A Kerry wedding with mountains for a backdrop
Grace and Thomas brought us to Kerry for a wedding that mixed old-world elegance with wild Irish scenery. A grand Victorian hotel, a long sparkling veil and a rainy drive into the mountains for portraits. We loved every minute of it, and the moody light made their film one of the most cinematic we have made.
Great Southern Killarney, Co. Kerry
The Great Southern Killarney opened in 1854 and stands right in the centre of town, next to the railway station and a short walk from Killarney National Park. Inside you find high ceilings, tall windows and classic Victorian interiors, and within twenty minutes you can be among the lakes and mountains that make Kerry famous.
A bridal suite full of light
Grace's off-the-shoulder gown hung in front of a framed Irish landscape painting while her make-up and Hollywood waves came together. Her bridesmaids in rust satin robes raised a champagne toast, and once she stepped into her dress and her long, sparkling cathedral veil, she took a quiet moment by the tall window before going to meet Thomas.
Portraits at the Gap of Dunloe
The rain did not stop Grace and Thomas. We drove out to the Gap of Dunloe, one of the most dramatic mountain passes in Ireland, and let the Kerry weather do its thing: wind in Grace's veil, rugged green hillsides and a lot of laughter. Some of our favourite frames of the day came from those twenty wet minutes.
A walkway of candles and greenery
Back at the hotel the newlyweds made their way through a glass walkway dressed with greenery and candles before joining their guests for dinner. Christina and the hotel team kept the whole day running smoothly, with flowers by Meadow Bunch and Forever Blossom and a cake by Bake.
Deuces Wild and a sparkler send-off
Deuces Wild filled the dance floor, and the night ended with a sparkler send-off as family and friends lit the way. Our tips for a Great Southern Killarney wedding: plan a short trip out for portraits in the mountains, use the hotel's tall windows for bridal portraits, and finish the night with sparklers.
Planning your own Killarney wedding?
If you are getting married at the Great Southern Killarney or anywhere in Kerry, 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.
More weddings in the west: Armada Hotel · Glasson Lakehouse · Check your date with us →
Venue: Great Southern Killarney, Co. Kerry · Dress: Made with Love · Hair: Laura Lou Hair · Make-up: Annette O'Brien · Flowers: Meadow Bunch & Forever Blossom · Cake: Bake · Band: Deuces Wild · Photography & Film: Emerald Wedding