Ian Tate Wedding Photography

My new blog

2010-05-30T21:47:00.002+01:00

I have moved... my new blog has been parked at http://www.iantate.co.uk/photoblog

check out the latest news and weddings

Ryan and Seanna

2010-04-14T20:42:00.004+01:00

It was Ryan and Seanna's wedding at the beginning of the month, the ceremony was held in Whitehead followed by a stop at the waterfall in Gleno, then on to the reception at the Clarion Hotel in Carrickfergus. A few of the photographs are attached below...

Wedding Albums

2010-04-04T12:42:00.004+01:00

These photo books / albums arrived yesterday, ordered recently for Gillian & David. The quality is excellent...

Martin and Cindy

2010-04-02T21:53:00.004+01:00

The weather took a bit of a turn for the worse for Martin and Cindy's wedding. This turned out to be an indoor wedding when the heavy rain prevented a visit to Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. The ceremony though was held at the Fisherwick Presbyterian Church in Belfast, the interior is quite bright and provided some interesting backdrops for the day.

Connor & Clare, Belfast Castle

2010-03-31T15:57:00.004+01:00

I've not added anything to the blog for a while, so time for a little update...

I photographed Connor & Clare's wedding at Belfast Castle recently. This was a local one for me. Although it was a bit of a grey day, and a little cold at times we had a great day at the castle, even making it outside for some photographs in the gardens.

1853

2010-02-28T16:15:00.004Z

A couple of shots of an old building taken this morning, I have driven past this on many occasions but never stopped to look. It appears to be an old school house, built 1853.

Cave Hill

2010-02-20T22:34:00.003Z

Not too far away, near Cave Hill Country Park, this evening as the sun was setting and the freezing fog was rising I stopped by the side of the road to take a few shots...

Carrickfergus Harbour

2010-02-20T21:53:00.004Z

My hands were virtually frozen to the camera today walking around Carrickfergus harbour.
A few random photographs are attached below...

I love the signs of deterioration on some of the boats in the harbour, the distressed paint work, the rusting bolts, the colours and textures... the name of this one is also quite appropriate "Defiant" - it may be rusting with faded paint but it stands strong by the side of the harbour

Belfast Castle

2010-02-16T10:47:00.005Z

I had a "free day" last week, so decided to take my daughter up to Belfast Castle for a quick run around. We have been to Belfast Castle on many occasions, partly because it is only about 15 minutes from our house and we love the place (My wife and I were married here)

I also have another wedding coming up at the castle towards the end of March, so any excuse to head up and have a look around.

My philosophy is "know your venue", and I now know Belfast Castle quite well...

The Italian style serpentine staircase

"Cat paws on the path"
The cat theme runs throughout the grounds of the castle.

Wedding & Events Co-ordinator

2010-02-15T09:19:00.005Z

Please check out Annie Byrnes website, Aislinn Events at http://aislinnevents.com/blog
There is an article about the thank-you cards I offer and I am currently working on a set of photographs for a new post which should feature later in the month.

Screen shot of Annie's website below...

Storybook albums

2010-01-27T22:09:00.002Z

This is a bit of a late post, I had received new storybook wedding album samples from Graphistudio (Italy), a while ago. These albums represent excellent quality and craftmanship, they are also available in many different variations. I have been offering the storybook albums for the past few years, so thought it was time for some new samples.

I have attached a few images below to show the leather bound version, with names debossed on the cover.

New year, new image...

2010-01-06T13:45:00.004Z

A new logo is now in place for Ian Tate Photography. With the start of the new year, I have decided to refresh the design, possibly updating the website and advertising later in the year.

If anyone spots the old logo let me know, as I'm sure to miss the odd one...

Pretty Little Beads - Hand Crafted Bridal Jewellery

2010-01-05T10:19:00.007Z

If you are looking for bespoke handmade wedding jewellery check out Pretty Little Beads.
This business is owned by Sherrie Murray. I photographed Sherrie's wedding a few years ago and have since been recommended to photograph several of her friends and relatives weddings throughout the year.

www.prettylittlebeads.vpweb.co.uk

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T20:08:00.003Z

Happy New Year!

The snow began to fall this evening as I left the Canal Court Hotel in Newry. I left as the party, to celebrate the new year as well as Brian and Laura's wedding, was about to begin.

We had a clear, crisp winter's day for the wedding, couldn't have asked for a better day to end the year, although it was freezing at times..

A few random photographs from the gallery are attached below..

A horse drawn carriage carried the bride and her dad to the church.

Recommendation from David & Therese

2009-12-18T10:23:00.004Z

Thanks to David & Therese (pictured above) for their excellent review on http://www.freeindex.co.uk their comments are very much appreciated.

