A couple is standing on a stage, holding hands, and smiling while wearing formal wedding attire. They are surrounded by an audience, with two large black balloons framing them in the foreground. The scene is dimly lit, creating a spotlight effect on the couple. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.

Victoria & David // Summer Wedding at the Shankly Hotel, Liverpool.

ByLewis Bishop

From Northamptonshire to Liverpool. Photographing Weddings across the UK is a dream come true! The Shankly Hotel is like nothing else.

If you are looking for a Shankly Hotel Liverpool wedding photographer, Victoria and David’s wedding shows exactly why a day with a clear idea and plenty of personality photographs so well. Their rooftop ceremony was followed by a Peaky Blinders inspired daytime celebration, then an all out Great Gatsby evening. It was full of people, proper atmosphere and more entertainment than I could possibly predict.

I travelled to Liverpool the day before, which meant I could see the hotel, get my bearings and arrive at the wedding morning feeling ready rather than wondering what the traffic had in store. A very sensible decision when you have an early start and a couple trusting you with the whole story.

IN ALL HONESTY, I DO NOT KNOW WHERE TO EVEN START WHEN TYPING UP THIS BLOG.

THERE WAS JUST SO MUCH HAPPENING ON THE DAY IT’S HARD TO REMEMBER EVERY LITTLE DETAIL.

This was one of those weddings where the plans were not trying to fit a template. Victoria and David had made the day their own from the start.

What did Victoria and David plan for their Shankly Hotel wedding?

The daytime theme took its cue from Peaky Blinders. For the evening, the mood moved into Great Gatsby territory. It was bold, fun and completely theirs.

I even arrived in a flat cap and white shirt, which was a first for me. You have to commit to the brief when the brief is that good.

Themes work best when they are part of the atmosphere rather than a rule everyone has to follow. Here, the details gave the day a direction, but the people still made it. Friends and family came ready to celebrate, and that is always where the real story is.

There were well over 200 guests, so the room was never short of a reaction. From the first hugs to the later dancing, there was always something happening somewhere. That is the joy of a big wedding. You cannot see it all as the couple. That is where I come in.

How did the day begin in the Presidential Suite?

I met Victoria and her bridesmaids in the Presidential Suite at 9am. The morning had that mixture every wedding morning seems to have. Excitement, finishing touches, people helping each other and the occasional moment where everyone briefly asks the same question at once.

I like arriving early enough to let the morning unfold. There is no need to turn preparations into a performance. I photograph the small things as they happen, the laughs, the nerves, the last checks and the moment someone sees the finished look properly for the first time.

That documentary led approach carries through the whole day. I am there for the atmosphere as much as the obvious big moments.

What was the rooftop ceremony like?

Once everyone was ready, I headed up to the rooftop for the ceremony. The weather played nicely, guests were already smiling and the view was full of people who were clearly delighted to be there.

Before a ceremony begins, there is a brilliant little window of anticipation. Guests are finding their seats. Someone is pretending not to cry before anything has even happened. Friends are looking for each other across the space. I always look for those moments because they become part of the story too.

IT’S HARD TO PUT INTO WORDS HOW Fantastic THE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE AT THE SHANKLY HOTEL IS BUT IT REALLY WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL

