An Grianan Hotel was the backdrop as Michelle & Jonathan got married earlier this month… after ten years together the decision for them to make things official probably didn’t surprise too many of their family & close friends -  the surprise element may have been that they gave themselves a little over four months to organise the big day! So it was an absolute credit to them, and all who lent a hand, when everything came together in a day to remember with tears, joy, love and laughter, a surprise song, and some serious dance floor moves...
 
My day started with me meeting Michelle, and her bridal party, at Sky Salon; I caught up with the boys at Johnny’s family home, before following on as Fairytale Wedding Cars took them across the border to An Grianan Hotel; where first Celtri and The Front Wedding Band provided the soundtrack for the day.

Here’s a look at Michelle & Jonathan’s Day

It's about time I broke my, unintentional, blog silence... so here's a few family events I've had the pleasure of photographing over the past few months... including Shannon's 21st birthday bash at Bishops Gate Hotel, Evelyn's family birthday photos, Don & Gertie's 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebrations and Fiadh's sunny summers day visit to Granny & Granda's garden...

​Photography: Patrick Duddy Photography
Grainne's Dress: Beautiful Day Bridal Cottage
Bridal Party: Amore Bridal & Menswear
Hair & Beauty: Colum Cooke, Trench Road
Ceremony & Reception: Bishops GateRut  Hotel, Derry
Ceremony Music: Ruth McGinley
Wedding Cake Table: Pretty Elegant Cakes
Cake Topper: Piece Makers
Wedding Band: Ursula McHugh & Co
DJ: Silver Fox Entertainment

A recent evening with Grainne & Andy (and girls) ahead of their BIshop's Gate Hotel Wedding was a good chance for me to get to know some of the smaller members of their wedding party ahead of what will be a very family orientated big day later this month. It was also a chance for them to get used to me pointing a camera in their direction - luckily Andy went home with his soul still intact so we put that worry to bed for him at least...

A walk, with cartwheels (not from me I should add!) was followed up by a stop in at the Bishops Gate Hotel itself for a quick scout of their wedding venue, where the excitement was almost palpable...

It was a pleasure to spend Easter Monday at the wonderful Ballyscullion Park as I second shot with Natalie Doherty at Nadine & Cathal's Wedding... The joy of second shooting was not only the chance to watch a talented photographer work up close, but also having the freedom to indulge my love of documentary wedding photography while wandering among Nadine & Cathal's guests as they enjoyed the bright spring day in the wide open spaces of Ballyscullion.

​Here's a few of my shots from their special day.