REAL WEDDINGS · CO. ARMAGH

Orla & Des — Killeavy Castle

A church ceremony and winter celebration at Killeavy Castle Estate.

A December wedding with Christmas trees in the rooms, dark blue dresses and a castle glowing after sunset. Orla and Des’s day moves from preparations at home and a church ceremony to portraits and celebrations at Killeavy Castle Estate.

The photographs follow the people as much as the place: children getting ready, embraces before the ceremony, a quiet coastal stop and plenty of laughter around the tables.

Orla and Des beside the illuminated castle wall

01 / THE STORY

The finishing touches

The dress hangs beside the window, with its beaded detail and pale shoes nearby. These are a few quiet photographs before the morning becomes a room full of people.

02 / THE STORY

A Christmas morning

There are floral crowns for the children, help with the dress and a Christmas tree behind the bridesmaids. Des’s preparations bring their own laughter, with the rings ready for the ceremony.

Orla descending the staircase, photographed from above

Orla and her bridesmaids beside the Christmas tree

Laughter during the morning family photographs

03 / THE STORY

The ceremony

A church ceremony brings everyone together for the vows, rings and a few unexpected laughs. The church doorway and a separate coastal portrait stop belong to this part of the journey; both are away from Killeavy Castle.

Laughter with the priest during the ceremony

Orla and Des walking back down the aisle

A portrait in the church doorway at blue hour

Orla and Des sharing a kiss by the coast in black and white

04 / THE STORY

Winter at the castle

Back at Killeavy, the December darkness becomes part of the photographs. Christmas greenery, warm drawing-room light and the illuminated stonework sit alongside backlit portraits and a quiet moment in the tunnel.

Christmas greenery along the castle mantelpiece

A backlit black-and-white portrait of Orla and Des

Orla and Des at the illuminated castle entrance

Reception tables beneath a canopy of lights

A close view of the couple’s hands and wedding rings

Orla looking towards Des with her hand on his shoulder

Orla and Des with a young guest in the castle grounds

05 / THE STORY

Time with their people

Inside, there is time for conversation beside the Christmas tree. Outside, the castle steps bring everyone together for family photographs and a less restrained celebration with friends.

Orla talking with a guest beside the Christmas tree

Orla smiling during the drinks reception

A family photograph outside the castle entrance

Des and his groomsmen on the castle steps in black and white

Friends and family celebrating on the castle steps

06 / THE STORY

Around the tables

The story returns to the tables for speeches, applause and the reactions between them. Candles and the canopy of lights keep the room warm as the evening gathers pace.

A guest reacting with delight at the reception

A raised glass and a laugh at the top table

Orla listening with her bridesmaids in black and white

A wide view of the speeches beneath the reception lights

07 / THE STORY

Under the lights

The first dance gives way to a fuller floor and a few enthusiastic moves from the guests. An illuminated view of the castle closes this winter celebration.