later tell me that not only was she hugely impressed with her make-up but that Terry’s calming influence had a very positive impact on her morning.  My time at the house seemed to just disappear as Ber fussed around me making sure I was OK for tea or cold drinks and William proudly showed me the labours of his gardens.  I was among friends.

Elaine and I often like to paint a character portrait of the groom based on our meeting with the bride and we are rarely wrong.  And Lynsey’s groom, Derm, was exactly as we imagined; a confident, friendly, out-going and down-to-earth gentleman.  The wedding ceremony took place in St. Finbarr’s which is the oldest Catholic Church in Cork City and I laughed out loud on several occasions through the service because the priest, Fr. Hurley, was a pantomime; a real character!

It was my first time filming at The Garryvoe Hotel and the management and staff could not have been more welcoming.  And the food, which Lynsey and Derm were so kind to lay on for us, was just delicious!

If I’m being honest, in the couple of weeks before Lynsey’s day, I had poured 110% of myself into some pretty big weddings that had come in quick succession after each other… I was feeling exhausted and somewhat daunted at the huge list of weddings that were ahead of me.  But, on the road back to Kerry that night I felt that Lynsey and Derm and their families and friends had reaffirmed my belief that I’ve got the best job in the world and I was excited to film the weddings that were waiting in my near future.

Thank you Lynsey and Derm!

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The Princess and The Dragon

On the surface, this  day had all the elements of a fairytale wedding: A stunning bride who was every inch the princess, a TV celebrity Dragon who is one of Ireland’s leading entrepreneurs, and a magical castle where dreams come true.  But the heartbeat of this amazing wedding story was the coming together of two families who are the most decent, down-to-earth people you could ever wish to meet.

When Elaine and I called to Trish’s family farmhouse we were greeted by the two adorable flower girls, Maeve and Aisling, who led us inside to meet the O’Connor’s.  The place was hopping with excitement and as you can see from the teaser, Pat O’Neill, the hairdresser, made quite an impact on everybody, including the kids who were trying to copy his skills with a scissor and brush.  I’ve known for sometime now that Pat is a genius when it comes to womens hair but even I was amazed at what he did with the bridesmaid Sara’s short hair!!

Sean was staying across the road in a charming cottage. When Sean told me that Steve Collins stayed here back in the days when he was training for his historic fight with Chris Eubank, the hairs stood on the back of my neck for the first of just many times on this dream-like day.  I’m a fan of Dragon’s Den and while it was a pleasure to meet Sean Gallagher, it was even better to learn that in the flesh he is a level headed, friendly guy who is mighty craic.

The ceremony was… Spectacular.  We knew some of Trish and Sean’s story already but the fuller details began to reveal themselves as the day unfolded so there were moments of heart tugging sadness during the ceremony.  However, it was inspirational and uplifting to witness the bravery – and humour! – of these two families.

Sliabh Luachra Florists had the church looking amazing with their floral displays and Trish and Clem from Dolce made things extra special with their music.  We have had the pleasure of working on many weddings alongside Trish and Clem and we highly recommend that you check out their website.  I must also mention Bartek Witek – a rising star in the documentary photography world of weddings.  A really nice guy who does an amazing job of capturing candid pictures whilst allowing the couple to enjoy the natural flow of their day.

It is no great secret that we love filming at Dromoland Castle which was the perfect venue for Trish and Sean’s wedding.  The champagne reception was held in the Walled Garden and we could not help but get some beautiful, natural footage.  Mark, Simon, Margaret, Nico and all the Dromoland staff made sure that everything ran according to plan and I can tell you they did an excellent job… as ever!

I hope this teaser does justice to the wonderful atmosphere of Trish and Sean’s wedding day.  It was a pleasure and an inspiration for Elaine and I to be part of it all!

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Wedding In The City – Meyrick Hotel

Anyone can give you a wedding video… We make a film about your day. We tell your Wedding Story!
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Aisling loved Wedding Story from the moment she got in contact with us so it saddened me to tell her that we were unavailable for her wedding; I was supposed to be going on honeymoon.  However, very shortly after her enquiry we were forced to move our own wedding date and Aisling immediately came to mind.  She booked us in a heartbeat.

We travelled up west the night before her big day and attended the ceremony  rehearsals in St. Mary’s, Galway City.  While I was working out the challenging angles of this beautiful, bright church I heard the theme music from Sex and the City coming from Aisling’s ring tone… the first of many obvious clues – even to a non fan like myself – that Aisling adored the American TV Show.

