Laura & Will’s Summer Kilkea Castle Wedding
A Festival of Sunshine, Emotion and Dance: A Summer Wedding at Kilkea Castle
Some weddings just radiate joy from the start. Laura and Will’s summer wedding at Kilkea Castle was one of them. It had everything you’d want from an Irish castle wedding in June — sunshine, laughter, friends from all over and that relaxed, festival feeling that comes when people are exactly where they want to be.
The Morning at the Castle
Laura spent the morning in the Willow Lodge suite with her bridesmaids and mum. Annie photographed them as they got ready and the energy in the room was pure fun. Hair and makeup were in full flow, everyone chatting and laughing, the perfect calm before the big moment.
Meanwhile, I was over with the boys in one of the lodge rooms. The atmosphere was just as easy going. Will and his groomsmen shared a few quiet pints, helping each other with ties and cufflinks before heading over to the castle.
If you want to see how Kilkea mornings look in a different season, you can check out Ailbhe and Stephen’s winter wedding at Kilkea Castle.
The Outdoor Ceremony
The ceremony took place outside under the most perfect blue sky. Ailis, one of Laura’s bridesmaids and a close friend, officiated the ceremony which made it feel deeply personal. Just before Laura walked up the aisle, the Kilkea team fluffed out her dress in the sunlight and it made for one of my favourite photographs of the day.
At the top of the aisle there was a beautiful emotional moment as her dad passed her hand to Will. You could see how much it meant to both of them. It was genuine, unposed and full of heart: exactly the kind of storytelling I love.
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Ireland, you can read my Ireland Destination Wedding Guide for tips on travel, planning and photography timing for outdoor ceremonies like this.
Drinks on the Lawn
After the ceremony everyone spilled out onto the lawns with Aperol spritzes in hand. The sunshine, music and chatter gave it a real festival vibe. It’s always nice shooting weddings where we recognise familiar faces too — a few of our past couples were there so it felt like a reunion of sorts.
Kilkea Castle is perfect for days like this. The grounds, the light, the space for guests to relax — everything flows easily which makes it a dream to photograph.
If you’re considering other castle venues with a similar mix of heritage and atmosphere, have a look at my Top 10 Castle Wedding Venues in Ireland post where Kilkea Castle is featured.
Dinner, Speeches and Dancing
The celebrations carried on through dinner with a great mix of emotional and funny speeches before the room erupted once again thanks to the Celtic Fusion Irish dancers. They pulled in the bridal party and even the couple themselves which brought the house down.
By the time Spring Break came on to play, the crowd was already primed and the dance floor never stopped.
If you’re planning your own Kilkea celebration, you can see more real weddings and full galleries on my Kilkea Castle weddings page or get in touch to check my availability.
A Perfect Summer Celebration
Laura and Will’s wedding was everything a summer day at Kilkea Castle should be — fun, heartfelt and full of life. The combination of sunshine, great music and emotional moments made it one of those days that will stay with me for a long time.
If you’re planning your own celebration, you can see more about this beautiful venue on my Kilkea Castle Weddings page, explore my guide to Ireland destination weddings, or check out my Top 10 Castle Wedding Venues in Ireland.
Watch their Kilkea Castle Wedding Slideshow
Suppliers
Venue: Kilkea Castle
Celebrant: Ailis O’Connell
Videographer: Forget Me Not Weddings (Nadine)
Florist: Emma Rose Florist
Music: Avoca String Quartet
Band: Spring Break
Cake: Anna Burke
Photography: Kevin Kheffache Photography
