The Queens Hotel in Leeds made the perfect backdrop for Olivia and Scott’s elegant city wedding. After meeting them for their pre-wedding shoot, it was a pleasure to return and capture their day in full — from the excitement of the morning to the laughter and dancing well into the night.
I arrived early to meet the hotel team and videographer Adam Skinner, before taking a walk through the three main spaces prepared for the celebrations. The ceremony was held upstairs in The Ark Royal, an elegant room with rows of white-covered chairs facing the ceremony table and the beautiful music of violinist Bianca Blezard. The John Charles Suite was set for the drinks reception, canapés, and speeches, while Palm Court had been transformed for the evening reception with blossom trees, tealights hanging in glass holders, and a sweet trolley. Evening entertainment was provided by Tom & James, who kept the dance floor alive well into the night.
The Details
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Ceremony – The Ark Royal, The Queens Hotel
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Reception, Food & Drinks – The John Charles Suite & Palm Court, The Queens Hotel
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Music – Bianca Blezard (ceremony, pre-party, and reception) & Tom & James (evening band)
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Transport – Classic VW camper van from Love Me Do
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Videography – Adam Skinner
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Décor – Blossom trees, tealights in glass holders, sweet trolley
The Day in Photos
The day began with interior shots of the hotel, capturing the atmosphere and all the carefully considered details. Outside, the groom and groomsmen posed in front of a classic VW camper van parked at the hotel entrance before the arrival of the bridesmaids and, finally, Olivia – radiant against the hotel’s iconic façade.
The ceremony in The Ark Royal was filled with music, smiles, and emotion. Afterwards, guests enjoyed drinks and canapés in The John Charles Suite while Bianca played once again, creating a relaxed and joyful mood. I moved around the room capturing natural moments – guests chatting, laughing, and embracing – before taking Olivia and Scott outside for a few portraits together with the classic VW camper van. We then gathered close friends and family on the magnificent staircase for a set of formal group photographs, the grand backdrop adding a timeless feel.
As the evening approached, Palm Court opened its doors to guests, with blossom trees and candlelight creating a warm and romantic setting. Olivia and Scott made their entrance, cutting the cake before sharing their first dance to live music from Tom & James. The rest of the evening was filled with dancing, mingling, and a buffet to keep the celebrations going. I joined the couple as they visited each table to greet their guests, ensuring everyone was captured in the photographs.
Before the night ended, we stepped outside for a final dusk portrait in front of the hotel. Leeds nightlife was in full swing, so it took careful timing — and a little editing later — to keep the frame clear, but the result was the perfect closing shot to their day.
A Personal Note
A special thank you to Olivia and Scott for their patience in receiving their photographs. Just before I was about to share the final collection, I came off my mountain bike and broke my wrist, which meant surgery and a metal plate – not quite the post-wedding schedule I had planned. Your understanding has meant a lot, and I’m so pleased to now be able to share these photographs from such a beautiful day.
You can see more from Olivia & Scott’s story in their pre-wedding photography at Otley Chevin Park.
View the full wedding gallery here.
