Elegant Events by Collette O’Leary

From a London engagement shoot to a 3 day wedding in Switzerland, it was an honour to get to know Pamela and Louis. But can we get a “HELLOOO” for the incredible blue @oscardelarenta Pamela chose to wear?! 💙

The team:

@christinabrosnan
@storyofeve
@grandhoteldulac
@chateaulerosey
@oscardelarenta

Chinese tradition meets Irish for Yvonne and Jude’s sweet wedding day.

The team:
@christinabrosnan
@mockmediavideo
@emurphymakeup
@paradeflowers
@wildroseartisancakes
@rachelgilbertbridal
@tinakilly_country_house

The tradition of the engagement ring.

“According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the concept behind engagement rings may have originated in Ancient Rome. Back then, women were given rings made of ivory, flint, bone, copper, or iron to signify the ownership their husbands had over them. While not exactly romantic, this tradition continued, slightly changing over time.

It wasn’t until 1477 that a diamond engagement ring was first recorded in history. It was given to Mary of Burgundy by the Archduke Maximillian of Austria. Many years later, in 1840, diamond engagement rings made their way to America. Still, they didn’t become the norm until the 1930s.
By 1940, diamond engagement rings had become much more common – in fact, they were one of the most popular pieces of jewelry out there. And in 1947, De Beers launched a marketing campaign that made them even more sought after.” (via @theknot )

The tradition of the wedding veil.

“You can trace its roots back to Rome, where a bride used to walk down the aisle with a veil over her face in order to disguise herself from any evil spirits who wanted to stand in the way of her happiness” (via @brides )

I knew when I arrived at Adare Manor there was little chance of Erica and Arthur having their portraits outdoors. It was a wet day. But, if you know your way around @adaremanor you can create magic. I loved this space we used for their portraits and couldn’t be happier with how the space worked with the edgy vibe of Erica’s dress.

The team:
@theadaremanor
@christinabrosnan
@acweddingproductions
@viorica_d_photography
@harrisandwilkinson
@_lisa_shannon_makeup
@aidandarcyhair
@grosvenorstationerycompany
@jopetit_thedreamband
@daniellefrankelstudio

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”

Google describes a hopeless romantic as ‘a person who holds sentimental and idealistic views on love, especially in spite of experience, evidence, or exhortations otherwise’.

Having been raised in the golden era of Hollywood romcom I definitely share these sentiments. It’s why the above quote is the only quote that’s ever stuck with me. This quote is from Nat King Cole’s song ‘Nature Boy’ (released in 1948), but I first came across it in the 2001 film Moulin Rouge (*cue in me moving to Paris) directed by Baz Luhrmann (an all time fave) which intertwined this quote throughout with spoken word and song. It’s stuck with me so much I even have it tattooed on my arm (#girlswithtattoos). I am, without a doubt, a hopeless romantic.

I like to think this sense of romanticism transcends, even just a little, into the portraits I produce.

Let’s talk about impactful scene setting images of your wedding day. I’m not talking about detail shots of your venue (those are great and add so much but that’s not what I’m talking about here). During a wedding day I am always thinking two things - ‘What’s the story I’m telling if I take this shot?’ and ‘Don’t forget to pull back and capture the full scene.’.

It’s great to get intimate on a wedding day and get in for those close shots. A wedding day is intimate; but it’s knowing when to take a step back and see a bigger picture emerge, one that tells a broader story. These are the images that really set the scene for your wedding album. My favourite time to capture these scene setting images is often during your drinks reception and dinner, though I’m always on the lookout for an opportunity to capture these moments.

Elemental Beauty. A shoot for IMAGE, and a devine collaboration of talented people.

The team:
@christinabrosnan
@image.ie
@clonwilliam
@covecakedesign
@thefrenchtouchflowers
@ciara.o.halloran
@juvidesigns
@dirtyfabulousvintage
@theatticbridalwearboutique
@covetboudoir
@inchhairdesign
@elysianbrowstudio_
@tansey_sarah

Two highschool sweethearts were married among the hills of the picturesque village of Grasse, France on the grounds of a beautiful private villa. I spent two beautiful days with Allison and Tim.

As seen on @stylemepretty

The team:
@christinabrosnan
@monplusbeaujourweddings
@studiomondine
@motioncraftcreative
@thomasdusseune
@joannaaugust
@miramandic
@harrietwildshoes

One fateful night, two beautiful souls attended a masquerade ball in Markree Castle and their paths crossed. Fast forward a few years and here they are back at Markree for their wedding day. A true Romeo and Juliet style romance, with a happier ending. A fitting love story to share today as I jet off to the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Drone footage @bandgweddings

The team:
@christinabrosnan
@annebarge
@markreecastlesligo
@irlweddingvideos
@wild_bunch_flowers
@mcgcakes_
@sharonmccormackmua
@kreation.hair
@ivoryisledesigns