A stylish Same Sex wedding in Castle Leslie

Humanist Ceremony in Castle Leslie

Niall And Mario’s Elegant Wedding

Weddings are a celebration of the love that a couple shares for each other. They also represent a willingness on the part of two people to commit to each other for the rest of their lives. I love weddings; it’s the reason why I’m a creative wedding photographer in Ireland. Weddings are my passion, no matter the kind and this is extended to the types of couples too. In honor of June being National Pride Month, here is a feature of an elegant same-sex wedding in Castle Leslie that I had a chance to be a part of. Meet Niall and Mario as I take you on the journey that was their gorgeous natural wedding.

Getting Dressed

Castle Leslie is a dream destination that can give you everything you wish for in terms of accommodation, service and food. Its old-world grandeur and romantic settings make it an ideal destination for dreamy weddings and Niall and Mario had just that.

First, I captured Mario, who got ready with his family, and it was a beautiful and emotional time. A few tears were even shed—happy tears, of course. Mario also popped a bottle of champagne as he got ready, and the family shared a drink. Next, I captured Niall as he put on his amazing suit and got ready too.

The Ceremony

Niall and Mario had a humanist ceremony, and it took place with beautiful views of Castle Leslie grounds from the windows. The décor was simple and elegant with gorgeous greenery, sunflowers and roses. Their wedding procession started with two gorgeous flowers girls each holding a lovely bouquet and then three little groomsmen. Both Niall and Mario were escorted down the aisle by their parents and the hug they shared after the procession was just so emotional. It was all smiles and emotions at this ceremony, and I am so glad I got to be a part of its beauty.

Something That Stood Out at The Ceremony

This couple’s wedding featured two lovely and unique wedding traditions. They had a unity candle ceremony and a hand binding ceremony.

Unity Candle Ceremony

In a unity candle ceremony, the couple lights two taper candles at the start of their wedding ceremony. The two taper candles are then brought together to light a bigger pedestal candle as a symbol of the couple uniting. Niall and Mario lit their taper candles immediately after the procession, and then both lit the pedestal candle much later.

A Hand Binding Ceremony

With their wedding in Castle Leslie holding in a beautiful and historic castle location, this ceremony was the completion of this theme. With roots dating as far back as ancient Celtic culture, the hand binding tradition has quite the history behind it. The ancient Celts actually used to carry out the hand binding for a whole year!

The plan is that if you could stand being tied to each other the whole year, you could go ahead and get married. Niall and Mario weren’t tied together for the whole year, though. They had a beautiful hand binding with both families contributing a ribbon to the ties used to fasten the couple. The purpose of the hand binding ceremony is to signify a couple’s devotion and connection to each other.

The Photo shoot

Castle Leslie provides more than just a venue for a wedding ceremony and a reception. The stunning grounds gave a very impressive backdrop to Niall and Mario’s wedding photos. After the ceremony, I was able to sneak Niall and Mario away for a couple of lovely wedding photos. We spiced things up with smoke bombs, and the results were the lovely images you can see below. The couple loved their pictures too. We also found an upturned canoe which looked amazing as a prop and took lovely pictures on the pier at the lake.

The Reception

After the photo shoot, we headed for the reception, which still took place at Castle Leslie. Honestly, it’s amazing all in one location. I was also able to capture lovely images at the reception. Some were Niall and Mario cutting their cake with a sword (Lovely twist by the way), the speeches, and some amazing silhouettes of the couple in the night light. The couples first dance and dance party were also amazing, and their guests had lots of fun.

How Did I Do at Niall And Mario’s Wedding

Well, not only the guests at Niall and Mario’s wedding had fun. I did too. This couple’s love was so easy to see and get enchanted with. Their families and friends also showed up to grace the occasion beautifully, and we all had a swell time. I wish you the very best in your married life, Niall and Mario.

Are looking for a photographer to document the beautiful moments at your wedding in Cork, Galway, Slane, Killarney, Wicklow, Meath and more. Then here I am! Here at Art Wedding Photography, preserving the uniqueness and beauty of your wedding through pictures is my passion. I am also available for destination weddings and would love to share your day with you. Contact me today.