Christmas Cookies in Newbridge!

When I was little, we always used to go over my to my grandma's house at Christmas to make cookies with her and my Aunt Tina. The fun cookies were the gingerbread and sugar cookies that we cut out with cookie cutters and proceeded to decorate with frosting and all kinds of decorations. My friends loved to come over with my sister and I to join in the fun. I remember some Robert Smith (from the Cure) cookies my friend Blythe and I decorated one year in the late 80s as being particularly yummy!

 I've carried on the tradition here in Ireland and have to share some of the pictures of the ones my son decorated. Can you tell these were decorated by a four-year old?

Vintage Brooch Bouquet for Brides, DIY Weddings

http://www.fancypantsweddings.com/how-to-design-a-brooch-bouquet/

I love this tutorial on how to make your own Vintage Brooch Bouquet! I have tons of old vintage brooches, and some new ones too. As soon as I get some wind-down time this winter, I'm going to attempt to make one. Love it! Calling all artsy and unique Irish brides, why don't you make one (or get your mom to!) for your wedding?

Google Brooch Bouquet and you will find a lot of inspiration!

Jenny & Barry's Wedding With Architectural Flair at Druids Glen Resort in County Wicklow

   When I arrived at Druids Glen Resort in County Wicklow to cover Jenny & Barry's wedding reception, I immediately pulled out my LENSBABY composer and fixed a heart aperture to it. Jenny & Barry came in and introduced themselves as I was getting some of these pictures of the fire and candlelights, and a little lighted wreath. I hadn't met them beforehand, and I was really excited to see that they were a cool modern couple who were architects. I thought the Druid's Glen was perfect for them as it reminded me a bit of Frank Lloyd Wright' s architecture, especially Falling Water near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania (near where I grew up!).

I love that Jenny & Barry were so relaxed, and I think I was able to get some fun shots of the both of them. Jenny looked sleek and siren-esque in her French Connection draped jersey dress and LK Bennett jacket that she borrowed from her mother. And how about Paul striking a pose in his Paul Smith (from Alias Tom) finery? I don't think Don Draper could have done better.

The guests mingled by candlelit candlelabra and kids ran around having a grand time just being energetic and young (and kudos to Jenny & Barry for being a cool, modern couple that allowed children at the wedding!). I love being a fly-on-the-wall at weddings and observing life in Ireland in the 21st century. That involves catching people unaware and being themselves (love the looks on the two faces of the guy and woman above in B&W!).


 Thank you to Jenny & Barry for having me
document part of your wedding day!

http://www.druidsglenresort.com
The beautiful flowers are by Flowers by Lynda in Greystones, Co. Wicklow. http://www.flowersbylynda.ie

One Foot Under Snow in County Kildare Ireland

I've been living in Ireland for 7 years now and this is the first time I've seen more than a foot of snow. It seems like the eastern and northern parts of Ireland are covered in lovely fluffy snow, and the rest is just freezing cold (as I've heard from relatives in County Clare and Cork). And while some countries exist in a foot of snow for most of the winter and are able to get on with things, Ireland is experiencing a bit of a problem. A lot of roads aren't being gritted and salted, and there are questions if the salt supply will last the winter. We thought they had learned their lesson last year during the Big Freeze when salt supplies ran out after a couple of days! Oh well! Anyway, here are some pictures of our backyard.

Lorraine & Paul's Fantastic and FUN Wedding at Killashee House, Naas, Ireland

Now, this blog post comes with a warning. There are lots of images!
I was with Lorraine and Paul from the getting-ready shots until the 4th or 5th dance and gave them 836 edited pictures of the day. More can be seen at http://lisa-odwyer.smugmug.com/Weddings/Lorraine/14437714_3CKbG#1071002036_3jciC

The getting-ready party of the day was filled with people popping in to catch a glimpse of the beautiful bride before she set off for the church. Here are a couple favourites from Lorraine and Paul's house in Newbridge.

The wedding party was led into St. Conleth's by a piper. Here are some scenes from the church.

The weather for the wedding, on the 9th of October, was absolutely amazing for Ireland! I don't think they could have got a better day in June. Beautiful sunny skies and warm temperatures were the order of the day.

The reception was held at Killashee House in Naas, County Kildare. This is an absolutely beautiful place to have a wedding. www.killasheehouse.com  Very romantic and tons of places to get great pictures.

  We had lots of fun outside on a warm autumn day and everyone was super at posing. I guess the threats of putting them in the Leinster Leader worked!

On to the fun at the reception where they had a singing chef! I had never seen this before, so it was a lot of fun for me. This is a really good idea for a wedding as everyone had so much fun with "Marco" and Riah from www.SingersForHire.com. People were up out of their seats singing and dancing, waving napkins, and having a grand ole time! Loved it! Will have to do a future blog post on the singing chefs because they really deserve the publicity. Besides being really funny and entertaining, they have amazing operatic voices as well.

I knew this wedding was going to be really fun and I didn't want to leave. Loved the band who had Lorraine sing a song with "Amy Winehouse"! Fabulous!

Thank you so much for choosing me to photograph
your wedding Lorraine and Paul. I had the best time
and you were wonderful!