Irish Documentary Wedding Photographer specialising in Natural, Relaxed & Candid Wedding Photography - based in Derry working throughout Ireland

Relaxed, Natural Wedding Photography

Close up shot of the bride during bridal prep on the morning of her wedding - a black and white image

Welcome to my documentary wedding / civil ceremony photography page

Over the past few years I've had the privilege of capturing real wedding day moments, for the most genuinely welcoming couples and families, at some of the most amazing weddings venues including Ballyscullion Park, Bishops Gate Hotel, Beech Hill Country House, Harvey's Point and the Red Door Country House among others... also looking forward to my first visits to Glenlo Abbey, Walled City Brewery, Drumhalla House & Diamond Coast Hotel

A photogrpah of the father of the groom struggling to close the top button on his shirt on the morning of his son's wedding - his son, the groom is fixing his dad's collar a the same time in Strabane, County Tyrone

A black and white photograph of a bride's reflection in a mirror as she sits for the make up artist on the morning of her wedding in Donegal

A photograph of a bridesmaid hiding her tears behind the thank you card from the bride that she has just read during the morning prep of this Donegal wedding

Two grooms in front of the mirror as they get ready together for their same-sex wedding - civil ceremony

'These are unreal Patrick!
So much more special than I ever could have imagined...
Thank you so much for your commitment to capturing the essence of our special day...
You truly are incredible...'
Lori & Mark

A photograph of a flower girl laughing as the bride gets her make up applied on the morning of her wedding in Derry

The groom and three groomsmen walking in line across a field, while a flock of ducks walk in the opposite direction on the morning of a Donegal Wedding as captured b Patrick Duddy a Derry, Doengal and Northern Ireland based Wedding Photographer

My Approach To Photographing Your Wedding Day

My photography style revolves around capturing the genuine and unique moments that make your wedding day special - as well as the obvious 'headliner' elements of your day I'm equally drawn to the spontaneous, heartfelt interactions that happen in between - your guests just having craic among themselves, your parents' full of pride glances towards you when you're not aware or your granny laughing at, or possibly sharing, a joke you'd prefer to think she wouldn't even get...

My goal is to create a collection of photographs that not only document your day but also evoke the emotions and memories that make it uniquely yours.

Continued...

To me your wedding day starts from the morning prep, and runs right through to the 'evening do' being in full swing. I want to capture your full story - from the quiet, nervous excitement of the morning preparations to the emotional highs of the ceremony and the joyous energy on the dance floor, I want your wedding photographs to reflect the full spectrum of emotions you'll experience throughout your day.

My reportage/photo-journalistic approach allows you as much time with your guests as possible, and removes any awkwardness you might have about 'posing'. At the same time if there is a handful of family, or couple, shots you'd love to have - we can chat about them beforehand and have a plan in place to get them sorted as effortlessly as possible without forced poses or awkward moments - keeping your time away from the party to a minimum...

A photograph of the De Lorean car from back to the future parked outside St Patricks Chapel Pennyburn as guests arrive prior to the wedding

A bride links arms with her dad as they walk through the gardens of the Beech Hill Country House on the way to her Humanist Wedding

'The photos trigger so many memories... the whole day was a bit of a blur so it's nice to look back and see pictures of everyone genuinely enjoying themselves and not just smiling because there's a camera pointed at them. Everything was perfect! Thank you so much.'
Claire & Jack

A photograph of a flustered bride as her three bridesmaid make last minute adjustments as they wait in the foyer of the chapel prior the her wedding in Derry

A photograph of a bride framed by flowers as she is prepared on the steps of the chapel before she walks up the aisle at the start of her wedding in County Donegal

A black and white photograph of a groom with his eyes closed as he stands at the top of the aisle awaiting his bride's arrival at their Derry wedding

A flowergil throwing rose petals as she walks down the aisle prior to a Redcastle Hotel, Donegal Wedding

