Lisa & Mark – 8th July 2018

It’s always a privilege to be asked to shoot a wedding but this one really was an honour.

Not only was this this the wedding of an old and dear friend, that friend also happens to be a fellow photographer and one I have looked up to throughout my whole career.

I first met Lisa Daly in 2005. When I went on maternity leave from the family photography studio Impact Portraits, Lisa was my replacement. When I mentioned to her one day that I was interested in starting to do wedding photography, she told me she was also starting weddings and couldn’t have been more supportive and helpful to me as I started my business.

In Galway, we are blessed with a very unique support network of photographers which Lisa was a part of. It was Lisa who first introduced me to the photographers in this group and in the early years of starting my business, their help and support was invaluable to me. To be honest, it still is.

Throughout the years of our friendship, I have benefited more than Lisa will ever know from the wisdom and kindness she has shown me, whether it was introducing me to the right people, inspiring me with her amazing photography, making an emergency dash to a church with a spare flash because mine had exploded (true story) or giving me advice when I needed it, I know I will forever be in Lisa’s debt. 

Before Lisa moved back to the States, it was a common occurrence for years that we were mixed up by the general public, understandably. Having the same name, living in the same city and producing similar work was bound to be confusing! But, any time my photography was mistaken for Lisa’s was fine by me. To me, there was no greater compliment. I have looked up to Lisa in every way since I met her, her talent with the camera being no exception. I had the pleasure of second shooting for Lisa on several occasions. She was always a joy to work with, somehow relaxed yet enthusiastic, taking it seriously yet having the best laugh and all with that constant, amazing smile on her face. It was with huge respect and admiration I used to watch the slideshows she made for her couples. It was so inspiring. Lisa’s natural ability to capture emotion in her photography is second to none. Even though Lisa no longer shoots weddings, I’ll always be inspired by her and her achievements with a camera. 

So, last year, when Lisa asked if I’d be willing to fly to Rhode Island to be her wedding photographer, I was blown away. There was only ever going to be one answer…. hell yes.

The day was perfect from start to finish. I don’t use the word perfect lightly; this day was. Lisa and Mark crafted the day to be personal and unique to them. The attention to detail was amazing.

Melissa Mannion, our mutual close friend and fellow photographer, assisted me with the day. She went to Mark’s preparations while I went to Lisa’s. 

While posing Lisa for her portraits, we both commented on how surreal it was!!

Next, Lisa and Mark met beside the beach for their first look. It was such a beautiful moment and emotional for all of us!

We had the best time shooting at the beach, Lisa and Mark were my dream couple; fun and ready for anything and not afraid to show the camera how much they love each other. 

Then, as the sun started to go down, surrounded by their family and friends, Lisa and Mark exchanged their personalised vows on the beach. There wasn’t a dry eye. 

The experience of shooting this wedding really has been one of the best of my career, a joy from start to finish and an absolute privilege. 

Lisa and Mark, I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity, I hope you know how much it means to me to be asked to do this job and how honoured I was to do it.

Thank you xx