Caoimhe & Joey | Cloughjordan House Wedding
A relaxed, fun-filled wedding at Cloughjordan House, County Tipperary
Caoimhe & Joey's Story
Caoimhe and Joey's story began during lockdown in 2020 when they matched on Tinder although Joey had actually been following Caoimhe on Instagram for years before they finally matched.
With very few options for a first date at the time, they kept things simple: a coffee and a walk through Cratloe Woods. It turned out that was all they needed, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Four years later, Joey proposed on Spanish Point Beach in County Clare. It was already a special place for both of them, with their families having spent summers there since they were young, making it the perfect place for Joey to ask the question.
When it came to finding somewhere to celebrate their wedding, Caoimhe already had somewhere in mind.
She had followed Cloughjordan House for years and had always loved the look and feel of the venue and had heard plenty about the food too. It was the first place they contacted after getting engaged.
When they eventually arrived for their viewing, the decision didn't take long.
They looked at each other and simply said, "This is it."
A Relaxed Start to the Day
From the beginning, there was a really easy atmosphere to Caoimhe and Joey's wedding.
Rather than trying to manufacture moments or constantly direct what was happening, I could simply document the morning as it unfolded the excitement, nerves, conversations and all the little interactions happening around them.
It's exactly how I like a wedding morning to feel. Everyone gets to enjoy what's happening while I quietly build the story around them.
A Little White Chapel
Caoimhe and Joey chose a beautiful little white chapel for their church ceremony an intimate setting that suited the day perfectly.
Church ceremonies are one of those parts of a wedding where there's almost no reason for me to interfere. Everything is already happening naturally: the anticipation before Caoimhe arrives, Joey waiting at the top of the aisle, family reactions, little glances between the two of them and the celebrations as they finally walk back down the aisle married.
My job is simply to anticipate those moments and photograph them without becoming part of them.
Back to Cloughjordan House
Once everyone arrived back at Cloughjordan House, the day became even more relaxed.
This was a wedding filled with exactly the kind of moments I love photographing guests catching up, drinks being poured, hugs, laughter and something different happening everywhere you looked.
I spend a lot of the drinks reception watching the guests rather than constantly following the couple. These photographs might not always be the obvious ones on a wedding shot list, but they're often the images that become more valuable with time.
The people you invited are part of your story too.
A Few Minutes Together
Even on a wedding that's heavily focused on documentary photography, I still love taking Caoimhe and Joey away for a few minutes together.
Nothing complicated and definitely no hour-long photoshoot.
I'll find the best light, give a little direction when it's needed and then let everything happen naturally. It's enough time to create some beautiful portraits without making the couple feel like they've disappeared from their own wedding.
At Cloughjordan House, there are so many different backdrops within a relatively small area that we can create plenty of variety without spending half the afternoon walking around taking photographs.
A few minutes together, some beautiful photographs, and then straight back to the party.
Dinner, Speeches & Dancing
As everyone settled in for dinner, the relaxed atmosphere continued into the speeches and evening celebrations.
I approach this part of a wedding exactly as I do the rest of the day. Of course I'll photograph whoever has the microphone, but I'm just as interested in everything happening around them the reactions, laughter, glances across the room and moments between family and friends.
And once the music starts, there's even less reason for me to interfere.
From speeches through to the first dance and a busy dance floor, I simply let everyone enjoy themselves and photograph the celebration as it happens.
Because years from now, I want the photographs to bring you back to the people, atmosphere and feeling of the day — not just show you what everything looked like.
Planning a Cloughjordan House Wedding?
If you're planning your own wedding at Cloughjordan House and you're looking for photography that feels relaxed, natural and genuinely like you, I'd love to hear what you have planned.
My approach is primarily documentary, giving you the freedom to enjoy your wedding while I capture the people, atmosphere and moments happening around you. When a little direction is needed, I'll guide you through it without turning your day into a photoshoot.
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