"Ian recently took photos for our wedding and I cannot express how impressed and pleased my wife and I were of Ian's professionalism. He provided an extremely competitive and modern package, and gave us a comprehensive selection of options. On the day he had an extremely discreet approach, and did not impose in any way, while still capturing our special moments, from my wife’s preparations at home, through to our first dance. Our photos were available on Ian’s website within 24 hours and Ian’s service in producing the wedding DVD and photo album was extremely efficient and of the highest quality. Our opinions are shared by family and friends so much so that they would recommend Ian for any special event in the future."

David Kelly - 10 Dec 2009

We had a great day for the wedding in Belfast, a few of the photographs are shown in the post below and the secure gallery http://www.iantate.co.uk/gallery

Wedding 'Thank-you' cards

2009-12-08T14:18:00.005Z

I usually forget to mention at least one of the services I offer. On this occasion I will take the opportunity to tell you about the wedding gift 'thank-you' cards available.

As well as photography, I also have an extensive background in design and print. This is an advantage as I have a list of excellent printers to contact for the best quote.

The cards I offer are printed on a high quality, premium smooth 300gsm stock, complete with envelopes. They are printed with an image, of your choice, from your secure online wedding gallery, with a digital proof sent to you before for approval.

Quotes are based on size, quantity etc.

Marguerite & Shane

2009-11-15T10:44:00.006Z

Despite the stormy weather across the rest of the country yesterday, we had a very pleasant day for Marguerite and Shane's wedding. The clouds broke and the sun appeared for most of the day, and although it was a bit cold at times it is still November...

The ceremony was held at Ballykilbeg Chapel, which I had visited before in 2007 for Sherrie & Eoin's wedding.

We stopped at Marguerite's Grandad's house for a few photographs in the gardens, then off to the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle for the reception.

www.iantate.co.uk

Jennifer & Adam

2009-11-01T10:25:00.007Z

Happy Halloween...

I was in Strangford yesterday for Jennifer and Adam's wedding. We had a great autumn day for the wedding, despite the heavy rain the day before.

I was welcomed at the Campbell house early for the bridal preparation and everything was going to plan.
(I also photographed Jennifer's sisters wedding back in 2007, so had met the family before)

The ceremony was held at Stella Maris Star of the Sea by Father Michael, followed by a short visit to Strangford harbour for a few photographs.

As we went to the reception, at the Slieve Donard in Newcastle, the clouds rolled in, although, it didn't dampen the mood and the day ended as well as it had begun.

Recommendation from Rachel & William

2009-10-21T12:32:00.004+01:00

Thanks to Rachel and William (pictured above, walking towards Chaine Memorial Tower) for the excellent review on http://www.freeindex.co.uk
It's always great to hear from clients.

"Absolutely fantastic. Excellent in every way. Love the photos and the album. The photos look so natural and reflect the happy day we had. The website is great as well. Guests loved the fact that they could see the photographs and order any ones they wanted."

Rachel Mckay - 19 Oct 2009

We had an great day for the wedding in Larne, a few of the photographs are shown in the post below and the secure gallery http://www.iantate.co.uk/gallery

Glenariff Forest Park

2009-10-13T21:22:00.004+01:00

A short break from all of the albums and print orders for a few hours.. and a relatively short drive up to Glenariff Forest Park.

One of the waterfalls shown below..

Holiday

2009-10-08T15:27:00.004+01:00

After a busy summer it was nice to get a week away with my wife and daughter in Turkey.
We stayed at the Grand Yasici Club Turban, between Marmaris and Icmeler, a fantastic resort close to the sea with amazing scenery, on top of that 30˚+ and mostly clear skies...

Above: Sunrise, about 6am (ish)

Above: Sunrise, about 6am (ish) looking out over the pool

I left my digital camera's at home, they deserved a break as well, and instead brought my 35mm Nikon F80 with a couple of rolls of Fuji Velvia slide film, the colours from this are totally amazing although they will not look as good uploaded to the internet as low resolution files...

David & Thérèse

2009-09-18T22:25:00.007+01:00

Today started at the brides house for a few shots of everyone getting ready, while listening to a lot of loud music, I think there was a Dire Straits track in there somewhere...

...then on to St. Brigid's Parish Church on the Malone Road for the ceremony.

We also managed a few shots in the Japanese Gardens of Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park...

... then on to the reception at the Ramada, Shaws Bridge.

Mark & Tara

2009-09-17T22:09:00.004+01:00

Just back from Lusty Beg Island for Mark and Tara's wedding.
What a great day we had, even though there was heavy fog around Portadown and Lurgan although that soon disappeared the closer I got to Enniskillen. Then onto the little ferry for the couple of minutes to get to the island.

I am working on the photographs at the moment... more to upload later

Out in the fields...

