When it comes to Northern Ireland wedding venues, Drenagh Estate is understandably one of the most sought after. Set on stunning grounds, Drenagh House is a Georgian mansion with history and character pouring out of every inch of it. It is the perfect place for a wedding, with the house only being one option, as couples also have use of the gorgeous marquee for their evening receptions. There is so much space, so much beauty and so much variety when it comes to making your day your own.
So I don’t think it’s hard to work out why I wanted to put together a styled shoot here.
Drenagh Wedding Photographer
In 2020 I was due to have quite a few weddings taking place at Drenagh, and I was so excited for them. Unfortunately for my poor couples, good old Covid has pushed back those plans, but I didn’t want that to stop me shooting here ASAP. I love nothing more than getting creative and exploring, and for me styled shoots are a perfect way to do that. As a Covid bride myself, I also feel like it’s been much harder to get excited about weddings. And I want to change that.
Post Covid Weddings
Having shot a number of weddings now, and having spoken to many venues, I want to reassure couples that weddings are GO! And they don’t feel any different for couples who are carried on the wave of newly wedded bliss regardless of the slight changes that have to be made to the format right now.
It’s time for us all to get excited again and that’s why I really wanted to bring together a team of creatives to unleash the creativity we’ve had bottled up through lockdown. We’re all small businesses who have faced these huge challenges, but we’re also creative people who want to give the best to our clients. So I hope this little blog brings you some inspiration as you plan your wedding, whether it’s in Autumn, at Drenagh or both.
5 Reasons Why Styled Shoots Are Great
- They allow creatives to be fully creative. This keeps us motivated and inspired to give our clients our very best, and keep developing.
- It allows creatives to work together. It can be a lonely industry as we all work mostly alone. Having a day together creating some magic can feel like a work day out.
- It shows effort and investment. Styled shoots take a lot of time, and even financial investment. They aren’t free. So when you see a vendor putting in that work you know they love and care about what they do.
- They allow us to get experience. Whether it be shooting at a venue for the first time or shooting a different way. It’s much better that we get that experience and practice at a styled shoot than on a wedding day; where if it goes wrong, someone’s special day is ruined.
- They show clients what is possible. Without styled shoots you wouldn’t have the content for Pinterest boards or instagram. Not every couple are creative and they need to get their inspiration from somewhere, so why not the experts in their field.
Statement Autumn Wedding Flowers
Victoria from Tortraits Floral Design is a true artist, and when I sent her the moodpboard for my idea, she took it to a whole new level. Creating stunning centrepieces for the banquet table which would be ideal for your top table and a statement bouquet that is so unique, it will have everyone in awe. The floating block piece was so versatile and was easily moved throughout the day to create a number of different looks.
I can’t stress enough the difference flowers make when it comes to your wedding styling and photographs. I understand the constraints of budget, but I truly believe it’s worth investing in flowers, even if it’s just a statement bouquet. It will transform your photographs.
Northern Ireland Bridal Boutique
I ADORE Aimee at Pippa Bridal. I have bought my own wedding dress from Aimee, and what I love the most about her boutique is the variety of dresses she stocks. Not only varying styles to suit all brides, but also a range of sizes. With so much experience in the industry, she knows exactly how to create a magical moment and make dress shopping fun. And like a lot of brides, I was so nervous, I didn’t think that was possible.
For this look, we wanted a softer more boho bridal style. This Love and Liberty gown was perfect, and the little sleeves are even detachable so you can change your look up throughout the day.
Bridal Hair and Makeup
Rebecca and Vicky are the ultimate dream team. This pair work together at Glow Bar and have such a wonderful relationship. They can also create looks without you having to say a word. I have such implicit trust in them that I didn’t even put anything to do with hair and makeup in the mood board I sent to vendors. They knew the tones and the style and they created the perfect look to work with it. That’s what you need when it comes to your look on the biggest day of your life.
Drenagh Wedding Details
We need to take a moment for this cake by Sweetness and Light Cakery. I could not believe that the macrame was not real when I saw it. Hand rolled and hand painted, this cake is a boho dream and testament to Suzanne’s talents.
Eimear’s stationery never fails to blow me away. So elegant and timeless, but with such attention to detail. I am in awe of how she brings it all together. I loved how she added in the menu card and place settings. How cute are those tassels?
Groom Styling Goals
So often grooms are overlooked when it comes to style aren’t they? But I’ve noticed a real trend for creating alternative looks that are more in keeping with a groom’s typical style. Working with Burns Outfitters, we created a look that is so on trend and perfect for a more casual laid back guy who doesn’t want to go for the full suit. Of course it can be dressed up or down, but I love that he looks so comfortable and at ease. The guys at Burns are amazing for creating looks that suit the style of your wedding. Again, they’re one of my own wedding suppliers and I can’t recommend them enough.
Drenagh Wedding Photography
For this shoot, I really wanted to make the most of Drenagh House. I adore the grounds and the Moon Garden is unbelievably iconic, but I love the style of the house. On a typical wedding day, your guests will be having drinks etc in the house, so it may not be as easy to get photos, but I really think it’s worth it. These are also the perfect example of how rain doesn’t have to hamper your day or your photos; with backdrops like this, you never have to worry about getting outdoors.
If you’re planning your wedding at Drenagh, I would love to photograph it. Get in touch here for my 2021/22 availability and pricing. Lx
Drenagh Wedding Suppliers
Concept, styling and photography – @litphotographyni assisted by @emmajanemooney
Flowers – @tortraits_floral_design
Venue – @drenaghweddings
Dresses – @pippabridal
Hair – @hairbyvickimitchell
Makeup – @rebeccaduff_makeup
Cake – @sweetnessandlight_cakery
Men’s outfits – @burnsoutfitters
Stationery – @perchandplumedesigns
Table settings – @theweddingroomni
Headpieces/accessories – @megantheresecouture
Models – @aaronkeenanperformance and @aoibhymc_
