Winter Wedding at Killashee Hotel

 

Killashee Hotel Winter Wedding Photography

 

The Golden Hour over Killashee Hotel

On a rare sunny November day in Ireland, Aoibhne and Haulie celebrated the kind of wedding every Irish wedding photographer dreams of capturing. Their love story unfolded in the enchanting surroundings of Killashee Hotel, one of the most romantic wedding venues in County Kildare, with warm light, joyful laughter, and timeless moments that made their wedding photography truly unforgettable.

From the moment the morning light streamed through the elegant windows of the bridal suite, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and emotion. Aoibhne’s lace gown shimmered softly in the sunshine — a detail every documentary wedding photographer hopes for when telling a couple’s story through natural, candid images. The soft rustle of bridesmaids’ dresses, the gentle hum of music, and the occasional happy tear created an atmosphere of genuine anticipation — the kind of storytelling moments that make authentic Irish wedding photography so powerful.

Aoibhne & Haulie

Killashee Hotel, Naas, County Kildare

A wild wedding celebration at Newpark Hotel

If you are looking for location locally for your wedding photography at Newpark Hotel there are green areas and river walks within a short drive from the hotel. Daragh McCann has extensive knowledge of this area and has photographed many wedding couples in the area. Daragh’s experience and expertise will save you time on the day that you can share with your friends and family instead.

Down in the gardens, Haulie stood surrounded by Killashee’s autumn beauty — golden leaves, ivy-covered walls, and the crisp scent of November air. When Aoibhne appeared, the sun hit just right, bathing the path in that magical golden hour light every wedding photographer in Ireland adores. Their first look photos captured pure emotion: eyes locked, hands trembling, smiles that spoke louder than words.

Their ceremony took place under an arch of wild Irish blooms, where soft natural light filtered through the trees. Each exchange of vows and rings was documented with care — a blend of fine art wedding photography and photojournalistic storytelling that highlighted not just the beauty of the day, but the authenticity of the couple’s connection.

As the day unfolded, the newlyweds slipped away with their photographer for intimate couple portraits in the hotel’s historic gardens. The timing was perfect — the golden-hour sunlight painted the sky in hues of amber and rose, creating dreamy, cinematic portraits that reflected both elegance and emotion. Every detail, from Aoibhne’s veil catching the light to Haulie’s gentle smile, was captured in timeless, natural frames.

A wedding celebration at Newpark Hotel. Time out with your bridesmaids is super important. Looking great, the bridesmaids and bride are dressed in Folkster Bridal gowns purchased locally here in Kilkenny.

A superb location for wedding party photos is only a short drive from Kilkenny City and Newpark Hotel. The couple trusted Daragh’s local knowledge of the City. The did not want to go Kilkenny Castle or into the busy City Centre as time was of the essence. They would rather have the spare time to enjoy with family and friends back at the drinks reception. Here we see the bridal party having fun together, the bridesmaids and bride are dressed in Folkster Bridal gowns purchased locally here in Kilkenny.

One of Daragh’s top tips on your wedding day is to take the time out with your wedding party to enjoy the lighter moments. Often bridal party are close family and best friends, you can be 100% natural around your people. Daragh would advise shooting the wedding party first so the bride and groom can be warmed up and comfortable around my camera. It’s really import to have fun during the photo shoot. Couples often ask how long do the wedding photos take, how long will we be away from our drinks reception? From Daragh’s vast experience he is used to working with tight schedules and knows only too well the bride and groom want to go party. On average it takes around 20-30 minutes including the wedding party photos.

Glowing Review from the Happy Couple.

“We couldn’t be more grateful to Daragh for covering our wedding! He stepped in last minute when we lost our original photographer and completely exceeded our expectations. Now, I couldn’t imagine having anyone else capture our special day”.

”From the start, he made me feel so relaxed, even when I was stressed out. His calm, fun personality really helped set the tone for the day, and the photos turned out absolutely stunning! Every shot was so beautifully captured, and you can really tell he went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. He truly made our day unforgettable. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a photographer who’s not only talented but also genuinely cares about making your day special”!

Thank you so much Daragh. From Aoibhne & Haulie

Here we see a little boy giving a laugh to all the ladies at Newpark Hotel
Bride and Groom stroll hand in hand by the Nore River with Kilkenny Castle in the background.
A postcard perfect romantic moment as the bride and groom share a romantic kiss outside the original house at Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny.

