Crowne Plaza Wedding Photography | LIverpool Wedding Photographer
Suzanne & Paul’s Wedding Story
Bridal Prep At The Crowne Plaza Hotel.
One of my favorite wedding venues in Liverpool City Centre has to be the Crowne Plaza hotel. It's located right on the world-famous waterfront, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Liverpool skyline. This venue is perfect for wedding photographs, featuring a beautiful contrast between the historic architecture of the stunning Three Graces and the modern buildings nearby. With the popular Albert Dock just a short stroll away on one side and the contemporary structures and bridges of the Princes Dock on the other, there are countless opportunities for stunning shots for your wedding album.
Suzanne and Paul’s wedding was one of the rare 2021 weddings that wasn't affected by postponements and rescheduled dates due to COVID. However, there were moments of uncertainty due to potential lockdowns and restrictions. I first met Suzanne and Paul at the Crowne Plaza back in November 2019, unaware of the challenges ahead. It’s always wonderful to instantly connect with a couple, and that was the case with Suzanne and Paul. They were such a lovely, laid-back, and genuine down-to-earth couple. The wait for their wedding felt long after our initial meeting.
Both Suzanne and Paul prepared for their big day at the Crowne Plaza, although in separate parts of the hotel and on different floors, which was quite a workout! It was great to capture some groom prep too. Suzanne, who I’m sure won’t mind me saying, is definitely an emotional person. From the moment I arrived to photograph the bridal prep, emotions ran high. The delivery of the bridal bouquets brought tears, setting the tone for a day filled with real and genuine emotions.
Suzanne had just one bridesmaid, her lovely daughter Jess, who was fantastic on the day. While teens her age often have their heads buried in their phones and everything seems like an effort, Jess was always there to help her mum, even just giving her a hug when needed. The love and bond between them was evident and heartwarming. They even found time to do a quick TikTok dance routine during the wedding morning prep. Jess truly puts many Maids of Honour and Bridesmaids to shame. High fives all around, Jess!
A Little Bit Of Groom Prep Too.
With Paul also staying at the same hotel as Suzanne, it was nice to get a chance to shoot some Groom prep too, us men really do have it easy compared to the girls. A quick shower and shave, give your hair a brush(or not), a bit of aftershave and spray of deodorant and we’re pretty much done-EASY!!
Kissing The Ring!
It’s traditional for the Bride to be a little bit late for the wedding ceremony and Suzanne kept us waiting (not too long) but I’m pretty sure it was only while she had a bit of a wobble, another little cry the other side of the door and to compose herself before walking down the aisle. After photographing over 100 weddings, I’d have to say just when I think I’ve seen it all and there’s not many things left to see, SURPRISE!! During this one there really was a first and It happened during the vows and the exchanging of the rings, the celebrant running through the ceremony said to Paul after he’d put the ring on Suzanne’s finger, “do you want to give her a little kiss?” he misheard what she’d said an proceeded to lift up Suzanne’s hand and innocently planted a smacker right on her wedding ring and everyone cracked off laughing and then even funnier and not to be outdone, Suzanne with a cheeky laugh did the same to Paul when it was his turn for the ring, everyone set of laughing again and summed up her personality perfectly, just a brilliant moment and when I eventually hang up my cameras for good it’ll definitely be one of the memories that stays with me.
The Iconic Liverpool Waterfront
As I said right at the start, the Crowne Plaza is in the perfect location to make the most of Liverpool’s historic, world famous waterfront and Suzanne and Paul were certainly keen to do that. Starting off at the docks just outside the hotel, Suzanne gave us all a quick flash of her garter belt as she made her way down the steps from the viewing platform, we then went for a short walk around the Princes dock before crossing the busy dock road with all the roadworks going on at the time as we headed over to the beautiful gardens in the church of our Lady and Saint Nicholas, one of my favourite places to take a couple for portraits, as well as the lovely little garden, you also get a great view of the Liver Building too.
*A little first anniversary update…
Suzanne sent me these brilliant couple of photos on instagram from their recent trip into Liverpool, recreating memories from their wedding day, great fun!
Party Time
On to the evening, and everyone was having a great time. Just before the cake cutting and first dance were about to happen, Paul disappeared. It turned out he had gone off to the hotel room, eager to get out of his wedding suit and relax with the guests, so he changed into something more comfortable. When he realized they hadn't yet done the cake cutting and first dance, he quickly had to run back to the room and change back into his wedding attire.
Suzanne had planned a surprise for Paul: the brilliant Andy Bailey, King of Swing, performing classic Rat Pack hits from legends like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, Nat King Cole, and more. He kept everyone dancing and having a fantastic time. It was a lovely day with a lovely couple.
