A wedding on the Wild Atlantic Way
There is something special about a wedding by the sea. Hannah and Francis were married in West Clare, with the Atlantic just beyond the hotel lawn, and the wind off the ocean gave us some of the most dramatic bridal portraits we have ever taken. It was a day of lace, blossom and big skies.
Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, Co. Clare
The Armada Hotel sits right on the edge of Spanish Point bay, a few minutes from Milltown Malbay and close to Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher. Its lawns and terraces look straight out over the Atlantic, so the sea is part of every photograph, whatever the weather.
Lace, pearls and a silver tiara
Hannah's morning was all about the details: her engagement ring, pearl earrings, a sparkling silver tiara and a lace gown with a high neck and long sleeves. Her mum helped with the finishing touches, a long cathedral veil went on last, and Hannah was ready with the biggest smile.
Blossom trees in Milltown Malbay
The ceremony took place at St Joseph's Church in Milltown Malbay, where tall white blossom trees lined the aisle. Hannah and Francis exchanged their vows surrounded by family and friends, then walked back down the aisle arm in arm as husband and wife.
A veil in the Atlantic wind
Back at the Armada, the breeze from the ocean lifted Hannah's veil and carried it right across the lawn above the bay. A few quiet minutes overlooking the sea with Francis were all we needed for portraits. On the Clare coast you do not have to go anywhere: the view comes to you.
A gold-leaf cake by the window
Inside, a three-tier white cake with gold leaf, blush roses and a personalised topper waited by the tall windows, and cutting it together was one of the sweetest moments of the evening. Our tips for an Armada Hotel wedding: embrace the Atlantic weather, use the lawns above the bay for portraits, and choose a long veil if you love movement on camera.
Planning your own Armada Hotel wedding?
If you are getting married at the Armada Hotel or anywhere in Co. Clare, we would love to hear about your plans. Emerald Wedding travels all over Ireland and captures your day in photographs, film or both, with one team and one consistent style.
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Venue: Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, Co. Clare · Ceremony: St Joseph's Church, Milltown Malbay · Photography & Film: Emerald Wedding