In the heart of County Meath, Ireland lies an ancient Anglo-Norman castle in Trim, called Trim Castle. Aside from it being the location of the Mel Gibson movie ‘Braveheart’, its preserved state is truly incredible. Can you imagine this being the first place you see when you visit Ireland for the first time…AND being the location of a destination wedding?
I was obviously beyond thrilled when Alex and Adam asked me to come photograph their Trim Castle Ireland wedding. I am convinced still it was fate….as we had been throwing the idea around already about a trip to Ireland over the summer to visit my family there. My great-grandmother is from Donegal, and I still have many relatives living there. Alex grew up here in the US, but Adam came to Virginia from Ireland just a few years ago to pursue his passion for coaching soccer. Their love story actually began on Tinder! I love telling stories like that, because I have so far met 10 couples who have gotten married and met on Tinder. Breaking the stereotypes, people! Anyway, how amazing it turned out that they decided to have a destination wedding (from Alex’s point of view) and Adam got to celebrate at home with all his family! And boy, Irish families really bring the party.
Second note about the Irish…they are the nicest people I have ever met. Everyone has your best interest, is welcoming and kind, and so friendly. Shoutout to the videographer and my “work husband” for the night Thomas from Thomas Whyte Wedding Videos. Driving on the left side of road is no joke, so he chauffeured me around and I am eternally grateful for that, and his sense of humor!
The ceremony was held at the beautifully historic Culmullen Catholic church. Culmullen is exactly what you picture when you think of an old, beautifully architected countryside church. The stonework and vaulted ceilings were a magical backdrop to Adam and Alex’s glowing altar. The most beautiful part of the ceremony though, was watching Alex’s father walk her down the isle. Her father has a severe stage of Alzheimers, and they were not sure if he would even be able to make it to the wedding and traveling internationally. We originally planned on doing a first look back at home before we left, but I was so glad they decided to make it happen. Everyone in Alex and Adam’s family really pitched in to make sure he was cared for and looked after the entire day so he could see his baby girl get married.
Trim Castle Hotel is where the reception was held, perfectly aligned next to the castle with a stunning view overlooking the grounds from the banquet room. An elegant and regal place, with white and gold traditional accents throughout the wedding rooms. When I first walked into the reception area I genuinely felt like I was in a fairytale castle. This kind of reception was my first time experiencing a real Irish party. The grandparents and older folks in attendance REALLY outdo the millennials, and that was awesome. They had traditional Irish dancers performing, which got the whole crowd up on their feet. The love and hospitality from everyone radiated throughout the room. I so much enjoyed talking to all of Adam’s family and hearing their crazy stories about everything you could ever image.
The entire day was so intimate, fun, and joyful that I could not have imaged a better way to spend my first few days in Ireland. For all the future brides that want a destination wedding full of welcoming souls, breathtaking lush green scenery coupled with the wonder of Ireland’s ancient East, choose to do an Ireland wedding! Plus…their bacon is to die for. I can now say I am also an Ireland photographer, and can’t wait to return.
Wishing many happy years to the Doyles