The evening celebration moved into the grand ballroom, lit with soft candlelight that offered the perfect backdrop for warm, moody reception photography. Guests toasted, laughed, and danced beneath the chandeliers while the photographer captured the candid joy of the night — the essence of what makes Irish weddings so unique: heart, laughter, and togetherness.

As the night drew to a close, Aoibhne and Haulie shared their first dance surrounded by friends and family, the room glowing with love. Outside, Killashee Hotel stood under a starlit sky, the golden warmth of the day lingering in every photograph.

For any couple dreaming of a romantic Irish wedding, Aoibhne and Haulie’s day at Killashee Hotel, County Kildare, is proof that magic truly happens when light, love, and storytelling come together. Their wedding photos are not just images — they are memories, beautifully preserved through the lens of an experienced Irish wedding photographer who captured the heart of their golden-hour fairytale.

Bride and Groom arriving at Newpark Hotel as a newly wed couple basking in glorious spring sunshine. They has a champagne toast to each other as they marvel at the vintage Jaguar wedding car.
Bride and groom exit their wedding ceremony in style at St John's Church on the Dublin Road in Kilkenny.

Bride and groom exiting the church ceremony at Church of St John The Evangelist

The Thomson Suite is designed for large weddings (100+ guests) with sweeping arches, high ceilings and chandeliers — providing a grand backdrop that works especially well for winter evenings when it gets dark early. Net Affinity Site+1

  1. The Manor House / Original House sections offer a more intimate feel if you have different zones (e.g., drinks reception, lounge) which is useful for spreading out a big guest-list. Net Affinity Site+2killasheehousehotel.blogspot.com+2

  2. The venue mention open log burning fires and a “snug atmosphere” for the winter months in the Original House.

Top tips for getting married at Killashee Hotel in the Irish winter:

✨ Embrace the season and plan for cozy comfort!
Irish winters can be chilly and unpredictable, so lean into the atmosphere rather than fight it. Think warm lighting, rich colours, and hearty food — these make your celebration feel inviting no matter the weather.

  • Timing & light: Plan your ceremony earlier in the day since natural light fades quickly.

  • Photography: Have a backup plan for indoor photos — many Irish venues (like Killashee!) have stunning interiors perfect for portraits.

  • Guest comfort: Offer hot drinks on arrival or cozy wraps for outdoor moments.

  • Décor: Candles, fairy lights, and lush greenery make the setting feel magical against the winter backdrop.

Here we see a golden hour romantic moment with the bride and groom as the sun sets over the front of the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny

A golden hour romantic moment with the bride and groom as the sun sets over the front of the Newpark Hotel. Another tip for the evening, spray some champagne and get the sparklers lighting and take this opportunity before the band starts to go a little wild letting your hair down.

Bridesmaids and Bride ready to go after hair and make up at the bridal suit at Newpark Hotel. Make up by deimante_mua on Instagram and hair by Linda Morris bridal_hair_by_linda on Instagram

Bridesmaids dresses by Six Stories and brides gown by Wed2B

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Wedding Party Selfie at Newpark Hotel, Daragh McCann is known for his breathtaking candid photographs. Here we see perfect example of this leaned skill of being in the right place at the right time. Always

Photo collage of the very best of Newpark Hotel
““Daragh stepped in last minute when we lost our original photographer and completely exceeded our expectations””
Here we see the wedding guests wave white hankies in the air as the bride and groom make their grand entrance into the dining room at Newpark Hotel.

Top Tips for planning a wedding at Killashee Hotel in 2026

“A big emphasis was placed on local Kildare Wedding Suppliers”.

Pure Luxury at Killashee Hotel

Here we see a bride and groom doing a photo dash around the room at Newpark Hotel.

Here we see a bride and groom having fun with a photo dash around the room at Newpark Hotel. This is a great idea and fun way to involve your guests and the same time get a photo with every member of the wedding party.

Begin your journey to “I do” with a touch of elegance and timeless beauty at Killashee Hotel County Kildare.

This opportunity never gets old. Here we a Newpark Hotel Golden Hour Bridal Portrait. Grace and Cormac popped outside for 5 minutes to enjoy the beautiful golden sunlight outside the front of the hotel. Top tip from Daragh, if you have the opportunity to have photos taken at golden hour go for it.

Bride and groom have fun during their first dance together as husband and wife at Newpark Hotel
Ball and chain wedding band. Guests Dancing at a wedding reception Newpark Hotel

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