Larchfield Estate Weddings

ABOUT LARCHFIELD ESTATE

Barn weddings are always a lot of fun and make for some fantastic wedding photography. Alan and Rhona dreamed of a perfect barn wedding and they choose the wonderful Larchfield Estate. Tucked away in the countryside of Lisburn, Northern Ireland, the estate is rooted in Northern Irish history. The land was originally owned by the O’Neill family before the house was built in 1750’s by the Mussendens (who were merchants and bankers in Belfast). Interestingly Mussenden Temple was built by the Earl Bishop in memory of Mrs. Mussenden from Larchfield.

Nowadays the luxurious estate has become one of the finest wedding venues in Northern Ireland. The private land including extensive woodland and lakes encompass the grand house with its large converted barns and stables. The estate also has a variety of wildlife and plant species. The miniature donkeys and alpacas that graze on the open land also lends to the estate’s uniqueness. Larchfield makes the ideal rustic venue combining natural rural charm with contemporary style and is among my favourite wedding venues.

The day started with the bride’s preparations at the cottage. Makeup artists and hair stylists were tending to Rhona and the bridesmaid as family members looked on. Meanwhile Alan and the best man hung out at the bar going over the last minute details. The final preparations were being made at the barn which looked wonderful.

THE WEDDING CEREMONY

Although it was a warm summers day clouds started to roll in just in time for the wedding. The ceremony was lovely and the sound of thunder during the vows made everyone chuckle. Afterwards the newlyweds celebrated with a cold Guinness as I mingled with the guests at the drinks reception capturing the fun and laughter.

The rain was holding off and the couple and I went for a stroll around the gardens. The estate has contrasting areas ideal for photography and we spent a couple of hours together getting the portraits. The greenhouse was lush and also made a good spot for some shots. We had planned to go over to the lake but the weather was turning wet again so we spent the rest of the time around the courtyard. I exposed for the sky to capture the moody storm clouds and used flash. I altered between my 50mm lens for the close up portraits and the 24–105mm for the wide angles. I really love that lens as it’s a great all-rounder covering most of the focal lengths I need. I also got the 70-200mm out for a while, an amazing portrait lens.

THE RECEPTION PARTY

The reception dinner had a relaxed, warm atmosphere and the speeches were brief and casual. Friends and family delighted in the wonderful food and wine and I gotta say it was the best meal I’ve ever had at a wedding! Rhona had created an awesome rice crispy cake for the day which went down a treat.

As the dancing got started I positioned myself towards the stage so as to capture the guests cheering on the happy couple. Afterwards Alan stepped up on stage to join the band in a rockin’ version of Brown Eyed Girl.

It was a truly lovely day and a real pleasure to be part of it and capture the memories.
Here is a small selection of images from the day. I hope you enjoy them.