On a chilly December day for their Christmas Wedding in UCG, Aoife and Jack said “I do” in the Chapel of St Columbanus in University College Galway (UCG). The newlyweds celebrated their union with reception at the Hardiman Hotel and a photoshoot at UCG and Galway’s Eyre Square later on that evening. It was a winter wedding to remember!
I was lucky enough to be invited along to document this special occasion – read on as I take you through some of my favourite moments from the day.
The Ceremony
The wedding ceremony took place in the lovely little Chapel of St Columbanus in University College Galway (UCG).
The ceremony was a beautiful and intimate occasion. After their vows, the newlyweds were greeted by cheers from their families as they celebrated the start of their journey together.
The priest at the ceremony was a close friend of the couple, having known them both for many years. He welcomed everyone to the chapel and recounted some stories of their friendship. His homily celebrated the beauty of marriage, while also providing special words of wisdom to help guide Aoife and Jack on their journey together. Whether they will take that advice though is another story.. lol..!
Aoife and Jack chose UCG as the backdrop for their wedding photos – a fitting choice considering it was where they first met!
The photoshoot at UCG was the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful, natural moments between Aoife and Jack. The newlyweds took to the grounds of the college with enthusiasm and joy, walking hand-in-hand in front of stunning architectural details like ornate arches and ivy-covered walls.
Their immediate family gathered in UCG also for some family photos to commemorate the day. The light was overcast but perfect as Aoife and Jack posed in front of the old stone buildings, surrounded by their closest family and friends. I took several shots of Aoife and Jack walking & running hand-in-hand through the archways as well. It had the added benefit to help keep them warm..!
Afterwards, they moved on to the Hardiman Hotel for dinner and dancing. Guests enjoyed canapés while admiring Aoife and Jack’s beautiful cake specially made by her aunt.
Eyre Square Photoshoot
After the reception, Aoife and Jack took a late night walk to Eyre Square for a romantic photoshoot under the stars. This provided an opportunity for a truly unique set of photos. The square was mostly deserted, with only the distant sound of music coming from the nearby pubs providing any noise.
I took photos against illuminated statues, using the soft lighting to create ethereal, romantic portraits of the couple.
The night air was crisp and cold, but Aoife and Jack didn’t seem to mind. The adrenalin was flowing..!!
At this stage of the day, it was easy for Aoife & Jack to escape into each other’s arms for some romantic shots that perfectly encapsulated their winter wedding as they posed in front of the brightly lit streetscape.
Christmas Wedding in UCG
I had such an amazing time documenting Aoife & Jack’s wedding day! From start to finish, it was full of beautiful moments that will stay with me and them forever– especially those magical photos taken in Eyre Square beneath twinkling Christmas lights.
If you’re planning a Christmas Wedding in UCG or your own winter wedding in anywhere in Ireland or beyond, I highly recommend setting aside some time for an unforgettable photoshoot like this one – it’ll be worth every second!
Feel free to contact me to check availability and current pricing.