Father Tadhg Quinn could not have been more welcoming to us and his ceremony was a huge talking point of the day.  He really does have his finger on the pulse of today’s Irish couples and his homily was a joy to listen to.  We also noticed him doing a very good job of settling the nervous groom, Michael… though I’m not sure nervous is the right word.  Like he said in his speech, he wasn’t nervous because he was marrying his best friend so maybe it was excitement that he was trying to contain.  His new wife, Aisling Peyton, is soooo cool and you would be forgiven for thinking that she walked off a black and white movie set.  She arrived to the ceremony being chauffeur driven by Pat from Getaway Limos in an original 1920′s Sport Buick.  Pat is an absolute professional.  He loves his brides almost as much as his gorgeous cars and it is always a pleasure to see him coming!

Aisling’s entrance into the church really was like a dream and while everyone drew in a deep, collective breath, Elaine nearly knocked over her camera with excitement… The bride was wearing Manola Blahnik shoes… Just like the ones out of Sex And The City, I’m told.  St. Mary’s turned out to be the perfect venue for the ceremony and it was a pleasure for us to work alongside Chris Nelson.  We love documentary photographers and Chris was so obliging and thoughtful about our presence.  Thank you, Chris!

The reception was within walking distance of the church and everyone at The Meyrick Hotel were so helpful.  It is a super wedding venue in the heart of the city and we look forward to returning there some day.

Looking back now, there is no doubt that this was a fantastic weekend.  This bride and groom were super cool people but their wedding also oozed elegance and class.  The couple went above and beyond to make us feel welcome: they reserved us a parking space at the hotel, organised the most delicious meal for us, and then thanked us in their speeches.  Aisling and Michael, we want to thank you for being so good to us and having us as part of your wedding day!

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Only You

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When Elaine and I first met Larna and Dan at Dromoland Castle for a consultation meeting about what kind of service we could offer them for their wedding, it became very clear that Larna wanted to hire us because she wanted more than a pedestrian wedding video.  She and her husband-to-be were inviting their American family and friends to come over to Ireland and share the magical experience of an Irish castle wedding; Larna wanted a film that could capture that dream…  Which is what Velvetine Studios do best!

I must admit though that I was very worried on the day.  The couples ceremony was taking place at the staircase of the castle’s Brian Boru center – a stunning setting – but it proved a challenge when it was filled with a hundred guests.  We also had to share the limited space with the photographer, Sinead Ní Ríain and her gentleman, assistant Pat.  Elaine and I disappeared into a couple of dark corners and although it was a challenge to find clean angles, we absolutely nailed it and I’m delighted with how it turned out.

I must also give Sinead Ní Ríain a special mention.  We have worked together on several occasions at the castle and she commands huge respect as a classical wedding photographer. But what really impresses me about Sinead is her ability to step in where needed and get the day moving.  Looking back over Larna’s footage in the edit suite I was amazed to see how involved Sinead became when needed; she literally dressed the stunning bride.  Well done, Sinead!

I love the full Wedding Story – Only You -  that is going out to Larna and Dan because it oozes the warmth and friendly atmosphere that featured throughout their day.  They are two very special people and it was our pleasure to meet them and share in their spectacular day.  We were spoiled for choice when it came to filming this event and my favourite shot of the day is the two little girls sharing a bottle of 7-Up.  Other videographers often get excited by my floating shots or various other Boy’s Toys that I use but it is worth noting that Elaine captured this shot from a stationary tripod and simply allowed the moment to unfold; it is beautiful.

We hope you all enjoy this teaser half as much as we loved being a part of Larna and Dan’s magical Dromoland Castle wedding.  Thanks for having us, guys!!


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All I Want Is You – Darver Castle

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velvetine studios produce a select amount of wedding video in kerry and wedding video in ireland. our dates do book quickly and we only have 10 remaining dates available on our 2011 calendar

Elaine and I fell in love with these people!

Henry and Monica had a civil ceremony in Newry and the reception took place in the heart of Louth at Darver Castle.  We travelled up the night before to familiarise ourselves with the locations and we stayed at our favourite B&B in Newry, Mourne Drive.

Both of us were excited about this wedding because of its slightly different make-up to the norm.  For starters, all our dealings had been through the best man, Marcus.  Most best men can not even be trusted to mind the rings on the day (Elaine and I gave ours to our seven year old page-boy and our best man was thankful for it!) but Marcus turned out to be a different breed altogether.  His attention to detail was immaculate!

