Best Of 2024 - More Than Just Vibes

As a documentary wedding photographer, my mission has always been to capture the raw, unfiltered moments that make each wedding unique. I always say that awesome wedding photos don’t need to be set up. As it stand I do still have 2 weddings remaining and with 2025 on the horizon, I’m reflecting on the incredible couples I’ve had the privilege of working with this year, and sharing some of my favorite memories captured through my lens. From intimate ceremonies in Dublin to crazy celebrations all over Ireland , every wedding tells a beautiful, distinct story.

In this "Best of 2024" roundup, I’ll take you behind the scenes of some of my most memorable documentary wedding moments. Whether you're planning your own wedding or just a lover of documentary photography, I hope these images and stories inspire you to embrace the power of authentic, candid moments.

Awarded a This Is Reportage award in collection 41 and placed 2nd in the Ninedots print competition sponsored by Loxley

Why Documentary Wedding Photography?

In today’s world of staged photos and elaborate poses, documentary wedding photography offers a refreshing perspective. It’s all about capturing the real moments—the laughter, the tears, the fleeting glances that truly define your day. For me, it’s about telling the story as it unfolds, without interfering with the natural flow of the event.

I specialise in wedding photography in Dublin, Cavan, and Meath, focusing on storytelling that showcase the true emotion and actual moments of your celebration. My style combines the fun of photojournalism to the emotive moments that result in timeless, authentic images that reflect the essence of who you are, who you truly are as people. My images might not always be “pretty” but they will always be real!!! CAPTURE HOW IT FEELS, NOT HOW IT LOOKS !!!

photo credit : Emmie Scott photography

So when I first wrote this blog a week a go, I wrote it in terms of google seo and to help my website traffic but I can’t scream from the roof tops that my couples have to be themselves if I don’t put a bit of me into this blog. It’s hard to put into words what this year has been. At times an emotional rollercoaster. Very few know the ups and downs of running their own small business (and by all means thats not a look at me I’m better than you thing. God I know I’m very lucky and I’ve had to do jobs to pay the bills!!! Life is hard and you gotta do what you need to do) and I think thats why I’m so grateful that people who spend their money on me cos I know it is so hard to earn it in this life and I give my all to every couple (and if you don’t want to take my word then check out my google reviews :) but thats not why we’re here. I want to take a minute to thank all the couples I photographed this year you are what makes me the photographer I am and becoming because you trusted me. Out of the 1000s of talented photographers in this country you decided I was for you and I’m forever grateful.

The highs of this year still blow my mind!! Thats me on stage at my very first Nine Dots gathering as my image came second in the print comp after being voted by Jeff Chang, Lisa Devlin and the most awesome Kate “Bunny” Hampson. I’ve created so many connections with the most awesome people. Went to my 2nd DocDay in feb and joined the FedWed and had my portrait taken by Adam Johnson. Won 3 ippva awards, got to travel from Kerry to Sligo to Dublin and a few places in between for the most amazing weddings. Went to New York for the first time and randomly bumped in to amazing street photographer Paulie B. Changed camera system to Lumix from Fuji although the jury is still out on that one!! but most of all I got to say this is my 2nd full year in my dream job (that I really didn't now it was until it happened.) I’m so obsessed with this craft, I work my butt off for my couples because you can’t cheat the grind it knows how much time you put in!!! and I want them to know and see that I care cos I do. You invite me into your lives, some more than others and thats ok but you let me into one of the most amazing days you’ll have as a human being. You allow me to see connections that you spent years building in the space of 10,12 hours of one day and you show me who you truly are and that is an amazing feeling so thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Andy x

As of December 10th I’m officially fifth in Ireland and 59th overall in the world for This Is Reportage. An absolute pinch me moment!!!

