We were back in Cobh for a very brief 48 hours this week to sort out some wedding things that needed seeing to and also to meet with our photographer. 
As I mentioned a few months ago for Nathan's birthday I had arranged a surprise engagement shoot for him as he does love his photos and I hate all of the ones of me, I thought this way there would be a half decent chance of having some nice ones! 
More about that in a separate post. 
I was also meeting a lady to have trial wedding make up and lashes done, I had conveniently arranged this for the same day as the shoot so that if I liked the make up I could also see how it came out in photos. 
The trial went brilliantly, Shelley was a lovely lady and listened to what I wanted and captured in perfectly, I have heard such horror stories about wedding make up being to heaving, making you look like a drag queen etc but once I had explained my usual make up routine she was up and running, even covered up my horrible little premenstrual spot breakout on my chin! Amazing. 
I was more than happy with the results, I even tried false eye lashes for the first time and she had these amazingly light ones that after an hour of wearing them I forgot they were on, Perfect for a long day like a wedding day. I was thrilled.  

We also went to the local florist to discuss flowers and tried to find this supposedly amazing local lady who makes the best wedding cakes ever, unfortunately she was not around but a local shop had examples of her work and the rumours were true, the cakes looked fab. I have since found her website and contact details so I will be discussing things further with her and hopefully meeting her when we go back in September/October time. 

All in all the trip was successful! 

We arrived in Cobh on Tuesday and it was absolutely glorious weather. I have only ever been to Cobh between the months of November and March and it has always been cold, wet and grey. I still have always loved it anyway (obviously otherwise I wouldn't be getting married there!) but it is like a completely different place in the sunshine! 

We once again stayed at the Commodore Hotel in a seaview room and what a view in the sunshine! 

Cathedral from the Promenade 
18~06~13 

Cathedral from the Promenade 
18~06~13 

Gorgeous Harbour View 
18~06~13 

My man 18~06~13

J'adore the colours of the buildings 
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Promenade 19~06~13

Seaview from our room 19~06~13 

Cathedral from the Commodore Hotel Roof terrace, imagine this view behind us in our wedding photos! 
20~06~13 

In a rare break from running around My Man was delighted to find the biggest 99 cone ever! 

So Nathan's surprise birthday present, an engagement shoot with the fabulous Paul Duane. 
Nathan knew we were meeting a photographer during the trip and kept asking me when and where. I just said it was all in hand and not getting any further information from me he just gave up asking. I thought that he had cottoned on to something but after the event when I asked him he said he gave up as he thought I hadn't organised anything (the cheek, I tell you!) 

We met Paul in Glengarra Woods in Co Tipperary, what a fabulous location as you will see by some of the little teasers below. 
Apart from the midges which were always 5 seconds behind us! But even that could not spoil the enjoyment and fun of the photo shoot. It was a beautiful evening, a fantatsic location and Paul is just brilliant at making you laugh and feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera. I was slightly apprehensive as I hate posing for photos but the hour went quickly and when he told us he had taken about 400 or something I was shocked! 
We have since received the digital images and we think they are absolutely brilliant. Even me who goes through our camera and Nathan's phone deleting what I believe to be horrible pictures of me actually like them. I could definitely do with losing a few more pounds before W-Day but that is now firmly in hand. 
I cant wait for Paul to be our photographer on our big day! 

You can check out his work and contact him here

Here are just a few pics for your enjoyment.