A Day Written in the Stars. Editorial Wedding at The Haven Hotel, Dunmore East

Nick is Irish, born into the rhythms of the Atlantic coast, but his heart found its home thousands of kilometres away in New York. Alyssa brought with her not only her love, but an entire world of family and friends who travelled across the ocean to witness this chapter of their lives unfold. Their wedding became more than a ceremony — it was a reunion of cultures, accents, traditions, and emotions, all meeting on Irish soil. This is exactly the kind of story we love to tell as wedding photographers and videographers in Ireland: honest, layered, human.

The setting for their day was the Haven Hotel in Dunmore East, one of those coastal locations that instantly feels special. Perched above the sea, with panoramic views of the water and sky, it offers a sense of calm and grandeur at the same time. Mid-September in Ireland can be unpredictable, but that unpredictability often brings the most beautiful light and atmosphere — and Alyssa & Nick trusted the day completely. The ceremony took place outdoors, overlooking the sea, with gentle sunlight warming the space and a soft breeze carrying the sound of the waves below. Guests sat wrapped in anticipation, smiles everywhere, knowing they were about to witness something truly meaningful.

There is something incredibly powerful about outdoor wedding ceremonies in Ireland. Nature becomes part of the narrative — not just a backdrop, but an active participant. As Alyssa walked towards Nick, framed by the ocean and sky, time seemed to slow. Their vows were intimate and sincere, spoken with steady voices and emotional pauses, surrounded by family, laughter, and quiet tears. It was one of those moments where nothing feels staged, nothing forced — just two people choosing each other, fully present.

And then, as only Ireland can do, the weather shifted. Almost immediately after the ceremony ended, the sky opened up with heavy rain. Guests laughed, ran for cover, shoes kicked off, jackets shared. Moments later, a rainbow appeared over the sea — not once, but several times throughout the afternoon, as rain and sunlight danced together. It felt symbolic, almost unreal, like nature was reflecting the emotions of the day. These are the moments that can’t be planned, but when embraced, they become the heart of the story.

From a wedding photography and videography perspective, days like this are pure magic. The changing light, the movement of people, the contrast between soft ceremony moments and spontaneous laughter during the rain — this is where real storytelling lives. We didn’t chase perfection; we followed emotion. Wind in Alyssa’s hair, damp edges of dresses, hands holding tighter as the weather changed — all of it added depth and authenticity to their wedding film and photographs.

The reception carried that same warmth and energy. Inside the Haven Hotel, the atmosphere shifted into something cosy and vibrant. Glasses clinked, speeches unfolded with humour and heartfelt words, stories were shared across generations and continents. You could feel how meaningful it was for everyone to be there — especially for those who travelled from New York to celebrate this Irish-American love story. The room was filled with connection, not just decoration. It’s always those weddings that feel the richest — where people are truly present, not rushing through the day, but soaking it in.

As wedding photographers and videographers based in Ireland, we are constantly inspired by couples who choose this country not just for its landscapes, but for its soul. Ireland has a way of stripping things back to what really matters. It doesn’t promise perfect weather, but it gives emotion, atmosphere, and honesty in return. Alyssa & Nick embraced all of it. They didn’t fight the rain or wait for ideal conditions — they lived the day as it came, trusting that the story would be beautiful because it was real.

Their wedding is a perfect example of why destination weddings in Ireland are so special. The light, the sea, the ever-changing skies, and the deep sense of place create a cinematic quality that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Combined with a couple who are open, connected, and deeply in love, it becomes something timeless. Not just a memory of a single day, but a story that will be revisited again and again through photographs and film.

For us, capturing weddings like this is never just about documenting events. It’s about preserving feeling — the quiet moments before the ceremony, the laughter during the rain, the way Nick looked at Alyssa when she wasn’t watching, the way family gathered close as the weather turned wild. These are the details that matter years later. These are the moments couples come back to when they watch their wedding film or open their gallery on an anniversary.

Alyssa & Nick’s September wedding at the Haven Hotel in Dunmore East was emotional, joyful, raw, and beautifully imperfect — everything a wedding in Ireland should be. A day full of movement, meaning, and connection, written not just in schedules and timelines, but in the sky, the sea, and the hearts of everyone present. As wedding photographers and videographers in Ireland, we feel incredibly grateful to tell stories like this — stories that remind us why we do what we do, and why real love, in a real place, will always be the most powerful thing of all.