Exploring Ireland through a photographer’s lens is an experience that stays with you long after your return home. This last summer (August 2022), my boyfriend, Jason, and I were fortunate enough to endeavor on a week trek around the Emerald Isle to document some of the most beautiful weddings and elopements that took place in different parts of this stunning country! From rolling green hills overlooking ancient castles, to lusciously colorful floral fields full of life, we got to capture so many breathtaking pictures and create lifelong memories with new friends along the way. I’m excited to share our journey with others now; join us as we take a look at all the beauty Ireland has to offer!
Some Couples go on dinner dates. We go across the world!
Are you a romantic who loves escaping from the mundane? Are you an aspiring photographer in love with capturing life’s most special moments? Well, Jason and I had an incredible summer adventure that was more than just dinner dates and state fairs. In August of 2022 we decided to take a photography trip – across the world! We spent one magical week in Ireland photographing weddings as part of our experience. From beginning to end it was exhilarating! Our photographic journey comes saturated with tips for couples getting eloped or anyone looking for some inspiration before they go exploring around the globe while creating beautiful memories along their way. Join us (virtually) as we look back on our jaunt through time and space while also diving a little bit deeper into our love story and how we became to be not only business partners, but how we fell in love.
Planning the Perfect Trip Abroad – How We Knew Ireland was Right for Us
If you’re anything like us, then planning a trip abroad can be equal parts thrilling and overwhelming. You want to make sure you choose the perfect destination that aligns with all your bucket list goals, offers a sense of adventure, and gives you a glimpse into a new culture. For us, Ireland was an absolute no-brainer. Before meeting Jason, I was inspired by a styled shoot I had seen online by my good friend, Alexis, showcasing the rolling green hills and vibrant local traditions. I had already done a styled shoot with her in Arizona the year before and had a blast! Plus, the thought of hopping from pub to pub, sipping on Guinness and listening to live music, sounded like the perfect date night for us. (At least to Jason that is! LOL) So, when we first started dating, what better way to see if we were a good match or not than to just see if Jason was adventurous enough to take a leap of faith and travel the world with me! I had promised myself I wanted adventure and definitely a partner who was willing to take on adventure with me. After a couple of back and forth’s on his decisions….Jason shared that he had always wanted to go to Ireland and that it was one of his top places in the world to go! So of course, it was a no-brainer for him to join me!! I was impressed and super excited! So, as I dove headfirst into preparing for the trip, researching everything from the best places to stay and eat, to the must-see sights and hidden gems. (Although most of it was already planned for us!) We were motivated by the idea of experiencing something completely new and different, and we couldn’t wait to soak in all that Ireland had to offer.
Exploring Dublin and its Streets – What We Saw and Learned
Dublin – the lively and picturesque city of Ireland! We had always longed to visit this historical gem and finally set foot on its streets. As we made our way through the bustling crowds, we couldn’t miss the friendly locals going about their day with a smiling face. The streets were packed with people, but that only added to the city’s charm. The highlight of our trip was the live music that oozed from every pub and street corner. We couldn’t resist stopping and tapping our feet as the melodies touched our hearts. I will say, though, seeing young kids in these pubs (LEGALLY) was a huge cultural shock for us! But it was super cute to watch them dance to the music!
With every turn, we discovered new hidden gems of history and culture. But the most important thing we found was each other – in the magical and romantic atmosphere of Dublin, we fell deeper in love with each other. The string lights that hung from Temple bar were just beautiful enough to create a gorgeous backdrop that illuminated the streets as the night grew dark. Once done with the day we headed back to our hotel to get ready for dinner. Jason and I had a conversation about my hard-working behavior and some of the things I felt were struggles of mine to which he let it slip and said “THAT is the person I fell in love with” (So he is the one who said he fell in love and loved me first) <3 I’m so glad he did that night!
Experiencing Irish Cuisine & Culture – Our Favorite Meals and Experiences
If you’re a foodie who loves immersing yourself in new cultures, experiencing Irish cuisine and culture is an adventure you won’t want to miss. When it comes to meals, nothing beats the classic Fish and Chips. Crisp golden batter on the outside, flaky and tender fish on the inside, served with thick-cut chips and a side of tartar sauce? Yes, please! And let’s not forget about Guinness – the iconic Irish beer that’s rich, creamy, and has a deep history deeply rooted in Ireland’s tradition and culture. Whether you’re enjoying a pint at a local pub or taking a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, the taste and experience is one that’s unforgettable. From warm and hearty stews to delectable seafood dishes and more, Ireland has got something to delight every palate. So why not pack your bags, grab some grub and come experience the charm of Irish cuisine and culture for yourself? We promise you won’t be disappointed. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to do much food photography, but, of course, you know I had to take a photo of my breakfast! (It is the most important meal of the day after all! LOL)
Visiting Castles, Lakes & Gardens – A Day Well Spent in Nature
Who says spending time in nature has to be boring? Not us! We recently embarked on a hiking adventure through some stunning castles, lakes, and gardens. And let me tell you, it was a day well spent. Sure, we saw some breathtaking views and explored some beautiful grounds, but that’s not all…..
We even took an unexpected turn when we decided to do a couple’s boudoir shoot out near one of the castles. Why not spice things up, right? It was a day full of laughter, adventure, and romance. And you can bet we’ll be back for more soon!!
Photography Adventures – Capturing the Magic of Ireland through our Lens
Ireland was so beautiful it literally left us spellbound! From the majestic Cliffs of Moher….
to the hauntingly beautiful Gap of Dunloe….
there are endless opportunities to capture awe-inspiring landscapes on film and photo. But the real treasure lies in exploring the mystical castles that dot the countryside, each with a unique story to tell. And for those looking for an extra touch of romance, consider photographing intimate elopements in some of Ireland’s most stunning settings. We were able to capture so many beautiful couples in our small timeframe of one week to where we just honestly felt it wasn’t enough time at all.
Making Memories That Last a Lifetime – Reflections on Our Time Together in Ireland
The first time Jason and I stepped foot in Ireland, we were able to experience the crisp air, the lush green fields, and the friendly locals who welcomed us with open arms. Little did we know that this trip would change our lives forever. Jason and I fell in love under the Irish sky, and the memories we created together will stay with us forever. We decided to commemorate our trip with something that would last forever, just like our love for each other. So, during the last day of our trip we decided to get some awesome tattoos in downtown Dublin to remind us of our time in Ireland. Where I got a moon with thistles above my lower left ankle, he got a unique and abstract clover behind his left ear. It’s funny how an adventure can turn into something magical, something that you’ll never forget. I’m grateful for the memories we made in Ireland, and I can’t wait to see where our next adventure will take us. But for now, I’m happy knowing that I have those memories to hold onto, and of course, my lovely tattoo to remind me of the love and adventure we shared.
Next stop, Spain!! (May 2023)
Travelling to Ireland with each other was one of the best experiences of our lives. From exploring the streets in Dublin to capturing the magic of Ireland through our lens; it was a truly incredible journey. The memories we made together while discovering ancient castles, lakes, and gardens are ones that we will both cherish forever. I feel so lucky to have shared this experience with him and can’t wait for our future travels around the world. Speaking of love stories, do you have any adventurous travel/date stories? We would love to hear them – share them with us! At the end of the day, travelling together is nothing but an adventure filled with learning, discovery, creating new memories and loving your partner whole-heartedly. If you’re thinking about travelling abroad as a couple, I highly recommend it. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy creating unique experiences that you won’t soon forget.
“INVESTMENT IN TRAVEL IS AN INVESTMENT IN YOURSELF.” – MATTHEW KARSTEN
you said: