FInnebrogue Woods
I moved back to the Ireland almost 2 years ago after a 10 years in London. I’ve fully fallen in love with life back here and while I make sure I get over to London regularly for weddings, to see friends and to get my Cook Daily fix, I want to bring my experience from my London weddings to Irish wedding photography.
I’ve been visiting venues, going to wedding fairs, admiring the beautiful work of many talented photographers and put together my list of wishlist venues. When each venue is featured, I’ll have visited, explored and visualised the whole wedding album!
I’m going to feature one wedding venue on my wedding photography wish list every three weeks, hoping to connect with bride and grooms-to-be who love the venue featured so much, they’ve chosen it to celebrate their wedding day.
First on the list, drum roll please…..Finnebrogue Woods.
Finnebrogue Woods was a magical place friends and family kept mentioning to me, telling me:
“You NEED to visit Finnebrogue Woods.” “It’s an idyllic venue.” “A hidden gem.” “Have you heard about Fodder? Their burgers are the best. Well, I can only talk about the meat ones, but I’m sure the vegan ones are good too for you!” “Rachael is an amazing woman you HAVE to meet.” “It’s this beautiful place in the middle of the countryside in Killyleagh, where you can get married in tipis, right beside a lake, with fairy lights all around it.”
And all these things are true.
My first visit was a little unusual, very special and my favourite way to explore. A few of my paddle boarding friends arranged a paddle around a lake, followed by lunch at this place called Fodder. When the dots connected, I couldn’t wait for the chance to see Finnebrogue Woods and was delighted to hear that Rachael would be joining us on the water!
Rachael had switched on the lights, so when we walked along the path to the tipis we had the full wedding guest arrival experience. The lakeside path leads to the clearing where the tipis are. That’s where we launched our paddle boards on the crispest Autumn morning. (Any brides who book towards the end of the season, what a venue to pick for an Autumn wedding!). Blue skies, changing leaves, sun shining, a big lake to play on. Perfect way to fall in love with this venue!
As well as loving to paddle board, I have a small addiction to open water swimming, so couldn’t resist jumping in for a quick splash around too. The experience just kept getting better and better with lunch in the Fodder tipi being the best way I’ve warmed up post-swim! Delicious vegan bean burger, hot chocolate, open fire and a long table of friends.
Why pick Finnebrogue Woods as your wedding venue?
They only accept one booking each weekend which means their full attention and energy is exclusively for you.
Their wedding hire includes a choice of long tables and benches, or round tables and chairs, 3 feature panels of fairy lighting, a stage and dance floor, a feature light orb above the dance floor, a fire pit area, sofas and coffee tables for a stylish, feature chill out area for guests.
Catering is not included, so you are able to pick whichever outside caterer takes your fancy!
Blue Moon Events is the sister company to give the tipis the extra wow factor and finishing touches to styling the venue to make your wedding unique.
They offer a photo safari on a tractor of couples to get to beauty points around the estate as a bonus for photos.
There is also a boat for the couple to take out onto the lake, with a second boat for your photographer to follow and take some unique photos with the picturesque woodland venue in the background (and all your family and friends!).
Rachael, Ed, the team and their dog, Duck are the best!
I’m over the moon to say that since writing this, I've booked my first wedding there. It was due to be this year, but given the circumstances the bride and groom have chosen to reschedule to next year. I can't wait for it!
If you’re the kind of couple who are looking for a quirky, alternative and relaxed setting for your wedding in the heart of the countryside, I can’t imagine anywhere more perfect. There’s a real feeling of escapism. The glade is a little peace of heaven where your guests can soak up and enjoy the whole wedding day. Have a ceremony designed to suit you both perfectly, reception drinks in a forest clearing overlooking the most beautiful lake, you can explore on a short photo safari soaking in your first moments as husband and wife, then back to your friends and family and maximise every minute of your reception and party in the same spot.
I adore this venue and the team and would love to be photographing weddings at Finnebrogue Woods regularly. I would love to hear from couples who feel Finnebrogue Woods is the perfect wedding venue for them. If this post and my work connects with you, get in touch now, I’d love to hear you. To get in touch with the team at Finnebrogue, email hello@finnebroguewoods.com.
