New Year’s Eve Wedding at Clandeboye Lodge
Carly & Jason
This was one of those weddings you just know is going to be a cracker from the minute you walk in the door — Carly & Jason’s New Year’s Eve wedding at Clandeboye Lodge Hotel.
The day kicked off in the bar (always a strong start). The bridal party were already in full form, Guinness flowing — although I was very much on the sober side of the bar for this one! I’d met a few of the gang before, so it instantly felt relaxed and familiar, which always sets the tone for great photos.
The ceremony itself was brilliant, led by the always-awesome Reverend Gary, It’s genuinely such a pleasure working with someone you know well — it makes everything flow that bit smoother and gives you space to capture the real moments as they happen.
One of the best things about Clandeboye is that you never need to leave the grounds. Honestly, it has everything. Even in winter, the surroundings are unreal. It was properly cold, so we worked smart — five minutes here, five minutes there — grabbing photos across the grounds without anyone freezing. From just after lunch right through to just before dinner, we covered all the moments you’d want from the day without dragging people away for ages.
I don’t normally mention the cake… but I have to make an exception here. This was hands down one of the nicest wedding cakes I’ve ever seen. Absolute show-stopper.
As the drinks flowed, we also had Rob working the room with close-up magic — and honestly, it was unreal. Always amazing to photograph people’s reactions to magic. I’ve hundreds of frames of guests just staring at their hands or each other going, “What on earth has just happened?” He really is one of the best out there, and it added such a great buzz to the day.
Then came a new one on me — just before (or just after) the speeches, there was a prize draw from the prize guy. Absolutely brilliant idea. Such a simple way to lift the atmosphere and add a bit of fun — and let’s just say… somebody won big time.
As evening fell, things only got better. Sparklers, winter air, and a quick shoot under the incredible lights around the hotel — the perfect way to finish. That soft glow you get at Clandeboye at night is something special, and it really does mean you never want to leave the venue for photos.
A New Year’s Eve wedding, a brilliant couple, an off-the-hook bridal party, magic, prizes, and a venue that genuinely has it all — you really can’t beat it. Carly & Jason absolutely nailed it. Enjoy.
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Ceremony: Rev Gary Haire. https://www.instagram.com/revweddings/?hl=en