The groom was so nervous and my heart always goes out to nice guys like Henry.  No amount of assuring words can convince a nervous groom that he’s going to feel 110% once he sees his bride walking up that aisle to meet him.  And, in a day of countless memorable moments, I think Monica’s entrance into the ceremony and Henry’s reaction to his stunning bride is my favourite part of their amazing day.

Darver Castle looked fantastic and I must take this opportunity to thank the management and staff who went out of their way to help us.  We also had the pleasure of working with Belfast based photographer, Donnie Wright.  Donnie is a gentleman and his no fuss attitude fitted in perfectly with the day. And Manilla Strings…. Wow!  After seeing them entertain Henry and Monica’s guests during the drinks reception before and during the meal, Elaine and I just had to have them for our wedding.  Unfortunately for us, they were booked but it came as no surprise to us.

Another highlight of the day was Marcus’ song which he wrote for the couple.  In my experience, this is the type of thing that often ends up an embarrasing disappointment but I have to say, this was hilarious for all the right reasons and went down a treat with guests and camera persons… I was wiping away tears of laughter.

Henry and Monica… and Marcus… thanks a million for having us and we hope you love your Wedding Story teaser!

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A Good Marriage

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velvetine studios produce a select amount of wedding video in kerry and wedding video in ireland. our dates do book quickly and we only have 10 remaining dates available on our 2011 calendar

I’ve been looking forward to revisiting Siobhan & Paul’s wedding for some time now because on several occasions, throughout their day, I felt the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.  Weddings are all about the people – you can have a church bursting with flowers, the height of fashion, and stilt walkers setting off fireworks at your reception – but nothing compares to a wedding where the couple are “in to each other”.  And you cannot meet nicer than Siobhan and Paul.

I think they got everything just right about their day.  It was stunningly simple and every little detail had a touch of class to it.  Their church in Kilcummin might pose difficulties for many a videographer – and I must admit that I was slightly apprehensive when I first saw it – but I relished the challenge of getting killer footage whilst remaining as invisible as possible.  All four priests were absolute gentlemen and the ceremony was just beautiful.  Fabulous readings – in Gaelic!! – and a wonderful homily from Fr. Lar Kelly that had the congregation in wails of laughter in one moment and then contemplating words of wisdom the next… the stuff of goose-pimples!

The reception was held at Dunloe Castle and, as ever, Jason Clifford and his staff made sure that the couple and their guests had an amazing experience at the hotel.

When it came to putting this teaser together of the Wedding Story I spent quite bit of time trying to find the right blend of footage and music to reflect the simple yet stunning elements of the day.  I delved deep into my music collection and married an inspiring track with lots of the ceremony footage.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do and thanks a million to Siobhan and Paul for having us!


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Alana and Daniel

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This wedding will always bring back memories of nice people, iPads, torrential rain, and being questioned by the Gardaí.

I remember driving down to Skibereen for this wedding and we could barely see out the window it was raining that hard.  I feared a washout for the bride, Alana Nolan, a really sweet girl. The weather was so bad that I was dreading leaving the comfort of the car.  We arrived at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and, wow, I was excited.  Such a gorgeous building and so much eye candy to shoot.  I knew we were in for a good day!

I got busy filming the groom, Daniel, greeting his guests and then I waited for Alana’s arrival… and I waited… and waited.  No sign of her.  I was standing under the shelter of a tree, trying to protect my camera from the rain when a Garda car pulled up to me.  The officer leaned to the passenger window and summoned me over.  Turns out it was an old buddy of mine who I worked with about 15 years ago… Now I know who to call the next time I get a speeding ticket.  We were just getting into the middle of catching up when I heard a car horn in the distance… The bride!

Turns out that her car broke down on the way to the church and I will never forget the look of relief on Daniel’s face when I told him that his bride was finally here… and that the rain had finally cleared.

At the reception, the photographer, Peter O’Neill, allowed me to play around with his iPad during the meal.  I swore that I was going to wait until the second generation of iPads came out before buying one…. I didn’t last week after holding one in my hands :)

I’ll always have fond memories of Alana and Daniel’s wedding day.  Thanks for having us!

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Dunloe Wedding Story

I always love it when a couple come to chat with us after watching one of their friends’ wedding stories so I was delighted when Jo and David asked us to film their big day after seeing Conor + Sonia’s film.

