A Joyful Spring Day — Zehra & Richard’s Crowne Plaza Leeds Wedding Photography
Zehra & Richard brought such warmth to this spring wedding at Crowne Plaza Leeds. The sun showed up for them — lighting the trees in the little garden area behind the venue, where we slipped away for a few quiet portraits. Zehra’s smile is something I remember from their engagement session too — never far away, always genuine.
The day was full of light and energy, from morning prep right through to the dancing. A brilliant city celebration — and a couple it was a joy to photograph. I had the pleasure of photographing Zehra & Richard’s wedding at the Crowne Plaza in Leeds — one of a few lovely celebrations I’ve captured at this city-centre spot.
Zehra beams as her hair is carefully styled.
I remember this moment
— Zehra was already full of energy,
just like at their Kirkstall Abbey shoot.
Still in her gown, hands resting on the chair,
she lit up the room.
Her smile never wavered.
The Morning in Leeds — Laughter, Love, and Quiet Moments
Every part of the morning felt alive — not just with nerves, but with real joy. Zehra’s laughter filled the bridal suite, her smile never far from her face, even as the final touches were made. From pink sparkly heels to last-minute selfies, there was this brilliant, contagious warmth — one of those mornings where time bends a little.
Some of my favourite images came quietly — a hug for Zehra’s dad, her nephew caught mid-straighten, four bridesmaids deep in conversation. Nothing posed, nothing forced. Just the rhythm of a wedding day unfolding naturally.
I always take colour and black and white, but there’s something about these soft monochrome frames that holds the emotion in a different way. Photographing mornings like this in Leeds — especially in such relaxed, real spaces — is a real privilege.
A quiet smile as hair prep continues.
This might be one of my favourites
— the joy on her face even with her eyes closed.
There’s something timeless about this one in black and white.
Zehra’s energy filled the morning.
No cold feet here. Zehra was absolutely radiant from the start
— excitement in every expression.
Even the hairdresser joins the laughter.
One of those candid prep photos that tells the story.
Hair across her face, laughter bubbling over
— even the stylist couldn’t help but smile.
Friends arrive, and Zehra lights up.
That open-mouthed laugh says it all.
Friends gathered at the door, catching sight of her nearly-ready look
— the energy was infectious.
Suits in hand, spirits already high.
A brief appearance from the boys
— just enough to add to the morning buzz
without stealing the spotlight.
Last-minute details, nerves gently showing.
In a quieter corner of the suite, her cousin carefully adjusted the cravat.
A stillness in the air — parents watching on, quietly proud.
Not one for hugs, but this one mattered.
He looked surprised
— maybe not used to open affection
— but it softened him.
One of those blink-and-you-miss-it moments.
Final touches with light streaming in.
There’s something peaceful about this one.
A pause before stepping into the dress,
and into the day she’d imagined for so long.
The dress waiting quietly on the sofa.
I always photograph the dress in colour too
— but this one worked so beautifully in black and white.
These details help tell the full story,
even when it’s hard to choose which images make the final cut.
Leeds weddings always bring such character to prep spaces.
Sparkly pink heels ready for the day ahead.
The dress drapes softly beside them in the quiet before the ceremony.
I always try to photograph the little things as well
— shoes, lace, fabrics and light.
These sparkly pink heels rested near the dress as it flowed gently over the sofa.
It’s often these quiet corners of the room that hold so much anticipation.
Caught experimenting with the straighteners — no shame, just smiles.
There’s always that one moment that makes everyone laugh
— Zehra’s nephew caught in the act, but totally unbothered.
These in-between family moments feel so real and unexpected.
Four bridesmaids sitting close, already glowing with joy.
These four shared that calm glow that only real friends bring.
I loved the softness of their pink dresses against the sofa
and the gentle energy in the room as things slowly came together.
I asked them to just chat — and the joy took care of itself.
There’s something special about inviting people to pause,
chat, and simply be themselves.
This was one of those in-between moments where nothing was posed,
just friendship in motion.
But it was clearly something joyful and heartfelt.
I’ve no idea what this relative was saying,
but his hands were flying and his smile was wide.
These are the moments that only families can create
— familiar, fast, and full of warmth.
A light moment between bridesmaids — all part of the joy.
I quietly watched as these two grabbed a quick selfie.
No big production, just a flash of fun.
These little scenes are what make
documentary wedding photography so meaningful to me.
Layers of lace, smiles, and helping hands.
Zehra stood so calmly in her dress
— jewel details glinting, layers of lace softly folding around her.
One bridesmaid fanned her, one helped with the train,
and another just looked on with a quiet smile.
Richard’s dad sharing a few words before it all begins.
A simple photo, but one I love.
Richard’s dad sat calmly, talking to his son
— something about the posture and light just felt timeless.
These are the moments I always hope to catch quietly.
A quiet smile before the big moment.
This black-and-white frame of Richard felt right
— the light, the calm, the balance.
