Irish wedding photographer, Olga Hogan, recently had the pleasure of photographing a very special love story… Mark and Danielle’s ten year wedding vow renewal in County Clare, Ireland. Together they explored the very best of what this part of Ireland has to offer - from stunning abbey ruins, The Burren and, of course, the famous Cliffs of Moher.
A vow renewal on the Cliffs of Moher
Mark contacted me a few months before he and his beautiful Danielle were planning their trip to Ireland to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. Mark works in the US Navy, and their family were about to relocate again. They wanted to take a romantic holiday before jumping into the big move and do a vow renewal at Cliffs of Moher. I couldn’t wait to show them around Co. Clare and get some amazing photos.
A vow renewal after 10 years together is so powerful. Mark and Danielle were able to step away from their everyday life and remember their marriage as a whole. Having been together for 12 years, they’ve had enough happy and challenging times but their love for each other is undeniable. Mark is still awed by Danielle’s beauty and what an amazing mother she is to their 3 kids. Danielle feels that Mark is her rock, an incredible father and the best partner she could have wished for. To write their vow renewal ceremony we asked them to answer a few questions about each other and revealed the answers during the ceremony. Many happy tears were shed!
Mark and Danielle decided to add something unique to their vow renewal at Cliffs of Moher – an Irish handfasting ritual. The tradition gave origin to the phrases “tying the knot” and “bonds of matrimony”. Way before rings were a part of every wedding ritual (and when they weren’t easily available), a couple used handfasting cords to symbolize their union. This ritual is common at Irish weddings and vow renewals to this day. You can make the cords yourself or order them made in your favourite colours and design. It’s a beautiful ritual that also leaves you with a physical memory of the ceremony.
Credits
Photographer - Olga Hogan Photography
Ceremony location - Cliffs of Moher