Nicola & Ben's Elegant Wedding

@ The Hamlet Court Johnstown



There are weddings that stay with you – not just because of the beautiful surroundings or details, but because of the people. Nicola and Ben’s wedding at the fabulous Hamlet Court Hotel in Johnstown, County Kildare was one of those days, heartfelt, joyful, and full of personality from start to finish.


From the moment we arrived that morning to the final dance that night, this day was a celebration of love, family, and all the little moments in between.

Bridal party pose in a garden setting at the Hamlet Court Johnstown. Les Kelly Photography Offaly Kildare Midlands
Bride in a white lace gown poses in a vibrant garden setting at the Hamlet Court Johnstown. Les Kelly Photography Offaly Kildare Midlands.
Groom wearing light gray suit jacket and dark vest at the Hamlet Court Johnstown. Les Kelly Photography Offaly Kildare Midlands.
Wedding party sharing a candid moment of laughter at the Hamlet Court Johnstown. Les Kelly Photography Offaly Kildare Midlands.

A Story of the Day


The morning began with a relaxed and excited energy. There was laughter, a few happy tears, and a steady stream of tea and bubbles. Nicola’s Wed2Be gown was a vision of timeless elegance – delicate lace, flattering lines, and a soft flowing veil. Her bridesmaids, also dressed by Wed2Be, wore complementary dresses in dusky green, adding a lovely softness to the morning palette.

Close-up view of a flowing white wedding dress with intricate lace details and delicate embroidery against wooden stairs.
Vintage-inspired bridal shoes with floral patterns and pearl accents displayed on a reflective surface.
Wedding flat lay with bridal shoes, bouquet of pastel roses and eucalyptus, and a personalized name sign on wooden flooring.
Black and white portrait of a person in formal attire with curled dark hair styled in an elegant updo.
A stylist sprays hairspray on an elegant updo hairstyle adorned with a decorative hair accessory.
A person in a green dress helps adjust a bride's lace wedding gown and long white veil during wedding preparations.
Wedding bouquet with pink and white roses, eucalyptus leaves and baby's breath being held against white dress.
A bride in a shoulder strap dress and silver necklace smiles warmly while wearing her hair in dark curls.
Smiling person in a white lace dress holds a small white dog while standing outside a house.

Ben and his groomsmen got ready nearby, donning sharp grey and navy suits from Mardec in Naas, complete with polished black shoes and coordinating ties. The camaraderie between the lads was clear – a mixture of nerves and banter as they prepared to make their way to welcome guests.

Two people in white formal attire share a tender moment as one helps adjust the other's tie indoors.
Black and white close-up of hands buttoning up a formal black suit vest during dressing preparation.
Two people in formal white shirts and black vests getting dressed for an event in a light-colored room.
Three people in formal attire share a lighthearted moment together while getting ready.
Three groomsmen wearing matching gray suits with black vests and white ties pose together smiling at a wedding.
Three groomsmen in matching gray suits toast with beer glasses and smile while celebrating at a wedding venue.
Three groomsmen in formal attire relaxing and posing playfully on an outdoor swing set in a backyard.
Person in a formal light gray suit jacket and dark vest stands smiling next to a white wall with framed artwork.
A close-up view of a billiards pool table with vintage decor and memorabilia on the wall in the background.
Business people having an informal meeting in a modern office space with minimalist art prints on the wall.

The ceremony, led beautifully by Leanita Gallagher of LoveLee Weddings, was deeply personal and full of warmth. Leanita has a wonderful way of weaving stories and meaning into every moment, and Nicola and Ben’s vows were emotional and sincere – not a dry eye in the room.

Wedding guests in formal attire line a red carpet aisle at an indoor reception as lanterns illuminate the elegant venue.
People in formal attire attend an elegant wedding ceremony in a white-draped indoor venue.
Black and white photograph of a wedding ceremony in an elegant ballroom with crystal chandeliers and guests lining the aisle.
Wedding ceremony takes place under floral arch with couple seated on stage as guests watch from decorated chairs.
Wedding ceremony scene with floral arch, modern tiered lighting fixtures, and red carpet in an elegant indoor venue.
Wedding ceremony venue with draped white fabric, chandeliers, floral arches and red carpet aisle in elegant indoor setting.
A sequence of candid moments from a wedding ceremony showing guests and decor in a light-filled venue.
A wedding reception celebration in a white ballroom with hanging chandeliers and guests dancing on the dance floor.
A couple during their wedding ceremony exchange rings as the groom places a ring on the bride's finger.
A happy couple shares a joyful moment during their wedding ceremony as they exchange rings.
Elegant wedding ceremony aisle with red carpet, white fabric arch adorned with floral arrangements, and crystal chandeliers above.
Wedding guests raise their arms in celebration as newlyweds walk down red carpet aisle in elegant ballroom reception.
White candles illuminated among pink and white floral arrangements create an elegant wedding reception table centerpiece.