The bride and her mum making their way down the aisle prior to a Redcastle Hotel, Donegal Wedding

a photograph of the bride and groom holding hands while they stand in front of the priest making their wedding vows - while the Best Man & Matron of Honour watch on

Bride and father walk up the aisle in Strabane Wedding

A black and white photograph of the bride and groom exchanging glances at the top of the aisle before their Derry Civil Ceremony Wedding

OH MY GOODNESS!!!
These are breathtaking. Patrick you are wonderfully talented. You blended into our day and captured precious, fabulous memories for us. Thank you a million times over.
Ann & Andrew

A photograph of the bride giving a flirtatious look to her groom during their wedding vows at a civil ceremony in Bishops Gate Hotel Derry

A young flower-girl is shushed by her dad during the wedding ceremony

A groom looks lovingly at his partner while reading his wedding vows at An Grianan Hotel, Donegal

The bride and groom, Claire and Jack, holding hands and facing each other during the ceremony at Guildhall, a touching moment captured by Patrick Duddy, before the reception at Bishops Gate Hotel in Derry. Guests are looking on in the background in this black and white image

The Bride & Groom with their arms interlocked as their humanist celebrant conducts a hand fasting ceremony

Patrick, WOW we're completely blown away by your photographs, we absolutely love them...
You captured everything we wanted - family, happiness, fun, and love...
Thank you so much for all your hard work and attention to detail...
We will be forever grateful for picking you as our photographer...
Sheila & John

The bride and groom exchange vows in Melmount Church, Strabane

a photograph of the bride and groom sharing a moment of laughter on the alter as she places the wedding ring on her new husbands finger in front of the priest during their Donegal wedding

A black and white photograph of the bride and groom sitting together during their marriage ceremony. the bride is holding up her left hand and pointing to her new wedding ring with the other hand

About You...

I'd love to claim these as a Derren Brown mind-reading type thing, but the more mundane truth is that these are just some of the things I've picked up listening closely to what couples like you have been telling me.

You Want More Than Just a Wedding Photographer
You appreciate the art of photography and understand its power to capture the essence of your special day. But you're not looking for a traditional "wedding photographer" – you want someone who sees beyond the standard poses and clichés.

A Relaxed, Low-Key Day is Your Style
Your wedding day isn't about pomp and circumstance – it's about genuine connections and heartfelt moments. You're aiming for a relaxed, intimate vibe that allows everyone to let loose and have a great time, stress-free.

Moments with Loved Ones Matter Most
You know that your wedding day will fly by in the blink of an eye, so you want to make every moment count. Spending time with your family and friends is a top priority, and you want a photographer who understands the importance of capturing those precious moments.

Natural, Candid Photography Speaks to You
You prefer photos that feel authentic and true to life, where people are just being themselves. Staged poses and forced smiles are not your style. You want images that reflect the genuine emotions and interactions of the day.

Your Wedding, Your Way
Whether it's a civil ceremony or a church wedding, you're doing things your way. You're not interested in following tradition for tradition's sake – you want your wedding to reflect your unique personality and style be it by driving your own car or skipping the traditional first dance. Your wedding day is about doing what feels right for you, not what's expected.

If any of this sounds like you, then I'd love to chat!

A documentary wedding photograph taken during communion time of the wedding ceremony - The bride is sitting gesturing to a guest who has just walked passed her, while the bridesmaids look on - in the background the priest is giving communion to those guests lined down the aisle of the chruch

We did it! A photograph of the Bride and Groom leaving the chapel following their nupitals - she is looking at him with a huge smile on her face while they walk together holding hands & watched by family members still in the pews.

The groom being embraced by his grandfather after a wedding ceremony in Redcastle Hotel Donegal

Smiles and hugs filled the air as bride and bridesmaid embrace immediately following their Guildhall ceremony in Derry, continuing the festivities at Bishops Gate Hotel.

Patrick - the photos are amazing.
You were so nice when you visited our home that morning and made us so relaxed.The photos are so natural
Colette (Mark's Mum)