Emma and Nicholas were determined to get at least some photographs at the abbey, and their wedding photographer, David McLean of DMC Photography, was happy to go along with their wishes.

Newlyweds brave Storm Béola for wedding photos at Bective Abbey

Sally Harding

Published: Tue 27 Oct 2026, 3:42 PM

Last updated: Tue 27 Oct 2026, 3:50 PM

Storm Beolo may have brought wind and rain to Meath on Saturday, but it was not going to stop newlyweds Emma Brady and Nicholas Dillon from getting their dream wedding photographs.

Following their wedding ceremony at the Newgrange Hotel in Navan, the couple took advantage of a brief lull in the weather to head to Bective Abbey, accompanied by their bridesmaids and groomsmen.

However, by the time the wedding party arrived at the historic site, the wind and rain had returned in force.

Undeterred, Emma and Nicholas were determined to get at least some photographs at the abbey, and their wedding photographer, David McLean of DMC Photography, was happy to go along with their wishes.

Despite the challenging conditions, the group managed to capture the photographs before retreating from the elements, soaked to the skin.

Their next stop was Crockett’s Bar in Bective, where owners Ailish and Davy Smyth welcomed the bedraggled wedding party with open arms.

A roaring hot stove and some much-needed refreshments provided a welcome opportunity for everyone to warm up and dry off before returning to

the wedding reception at the Newgrange Hotel.

:Singing in the rain... Emma and Nicholas didn’t let Storm Beolo disrupt the Bective Abbey photos. PHOTO COURTESY: DAVID McLEAN

The couple’s unexpected visit also turned into another photographic opportunity, with the bar owners generously allowing David to take some relaxed and fun pictures inside the bar and in its beer garden.

While the weather may have made the day’s photography more challenging than planned, Emma and Nicholas were determined not to let the storm spoil their celebrations.

And thanks to their perseverance, along with the warm welcome from the Smyths, Storm Beolo became an unexpected part of a wedding day to remember.

The wedding news comes as Summerhill racing trainer Gordon Elliott is also preparing for a wedding of his own, having become engaged to long-term partner Kate Harrington, daughter of renowned trainer Jessica Harrington.

The couple have been together for several years and share a career in horse racing, having both started out as jockeys before moving into training. Elliott, who is based at Cullentra House is one of Ireland’s leading racehorse trainers and made history in 2007 when he became the youngest trainer to win the Grand National.

Harrington works alongside her mother Jessica’s racing operation and is also a familiar face on racing television.