If you’ve ever wondered what a true fairytale wedding looks like, look no further than Mary and Colm’s unforgettable day at the breathtaking Markree Castle near Sligo. As a wedding videographer in Ireland, I’ve seen many beautiful settings—but Markree Castle holds a kind of magic that’s hard to put into words. Then again, that’s exactly why I bring a camera.
It was early autumn—one of those Irish days where the sky can’t decide if it wants to rain, drizzle, or simply threaten to do both. You know the type. The kind where you pack an umbrella, sunglasses, and a good pair of boots, just in case. We joked that Irish weather in the fall is like an overexcited wedding guest: unpredictable but always present.
Mary and Colm, however, were completely unfazed. From the moment I arrived, there was a calmness about the day. Not the kind that comes from meticulous planning (though the day was beautifully planned), but the kind that comes from two people who are genuinely at ease with each other—and ready to begin the next chapter of their lives, come rain or shine.
The Ceremony – Romance in Every Detail
The ceremony took place within the castle itself—intimate, atmospheric, and full of old-world charm. If walls could talk, Markree’s would have centuries of stories to tell. Yet that afternoon, the only story that mattered was theirs.
As a wedding videographer based in Dublin, I often travel across the country, but shooting in a venue like this never loses its wonder. The rich textures, the golden candlelight, and the way the bride’s dress moved through the hallway—it all came together like something from a period drama. Except this one had real emotion, real tears, and real laughter. No script needed.
Mary was radiant. Her dress was both elegant and modern, a perfect match for the grandeur of the setting. Colm’s reaction as she walked in said everything. No matter how many weddings I film, that moment—the first look—is always electric. It never gets old.
Their vows were personal and sincere. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house (and no, it wasn’t just the rain trying to sneak in through the windows). From heartfelt words about shared road trips across Connemara to subtle glances that said more than words ever could, their connection was palpable.
The Castle Reception – An Evening to Remember
After the ceremony, guests gathered in the drawing rooms and banquet hall, greeted by roaring fires and the soft clinking of glasses. The rain, ever dramatic, had decided to clear just in time for a quick golden-hour walk through the castle grounds—a gift for any wedding videographer in Ireland. I managed to steal the couple away for a quiet few minutes, capturing some timeless shots in the garden just before sunset.
Markree Castle doesn’t just photograph beautifully—it feels like a world apart. The ivy-covered stone, winding staircases, and towering trees made for a cinematic backdrop that suited Mary and Colm’s energy to a tee: graceful, romantic, and just a bit wild.
The speeches that evening were among the best I’ve heard—equal parts touching and hilarious. The best man told a story involving a kayak, a bottle of Jameson, and a very confused sheep, which I’m fairly sure got more laughs than any Netflix special. But what stood out most was the love in the room—not just from family and friends, but between Mary and Colm themselves. They have that rare kind of chemistry that’s a joy to film.
Why Markree, Why Autumn, Why Them?
There’s something so special about autumn weddings in Ireland. Yes, it might rain. Yes, the wind might try to steal your veil. But there’s a richness to the light, a romance to the season, and an intimacy to the moments that make the occasional drizzle worth it.
As a wedding videographer Dublin-based, I often get asked if I travel. And the answer is yes—especially for days like this. Capturing weddings outside the city, particularly in places like Sligo and the west, is a chance to showcase a different kind of beauty. Wild, raw, and real.
That’s what Mary and Colm’s day was all about. It wasn’t about putting on a show. It was about honouring who they are together. The quiet strength in their relationship. The laughter in their eyes. The ease of two people who feel at home in each other’s company.
Final Thoughts – The Power of Film
I often say that a wedding video should do more than just show what happened—it should remind you how it felt. And this day was full of feeling. From the joyful chaos of the morning prep to the romantic stillness of the evening dance, every moment told part of their story.
Mary and Colm, thank you for letting me be part of your day. It was a joy to witness and a privilege to capture. I hope your film brings you right back to that castle, to those candlelit rooms and windswept walks, and to that moment when it was just the two of you, wrapped in laughter, surrounded by love.
And for anyone reading this who’s dreaming of their own Irish castle wedding—whether you're planning something grand or something simple—know that the weather may do its thing, but the moments you’ll remember are the ones shared between hearts. And that’s what makes the magic.
If you’re looking for a wedding videographer in Ireland or a wedding videographer in Dublin who’ll travel for a story worth telling, feel free to get in touch. I’d love to hear about your plans—and maybe even meet you for a cup of tea somewhere along the way (umbrella optional).