Tara and Ryan celebrated a Belfast City Hall wedding in the early autumn. The couple had a low key and intimate ceremony shared with close friends and family. Tara, a photographer originally from Belfast met Ryan, a videographer from New Orleans whilst working aboard cruise ships. The creative and fun loving couple were perfectly suited to one another.

On first meeting the couple I was excited by their enthusiasm for their wedding photography. Together we worked through different ideas for their shot list. I could have felt pressure working with such a creative pair but in fact it was easy and a lot of fun. Although it was a relatively short day, it is one of my favourite weddings to date.

The Belfast Coat of Arms

Together with the ceremony of their Belfast City Hall wedding we wanted to capture the grandeur of this magnificent building. One of the finest buildings in Northern Ireland, I focused on it’s striking architecture inside and out.

The couple were fascinated by the building’s history. In 1888 Queen Victoria granted Belfast the status of the city. The city declared that a grand and magnificent building was required to reflect this new status. The City Hall opened its doors on the first of August 1906. During a time of unprecedented prosperity and industrial might for the city. Belfast’s industrial revolution revolved around it’s ship building and textiles.  The new City Hall was designed by Alfred Brumwell Thomas in the Baroque Revival style and constructed in Portland stone. For more information on the City Hall visit the Belfast City Council website.

Interesting fact – The animal symbol for the city of Belfast is the Seahorse. The symbol is a celebration of the city’s maritime history and can be spotted in many places throughout the town.

Here is a small selection of images from the day which I hope you will enjoy.
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If you’re getting married in Belfast I’d love to hear from you!

After some formal family shots we jumped into a taxi taking us the short distance to the Cathedral Quarter and The Duke Of York. One of the oldest and most popular Irish pubs in town I wanted to capture it’s quirky character and charm. It was still early in the day and the wet cobblestone streets were empty for the most part as was the pub. This allowed us to get the best shots without any distractions.

After enjoying some Guinness in Belfast, the wedding entourage made it’s way to Rayanne House, Holywood, for their dinner party. The couple had decked the house and drive with Mardi Gras beads and umbrellas, a traditional New Orleans touch to the quaint Tudor country house. The little details really transformed the traditional Irish surroundings and the party was in full swing.

It was a special day and a wonderful celebration for the happy couple who looked great in front of the camera. I think we really made the most of the locations getting great shots around the city hall and the splendid architecture.

“George was a great find from the moment I began searching. When speaking on the phone his manner was friendly, professional and positive. At our consultation meeting I never thought I would feel so confident in a photographer, (being a photographer myself).

I had a few ideas and showed George those samples. Not only did he fit every single request in but he out shone the actual examples I had shown him! Because he was relaxed and was enjoying photographing our wedding it made the experience so much easier on the day. George was quick, fun and even felt like one of our own guests. He managed to build rapport with my family and friends instantly!

The images were ready well before I had expected and with a mixture of being excited and nervousness (because I wanted to love them all) – I was not disappointed. Looking at the images a month on I can really say that I get those same wedding smiles when looking at the images. Loved them all! I opted to go for the digital package option. I have been able to create a beautiful album of these that I keep by my bed and enjoy quite often. Everyone loves the images and have requested certain ones for their own keepsakes.

A very flexible photographer who truly listens to the client and makes the day all the more better for it. So happy we booked with George Pennock.”

Tara & Ryan