Gougane Barra Wedding & Bantry House | Orla + Shane
Wow this wedding was more like a wedding adventure than a traditional wedding! Orla and Shane were married at the majestic Gougane Barra. This ancient religious site dating back to the 6th century, and you couldn’t hope to find a more beautiful spot for an intimate wedding! Saint Finbarr’s was also where the bride’s grandparents were married, and it was her dream to exchange rings and vows there too.
At first, the venue was far too small, but Covid intervened and when numbers had to be reduced, the venue became a possibility. The autumn wedding date was set, and 13 of the couple’s closest friends and family gathered in the Cork countryside to see them tie the knot.
Orla wore a gorgeous strapless wedding gown adorned with beads, a long veil and crystal jewellery. She wore her hair down in loose waves and carried a pretty bouquet of soft pink and white roses with baby’s breath. Shane looked smart in a designer black and white tux he had helped to design himself.
The couple met over a decade ago and reconnected in 2019. Orla says she was surprised when Shane proposed soon after they met again. “We met on 17th of July a few days after Shane came home from Austria. Forty days later, Shane proposed while we were having a picnic in Glendalough. It was very romantic and a big surprise! It was a definite YES.”
The bride traveled to the wedding ceremony in a stylish white vintage car with her father. Her three bridesmaids were looking effortlessly chic in soft pink dresses and floral crowns. Inside everyone was waiting for their arrival while enjoying beautiful music from the solo harpist (Shane’s very talented sister). The priest conducted a sentimental ceremony that included prayers, and the lighting of the unity candle. The soft pink and pastel green church interiors with the stained glass windows are stunning, and as the couple signed their marriage documents, the guests applauded, and Orla and Shane were announced as man and wife.
They burst through the church doors into the warm sunlight, and we had group photos and bridal party photos at the entrance to the stunning Gougane Barra church.
After the ceremony, we headed for Glengariff and took a boat across to Garnish Island, which truly is an amazing location for photos. The Grecian temple and Italian gardens are so picturesque for wedding photography and Orla and Shane were at ease and overjoyed at the same time. Capturing their bond and connection in such a stunning location in warm Autumnal sun was a joy.
After the Garnish Island wedding photoshoot, we sneaked in some time for sunset photos at the fantastic Bantry House. The gardens are so beautiful. The well-kept manicured maze contrasts so nicely with the historical building covered in rustic vines. Bantry House as a wedding location is a dream, and with a couple as natural and gorgeous as Orla and Shane, I felt as blessed as they did on this perfect day.
Soon it was time for the reception at the Seaview House Hotel. Everyone enjoyed the great food, entertaining speeches and time together. The night flew by in a beautiful blur and Orla and Shane were sent off with an outside first dance and sparker line that was fun and romantic.
We hope you enjoy these images of this beautiful Gougane Barra wedding and if you are planning your best day ever and are looking for a photographer to tell your love story in a natural style, please drop us a line.
Makeup: Kathryn O’Neill Makeup Artist
Hair: Pat O’Neill
Wedding Dress: Elody Bride
Flowers: Paradise Flowers
Second photographer Nina Val
