A Unique Croke Park and Ballymagarvey Wedding with Personalized Touches

Nicola and Robbie, like so many Irish, currently reside in Perth, Australia. When they decided to get married there was only one place that would do, their hometown Dublin City, and more precisely, Croke Park.

As usual, when I showed up at Nicola’s house it was a hive of bridal activity. Nicola was such a happy character and so laid back the morning of her wedding, we were greeted with a warm smile, exuding serenity and calm, she was looking forward to her big day. Her Dad was busy in the background making tea and toast for everyone, and Mum was in amongst the girls getting her hair done, and having the chats about the day.

Nicola and Robbie’s civil ceremony took place in Croke Park, which was kept a secret from all the guests, who were mislead into believing that the ceremony was to take place at a local hotel, where, to their surprise and delight, 3 coaches stood by waiting to transport the guests to a secret location, namely Croke Park.

After the ceremony took place there was a surprise visit of one of Robbie’s hero’s, Kevin Nolan of the 2011 cup winning Dublin squad. Robbie was so genuinely shocked and delighted he was nearly speechless! But he recovered himself enough and his smile said it all.

After he regained his composure we were pretty much granted access all areas (except onto the hallowed turf understandably enough) in and around Croke Park including the dressing rooms, warm up area, and of course Hill 16 which Robbie said was his spiritual home.

The one moment that really stood out for me that was so humbling and emotional was the surprise visit that Nicola and Robbie took to see Robbie’s Grandad who couldn’t make the ceremony.
Well, I have never seen a man with so much life and love his his eyes for a grandson. It was such a beautiful moment to witness, so much so that both myself and Rodolphe (Best Day Productions) had to leave the room as the emotion was getting to much. I kid you not. It was intense. I don’t often say this about my own work but I love the photos that were taken during those few minutes.

After the visit to Robbie’s Grandad we were on our way to the beautiful Ballymagarvey Village, where as usual the surrounds spoke for themselves. All the guests were enjoying the reception drinks before dinner, and it wasn’t long before everyone was called for dinner and as the light was setting perfectly Nicola and Robbie spent a few moments outside before making their way down to the dinning room where the night would really get started.