Irish Wedding Photography in the Europa Hotel
Irish Wedding Photography in Europa Hotel with Lauren and William in Belfast city for the ceremony in the Chapel and the reception in the hotel. I was booked as the couple’s Wedding Photographer in Belfast.
Europa Hotel Belfast Wedding Photos
Bridal Preparations in the Mosella Suite, a very famous hotel in the centre of Belfast, was first on the agenda in the morning. The girls were in a smallish room in the hotel getting ready, since an MUA was already there. I’m assuming the girls did their own hair, or the hairstylist had already been earlier, and I missed her. There were some detailed photos captured, like the rings and dresses hanging up, and the girls chilling out before getting into their dresses. At this stage, it’s very light-hearted and casual.
Later on in the morning, I headed over to another hotel within walking distance called the Maldron Hotel, where the lads were staying, but I got zero photos of William here as he just wasn’t ready yet or wasn’t that interested so complete waste of time, but I did take some of the guests that were in the foyer and outside enjoying a pint on a great day.
Bridal Preparations Pictures
After a bit of time had passed, I was called back to the Europa Hotel, rather than wasting time waiting for the groom, where the girls were already changed, so we took some photos at the far end of the corridor, as there was a nice spot beside the lamp. The hotel is owned by Hastings Hotels, which owns many venues in Northern Ireland. We then made our way down to the staircase in the foyer for some family photos.
Irish Wedding Photos at the Ceremony
I then headed off to St Mary's on the Hill in Glengormley, where I took a couple of the groom and groomsmen before the bride and bridal party arrived in David Andrews, and the ceremony was ready to commence. For a catholic ceremony, the proceedings went very quickly indeed, as they usually take the best part of an hour, which can be a bit boring for a Belfast Wedding Photographer like myself. It turned out a lot quicker than I thought. The catholic church was quite small, and there were a few guests in attendance, all from the South of Ireland. I took some candids as the priest allowed me to walk around, which was great because I was able to photograph different angles, resulting in plenty of variation in the album. However, since it was a small church, I was still somewhat limited. After the signings, we took some photos beside the book before making our way to the exit of the church.
Portraits in Hazelbank Park beside Belfast Lough
It was decided we’d stop off at Hazelbank Park, located at the shores of Belfast Lough, for some bridal portraits with the bridal party only. Unfortunately, it was a bit windy as it was very open beside the shore, so we didn’t get too many bridal portraits here, but I did my best. I photographed a couple of bridal variations before the bride wanted to head back to the hotel for the evening reception.
Irish Travelling Community Wedding Picture in Europa Hotel at the Reception
The hotel itself is very easy to get to as it’s right in the heart of the city centre, right beside Belfast Grand Central train and bus stations, and within walking distance of the centre. When we got back to the hotel, I photographed some room decor in The Grand Ballroom before the guests were called in for dinner. It’s always good to take before the guests arrive, as everything is nicely laid out in the room. I also photographed some table images in The Piano Lounge, which is reserved exclusively for guests at the reception, before the bride and groom were brought in for dinner in The Grand Ballroom on the first floor. The grand ballroom is beside the piano lounge, so guests can use both rooms. There were no speeches, so straight to dinner.
Irish Travelling Community and Gypsy Wedding Photos
Afterwards, we took photos of the couple cutting the cake before it was decided that we should take some family photos of the bride and groom with a couple of the groom's side at the back of the room. We had already taken some of the bride’s side earlier that day in the hotel foyer. A few more at the table before the bride and groom’s first dance commenced. This was a bit different as there were about three or four dances (possibly more) before the guests came up for a dance. I think this is a tradition with the Irish travelling community. I am not too sure if you would say gypsy though. First, I photographed the bride and groom, then the bride and father, the groom with grandmother and finally the bride with mother (I think that was about it, ha ha).
There were plenty of guests and kids up around the dancing watching which was great to see. I was very impressed with The Europa Hotel, and the venue will certainly be going into my Northern Ireland wedding venues. I hope you have a great future together, Lauren and William. Tell your mum thanks for booking me.
Looking for a Belfast Wedding Photographer or Videographer?
If you like my work, please get in touch, as I only take on a several each year and work throughout the city centre and Northern Ireland. I can comfortably work in both photos and/or just video; it’s completely up to you. Wedding photography in Belfast in general, is about organising people and looking at light, it could be sunlight or indoor light. Video is more about filming what's going on in front of you, so less organising. You can check out my prices on this website. Contact me with more info. Thank you.
