From Canada to Ireland: An Autumn Love Story in Howth and Wicklow
There is something incredibly romantic about a “wish list” trip finally coming to life. For Cornelia and Arthur, who traveled all the way from Canada, Ireland wasn’t just a holiday destination; it was a place they had dreamed of visiting for years. Having tied the knot back home last year, they decided that their honeymoon was the perfect opportunity to celebrate their new chapter with a couple shoot in Ireland amidst the rugged, emerald landscapes they had admired from afar.
When we first hopped on a Zoom call to discuss their vision, their enthusiasm for the Irish landscape was infectious. They wanted images that captured the scale and soul of the country—the cliffs, the mountains, and that unique Irish light. After chatting through their itinerary and what they hoped to achieve, we designed a bespoke “double-location” route that would take us from the salty air of the Dublin coast to the mystical heart of the Wicklow Mountains.
Starting Coastal: Morning at Howth Head
Our adventure began in the early morning at Howth, a stunning peninsula in North Dublin. Howth Head offers some of the most dramatic cliff walks in the country, and starting here allowed us to capture the crisp, fresh energy of the Irish coast.
The morning air was bracing, but Cornelia and Arthur were total naturals. As we navigated the paths overlooking the Irish Sea, the sun was blasting the coastline, giving the cliffs a Mediterranean feel. One of the standout elements of the day was Cornelia’s choice of attire—her vibrant red jacket was a masterstroke of styling. Against the muted earthy tones of the ferns and the deep blues of the sea, that pop of red acted as a focal point, making them stand out beautifully against the vastness of the landscape.
Into the Heart of Wicklow: Glendalough and Beyond
After our coastal session, we jumped in the car and made the scenic drive south toward County Wicklow. Our first stop was the historic Glendalough. Known as the “Valley of the Two Lakes,” it offers a completely different texture to the coastal cliffs of Howth. Here, the scenery is dominated by ancient monastic ruins, towering trees, and the deep, still waters of the Upper Lake.
As we moved into the afternoon, the weather gave us a bit of everything—what we locals often call “four seasons in one day.” We had patches of brilliant blue sky followed by dramatic, heavy clouds and pockets of mist. For a photographer, this is a dream. These “broken skies” provide a natural softbox, creating a moody, romantic atmosphere that a perfectly clear day simply can’t replicate.
Sunset at Lough Tay
To cap off an incredible day, we made our way toward the iconic Lough Tay (often called the Guinness Lake). Because this was an autumn shoot, the sun began its descent early, casting a long, golden glow over the valley. The heather-covered hills were turning those deep, rich shades of copper and gold that only appear during the shoulder season.
Ending at Lough Tay at sunset provided that final, spectacular “wow” moment Cornelia and Arthur were looking for. The scale of the landscape here is truly humbling, and seeing this Canadian couple take a moment to just soak in the view—months after their wedding and thousands of miles from home—was a reminder of why I love what I do.
Your Story, Ireland’s Landscape
The resulting gallery was, in a word, spectacular. Cornelia and Arthur were absolutely delighted with the images, which now serve as a permanent window back to their Irish honeymoon.
If you are reading this and considering a couple’s shoot, remember that you don’t need a “reason” like a wedding or an engagement to document your relationship. Whether you’ve been married for less than a year like Cornelia and Arthur, or you’re celebrating 10, 20, or 30 years together, a photo session is about freezing a moment in your journey.
I specialize in a relaxed, natural style of photography. My goal is never to keep you in stiff, awkward poses, but rather to get you out into the great outdoors where you can interact naturally while I incorporate Ireland’s world-class scenery into your love story.
If you have no definite plan yet, don’t worry! That is exactly what the initial chat is for. Once I know what kind of scenery appeals to you—be it the wild Atlantic cliffs, quiet woodland trails, or misty mountain passes—we can figure out the perfect locations to suit your travels.
For some initial ideas of locations, options and pricing go to my Engagements Page.
Are you planning a trip to Ireland soon? I’d love to help you map out a session that captures your own adventure. Feel free to reach out and let’s start dreaming up your perfect Irish backdrop.
Read why I think Wicklow is one of the best places for a couple shoot in Ireland – https://djd.ie/best-location-in-ireland-for-an-engagement-shoot-or-elopement/
Also worth a read – https://djd.ie/what-to-wear-for-your-engagement-shoot-in-ireland/
If you’re thinking of eloping to Ireland, check this out – https://djd.ie/eloping-in-ireland-wedding-photographer-ireland/


































































