It is probably fair to say that Ireland’s weather can be unpredictable coming as it does from the Atlantic which bring mild average temperatures. Ireland’s beautiful and dramatic hills and mountains do a good job of sheltering the island from the worst of the fresh Atlantic winds. Luckily Ireland rarely, if ever has extremes of weather.
Generally, July and August are the warmest months with the longest days when we get around 18 hours of daylight and darkness falls after 11pm. Not for nothing do we like to say “sure there’s a grand stretch in the evenings” around these lovely summer months. But of course the one thing we do have to contend with – and the thing that is the most unpredictable – is the rain which is of course the thing that gives Ireland its nickname of the Emerald Isle. It’s true that when talking about the weather the main subject of discussion soon leads on to how can we cope with it; what to wear for the best; do we need a brolly or a sun hat? If you are planning a wedding at any time of the year the state of the weather is particularly pertinent because every bride wants her special day to be perfect. This means that when it comes to Irish wedding photography the task is one of careful management in order to give the bride those perfect photographs.
So here’s how to cope with the Irish weather:
No such thing as bad weather!
There is a saying that goes – ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.’ And this is true so with that in mind always hedge your bets. Wear layers so you can discard some if the temperatures rise or put more on if they dip a little.
Rain or shine…
Wear sunscreen through the summer months because you can burn even on cloudy days. Bearing in mind that a rain shower could be just around the corner have a brolly handy. A lovely silk parasol can be an elegant addition to a bride’s wedding outfit.
Take refuge!
Ireland is blessed with a huge variety of pubs and restaurants. A timely adjournment to a country pub is always a welcome refuge from the weather.
Smile!
Sure it isn’t easy to plaster a smile on your face if the rain is lashing down, or the wind threatens to blow you away or the sun is beating down but the best thing is to smile through it all and embrace whatever comes your way. Trust your photographer because he or she has plenty of experience in Irish wedding photography and knows how to capture you looking your most natural, happy self whatever the weather.
Stay Indoors
If you really don’t want to take a risk on the weather why not book into a hotel or complex that knows how to cater for wedding parties; one that provides activities from spa sessions to indoor golf will help make your day memorable.
Get A Tan
It’s fair to say that getting a tan is difficult given Ireland’s short and temperate summer so if you want to glow on your wedding photos it may be best to visit a tanning booth beforehand.
Make The Most Of It!
The final thing to remember is this – summer is short so whatever the weather brings make the best of it. Get outdoors as much as you can to get some healthy, natural colour in your cheeks and fresh air in your lungs.
When you embrace the Irish weather you can guarantee all your photographs will show you at your most natural, spontaneous best.