After the ceremony, guests were treated to a sophisticated pre-dinner performance by Manila Strings, who set the perfect tone for an afternoon of mingling and celebration in the Hamlet Court.

Couples dancing together with Manilla Strings at the Hamlet Court Johnstown. Les Kelly Photography Offaly Kildare Midlands.
Manilla Strings perform with acoustic set at the Hamlet Court Johnstown. Les Kelly Photography Offaly Kildare Midlands.

The reception room was dressed in romantic florals by The Flower Cottage by Stella, featuring soft whites, greens, and blush tones. Nicola, who designed all the wedding stationery herself, added unique and personal touches throughout the day – from the welcome sign to the table numbers and menus.

Bridal bouquet details showing delicate white roses and green eucalyptus leaves.
Elegant centerpiece arrangements featuring fresh flowers and greenery adorn a white tablecloth-covered table at a formal event.
A series of elegant wedding welcome signs with floral accents displayed in a corridor with burgundy carpeting and decorative wallpaper.
Elegant floral arrangement with lilies, roses, and greenery adorning a wedding head table.
Decorative white lanterns and greenery hang from rustic hooks against a damask patterned wall creating elegant wedding decor.
Romantic wedding venue decorations with pink and white decor and floral arrangements displayed on shelving.
Elegant wedding seating sign featuring ivory flowers and greenery decorations on a gold stand against a pink-lit wall.
A festive dessert table display with white bunting and pastel decorations for a wedding reception.
Collection of vintage-style newspaper clippings and headlines arranged on white textured background.
Wedding welcome cards and name tags arranged on a light colored surface.
Wedding couple seated at head table with elegant white and purple floral arrangements.
Wedding reception seating cards with QR codes laid out on a table.
Elegant wedding ceremony setup with white draped arch, red carpet aisle, and floral decorations.
White light box decorations with letters and gold balloons arranged against a brick wall backdrop.
Dusty pink party table settings with delicate accessories and place cards displayed in a neutral color scheme.
Beautifully arranged display of pink, chocolate, and white mini donuts with sprinkles and a decorative thank you card.
Wedding details flat lay with bridal shoes, bouquet, and custom name sign on wooden floor.
Wedding reception table setting with name card reading 'The Moycallen' in elegant typography.

Dinner was followed by heartfelt speeches, a few surprises, and of course, a show-stopping cake by Marian Malone Special Occasions – an elegant three-tier masterpiece adorned with fresh flowers that tasted as good as it looked.

Elegant white wedding reception hall with pink lighting, sheer curtains and floral centerpieces on round tables.
A person in a vest gives a speech at an elegantly decorated wedding reception with tables of guests and pink lighting.
A person giving a speech during a candlelit dinner reception as guests listen attentively in a black and white photo.
An energetic speaker raises their arms while delivering a toast at a formal wedding reception surrounded by tables of guests.
A festive wedding reception shows guests engaging in lively conversation and dancing at an elegant indoor venue.
Wedding reception guests dancing to music on a dance floor with reception tables and ballroom decor visible.
Wedding guests gathered in an elegant reception hall with pink lighting while someone delivers a speech during dinner.
Wedding guests enjoying laughter and conversation at a reception dinner table in warm lighting.
Elegant wedding reception tables decorated with soft lighting, white linens, and floral centerpieces at an indoor venue.
People enjoying laughter during wedding reception dinner as speaker gives toast at elegant venue with pink lighting.
Party guest laughs heartily while sitting at a festive dinner table surrounded by other guests.
Wedding guests seated at reception tables react with joy and laughter during emotional wedding speeches.
A waiter in a white shirt and black vest serves guests at an elegant wedding reception with soft purple lighting and floral centerpieces.

And then came the party. The Moogs brought the energy and had everyone on their feet. From the first dance to the final song, Nicola and Ben never stopped smiling.



