Laura & Stephen’s Tankardstown House Wedding
Laura and Stephen’s October wedding at Tankardstown House was the kind of day that reminds me why I love being a wedding photographer. Elegant without being stiff, filled with laughter, family and a sparkler send off that had all 180 guests cheering them on. Bonus points are always awarded when I get to photograph with my uber talented wife, Annie. Tankardstown House in Meath is one of those rare venues that feels warm and inviting even when it is hosting a large celebration and Laura and Stephen’s wedding showed it at its very best.
Bride Prep
While I was with Stephen that morning, Annie joined Laura at her family home just down the road from the church. The house was full of calm energy. One of those mornings where everything feels unhurried and chill. With hair by Junebug Hair and makeup by Ruth Cassidy, Laura’s look came together beautifully. Classic, elegant, and timeless.
That morning, some of the best frames came from those little small moments. Laura’s mum, Bernie, quietly adjusting her veil. The bridesmaids Eimear, Sinead, and Melanie laughing in the kitchen as the final touches went on.. Her dad seeing her for the first time (pictured on the left here). Annie’s documentary style shines in these situations because nothing is staged. It is just family being family.
Groom Prep
Meanwhile I joined Stephen and the groomsmen at Trim Castle Hotel. Cufflinks were being passed around, ties were being tied and jokes flew back and forth amongst the lads. Stephen wore a tailored suit from Pat O’Byrne’s, sharp and traditional, while his best man Leslie kept things moving with just the right amount of brotherly teasing.
Before leaving, Stephen took a quiet moment on the balcony with the lads and his parents. We took advantage of the backdrop to get a few formal photos done but really they were there to get a breath of cool October air before the big walk down the aisle :)
Ceremony
The ceremony took place at The Church of the Assumption in Coole, Co. Meath. Laura and Stephen asked Father Whittaker to marry them, the same priest who had baptised Laura as a baby. These little details matter. They give ceremones a personal and sentimental feel.
The church was packed with 180 guests. Music came from Katie Hughes, whose voice filled the space beautifully. My favourite images here were the fleeting ones. Laura’s dad holding her hand just a little longer before giving her away. Stephen catching Laura’s eye mid vow. The bridesmaids wiping away tears in perfect unison. These are the photographs that matter because they cannot be staged. Bonus points for a church balcony where I was able to get the aerial angle on them leaving the church together.
Formals
After the ceremony everyone travelled back to Tankardstown for family photographs. Laura and Stephen had a long list of must haves including siblings, parents, and extended family. With such a big guest list this could have taken over the afternoon. We kept it moving quickly, mixing natural candids with the posed frames so that nothing felt overly stiff.
The walled garden made the perfect backdrop. The red brick was glowing in the autumn light and the gardens gave us space to work through the list efficiently.
Drinks Reception
The drinks reception at Tankardstown is always a highlight. Guests spread out through the main house, the Orangery, and the gardens. Glasses in hand, laughter everywhere. This is when documentary photography really comes into its own. I was able to capture grandparents smiling on the sidelines, kids sneaking extra canapés and the floral arrangements by Flowers by Moira being admired.
The conservatory filled with natural light and Annie and I split up to cover everything. Wide shots of the Orangery, close details of hugs and greetings and the kind of in between moments that end up being favourites.
Dinner
Dinner was called for 18:15 in the glass fronted atrium. Golden hour hit just as the room was empty, giving us a few minutes with Laura and Stephen for portraits in warm autumn light. These quick, relaxed portraits often end up being the images couples treasure the most.
Inside, speeches were split across the evening. Two before the meal and three after. It kept the energy high, the laughter flowing, and the timing never felt drawn out.
Sparklers and Dancing
Before the first dance, Laura and Stephen had planned a sparkler shot. They went all in. Guests lined the front of the main house and down into the walled garden. With 180 people holding sparklers it felt like a festival. The photographs captured pure joy with Laura and Stephen in the middle of it all.
Dancing followed with Arthur Wedding Band keeping the floor full. It was my first time seeing them and they are outstanding. I instantly added them to my recommended list.
Why Tankardstown Was Perfect
Tankardstown House has a way of feeling intimate even with a large guest list. The walled garden, the Orangery, the glass fronted atrium, and the Georgian interiors all flowed together effortlessly. Guests never felt like they were waiting around. Laura and Stephen never felt rushed. The whole day unfolded with its own natural rhythm.
If you are considering Tankardstown you may also want to compare it with Clonabreany House or Powerscourt Hotel. For Laura and Stephen though, Tankardstown was the perfect blend of classic, elegant, and relaxed.
Quick Notes for Couples
Sparklers are possible at Tankardstown and they look incredible with a big guest list
Golden hour portraits in the walled garden or empty atrium are worth making time for
The Orangery and conservatory ensure the day photographs beautifully even if it rains
If you are planning a wedding at Tankardstown House I would love to show you more real weddings and talk about how I can capture yours.
👉 Explore my complete Tankardstown House Wedding Guide