Jo & David – who are based in Vanuata – got married in Killarney and although it poured down rain for the day it certainly didn’t dampen any spirits; it was a brilliant event. The ceremony was held at Fossa Church and Carrie from Best of Buds worked her magic at the church with her floral arrangements. Jo obviously put a huge amount of time and care into the wedding with carefully chosen readings and hymns and at times there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I’m always looking for “the story” but on this occasion, and even though I was spoiled for choice, my attention was constantly drawn to the love that Jo – and everyone at the wedding for that matter – held for her mother, Ansie.

Ansie’s story was truly inspiring and uplifting!

As ever, Dunloe Castle and the general manager, Jason Clifford, were a joy to work with… I think the families must have thanked Jason at least four times during the speeches; Jason works tirelessly for his couples and it’s always nice to see that professionalism recognised.

Thanks a million for having us, Jo & David!!!

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Ballygarry House Wedding Teaser

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Seems like a lifetime ago when I first met Maura and Pat to discuss filming their wedding. Maura was adamant that she did not want an ordinary wedding video so we were only delighted to tell her that we would make a film about their big day.

The ceremony was held in the picturesque village of Castlegregory – a seaside village that I love because it holds fond memories of my late Grand Uncle Jack Courtney and his dog, Shep. Maura and her family welcomed me into their home that morning and there wasn’t a nerve to be found… everyone was too busy getting their hair and make-up done in between the pots of tea and big fry ups!

Pat, the groom, was his normal, calm and jolly good self on the surface but not even a pint of Guinness could wash away all of his nerves. There were several cigarettes were smoked and nervous glances at his watch and it wasn’t until Maura made her grand entrance into the church that he was totally at ease.

The reception was held at Ballygarry House. Everyone in Kerry knows what a fantastic wedding venue this is and there’s little doubt that it is the best family run hotel in the County… and beyond! We just love filming there. No task is too big or detail too small for Padraig McGuillicuddy and all of his staff. Exquisite food, friendly service, beautiful gardens, old world charm with modern luxury; I can highly recommend this hotel to any couples who are looking for an amazing venue for a wedding.

All in all, Maura and Pat had a fantastic day and it was a privilege for myself and Elaine to share it with them from behind our cameras. Thanks so much for having us and best of luck to you in the years ahead.

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Killarney Wedding Story – Teaser

It’s kind of hard to put your finger on it but every once in a while a bride will manage to get everything right on her day…. and maybe we are biased because this couple used a lot of the suppliers we are having on our own wedding day… but Derena Murphy was one of them fortunate brides who had a truly perfect day.

Brendan Landy and his assistant Catherine were the official photographers and we LOVE working with Landy Photography. Brendan is one of the most sought after and respected photographers in the country for very good reason… his work is amazing. And when Derena finally arrived and stepped out of her Bentley and looking stunning in a Delphine Grandjoan wedding dress, I felt glad for her for that she had chosen Brendan for her photography. But back to the dress: Derena would later tell me that Delphine made the “whole wedding experience incredibly special” and I think that great service like that always deserves a mention here.

Kathryn O’Neill from Killarney (Elaine has her for our big day) was the make-up artist and, as always, her work was brilliant and the girls looked exactly the same at 10pm that night as they did when they first walked up the aisle.

We’ve known Pat O’Neill for some time now (his brilliant assistant Denise will be looking after Elaine’s hair) and one word comes to mind… genius. Pat and Denise are legends all over Munster and the salon in Killarney is out of this world.

The reception was held The Malton Hotel and guess what… that’s where we are holding our wedding reception as well. The Malton Hotel is second to none in any area. The food and service are just exquisite and their bride, grooms, and guests are treated to a wonderful experience from the very second they enter the hotel.

Derena and Alan: you are a lovely, lovely couple and we will have fond memories of your wedding day for many years to come. Hope you enjoy the teaser and thanks again for having us as part of your day!

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Aisling & David’s Dromoland Castle Wedding

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Aisling and David are living in Sydney and it was an absolute joy to be a part of their wedding day… and they celebrated in style, in every sense of the word!

Cratloe Church – a small, intimate place of worship – is a popular choice of ceremony venue for Dromoland Castle brides and we love filming at both locations. Fr. Liam Enright, the parish priest, is a gem of a man who pours all of himself into every wedding he celebrates and I love the fact that he personalises each ceremony for the many different couples that come through his doors.