Feb 2023 I was gifted a ticket to a conference called @docday_ and I sat there surrounded by some of the worlds best wedding photographers and I felt a bit out of my depth and imposter syndrome was in full effect. "What am I doing here" everyone is so talented" "my photos are trash" are some of the things I told myself when I got home. And in 2024 I decided I was going to work harder be more me and put myself out there and if people got me and they liked me amazing and if they didn't then they weren't my people in the first place. Thank to awesome communities like @ninedotsco@thisisreportage and @photographers_keeping_it_real@docday_ @thefedwed I found my people. People who inspired me daily, guided me when I needed and pushed me beyond where I thought possible. I know this sounds like an Oscar speech I'm sorry I'm a bit overwhelmed right now. I'm the most critical person I know I'm so hard on myself but I can be proud it's the end of 2024 and I just made the TIR top 100 and top 10 for Ireland that is INSANE. And my one piece of advice for anyone is that you can't do it all alone it's impossible you have to have people who believe in you even when you don't believe in yourself and @ohsewkerri is that person for me I can't believe she chooses to do life with me and everything I do is for us. WHAT A YEAR 🤯🤯🤯

I don’t know what 2025 holds and it’s gonna be pretty hard to top 2024. But I hope it brings more hugs, more smiles and more love. The world is a pretty angry place right now but if we all just keep being kind, tell people you love them and go outside a bit more I think we will be ok. I love what I do and if I could I would do it for free but our dog is massive and cost a fortune to feed and as of now although all of the inheritance emails I get have been fake so I’ll continue to do the best job in the world and if you are the type of people who don’t mind getting their shoes dirty, Looking silly in love, Will give it socks on the dance floor, Who care more about how the day feels to how it looks, Who want real emotions, real moments and real memories to look back on. Stress free natural photography for couples in Dublin, Cavan and Meath (and all other locations) then let’s chat all about how my hands off wedding photography will get you the inbetween moments you will love.

“A man that works with his hands is a labourer, A man that works with his hands and his head is a craftsman, A man that works with his hands, his head and his heart is an artist.

I can certainly tell you that Andy is an artist. He has a great talent for capturing special moments and making them memorable. He’s there at every moment, invisible when he needs to be and methodical in leading people throughout the day.

Thank you Andy.”

— mark 2024

“There are no words to describe how grateful we are to have had Andy photograph our wedding day! Andy was so much fun and had everyone comfortable and relaxed with the camera around! The candid shots he got of everyone are so gorgeous capturing all the emotions! Andy was amazing at keeping us on schedule and getting the pictures that were really important to us! All of the guests loved him too! I have recommended him to everyone and I would choose him again 100 times over!
Andy, thank you so much for being a huge part of our day and helping us keep our memories forever”

— Erin 2024

TO GET THE BEST WEDDING PHOTOS, YOU HAVE TO BE UNAPOLO-GETICALLY YOURSELVES!!! - ANDY

“It’s been nearly 3 months since we got married and having had time to reflect and enjoy I have to say one of the best decisions we made was asking Andy to be our photographer. He was so natural and fit in completely. It was important to us that we caught the moments as they happened and Andy did just that, the pictures we have are honestly second to none. I am so pleased we can relive our special day through his pictures which really tell the story, including those parts which are so easy to forget with everything going on. Not only is he a great guy he is a bloody good laugh! His unique creative flare outdid everything we could have hoped for. He really has an eye for detail and makes it so that nothing feels “staged”
I don’t usually take the time to write reviews, but it would be completely remiss of me to not recommend him to anyone getting married - we weren’t really sure what we wanted until it happened, he accommodated everything including the last minute requests and made sure we have perfect pictures for all the perfect memories. Coming to work on his birthday goes to show just how much he loves his work. The guy is genuinely a legend and it made our special day even better by having him there. Every single guest commented on how relaxed he made them feel. Andy - you are a true talent. Thank you for everything.”

— Pete & Ais

Contact Forged in Love Photography for Your Wedding Day

Looking for a documentary wedding photographer to capture the unforgettable moments of your big day in Dublin, Cavan, or Meath? I only take on around 25 weddings a year to give my couples my full attention to detail, enthusiasm, energy and what makes me uniquely me and will travel all over Ireland to be where you need me. I’d love to hear from you! Let's work together to create a visual narrative of your wedding day that you'll cherish forever. For couples who want more than just a vibe!!!