Riona & Brian -Rathsallagh House Wedding
There is something special about a wedding at Rathsallagh House in County Wicklow. The long driveway, the sprawling grounds, and the sense of history all set the scene for a day that feels both elegant and relaxed. When I met Ríona and Brian, I knew straight away their wedding was going to be a brilliant mix of rustic charm and pure fun. That is exactly what Rathsallagh does best.
If you are considering RathSallgh House for your wedding, you might also enjoy Kathleen & Stephen’s real wedding feature from July 2024.
A Relaxed Morning at Rathsallagh
One of the great things about Rathsallagh House is that both the bride and groom can get ready on site. It takes so much of the stress out of the morning. Ríona had her hair styled by Joanne B and make-up by Yvonne Sheridan, while the atmosphere in the Distillery Cottage was calm but full of excitement. Over in another wing, Brian and the lads were suiting up in Corless Formalwear, sharing laughs and a few nerves.
With everything happening on the same grounds, I could move easily between them, capturing the buzz and little candid moments that so often become the real treasures in a wedding album.
A First Look Among the Gardens
Because their ceremony was not until 3:30, Ríona and Brian decided to do a first look. This gave them a quiet moment together before the whirlwind of the day began, and it also meant we could capture relaxed couple photos and bridal party portraits with the stunning Rathsallagh gardens as a backdrop.
First looks are not for everyone, but they are a brilliant option if you want to spend more of your drinks reception with your guests rather than disappearing for long stretches of photos.
The Ceremony with Family Front and Centre
Celebrated by family friend Hugh Gormley, the ceremony was heartfelt and personal. Music from Celtic Breeze gave it that timeless Irish touch, and with around 200 guests in attendance, the atmosphere was warm and full of laughter.
Ríona and Brian come from two big families, and one of the things they were most looking forward to was having everyone together in the same place. That is a rare occasion. Family photos were a big priority, and we made sure to capture not just the immediate groups but cousins, nieces, nephews, and of course a full extended group shot on the lawn.
A Rustic, Joyful Celebration
The team at Rathsallagh House, Stephen and Catherine, looked after every detail. Florals and décor by Laura at Once Upon a Wedding tied the rustic theme together beautifully. Dinner was served at 6:15 after some well-timed speeches, and Brendan McElwaine captured it all on video.
From the energy of the bridal party to the laughter during speeches and finally to the dance floor with Shane Jordan’s band, the whole day was exactly as Ríona had hoped. Relaxed, rustic, and full of craic.
Why Rathsallagh House is a Dream Venue for Photography
As a Rathsallagh House wedding photographer, I am always spoiled for choice. The sweeping gardens, the old stone walls, the hidden corners for quiet portraits, it is a venue that works in every season. For Ríona and Brian, it was the perfect canvas for a wedding that brought together big families, lifelong friends, and a whole lot of joy.
If you are planning your own wedding at Rathsallagh House and want photography that captures the real story of your day, the fun, the emotion, the little unscripted moments, I would love to hear from you.