Dublin After the Big Snow Storm and The National Museum of Ireland

After being snowed in for Christmas, we were ready to get out of the house when "The Big Thaw" came. In two days, the temperature rose from -10 to 8C. We had fun in the snow, but were excited to see the normal mild winter weather back. Since the day looked good, we decided out to head out to Dublin to show the kids the mummies at the National Museum of Ireland.

http://www.museum.ie/en/homepage.aspx

Love all the stuff found perfectly preserved in the bogs. Check out these early medieval patten clogs and this fetching wooly hat!

My four-year old son was a little bit scared of the mummies I think. Look at his nervous face through the display glass. But with a mommy and daddy who love history, he's showing all the signs of following in our footsteps!

Here he is above checking out the map of Ireland that lights up different cities with historical importance.

And me loving taking natural light pictures in a museum without using flash with my new Canon 50mm 1.2L lens. Sweet!

Fidelma And Dan, Country Girl from Offaly Marries City Slicker in Dublin

On a very cold day last week, Fidelma got ready in a room at the private Stephen's Green Hibernian Club where the reception took place later. She was assisted by her childhood friend Delys, who looked absolutely stunning as a bridesmaid. Dolores, Fidelma's mother, came in to help as well, and couldn't help smiling at how lovely her daughter looked. I loved all the details including the hand-made mass cards, sparkly shoes, and antique jewelery from Rhinestone's Dublin.

The ceremony took place at what I think must be the most beautiful church in Dublin, Newman University Church, on St. Stephen's Green. The church was decorated with elegant lanterns by Candle Light Weddings of Straffan, County Kildare.

Irish traditional musicians, Brendan Lynch and John Deegan, played during the ceremony and at the famous O'Donohue's Pub later in the evening. This is an absolutely fab idea for a wedding and I urge any couple to check them out www.brendanplynch.com

 It was a freezing winter day, but Fidelma and Dan really braved the temperatures to get some great photos outside. We had lots of fun in St. Stephen's Green and at the top of Grafton Street. There were onlookers galore and even Japanese tourists taking pictures of the lovely bride and groom.

Dan has a bit of fun with my antique folding camera!

Too much fun was had by the guests at O'Donohue's Pub and it was hard to leave. Conversation, song, and Guinness make for a wonderful diversion for wedding guests in Ireland! I think it's a great idea to rent out a function room at a local pub while the bride groom go to have their pictures taken.

The Stephen's Green Club was the setting for the fun party that evening. There is a real olde world elegance here that is modern at the same time. It is a really special place to have a wedding reception in Dublin city centre. I loved the Christmas decoration, especially the deer ready to assist Santa on Christmas night.

Fidelma and Delys made the cute cake together. And Fidelma is going to create a new wedding DIY sensation with the Table Place Setting board she made with the farm toys. I loved this, as Fidelma grew up on a farm in Offaly and has apparently helped deliver calves (as her father said in his speech!).

A very merry Christmas goes out to Fidelma and Dan, and everyone who might have a look at my photography blog. Happy Christmas everyone!

Wedding Suppliers from the wedding:

- Church decorations   http://www.candlelight-weddings.com
- Irish Trad Musicians  http://www.brendanplynch.com/
- Hair by http://www.brownsugar.ie/
- Dress from Berketex Dublin    http://www.berketexbride.com/acatalog/dublin.html
- Jewelery from Rhinestone's Dublin and Courtville Antiques

http://www.courtvilleantiques.com/about_us.html
- Suit from Louis Copeland Dublin   http://www.louiscopeland.com/

- Newman University Church   http://www.universitychurch.ie/
- Stephen's Green Hibernian Club   http://www.sghc.ie/