An Atmospheric Irish Wedding, by Eric Savoie [RF Wedding of the Week]

June 17, 2015

By Laura Brauer

When shooting a wedding in one of the rain-sodden counties or cities of Ireland, the weather can work against you if you let it. But for Dublin-based Eric Savoie (an Rf 30 Rising Star from 2013), it wasn’t a problem when he photographed couple Aimee and Rick’s nuptials at the Village At Lyons, (Celbridge, Co. Kildare), a restored village on the banks of the Grand Canal, close to Dublin. “Fortunately, we were able to get out between showers and use the amazing grounds around the venue for the photography,” he explains.

Aimee+Rick_RF051

All Photos © Eric Savoie/Savo Photography

Aimee+Rick_RF033 Aimee+Rick_RF052Aimee+Rick_RF030Aimee+Rick_RF057One of Savoie’s favorite shots of the day was of bride Aimee checking her makeup in the mirror during the morning preps. “The mirror is surrounded by photos of her and other members of her family growing up. I love the story and history involved when a bride gets ready in the family home she grew up in. In this case, she’s adding to the history that she’s surrounded by.”

Aimee+Rick_RF012Aimee+Rick_RF022Aimee+Rick_RF021Aimee+Rick_RF013Aimee+Rick_RF025Aimee+Rick_RF004Aimee+Rick_RF017Savoie continues: “My style and approach is always about the couple having the day they want and not letting the photography become a burden. This means remaining in the background as an observer, creating a visual narration of the day. The couple shoot is fun and more interactive. I’ll often encourage couples to talk to each about their emotions around the build up to, and during, the day. I think this helps embed an extra level of meaning to the photos, as well as keep the look as natural as possible.”

Aimee+Rick_RF049Aimee + Rick-550Aimee+Rick_RF037Aimee+Rick_RF046Savoie says that for this particular wedding, the couple and many of their guests worked in the ski industry, so “there where nice nods to this through the use of ’70s-style postcards on the table settings from ski resorts the couple had visited in their travels.”

Aimee+Rick_RF059Aimee+Rick_RF075Aimee+Rick_RF058Aimee+Rick_RF074 “I’m also always a sucker for weddings where there’s a large amount international guests,” Savoie adds. “I think it adds to the party atmosphere.”

Aimee+Rick_RF077Aimee+Rick_RF071Aimee+Rick_RF088Aimee+Rick_RF084Aimee+Rick_RF065Aimee+Rick_RF081Other than the challenging weather, which Savoie overcame, he says having a completely relaxed couple who trusted him 100 percent, like Aimee and Rick did, is key to capturing such a memorable day with ease.

In Eric Savoie’s Gear Bag: 
– Nikon D4 camera
– Nikon 35mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.4 and 14-24mm f/2.8 lenses

Email Jacqueline Tobin with wedding submissions.