BrookLodge Wedding Photographer | A Winter Wedding at BrookLodge & Macreddin Village
Katherine & Sean, Brooklodge & Macreddin December 2025
As long-standing BrookLodge wedding photographers, we’ve photographed many weddings at BrookLodge & Macreddin Village over the years, and winter celebrations here always feel especially memorable. There’s a calmness to the place in December. Softer light. Slower moments. Candles glowing earlier in the day.
Katherine and Sean’s winter wedding at BrookLodge was exactly that. Relaxed, family-centred, and full of genuine moments, with one very special guest playing a central role throughout the day: their golden retriever, who even walked the rings down the aisle during the ceremony.
This wedding was photographed by Aaron, associate photographer with Kheffache Studios.
A Winter Wedding at BrookLodge & Macreddin Village
BrookLodge is an ideal venue for couples who want everything in one place. Morning preparations, ceremony, reception, and evening celebrations all flow naturally without rushing or logistics getting in the way.
Winter weddings here work beautifully. The village feels intimate and enclosed, the interiors are warm and welcoming, and the surrounding Wicklow landscape still offers plenty of texture and interest, even on colder days.
Katherine and Sean chose a late December date, embracing the season rather than fighting it. The result was a wedding that felt cosy, personal, and completely unforced.
Bridal Prep at BrookLodge
Both Katherine and Sean got ready on site, which is always a huge advantage at BrookLodge. The bridal suite is calm and filled with soft, even natural light, perfect for relaxed getting-ready photographs without any need to stage or rearrange the space.
The morning was unhurried. Family members came and went. Final details were taken care of quietly. Their dog was close by from the start, part of the morning rather than something added in later.
This kind of environment is exactly why BrookLodge works so well for couples who value atmosphere over formality.
First Look and Time Together
Before the ceremony, Katherine and Sean spent a few moments together around the village. Winter light at BrookLodge is subtle rather than dramatic, which suits natural, documentary photography perfectly.
There was no pressure to perform for the camera. Just time to breathe, walk, and take everything in before guests arrived. Perfect for the documentary wedding photography angle.
Couple Portraits Around the Village
Portraits at BrookLodge never need to feel forced. The village green, the paths between buildings, and the stream and bridge walk all offer beautiful backdrops within a few minutes’ walk of each other.
Even in winter, the textures of stone, trees, and water add depth without pulling attention away from the couple themselves. With their dog included, the portraits felt personal and reflective of real life, rather than something staged purely for photographs.
Ceremony in the Forest Chapel
One of the most distinctive features of BrookLodge is the forest chapel. Tucked away among the trees, it offers a quiet, intimate setting that works in every season.
Katherine and Sean’s ceremony took place here, with celebrant Amy Browne leading proceedings. The highlight came when their golden retriever walked down the aisle carrying the rings, a moment that instantly relaxed the room and set the tone for the rest of the day.
Forest chapel ceremonies are softly lit, naturally atmospheric, and ideal for couples who want something meaningful without feeling formal or performative.
Family Formals at BrookLodge
After the ceremony, we moved into family photographs. BrookLodge makes this part of the day easy. There are sheltered outdoor spots, covered walkways, and indoor options close by, so everything stays efficient and comfortable, especially in winter.
The focus was on keeping things moving, allowing guests to enjoy the drinks reception rather than standing around waiting for photographs.
Drinks Reception and Winter Atmosphere
The drinks reception at BrookLodge is always a favourite part of the day. In winter, it becomes even more atmospheric. Candles, warm interiors, and people naturally gathering in smaller groups create a relaxed energy that photographs beautifully.
Katherine and Sean spent this time catching up with friends and family, with plenty of candid moments unfolding without any interference.
Speeches After Dinner
The speeches took place after the meal, allowing everyone to settle in and enjoy the evening. This pacing works particularly well at BrookLodge, where the transition from daytime to evening feels natural rather than abrupt.
Speeches were warm, emotional, and full of humour, reflecting the couple’s focus on family and connection rather than formality.
Evening Dancing and Celebrations
As the evening continued, the atmosphere shifted effortlessly into celebration. The village setting keeps everything contained, so guests stay present rather than drifting off elsewhere.
Winter weddings often result in fuller dance floors earlier in the evening, and this was no exception. The night ended with energy, laughter, and the sense of a day that unfolded exactly as it should have.
Why BrookLodge Works So Well for Relaxed Weddings
BrookLodge & Macreddin Village is particularly well suited to couples who want:
An all-in-one venue with no travel between locations
A ceremony space with real atmosphere
Natural flow throughout the day
A setting that works in every season, especially winter
It’s one of the reasons we’ve been proud to be recommended BrookLodge wedding photographers for over ten years.
BrookLodge Wedding Photography by Kheffache Studios
At Kheffache Studios, our approach to wedding photography is calm, family-first, and documentary-led. We focus on real moments as they happen, without interrupting the day or asking couples to perform for the camera.
We know BrookLodge intimately. We understand how the light changes through the seasons, how the day flows best within the village, and how to photograph weddings here in a way that feels honest and unforced.
If you’re planning a BrookLodge wedding and are looking for a relaxed, experienced BrookLodge wedding photographer, we’d love to hear more about your plans.
You can explore our wedding photography here or get in touch to start a conversation.
BrookLodge Wedding Photography FAQs
Do you photograph weddings at BrookLodge & Macreddin Village?
Yes. Kheffache Studios photographs weddings at BrookLodge & Macreddin Village regularly. We know the venue well and work in a calm, documentary way that allows the day to unfold naturally.
What is your photography style at BrookLodge?
Our style is relaxed, family-first, and documentary-led. We focus on real moments and genuine interactions rather than heavy posing, so couples can enjoy their day without feeling rushed or staged.
Is BrookLodge suitable for winter weddings?
Absolutely. BrookLodge works beautifully in winter thanks to its warm interiors, soft natural light, and the way the entire day flows within the village. Winter weddings here feel intimate, cosy, and unhurried.
Where do you usually take couple portraits at BrookLodge?
Portraits are typically taken around the village green, along the covered walkways and courtyards, and by the stream and bridge walk. Everything is close together, which means portraits never take couples away from their guests for long.
Can we include our dog in our BrookLodge wedding photos?
Yes. Dogs are very welcome at BrookLodge, and we’re happy to include them naturally during preparations, portraits, and other parts of the day if they’re part of your family.
Do you offer albums and wall art after a BrookLodge wedding?
Yes. We offer handcrafted wedding albums, framed prints, and wall art. Once your gallery is ready, we can guide you through sizes and finishes to suit how you’d like to enjoy your photographs at home.