Some wedding days just feel like they were made to be photographed, and Sarah & Ronan’s celebration at The Rabbit Hotel & Spa in Templepatrick was exactly that kind of day. Stylish, relaxed, emotional, and full of personality, their wedding brought together everything I love about modern Northern Ireland weddings: family, atmosphere, and a venue with real character.
Having previously photographed a family wedding for Sarah, being asked to document her own day with Ronan felt like a huge compliment. There’s something special about walking into a house where you already know the faces, the humour, and the dynamic—it makes the whole day feel that bit more personal and relaxed from the very start.
The day began at Sarah’s parents’ home in Randalstown, my own hometown, which always adds an extra layer of familiarity. There’s a different kind of energy on a wedding morning: the mix of nerves and excitement, cups of tea going cold on the worktop, last‑minute touch‑ups, and bursts of laughter from different rooms.
Sarah got ready surrounded by family and her bridal party, and it was a joy to capture those quieter, in‑between moments mum fastening the dress, final checks in the mirror, and the reactions as everyone saw the finished look. These are the kinds of moments that often become some of the most treasured images from the day.
Before the ceremony, I headed over to meet Ronan and the groomsmen. It’s always great to catch the lads before things get underway: buttonholes being adjusted, ties straightened, and a fair bit of joking to keep the nerves in check. Those small, candid frames help tell the full story of the day from both sides.
Sarah & Ronan’s ceremony took place at Saint MacNissi’s Chapel in Randalstown, a church with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guests filled the pews, sunlight filtered through the windows, and there was a lovely sense of anticipation as everyone waited for Sarah’s arrival.
The ceremony itself was full of emotion smiles, a few happy tears, and that visible sense of relief and joy when the couple finally walked back up the aisle together as newlyweds. Throughout the service, I focused on capturing not just the big moments, like the vows and ring exchange, but also the small details: hands held tightly, proud glances from parents, and the reactions of friends watching from the pews.
It was also a pleasure to work alongside Sean from Timeless Productions NI on the videography. When photography and video work together seamlessly, it makes the experience smoother for the couple and the guests and allows us to create a cohesive visual story of the day.
After the ceremony, it was a short car journey to The Rabbit Hotel & Spa in Templepatrick—a venue that never disappoints. The Rabbit has a unique blend of modern style and warm, playful personality, with quirky corners, beautiful interiors, and outdoor spaces that work brilliantly for wedding photography.
On arrival, guests settled into the drinks reception while we began working through the couple and family portraits. The key at this stage is always balance: capturing the must‑have group combinations for the family while still keeping things relaxed and efficient so no one feels like they’re stuck in photos all afternoon.
With Sarah & Ronan, portraits were a lot of fun. They were up for a mix of natural interactions and slightly more editorial, styled moments walking together, pausing in pockets of good light, making use of The Rabbit’s beautiful backdrops indoors and outside. The venue offers so many layers: soft interiors, interesting textures, and inviting outdoor spaces that all help create a varied gallery without going far at all.
Back inside, the drinks reception had a lovely atmosphere, helped along by live music from Rachel Thoman during the afternoon. Live music always adds so much to the feel of a wedding day—it sets the tone, keeps the energy up, and creates great opportunities for candid shots of guests chatting, laughing, and enjoying themselves.
The wedding breakfast and speeches followed, and The Rabbit delivered, as always, with its excellent wedding buffet. While guests enjoyed the food, the speeches brought a perfect mix of humour, heartfelt stories, and a few emotional moments. From a storytelling point of view, speeches are a fantastic time to capture real reactions: head‑back laughter, discreet tears, and the way the couple look at each other when a story hits home.
Throughout this part of the day, I focused on those authentic expressions that, when viewed back later, help couples remember not just what was said, but how it felt to be in the room.
One of the perks of a summer wedding is the long, lingering evening light and we definitely made the most of it. After the meal, before the evening party kicked off fully, we stepped outside again with Sarah & Ronan for a few more portraits.
This time of day is often when couples are at their most relaxed: the formalities are done, they’ve had time with their guests, and they can take a breather together. The light tends to soften, the venue quietens down a little, and we can create images that feel calm, romantic, and timeless.
We captured a mix of gentle, intimate frames and more natural, playful moments as the two of them took a short break away from the crowd. These late‑day portraits often become some of my favourites in a gallery they carry the mood of the day in a very honest way.
Once the evening guests arrived and everyone was ready to let loose, it was time to hit the dance floor. The band, Fifth Avenue, took to the stage and didn’t take long to fill the floor. From the first dance through to the late‑night tunes, the energy was fantastic.
I love photographing this part of the night: big group dances, unexpected moves, kids spinning around, and those joyful, slightly wild moments that only happen once the formalities are long gone. The Rabbit’s party spaces work incredibly well for capturing all that atmosphere colour, light, and movement all in one place.
Sarah & Ronan’s guests fully embraced the celebration, and the dance floor stayed busy deep into the night, which always makes for a brilliant closing chapter to the story of the day.
Sarah & Ronan’s wedding at The Rabbit Hotel & Spa was everything you’d hope for as a wedding photographer: a couple who were genuinely themselves, families who welcomed me in, a venue full of character, and a day that flowed beautifully from start to finish.
For me, it was more than just documenting a timeline; it was about capturing the connections between the couple, their families, and their friends—and preserving all those fleeting moments that might otherwise be forgotten. It was a day I thoroughly enjoyed and one I’m proud to have captured for them.
If you’re considering The Rabbit Hotel & Spa for your wedding, you’ve chosen a venue with endless photographic potential and a brilliant atmosphere for guests. From the getting‑ready spaces to the ceremony backdrops, reception areas, and evening party spots, it’s a fantastic setting for telling the full story of your day.
As a Northern Ireland wedding photographer, I love working with couples who want a mix of natural storytelling, modern editorial touches, and honest, emotion‑filled images. If you’re planning your own wedding at The Rabbit or anywhere across Northern Ireland and you’d like your day documented in this way, I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Get in touch to chat about your plans, check availability, and see how we can create a wedding gallery that feels true to you and your story.