One leg resting on the other, just a natural turn and smile.
It’s often in these unscripted moments that someone’s real energy shines through.
A Warm, Joyful Ceremony in the Heart of Leeds
From the moment Zehra reached the front of the room, you could feel the joy ripple through every row. Their Crowne Plaza Leeds wedding ceremony was full of laughter, meaningful glances, and easy moments — no stiffness, no formality for formality’s sake.
I always try to capture ceremonies like this as they unfold — the real smiles, the sideways glances, the shared jokes mid-vows. Whether it’s a tender first kiss or a playful pretend signature, it’s those honest, unscripted moments that stay with you.
A shared smile, a quiet exchange before the ceremony begins.
That moment just before vows
— a glance back, a look forward,
all held together in a breath.
Zehra’s wide smile says everything.
They look like they’ve always belonged here
— no nerves, just laughter between them.
A moment of connection across the room.
Even during vows, they stayed connected
to the people around them
— pure joy in every direction.
So much said without words.
This part always feels timeless
— hands trembling slightly,
smiles held wide and true.
Their smiles never waver.
There’s something powerful in symmetry
— the way they look at each other, steady and calm.
A pause in the celebration.
You can almost hear the applause about to start
— but for now, just this stillness between them.
Nothing about this felt stiff or posed.
Weddings don’t need to be serious all the time
— this bit felt like pure fun.
Guests leaning in, sharing the moment.
These unscripted bits
— they always give more than the official ones.
A B&W moment bursting with emotion.
This is the start of something
— the official bit done,
the real celebration about to begin.
The ceiling glows, just like them.
Sometimes it’s the light that tells the story
— Leeds venues like this offer unexpected colour.
surrounded by trees and soft sun.
A quiet moment away from the crowd
— their first portrait as a married couple.
The soft greens and warm
Leeds sunshine wrapped around them.
captured as Richard says something perfectly him.
Moments like this
— real laughter, real connection
— are why I love photographing weddings like theirs.
All heart, all honesty.
The spring light pouring in.
It felt like July, but it was April
— a rare warm day in Leeds.
They walked forward together,
faces lit with quiet joy.
the garden held their stillness.
That little city garden
— full of light, reflections, and possibility.
Even the windows joined in,
holding the Leeds skyline in glass.
of sunlight and spring green.
Their hands gently locked, their embrace effortless
— framed by warmth and the hush of a spring afternoon in the city.
caught in the moment between poses.
I asked them to talk to each other instead of looking at me
— and this is what we got.
Natural connection, love on every face.
all joy as the group expands.
As the circle grew, so did the smiles
— a gathering of families,
arms linked and hearts open.
but you can still feel the sun.
The light hits differently in monochrome,
but the emotion remains just as bright
— every grin a burst of warmth.
sunlight between them and full hearts.
That proud, content expression on his face says everything.
A pause together, held in soft spring light.
smiles stretching wide in the sun.
Both families now one, arms across
shoulders and smiles to match
— a warm, gentle crowd beneath blue skies in Leeds.
brothers in perfect sync.
There’s something timeless in this kind of brotherly pose
— full of pride, mischief and sunshine.
quiet strength and ease between them.
No need to pose
— just a glance, a grin,
and years of shared history between them.
Zehra in the middle, radiant.
This moment had everyone laughing
— pure joy and affection, captured with a kiss on each cheek.
their closeness shining through.
You could feel the bond between them
— laughter that lingered, and light that made it sing.
lined up with smiles and sparkle.
Friends that feel like family
— every one of them bringing the energy
and love that carried the day.
a still pause with mum and sister.
A soft moment in the middle of it all
— a young girl drifting in thought,
with her world close beside her.
and that knowing little smile.
Sometimes it’s the smallest look that tells the biggest story
— playful, sweet, and right on cue.
the city just beyond his breath.
A quiet moment of curiosity
— the kind you only notice if you’re really watching.
His world just beginning to open.
scrolling through in-between moments.
Phones appear everywhere
— even here. But they’re still together, still part of the day,
caught in a rare pause.
a quiet smile shared.
That warm feeling of being at the right table,
with the right person
— happy, seen, completely present.
It was such a pleasure documenting Zehra & Richard’s wedding — the kind of day that reminds me why I love this job. Joy, light, and real connection. If you’re planning your own city-centre wedding in Leeds and want natural, storytelling photography, I’d love to hear from you. You can head back to my Leeds weddings homepage for more local venues, real stories, and honest photography.
Their fun-filled Kirkstall Abbey engagement session is featured in my Leeds engagement gallery — full of laughter, sunlight, and easy connection before the big day.
Want to see more lovely Leeds weddings? Head over to my Wedding Portfolio Page to explore lots of real stories from around the city and beyond.
Crowne Plaza Leeds, West Yorkshire — beautifully documented by a Leeds wedding photographer. Zehra & Richard’s wedding took place here in spring, with sunshine, city views, and a peaceful garden space for portraits.
