How It All Began: Wedding Films at Castle Durrow, Ireland

Before Maple & Clover, before Toronto, there was Castle Durrow — my family's country house hotel in Ireland, and the place where I shot my very first wedding.

A little about myself (David): I'm a Toronto wedding photographer and filmmaker the creative director behind Maple & Clover. I began my career shooting weddings in Ireland at Castle Durrow (www.castledurrow.com). It was there that I learned my craft and found my style.

Ireland has some incredible scenery — rolling green hills, large country estates, and cozy old man pubs. Filming weddings is by no means an easy task, but when they take place in century-old castles or country-estates, they suddenly become inspiring and enchanting.

If you're getting married in Ireland, or planning a short trip, you'll be spoiled for choice of where to go and stay. Not being biased, I highly recommend Castle Durrow. Nestled in the heartland of Ireland, it's only a short drive from Dublin City Airport, with great access to many parts of the country.

Below are some of my favourite wedding films from those years — the ones that taught me how to tell a couple's story, one frame at a time.

I've learned so much, and my style has evolved (and still does) so much. I don't just love creating beautiful wedding films — I love the challenge too. Nothing is more pleasing to me than receiving a card or email from a past couple sharing how much they adore their wedding film. It makes every day, hour, and minute of my work so much more meaningful, and I'm proud to do what I do.