And to be a little different from most weddings. The groom has his sister as the best (wo)man!!

Church:  NUIG Chapel, Galway
Reception: Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, Galway
Hair: Pater Mark, Galway
Flowers: Knocknacarra Florists
Dress: Madeline Gardner New York dress from Tracy Bridal, Galway

We had such a blast that we decided that another one was going to have to be done in the near future. The biggest difference with the next session is we are going to swap places with me on the receiving end of the camera especially as I mentioned I needed new pictures for my section too.

So to wet the appetite, here are a couple of teasers – enjoy!!

The wedding took place at St Michael’s Catholic Church and then at the magnificent Middleton Park House, a Victorian Country House in Castletown Geoghegan, Co Westmeath. The day started slightly overcast but that soon cleared and we had amazing sunshine.

I kept talking about this infamous dip that Evelyn did and without any further delay, I present one amazing dip ……………

I have this fantastic couple to thank for the referral for this wedding – you guys rock!!!!!

After a short pit stop at the pub across the road from the church we went back to Middleton Park House. We went straight to the bridal suite for a breather which meant that we were able to grab a couple of shots that would would not be got in the hussle and bussle of a normal wedding.

Whilst chatting and offloading my camera gear, I turned and noticed Evelyn was on the Chaise Longue taking a few minutes breather. It was just too good an opportunity to miss.

Once I left the happy couple alone for a bit of “alone” time, it was back to the guests and time to cut the cake.

And to finish off this fantastic day. A couple more images from the dining room itself.

Church:  St Michael’s Catholic Church, Castletown Geoghegan
Reception: Middleton Park House, Castletown Geoghegan

I decided a while back to use that description instead of the one which is much more widely known ie Trash the Dress. In Ireland,  it is still a relatively new idea and lots of brides (and some grooms too) thanks to the internet are a little more adventurous and giving it a go. But for most, the first impression is that you are going to literally “trash” the dress which is misleading and as a result are dismissing the chance to have a go.

So for those still unsure as to what it is all about. In a nutshell, it is an opportunity for either the bride or both the bride and groom to get their wedding outfits on again and head out to have alternative pictures taken. The location can be wherever you want it to be and how extreme you want to be is down to you. I would suggest that you do talk it through with your photographer first as to what your expectations are, what kind of locations you want to use and that will enable you both to have a clearer idea.

So onto Lydia and Lars.

What a fabulous couple they are and in 7 days, I did their engagement shoot, wedding and the Rock the Frock session and boy oh boy did we have fun. So without any further hesitation, here a few of the images we had taken on the day - enjoy!!!

It is hard work having to strut your stuff and do all this posing malarkey, so a tea break was in order  :-)

and back to work we go lol

Once we finished at the disused railway station, we decided to head to to the coast.

I did it for a number of reasons (no apparent order):

• Facebook has over 53 million users
• This will allow me to have more of an official status of Facebook rather using my personal page for work related matter
• I can use it to promote the business with events or any special promotions
• Allows family, friends or clients to become a fan without having to become a friend first
• (saying that, some clients have become great friends)
• I wanted the prestige

You get the idea.

Please make sure you head over to Mike Patterson Photography’s Facebook page and become a fan and more importantly, say hello.

I first met Siofra’s parents, Mairead & Rory, around Christmas time last year (2009) when my wife and I were visiting a friend and they happened to be there too. Mairead was heavily pregnant at the time and I felt a  little bit awkward asking her if she fancied having some pictures taken in light of us only just meeting as I was keen to get some bump shots for my portfolio. Oh by the way, that was somewhat of a hint, so if anyone knows someone who is pregnant and fancies having some shots done, then please get back in touch.

Move on a few months and when our friend Mary told me that gorgeous Siofra was born, I offered to take some pictures if Mairead & Rory were interested. I was pleasantly surprised when I got word back they were up for it, so one fine Sunday over I went for a bit of a photoshoot.

For the camera geeks out there who sometimes ask what lens I used for the specific shots. The first three images were taken with my trusty 24-70mm F2.8L lens and the last three images were taken on the amazing 85mm F1.2L II. All shots were taken without flash using natural light only.

I decided to go for a B&W theme here – enjoy!!

The shoot took place at the fantastic G-Hotel here in Galway and were fortunate enough to be able to use a few locations within the hotel including their stunning Linda Evangelista Suite. This allowed us to have a variety of images in different settings using the very cool and funky designs within the hotel.

Mike and Liz were real troopers who were up for trying all sorts of locations and ideas – thanks again guys  :-)