2009-09-13T21:40:00.006+01:00

It looks like we are finally getting the Summer we had been promised, if a little late... although I can't complain really, as I have been fortunate to have good weather for all of the weddings I have photographed this summer.

This evening I was in Hillsborough on a photo shoot with Gillian and David (wedding 25th July)
Gillian had mentioned at her pre-wedding meeting that she would like some photographs taken in the wheat fields near their home. Due to the weather though, the wheat wasn't ready and we have had to postpone until today... what a day though, and it ended with a fantastic sunset, perfect for adding a warm glow to the golden fields.

Wedding Extravaganza 2009

2009-09-01T10:44:00.005+01:00

It's that time of year again, the wedding show... unfortunately, I am unable to attend the wedding extravaganza at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast (4th - 6th September) although my photographs will be there at the Brookhall Farm stand.

So if you're passing, drop in and see Sam and Pauline to say hello and have a look at their excellent wedding venue.

Rachel & William update

2009-08-25T00:09:00.002+01:00

Rachel & Williams wedding gallery is now online, it can be viewed at http://www.iantate.co.uk/gallery using the password supplied at the wedding.

Rachel & William

2009-08-24T09:47:00.008+01:00

Saturday 10am, I arrived in Larne to photograph Rachel & Williams wedding. I started the day at a very quiet and relaxed house for a few shots of the preparations, then arrived at Saint Cedma's Church to meet William. The weather was great, if a little breezy down at the loughshore when we went for a few photographs at the Chaine memorial tower. Rachel & William were a lovely couple to work with, and the day went by smoothly.

As I was there until late evening, I also captured the first dance ..

I am currently working on the photographs, the gallery should be online this evening.

Your Feedback II

2009-08-20T13:00:00.002+01:00

Another excellent review from a lovely couple, Gillian and David. I photographed their wedding on 25th July this year at Brookhall Farm & Narrow Water Castle.

http://www.freeindex.co.uk/profile%28ian-tate-photography%29_60166.htm

"Our wedding was a fabulous day with many memories which Ian Tate managed to capture in his unique informal style. We had a gallery of first class photographs which all our guests got to view online very shortly after the wedding. Everyone commented on how artistic they looked and how relaxed everyone was. Thanks again Ian for a very professional service and a wonderful collection of memories captured on camera!"
Gillian Dunlop - 19 Aug 2009

Fireworks

2009-08-17T11:44:00.000+01:00

Another night of fireworks, and this time a better location with nothing but Belfast Lough in front of me...

This time we went down to the Loughshore festival to mark the end of the Tall Ships weekend.

Firework photographs are so random, so I've added a few examples.

Above: Tall Ship on the horizon leaving Belfast Lough

Tall Ships Belfast 2009

2009-08-16T12:27:00.000+01:00

A trip down to the Tall Ships last night with my wife and daughter, my camera not too far away of course...

Above: Tall ship passing through Belfast dock, the Harland & Wolff cranes in the background.

It's been a while since I last shot fireworks, but thought I would try and get a few shots anyway...
I've only added one of the photographs but there are others (most with someones head in the way - oh well nevermind)

Your feedback

2009-08-13T14:12:00.000+01:00

Just thought I would add this review from Stephen & Leigh Smyth, I photographed their wedding in December last year at Ten Square in Belfast.

It's always nice to hear from clients and great to get feedback on the service I offer.

http://www.freeindex.co.uk/profile%28ian-tate-photography%29_60166.htm

"Ian Tate was our Wedding Photographer and we couldn't have wished for better. He made us feel completely at ease from our first meeting, and the pre- and post- service were fantastic! Ian provides a very personal service and we would thoroughly recommend him!"

Leigh Smyth - 12 Aug 2009

New Gallery online

2009-08-09T00:38:00.000+01:00

Good news... the new gallery system is now online and all galleries have been uploaded. I have also tested it successfully, on Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer and the iPhone.

Online Gallery update

2009-08-07T10:49:00.000+01:00

I have discovered that the latest versions of some web browsers (IE8 etc.) block connections to external websites, which is why some users have had difficulty sending payment through PayPal.

I have invested in a new enhanced gallery and I am currently working on setting up the system, I hope to have most of the galleries converted by next week.

Keep an eye on the blog for further updates, and thank you for your patience.

Online Gallery

2009-08-03T14:59:00.001+01:00

There appears to be an issue with the online gallery system. Some users have reported a problem linking to PayPal to make their payment. The affected browser is Microsoft IE version 8. I am currently working on a solution to this and will post an update when resolved. All other functions of the gallery are unaffected.

My apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Where did July go?

2009-08-03T10:49:00.000+01:00

I can't believe we are now into August and the weather hasn't improved any, at least we had a good few days for the weddings in July. It has been busy the past month, which is great... and I am now starting to work on the albums and prints which I hope to have ready before the next booking this month.

