Susan and Alan’s Ballymaloe House Wedding
captured by Sarah Kate Photography
We relished in Sunshine, Sass and Fine Dinning
& yes I went there with a terrible pun
On Friday the 6th of June, Ballymaloe House was buzzing. Susan Greene and Alan Sheehan brought their favourite people to East Cork for a wedding that was the perfect blend of comfort, class and craic. And lucky for them, the sun decided to show up too.
As Ireland’s leading luxury wedding photographer (yes I’m owning it), I had the joy of capturing every moment – from Susan’s chilled-out morning in the Ivy Suite to golden hour kisses in the meadow. This is the kind of wedding that reminds you why Ballymaloe is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Ireland.
Why Ballymaloe House is Pure Gold for Luxury Weddings you might ask?
If you’re after heritage charm without the pomp, Ballymaloe House is your spot. The place oozes understated elegance a 17th-century country home surrounded by lush gardens, wildflower meadows and a working organic farm and you've got Ballycotton down the road if you want to venture out for epic couple photos!
The Ballymaloe Grainstore caters for up to 200 guests and feels grand without ever being stuffy. Add in the food (fresh from the walled garden and local producers), a team that makes everything run smoother than a Jameson on ice, and plenty of gorgeous rooms for guests to flop into after the dancing? Heaven.
The Morning of Calm and Crackin’ Style
Getting Ready in the Ivy Suite
Susan’s bridal morning was a vision of calm in the Ivy Suite. The prosecco was flowing, the playlist was a bop, and her Folkster Bridal gown was hanging beside the fireplace like it was born there. Her bouquet by Juniper Rose was a riot of seasonal blooms and smelt like summer holidays in the south of France.
The vibe was glam but never fussy – my favourite kind of morning.
Meanwhile in Ballincollig...
Alan and the lads got ready back in Ballincollig. Think sharp tailoring from Remus Uomo, some panicked buttoning, and a very proud mammy smoothing down a rogue cowlick. Alan’s suit was navy, the ties were slate blue, and the craic was mighty.
Ballymaloe Wedding Photos
A Sweet Ceremony at Shanagarry Church
The couple tied the knot in nearby Shanagarry Church, a stone-clad beauty just minutes from Ballymaloe. Fr Michael Keohane kept it short and full of heart, while Ben Cully’s music turned everyone into an emotional wreck (in the best way).
Confetti flew, hugs were had, and the couple’s dog Marco made a surprise appearance with a tail wag that could power a small village.
Shanagarry Church Photos
Garden Drinks, Grainstore Feasting and Serious Dancefloor moves and that was just the dog
Back at Ballymaloe, guests sipped G&Ts in the walled garden while we snuck off for some candid portraits around the grounds. If you’re wondering when the light is best for wedding photos, it’s that hour right before dinner – when the sun’s low, the nerves are gone, and the love is loud.
Dinner was a feast of locally sourced brilliance: garden beetroot, grass-fed beef, lemon tart that nearly caused a table-wide argument over seconds. The speeches were heartfelt and gas in equal measure, and by the time the DJ hit play, shoes were flung and the Grainstore was heaving.
FAQs: Planning a Wedding at Ballymaloe House
Is Ballymaloe exclusive use?
Yes, you can book the whole estate which includes 32 rooms across the main house and courtyard. Ideal for a proper knees-up without worrying who might be sharing the breakfast buffet.
Can I have my ceremony on-site?
Yes! While Susan and Alan opted for Shanagarry Church, Ballymaloe also offers civil ceremonies and partnerships on the grounds, indoors or out.
Is Ballymaloe pet-friendly?
They sure are. Marco the cockapoo trotted down the aisle like he owned the place and got his moment in the wedding portraits too.
What’s the food like?
Outrageously good. The menu is built around seasonal ingredients grown on site or sourced locally. Ballymaloe is where Irish country food meets fine dining.
How many guests can they accommodate?
The Ballymaloe Grainstore comfortably fits up to 200 guests. For smaller weddings, the Drawing Room or Garden Room offers a more intimate space.
The Kind of Couples Who Choose Ballymaloe (and Me)
If you’ve fallen for Ballymaloe, I already know we’ll get on like a house on fire. My couples are the sort who love a bit of history, a lot of heart, and food that deserves its own standing ovation.
They have impeccable taste but no interest in showing off, they’re more about slow luxury than flashy nonsense.
They appreciate craftsmanship whether it’s the handmade tiles in Ballymaloe’s hallways, a beautifully tailored suit, or the way the light hits the walled garden at golden hour.
They’ve probably eaten in some of the best restaurants in the world but still believe nothing beats a cup of tea with someone you love.
They’re warm, wildly romantic, and rooted in what really matters..... family, friendships, and making memories.
They want their wedding day to feel like them: joyful, elegant, a little bit mad, and completely unforgettable. And they want a photographer who’ll capture all that without barking orders or turning it into a photoshoot.
If that sounds like you, then pour a glass of something lovely and let’s start planning the magic.
