Wicklow Escape Wedding Photographer | Emily and James
This was my first time in the The Wicklow Escape and hopefully not my last. When I pulled up outside the navigation map on my car was completely black. That’s how rural it is. And I mean that in the best possible way. It’s a beautifully quiet, tranquil and chill place. It’s one of those venues that feels instantly calm when you arrive. Hidden in the forest and surrounded by tall trees and mountain air, it’s made for small weddings where the focus is on people and connection.
Emily and James chose it for exactly that reason. They wanted something relaxed, intimate and beautiful. With only twenty something guests, it was perfect. Both of them got ready on site that morning which kept everything simple and unhurried. That’s one of the things I love about the venue: No driving between locations. No rushing. Just quiet moments filled with laughter and a sense that the whole day is about to unfold right where you are.
I was booked for short coverage and arrived just before the ceremony to capture those last little prep moments before it all began. The calm before the guests gathered or the calm after the Storm (Storm Amy had just passed by the night before). Emily’s hair was styled by Lisa Smyth, who I had actually worked with the day before at Wilton Castle. Small world. She’s brilliant at creating a calm space and making everything look effortless.
Ceremony
One of my favourite photos from the morning is Emily walking through the forest with her dad on her way to the ceremony. The light filtered through the trees and the path curved perfectly ahead of them. It’s a scene that sums up The Wicklow Escape for me. Wild and natural yet quietly dramatic. Storm Amy had been rolling through Wicklow that morning and everyone assumed the ceremony would have to move inside. But then, just before it started, the rain stopped. Within minutes the forest was glowing with fresh light.
Emily and James decided to go ahead with their outdoor ceremony in the forest clearing and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Aoife Bolger led the ceremony with warmth and ease. The air was still damp and soft and there was a real sense that everyone knew how special it was to be there.
Their little boy Myles, who’s five, took part in the sand ceremony and completely stole the show. As a dad myself I always feel a pull towards photographing children. Having Max and Joshie at home has taught me how to work with their energy and capture real smiles without forcing anything. Kids move fast and moments disappear just as quickly, so I try to photograph them the same way they live: freely.
One of my favourite photos of the whole day came right after the ceremony. It’s a portrait shot of Emily and James having their first kiss at the top of the aisle. You can see the full height of the trees and the light peeking through after the storm. The rain had stopped minutes earlier and the air was still glistening. It’s one of those frames that tells the whole story in a single image.
Drinks and Formals
After the ceremony everyone made their way back towards the lodge for drinks and laughter. The Wicklow Escape is perfect for this kind of day. It never feels crowded. Just close and full of life. Guests gathered by the firepit and relaxed into the afternoon while the clouds cleared over the forest.
We kept the group photos simple. A few relaxed family shots, a big group of friends, and one favourite frame of Emily, James and Myles swinging him between them as they walked. All three of them laughing. It’s those moments that stay with you because they’re completely real.
I finished up as everyone was sitting for dinner and left them to enjoy the rest of their night. Short coverage weddings always remind me how powerful small celebrations can be. When it’s about people instead of timelines, the photos tell the story exactly as it felt.
If you’re planning an intimate wedding in Wicklow and want it photographed in a natural, storytelling style, I’d love to hear from you. You can explore my wedding photography prices here or get in touch directly to chat about your plans.