CAOIMHE & SHANE / A REAL WEDDING STORY
A Different Setting for an Outdoor Ceremony
Caoimhe and Shane exchanged their vows in the garden below the terrace at Markree Castle. Guests gathered along the pathway at the foot of the stone steps, with the castle rising behind the ceremony and the fountain and flower beds stretching out across the garden. It was a different setting from the terrace ceremonies I have photographed here, and a beautiful part of their story to share.
Their morning began separately at Markree Castle and Castle Dargan. Before the ceremony, we explored the woodland paths and Boathouse, including time together in the boat on the river. Later came cake cutting outside, celebrations with their guests, a brief escape into the sunset and a first dance in the courtyard. The photographs below follow the day through to our final portraits in the illuminated woodland.
Looking for other ceremony settings and wedding stories? Explore more real weddings at Markree Castle.
RECOMMENDED VENUE
Markree Castle / County Sligo
Considering the castle for your own celebration? Read my first-hand Markree Castle wedding review for a photographer’s perspective on the venue, its light and the experience of celebrating here.
RECOMMENDED SUPPLIERS
People Behind the Day
Four professionals from Caoimhe and Shane’s wedding team whom I am happy to recommend.
BRIDAL MAKEUP
Selina G
Caoimhe’s bridal makeup, by an artist whose work I regularly enjoy photographing.
BRIDAL HAIR
Gemma Crossan
Gemma styled Caoimhe’s hair, joining Selina for the bridal preparations at Markree.
WEDDING FILM
Mudita Films
A wedding filmmaking team I enjoy working alongside, with an appreciation for natural moments.
WEDDING CELEBRANT
Selina Campbell
Selina led the garden ceremony and is a celebrant I am happy to recommend.
View the Full Wedding Team +
Wedding Venue: Markree Castle
Groom’s Preparations: Castle Dargan
Bridal Makeup: Selina G
Bridal Hair: Gemma Crossan
Celebrant: Selina Campbell
Wedding Film: Mudita Films
Wedding Cake: Amazing Cakes
Wedding Dress: MK Bridal
Bridal Bouquet: Made by Caoimhe’s mother and grandmother with flowers grown in their own gardens
Ceremony and Reception Music: Sligo String Quartet
Wedding Band: All Talk
Photography: Wojciech Koza Photography
THE WEDDING MORNING
Getting Ready at Markree Castle and Castle Dargan
Caoimhe’s morning unfolded at Markree Castle with her bridesmaids and family, while Shane got ready with his groomsmen at Castle Dargan. Her bouquet carried a particularly personal connection: her mother and grandmother had made it using flowers from their own gardens, flowers Caoimhe had watched grow over the years.
BEFORE THE CEREMONY
A Walk Through the Grounds Before the Wedding Ceremony
Caoimhe and Shane chose to see each other before the ceremony and take their wedding portraits while the grounds were still quiet. They wanted to enjoy the afternoon with their guests, so we made time for photographs together earlier in the day.
After their first moments together, we walked through the grounds of Markree Castle, moving between the woodland paths and the river. At the Boathouse, they stepped into the boat for a few portraits on the water.
The walk gave us a varied collection of photographs, from close moments beneath the trees to wider views of the castle, before they returned inside for the final preparations ahead of the ceremony.
THE GARDEN CEREMONY
A Markree Castle Wedding Ceremony in the Garden Below the Terrace
Caoimhe and Shane’s outdoor ceremony took place in the garden below the castle terrace. The chairs were arranged along the pathway at the foot of the stone steps, with the castle behind the ceremony and the fountain and flower beds extending across the garden beyond. The terrace with its parasols sat above them, making this a different arrangement from a ceremony held on the terrace itself.
After our portraits around the grounds, the couple returned inside for a little time to prepare before the guests gathered. Caoimhe then came down the castle steps with her father, making her way towards Shane and their family and friends waiting in the garden.
Having photographed ceremonies on the terrace at Markree, I enjoyed documenting this different use of the space. The wider photographs show how the castle, staircase and garden connected, while the closer images follow the couple’s expressions and the reactions of the people seated around them. Together, they show both the setting and what it felt like to be there.
This was the arrangement for Caoimhe and Shane’s wedding. If you are considering a similar ceremony, discuss the location, weather arrangements and access with the Markree team when planning your day.
For more ideas from celebrations I have photographed here, explore my Markree Castle wedding inspiration gallery.
AFTER THE CEREMONY
Cake on the Terrace and Ice Cream in the Sunshine
After the ceremony, we gathered everyone for a photograph in the garden, followed by a few wedding-party portraits. With their couple portraits already taken earlier in the day, Caoimhe and Shane could then settle into the reception with their family and friends.
They cut their wedding cake outside on the terrace, making it part of the afternoon celebrations rather than saving it for the evening. With everyone already gathered around the castle, the moment flowed naturally into conversations, congratulations and time together in the sunshine.
Ice cream from Mammy Johnston’s in Strandhill brought a little taste of the Sligo coast to the reception. The family-run gelato parlour was a lovely local addition to a summer afternoon at Markree.
INSIDE THE CASTLE
A Quiet Pause Before Dinner and a Lively Photo Dash
Before dinner, we made a few portraits inside Markree Castle, including photographs in the Dining Room before the guests were seated. After the sunshine and celebrations outside, the interiors brought a different atmosphere to this part of Caoimhe and Shane’s story.
