There are ceremonies where I have to take a breath and blink away a few tears before carrying on photographing. Paulina and Przemek’s wedding was one of them.
They celebrated at Vienna Woods Hotel in Cork with a small gathering of family and friends. Some had come from Poland, others were friends from their life here in Ireland. Their dog was there too, very much included in the day.
What struck me was how much care they had put into it all. They had created something personal, with the people closest to them there to share it.
A ceremony in Polish and English
Humanist celebrant Geraldine O’Neill led the ceremony beautifully, bringing Polish and English together in a way that felt natural and connected.
With guests speaking different languages, that mattered. Everyone could follow, understand and share in what was happening. Moving between the two languages never seemed to interrupt the emotion of the ceremony.
And there was plenty of emotion. Looking around the room, I could see tears in people’s eyes. I had them in mine, too.
Through it all, Paulina and Przemek kept reaching for each other’s hands and exchanging smiles. Those little gestures are some of my favourite things to photograph: they tell you so much about the people in front of the camera.
Drinks, conversation and a meal together
Vienna Woods had everything beautifully prepared. The small ceremony room made a lovely setting for such an intimate gathering, with its patterned walls, old portraits and soft window light.
After the ceremony, everyone gathered for welcome drinks before sitting down to a meal together. There was time for hugs, conversation and enjoying each other’s company.
I loved photographing that mix of tenderness and fun. A quiet moment holding hands, followed by the guests laughing around them. Those photographs belong together because both were part of the day.
A dress full of detail, and a beautiful cake
Paulina’s dress was wonderful to photograph. The delicate fabric, pleated cuffs and layers of ruffles gave it so much texture. Her small white-and-green bouquet complemented it beautifully.
The cake and individual desserts by Baking Bliss by Emuliet Cakes also deserve their own mention. White flowers, touches of gold and a whole collection of little cakes made a beautiful display against the dark wood of the room.
I always make time for these details. They are choices the couple have made, and part of what makes their wedding feel like theirs.
Photographing Paulina and Przemek
Paulina and Przemek had such lovely energy together. What stayed with me most was their obvious pleasure in each other’s company: the smiles, the closeness and the way they seemed to keep finding each other, even with everyone around them.
Przemek also enjoys photography, which made their decision to ask me especially meaningful. Being trusted to photograph a day this personal is something I value deeply.
Thank you, Paulina and Przemek, for having me there. I’m so glad I could preserve a little of how it felt.
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Venue: Vienna Woods Hotel, Cork
Humanist celebrant: Geraldine O’Neill
Cake and desserts: Baking Bliss by Ewa
Photography: Anna Groniecka Photography