Wedding couple dances together in a dimly lit reception hall with dramatic lighting creating a romantic atmosphere.
Couple dancing on a lit dance floor during their first dance at a wedding reception with purple mood lighting.
A couple dances together at a wedding reception while guests watch from the dance floor in a dimly lit ballroom.
Two people share an elegant dance together at an evening reception in black and white.
A couple shares their first dance as newlyweds on a wooden dance floor at an elegant ballroom reception venue.
Wedding guests dancing together on a dimly lit dance floor during an evening reception celebration.
Wedding reception guests dance and celebrate on a dimly lit dance floor during an evening celebration.
Groomsmen perform a choreographed dance routine at a wedding reception on the dance floor.
Reception guests dancing and mingling on a ballroom dance floor at an evening celebration event.
People enjoying drinks and socializing at an evening party in a dimly lit venue.
Wedding guests dancing energetically on a dark dance floor illuminated by bright spotlight beams during reception celebration.
A pair dancing in formal attire under purple lighting while guests watch from the sides.
Two wedding guests in elegant dresses having fun singing and dancing at a reception party with dimmed lighting.
Four party guests posing together at a dimly lit event, with one wearing red heart-shaped party glasses.
Two men in formalwear laugh and share a joyful moment on the dance floor at an indoor evening celebration.
Wedding guests dance joyously under bright spotlights at an evening reception celebration.
Groomsmen celebrate on the dance floor at a dimly lit wedding reception.
Enthusiastic dancing at a wedding reception as guests celebrate on the dance floor with decorative lighting.
Wedding party guests dancing and celebrating energetically on a dance floor with purple uplighting in a ballroom.
Three people happily dancing together at an indoor reception with tables and lighting in the background.
People enjoying themselves on a dance floor with warm lighting at an indoor celebration event.
Person in light-colored attire dances enthusiastically with raised arms on a dance floor with pink and purple lighting.
Two wedding guests dance energetically on an illuminated dance floor with pink lighting and decorative elements.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating on a crowded dance floor at the Hamlet Court Johnstown. Les Kelly Photography Offaly Kildare Midlands
Wedding guests dancing and enjoying themselves at lively party at the Hamlet Court Johnstown. Les Kelly Photography Offaly Kildare Midlands.
Wedding reception dance floor filled with guests at the Hamlet Court Johnstown. Les Kelly Photography Offaly Kildare Midlands.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating at the Hamlet Court Johnstown. Les Kelly Photography Offaly Kildare Midlands.
Wedding guests joyfully dance together at a reception at the Hamlet Court Johnstown. Les Kelly Photography Offaly Kildare Midlands.

 



Tips for Future Couples Planning Their Wedding



Nicola and Ben’s wedding was a perfect example of a day that reflected their personalities and values. Here are a few takeaways and tips based on their experience:


1. Build Your Wedding Checklist Early


Start planning as soon as you can. Prioritise the big things first – venue, celebrant, photographer, band. Nicola and Ben booked their venue and vendors early, which gave them peace of mind and plenty of time to focus on the personal touches.


2. Choosing Your Photographer


Your wedding photographer is with you throughout the day, so it’s important to find someone you connect with. Look for someone whose style resonates with you, and make sure you feel relaxed in their presence. A pre-wedding consultation or engagement shoot is a great way to break the ice.


3. Personal Touches Make the Difference


From Nicola designing her own stationery to the carefully chosen music and florals, this wedding felt truly unique to the couple. Don’t be afraid to DIY certain elements or include family traditions – it’s these little details that make your day unforgettable.


4. Surround Yourself with Trusted Suppliers


Nicola and Ben chose an amazing team of local suppliers who brought their vision to life. The Hamlet Court Hotel team were attentive and kind, the vendors all worked seamlessly together, and everyone went the extra mile to make the day special.


5. Be Present


It’s easy to get caught up in the logistics, but the best advice is to be fully present. Take moments throughout the day to pause, breathe, and soak it all in – just like Nicola and Ben did.


Final Thoughts


Nicola and Ben’s wedding was a dream to photograph. It was romantic, relaxed, and filled with the kind of love that makes this job so special. Thank you both for trusting Les Kelly Photography to capture your day – it was truly an honour.


If you’re planning your own wedding and looking for a photographer who will tell the full story of your day with heart and authenticity, we would love to hear from you.


Until next time,

Les & Emily


"Tell your story.....without saying a word"