Just thought I would mention a few of the places I have visited for weddings in July.

The start of the month was a local wedding in Belfast at Holy Cross Church with a reception at Beechlawn House Hotel in Lisburn. Next was in Carlingford, starting at the Holy Trinity Heritage Centre for the ceremony then a short walk (for the guests) to Ghan House, while I went with the Bride and Groom to King John's Castle. Then we have Brookhall Historical Farm near Lisburn followed by a helicopter trip to Narrow Water Castle, I don't think I'll forget that one it was my first time in a helicopter. A few days later it was Saint Colmanell's Church, Ahoghill then onto the Dunadry Hotel. Finally at the end of the month I was in Downpatrick at Saint Patrick's Church, followed by the Canal Court Hotel in Newry.

If you're thinking of booking, or have already booked, any of the venues listed above for your wedding check the gallery or the blog for a few example photographs.

Emma & Gary

2009-08-02T13:12:00.001+01:00

Emma & Gary's wedding photography gallery was uploaded yesterday evening, I have included a few photographs below, and as promised a shot of Emma's purple shoes...

Emma & Gary

2009-07-30T21:27:00.000+01:00

Today I was in Downpatrick at St. Patrick's Church for Emma & Gary's wedding. The reception was held in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. We had a great day and captured a lot of images, which I will be processing over the next day or two.

Look out for Emma's cool purple shoes in the next update.

Above: Emma & Gary's Wedding rings

Anne & Ben

2009-07-29T00:35:00.000+01:00

Anne & Ben's gallery is now online, I've included a few photographs below...

Dunadry Hotel

2009-07-27T20:53:00.000+01:00

Just back from Anne & Ben's wedding, the ceremony was held at St.Colmanell's Church then on to a reception at the Dunadry hotel,County Antrim.
I have just started transferring the photographs so nothing to post at the moment, watch this space...

Brookhall Farm & Narrow Water Castle

2009-07-26T17:48:00.000+01:00

"One thousand feet at 100mph", was the update from the pilot, that's the first time I had heard that at a wedding...

Yesterday the venue was Brookhall Historical Farm near Lisburn for Gillian and Davids wedding, the venue has some great locations and a lot of character for photographs. The trip to the reception at Narrow Water Castle was a little different to my usual mode of transport, it was in a helicopter, which was exciting and a great way to travel.

I've included a few photographs below, the gallery is now online...

Above: Narrow Water Castle

Above: Brookhall Historical Farm, Lisburn

Above: Narrow Water Castle

Above: Narrow Water Castle

Above: Narrow Water Castle

Kim & Graham

2009-07-18T15:30:00.000+01:00

Got back from Carlingford late last night, so started working on Kim & Grahams wedding photographs this morning. The weather turned out great yesterday, I think to everyones surprise, although Kim claimed that it was down to her good luck charm... must get one of those for the next wedding I shoot :-)

The wedding gallery is uploading at the moment, but should be ready very soon...
I've attached a few photographs below

Above: King John's Castle

Above: Ghan House, Carlingford

New website

2009-07-09T10:03:00.000+01:00

I have uploaded a "new" website, ok it's not revolutionary, although it has evolved...
Several new designs were created then deleted, I decided that it was better to stick with the old layout but cleaner and more refined, with a few new features. It has been tested and it all seems to work ok...

http://www.iantate.co.uk

Arlene & Columb

2009-07-07T13:21:00.000+01:00

Arlene & Columbs wedding gallery has been online since Sunday evening, interest has been high... I've attached a few images from the gallery below, the quality has been reduced for quicker viewing..

Above: Holy Cross Church, Belfast

Above: Musgrave Park, Belfast

Above: Musgrave Park, Belfast

Above: Musgrave Park, Belfast

Arlene & Columb

2009-07-04T21:28:00.000+01:00

I've just returned from photographing the wedding of Arlene & Columb in Belfast. The rain stayed off for the most part, and everyone looked like they had a great day. I have only started checking through the photographs so probably won't have anything uploaded for a while, check back later...

Thunderstorms

2009-07-02T09:54:00.000+01:00

Thunderstorms are heading in apparently, I love a good thunderstorm (from a distance)...
Lets hope it clears by the weekend though.

As well as blogging, I have also started tweeting, I hope to have these added to my main website shortly http://www.iantate.co.uk

In the beginning...

2009-07-01T15:23:00.000+01:00

I thought it was about time to jump on the blogging band wagon, hopefully, I will be able to provide updates as often as possible on recent weddings etc. and a few photographs when I get the time...

I have also been working on a few updates for the website, new photographs have been added to the gallery as well as a few other bits and pieces of info... look out for more updates over the next few months.