From Canada to Kilkenny
When my friend told me she was dating a guy from Ireland, I immediately did what any self-respecting wedding photographer (and shameless opportunist) would do—I asked if I could photograph their wedding in Ireland one day. We both laughed, of course. It felt like a joke… until it wasn’t.
Fast forward a few years, and there I was—booking my own flight to Dublin, camera in hand, and heart full of excitement. What started as a pandemic-era dating experiment turned into a real-life fairytale, and I was lucky enough to witness it all.
A Match Made in Lockdown
Let’s rewind for a sec. At the height of lockdown boredom, my friend—clearly more resourceful than the rest of us—changed her online dating settings to Ireland. (Apparently you can just… do that?) She matched with a tall, trad-music-loving gent from just outside Kilkenny. They bonded over food, music, and the weird in-between hours of two different time zones.
Eventually, when borders creaked open and the world remembered how to operate an airport, she booked her first flight to Dublin. A few visits to Europe later (and one or two Canadian adventures for him), it was obvious: these two were the real deal.
Enter: The Greek-Irish Wedding of Dreams
Their wedding was hands-down one of the most beautiful and lively events I’ve ever photographed. A joyful Greek-Irish mash-up with every detail either handmade, homegrown, or heartbreakingly thoughtful.
And then there was the car. The newlyweds rode off from the ceremony in the exact same vehicle the groom’s parents drove on their wedding day. Even better? The chauffeur was the son of the original driver. Come on. You can’t write that kind of magic.
Guinness, Chips, and Dancing Shoes
I feel like I should’ve been prepared for the beer situation, but I wasn’t. Kegs of Guinness on tap at the wedding? Iconic. The late-night buffet featured fries—sorry, chips (thanks to the Irish cousin who corrected me)—which were the perfect fuel for the very extended afterparty.
The dance floor? Electric. I’ve never seen so many friendly faces eager to get strangers grooving. And by strangers, I mean us Canadians. Pretty sure every one of us got pulled onto the dance floor by a charming Irishman who could absolutely cut a rug. Honestly, if you’re going to crash a wedding somewhere, make it Ireland.
A Musical Encore
As if the wedding itself wasn’t enough, the celebration carried on the next day with a laid-back gathering full of music, cake, and the ever-essential “hair of the dog.” The musical talent in that family ran deep—there were trad sessions popping off all afternoon, making it feel like a mini music festival where everyone was welcome to join in. And just when I thought it couldn’t get better, someone belted out a Stan Rogers tune, and I swear—everyone in the room got goosebumps. It was the perfect blend of cultures, community, and chaotic joy.
So, if you’re currently dating someone from overseas—or even just thinking about an elopement in a faraway land—and you feel like “joking” with me about photographing it... just know I’m all ears. Go ahead, plant that seed. I’m ready when you are.
