Photography Blog by Coleraine Pro Wedding and Portrait Photographer Paul Davis

A short drive to the sleepy seaside village of Castlerock for the marriage of Sandra and Meryvn. A cousin of my Mums, Meryvn and his brother Raymond had arrived early to get settled and go over some last minute arrangements with the minister, Rev Diane Mattchett of Castlerock Church of Ireland.
Family and guests arrived early taking advantage of various photo opportunity’s with the Groom, joined shortly by his mother Mrs Smith. As the church clock turned 1.30pm everyone had gone inside leaving just me and Bridesmaid Joyce waiting for the arrival of Sandra and her mum.
Sounding smooth and reliable a vintage Rolls Royce pulled up, owned and proudly driven by Brian, the grooms brother-in-law and out stepped Sandra, looking radiant.
After the ceremony as we made our way to Bishops Gate at the Downhill for family photographs where unfortunately the weather had taking a turn for the worse. It didn’t put these guys off though, taking shelter under trees and in the tunnel hidden from the rain, we managed to work quickly before continuing on with the bridal party to Downhill Castle and the Mussenden Temple.

An intimate wedding day surrounded with close family, this couples choice of wedding album was perfect and I look forward to getting it into production.

When a location comes around that I’ve never been to before, its always a great excuse for a Sunday meal somewhere different. To get a reckie round, pick out some nice spots and the best bit, to sample something different from a menu that is new to us.
Amazed at how tucked away this location is you can understand how appealing it can be as a wedding location. Situated at the edge of the beautiful Lough Eske surrounded by fields and rugged mountains, the Castle greets you in a clearance at the far side of a small forest, very enchanting.
When Lorraine told me she was a music teacher, I knew today’s ceremony would have a heavy musical influence, it didn’t disappoint. A string quartet, trumpeters and two fantastic vocalists combined with the amazing acoustics of St Eugene’s Cathedral, it wasn’t surprising the huge turn out of people that had arrived to see the couple exchange their vows.
It didn’t end there, another of Lorraine talents and passions is teaching Irish Dancing. A colorful and pristine Guard of Honor greeted them as dad escorted her up the aisle to meet John at the altar in this huge place of worship.
At the Castle before dinner guests enjoyed more musical entertainment, this time by Lorraine’s’ sister Ursula on piano. Everyone gathered around and cheered as she picked up the pace, thrilled when Lorraine joined in for a Piano Duet the atmosphere was fantastic as they went through a repertoire of music.
After dinner and a quick custom change, excitement filled the room once again as students from Cullen’s School of Irish Dancing took to the floor. Accompanied by their teacher ‘10 times Ulster and 6 times all-Ireland Champion’ they put on a spectacular performance with everyone clapping and cheering, you knew the party had begun and wasn’t going to end anytime soon, it was a fantastic showpiece.
Nearly midnight and The James Peake Experience, a five piece band from Belfast, took center stage to perform the music for the couples first dance. Like many grooms, I know John was a bit apprehensive, who wouldn’t be after the previous performances! Making it look surprisingly easy, they swept across the dance floor without a glitch, John looking proud and Lorraine looking pleased: the day had came together so perfectly.
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