The couple then had around half an hour to themselves in the Billiard Room while everyone settled in for dinner. It is a thoughtful part of the day that I appreciate when photographing weddings at Markree: a little space for the couple to pause, relax and enjoy being together before making their entrance.
Once Caoimhe and Shane joined their guests in the Dining Room, the energy changed again. For their Photo Dash, groups came over to the couple for quick, playful photographs. Each group brought different expressions, gestures and plenty of laughter, making the whole sequence part of the fun.
A toast and dinner followed, with time to enjoy the food and company. The photographs here move from those quieter moments together to the shared excitement around the tables.
A FEW MINUTES IN THE EVENING LIGHT
Sunset Wedding Portraits in the Markree Castle Gardens
Earlier in the day, Caoimhe and Shane and I had agreed that I would let them know if beautiful evening light appeared. With their main portraits already taken before the ceremony, there was no pressure to plan another long session. This would simply be an opportunity for a few more photographs if the conditions were right and they felt like stepping outside.
As the sun dropped lower, warm light began to spread across the gardens at Markree Castle. I went to find them, and they were delighted to come out. We spent around 10 to 15 minutes together, walking beside the flower beds and fountain, with the castle behind them and the last sunlight catching their faces.
This is something I like to discuss with couples on the wedding morning. If sunset photographs appeal to you, I can keep an eye on the light while you enjoy your celebration. When the moment comes, I will let you know, and you can decide whether you would like to take a short walk together before returning to your guests.
FROM THE COURTYARD TO THE WOODLAND AFTER DARK
A Courtyard First Dance at Markree Castle
Caoimhe and Shane’s first dance took place outside in the courtyard, with their guests gathered around them and the castle’s stone walls enclosing the celebration. After the golden light of our garden portraits, this brought a different atmosphere to the evening: everyone together, sharing the music and the moment.
The celebrations then moved indoors to the dance floor. The photographs follow that change of pace, from the couple’s first dance to friends and family joining the party, with plenty of movement, laughter and spontaneous moments.
Before I left, we stepped out once more for two final portraits in the woodland. Beneath the lights, the wooden heart became the setting for a quiet moment together after the energy of the dance floor. It was a lovely way to say goodbye to Caoimhe and Shane and bring their photographic story to a close.
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IDEAS FROM THIS REAL WEDDING
Planning Your Own Markree Castle Garden Wedding
What I will remember about Caoimhe and Shane’s wedding is how they made time for both their photographs and their guests. Portraits before the ceremony left the afternoon free for celebrations, cake on the terrace and ice cream in the sunshine. Later, a short walk in the evening light and two woodland portraits added something different without becoming another long photography session.
If you are imagining your own day at Markree, these are a few practical questions that their wedding may help you explore.
Where did this garden ceremony take place?
Caoimhe and Shane’s ceremony was arranged along the garden pathway at the foot of the castle’s stone steps, below the terrace with the parasols. It was separate from both the terrace itself and the woodland ceremony setting. The photographs show the arrangement used on their day. Ask the Markree team about suitability, access and a weather backup if you would like to explore something similar.
Can we take our couple portraits before the ceremony?
Yes, if seeing each other beforehand feels right for you and the morning schedule allows it. Caoimhe and Shane chose this approach so they could spend more of the afternoon with their guests. We walked through the grounds, woodland and Boathouse area before they returned inside for the final preparations. Boat access and any particular locations should be agreed with the venue rather than assumed.
Does everyone need to get ready at Markree Castle?
Preparations can take place in separate locations. Caoimhe got ready at Markree Castle, while Shane and his groomsmen prepared at Castle Dargan. If you are considering two venues, we can plan photography coverage around the travel time, access to each room and when you both need to be ready.
How much time should we allow for sunset photographs?
For this wedding, we spent around 10 to 15 minutes in the gardens when the evening light appeared. We had discussed the idea earlier, so I could watch the light while Caoimhe and Shane enjoyed dinner. The timing and light will vary with the season and weather. A short session can fit into the celebration when the conditions, your schedule and your wishes align.
Were the outdoor cake cutting and first dance part of the same celebration?
Yes. Caoimhe and Shane cut their cake on the terrace during the afternoon reception, then had their first dance in the courtyard later that evening. These were arrangements for their particular wedding. If either idea appeals to you, discuss the practical details with the venue and your other suppliers as you plan your day.
EXPLORE MARKREE CASTLE
One Wedding Story / More Possibilities at Markree
This gallery follows one couple’s choices, from a ceremony below the terrace to a courtyard first dance. For a wider view of the venue, visit my Markree Castle wedding guide and real wedding galleries. It brings together my photography experience at the castle and celebrations with different ceremony settings, seasons and styles.
A Little More to Explore
My first-hand Markree Castle wedding review →
A closer look at the venue through my experience photographing weddings here.
Markree Castle wedding inspiration →
Ideas from real celebrations to help you picture the details and atmosphere of your own day.
Browse the Markree Castle wedding photo archive →
More photographs and wedding stories from across my work at the castle.
Black and white wedding photographs at Markree Castle →
If the monochrome moments in this gallery caught your eye, explore another wedding story through black and white photography.
YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
What Would Your Day Look Like?
Perhaps you are drawn to a garden ceremony, a quiet walk before your guests arrive, or a few minutes together in the evening light. Tell me what matters to you. I would love to hear your plans and help you make room for photographs that feel like you, alongside time to enjoy the people who have come to celebrate with you.