The reception was held at one of Ireland’s best wedding venues, Dromoland Castle. We would film there every week if we were given the chance and that says a lot about the amazing grounds, the old world beauty of the castle, and the divine food. However, it’s great people that are the best asset of any great business and the management and staff of Dromoland really are out of this world. A father of the groom from earlier this year summed it up best when he said “When you cross the gates of Dromoland there’s a little shimmy… and you enter a completely different world…” His words are so true and if ever you do get to cross the castle’s gates you will understand this magical quality for your self.

Another pleasant surprise for me on the day was to meet up with Mick from the wedding band, Goodfellas. They absolutely rocked the place and the dance floor was hopping from the minute they started until we left.

I will always have fond memories of this day because I was so inspired and uplifted by these brave, spirited and down to earth people. Aisling & David; thank you so, so much for having Elaine and I as part of your wedding day!

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Castleisland Wedding Story

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It was a beautiful, clear morning in Castleisland, Kerry. We were looking for the brides house and my camera man, Shane – who surfs, climbs mountains, camps in the wild, and does other manly stuff – says “I can smell rain…” I put his extraordinary claims down to too many outdoor pursuits and an overactive imagination.

We finally found the bride’s house. Jennifer and all her family made us so welcome from the moment we met them and I had a great feeling about the day ahead. And I was right; despite Jennifer’s modern and contemporary touches to her wedding day which I loved, I sensed an abundance of good, old fashion values from the people. Couple this with Ballygarry House – which is renowned for its luxurious surroundings which blend effortlessly into its old world charm – and we had all the ingredients for a perfect day.

Jennifer and her groom, John, put a lot of effort into choosing their wedding theme, readings and selecting vendors who would complement their day. Brendan Landy was covering photography but I won’t sing his praises in this post at the risk of repeating myself in a couple of weeks time when I tell you about another wedding we worked on together.

When I sat to piece together this Wedding Story and teaser, I wanted to create something that was infused with that old world charm I felt on the wedding day. I was tempted to go with a black and white look but in the end, I settled with some rich colours to reflect the warm atmosphere of the day.

And Shane was right… Hours after his nose’s prediction it did indeed begin to rain. But nothing could dampen the fun and well being of this perfect day… in fact, it only added to the occasion.

Thank you Jennifer and John for having us as a part of your special day!

velvetine studios produce a select amount of wedding video in kerry and wedding video in ireland. our dates do book quickly and 2010 is already filling fast so call now to enquire about your date!

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One Thousand Kisses Deep

I loved filming this day.

Not only were we working in Killarney and at picturesque locations like St. Mary’s Cathedral and Dunloe Castle but people make a wedding and Sinead and Diarmuid were simply a fantastic couple.

St. Mary’s is a huge space – some find it challenging to work in – but I love it because it lends itself to some amazing shafts of light that stream through the high windows. And everything was going to plan until Diarmuid asked his best man just as the flower girls were about to parade up the aisle “Have you got the rings?” Mike realised that he had left them in car and there was a mad dash to get them. I know it didn’t exactly set the groom’s nerves at ease but it was one of those priceless moments that really adds to the wedding day experience.

Thanks again to Diarmuid and his wife Sinead for having us as part of their wedding day!

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Maggie & Denis

From day one, Maggie highlighted the importance of her husband-to-be Denis, and their fab little son, named after his father; I have such fond memories of this family.

Maggie was a bag of nerves on the morning of her wedding and on a couple occasions I tried to reassure her that her meticulous planning would stand to her.  Also soothing the nerves was her brilliant artist from Killarney, Kathryn O’Neill.  Not only did the make-up look great when Maggie paraded down the long aisle of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney toward Denis but it looked just as good when we were saying goodbye to her later that night on a packed dance floor!

I will also never forget this wedding because Fr. MacNamara – who performed a memorable and entertaining service – passed on his flu to me which took all of 10 weeks to shake off.

The reception was held at Ballygarry House Hotel which sets a benchmark for all other hotels in Kerry and beyond to follow.  Few are equal to the warm welcome and first class service that the General Manager, Padraig McGillicuddy, and all his staff extend to their guests.  They are renowned for great food  and no small detail is ever overlooked.  In fact, I always leave this hotel feeling inspired to shape my own business in their image and I think that’s the highest praise I can pay any hotel.

We also got to work alongside Martin Cleary for the day and it is always a pleasure to share a wedding day with a professional photographer with a work ethic like Martin’s. Hugely popular with couples from Tralee and throughout Kerry, Cleary’s offer a relaxed style of wedding photography and some great packages.

Maggie & Denis & The London Brady Bunch: We loved being a part of your wedding day and thanks for having us!!!

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