Gráinne & Killian’s Rathsallagh House Summer Wedding | Mark Donovan Photography
Some weddings are quiet and intimate. Others feel like the entire county showed up and nobody wanted to leave. Gráinne and Killian’s July wedding at Rathsallagh House was very much the latter — and I mean that as the highest possible compliment.
These two arrived with a crew of friends who were absolutely ready for a day out, and from the moment the morning started on-site at Rathsallagh, the energy was electric. Warm July light, great people, and a couple who were completely up for everything. As days go, this one had it all.
Getting Ready at Rathsallagh House
Gráinne got ready on-site at Rathsallagh House, which always makes for a relaxed, unhurried morning. The team behind the look was brilliant — make-up by the incredibly talented Natasha Ray and florals by the wonderful The Flower Factory, whose work added such a beautiful finishing touch to the whole day. The bouquet in particular was stunning — the kind that photographs beautifully in every light.
The First Look — Dad Sees His Daughter
I have to talk about this moment because it was one of those frames that stops you in your tracks. When Gráinne’s dad walked in and saw her for the first time in her dress, he was completely overwhelmed. Absolutely floored. It was one of those genuinely unscripted, unrepeatable moments that remind you exactly why wedding photography matters.
I’ll be honest — I’ve been doing this long enough that not every first look catches me off guard. This one did. It was beautiful.
The Ceremony at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, Dunlavin
Gráinne arrived at St. Nicholas of Myra Church in Dunlavin in style — arriving by Volk Weddings, which, if you haven’t seen their vehicles, is exactly as cool as it sounds. Classic Volkswagen wedding cars — the kind that get a round of applause from the crowd before anyone’s even said a word.
The church itself is a beautiful spot in the heart of Dunlavin village, and for a July wedding it was perfect — warm afternoon light streaming in, a full church of people who were very happy to be there. Gráinne and Killian’s ceremony was everything it should be — heartfelt, personal, and over far too quickly as the best ceremonies always are.
A July Evening at Rathsallagh House
Back at Rathsallagh House, the summer evening did everything you’d want it to do. July light at Rathsallagh is genuinely special — golden, warm, long — and with a crowd as good as this one, the drinks reception, portraits and party that followed were just brilliant. Gráinne and Killian’s energy set the tone for every single person there. When the couple is having the best day of their lives, the whole room feels it.
Rathsallagh House in July is one of my favourite things to photograph. The grounds are at their absolute best, the gardens are in full bloom, and the evening light hangs around long enough to give you portrait opportunities that simply don’t exist at other times of year.
Gráinne and Killian — thank you for having me. It was an honour.
Thinking about a summer wedding at Rathsallagh House? I’d love to hear about your plans. Get in touch here → — I photograph weddings at Rathsallagh and across Co. Wicklow, Kildare, and throughout Ireland.