  • A black and white photo captures a woman reflected in an ornate oval mirror. She is seated with her arms crossed, looking away from the mirror. The background features patterned curtains and a textured wall. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A woman is reflected in a round, ornate mirror as she applies makeup with a brush. The mirror has a circular frame made up of small, gold, flower-like designs. The woman has a focused expression and is wearing a black tank top. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A woman with long, dark hair, wearing a floral robe, sits on a tufted leather couch. She is smiling and looking slightly to the left. Next to her are a bag and some scattered items, including a phone. The background is softly illuminated, showing a patterned wall. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • Two women sit on a leather sofa in a room with large windows. The woman on the right, wearing a white top and dark shorts, is smiling and looking away. The woman on the left, in a colorful robe, leans towards her, holding a phone. A striped bag is on a table nearby. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • Black and white photo of two women indoors. One woman is sitting on a couch, smiling and looking ahead. The other woman is next to her, focused on her phone, and wearing a striped dress. The setting appears casual and relaxed, with some items visible on the side. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A man in a suit and tie sits in the front passenger seat of a classic blue car, smiling. A young boy in formal attire is visible behind him, also smiling. The car's window is partially rolled down, and the interior is cream-colored. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A young boy in vintage attire, including a bow tie, suspenders, and a cap, is sitting in the back seat of a classic car. He is smiling widely and flashing a peace sign with his right hand. The car's interior features cream-colored upholstery. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • Three women are standing and smiling in a bedroom. The woman in the center is wearing a white floral robe, while the women on either side are wearing matching purple floral robes. The room is elegantly decorated with a plush bed, nightstands, and lamps in the background. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • Two women in floral purple robes stand smiling in a warmly lit room with textured golden walls. A dresser with a lamp and bags on a chair are on the left, and another woman stands in the background wearing a colorful dress, looking towards the camera. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil is turned towards an older man in a blue checkered suit and brown tie, who is standing and holding a cane inside a warmly lit room. The room features textured golden walls, circular windows, and a mosaic-tiled area with steps. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A bride in a white wedding dress and veil hugs an elderly man in a blue plaid suit and flat cap with eyes closed and a joyful expression. The background features golden textured walls and a small window with curtains. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A bride in a white dress stands beside three bridesmaids in matching champagne-colored sequin dresses. They are standing in an elegant room with vintage decor, including a tufted headboard, chandelier, and ornate mirror. The bridesmaids wear corsages on their wrists. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.

SO ONCE EVERYONE WAS ALL DRESSED AND READY TO HEAD UP TO THE CEREMONY, I MADE MY WAY TO THE ROOFTOP WHERE THE WEDDING CEREMONY WAS BEING HELD.

Victoria and David’s ceremony had plenty of emotion, a few tears and that proper release when they were announced as married. The photographs from that moment are never just about the couple. They are about the people around them, the parents, the friends and all the faces that say, yes, this is a big one.

How did the entertainment shape the drinks reception and meal?

After the ceremony, the day did not ease off. It got busier.

There was a Punch and Judy show, with more entertainment for the children during the wedding breakfast. The children ate earlier, which meant they had things to keep them occupied while the adults sat down. That was a thoughtful part of the plan and it gave the whole day an easy rhythm.

Then came the singing waiters. At one point, a conga line formed during the meal. You cannot ask for a more honest guest reaction than a room suddenly getting to its feet because the mood has taken over.

Later on, there were stilt walkers, tap dancers, a magician, salsa dancers and casino themed games, along with a jazz musician. There was always a new surprise around the corner. It could have felt like a lot, but it worked because Victoria and David were clearly enjoying it with everyone else.

  • A crowd of people dressed in semi-formal attire sits outdoors during a sunny day. A smiling woman with wavy blonde hair, wearing a floral dress and a large hat, holds a hand fan. Other attendees, including a man beside her and a woman with red hair, are seated nearby. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A young child in a pink dress and white shoes joyfully walks down the aisle outside, surrounded by seated adults dressed in formal attire. The event appears to be a wedding or a formal gathering, with people smiling and watching the child. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A smiling young girl in a white and gold dress holds hands with an older man in a suit as they walk down a grassy aisle, surrounded by people clapping and taking photos. Another young boy in suspenders and a flat cap follows behind, holding a hat. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A smiling bride in a white dress and veil is walking down the aisle with an older man in a checkered suit and hat. They are outdoors, surrounded by guests clapping and taking photos, with a backdrop of green foliage and white floral arrangements. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • An older man wearing a plaid suit, flat cap, and orange-tinted sunglasses stands among a crowd at an outdoor event. He is flanked by a woman in a floral dress on his right. The crowd, dressed in formal attire, is focused on something happening in front of them. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A couple stands holding hands, smiling broadly during an outdoor wedding ceremony. The groom, in a brown plaid suit and flat cap, and the bride, in a white lace dress and veil, face the officiant. Seated guests watch the event, with greenery and a blue wall as the backdrop. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A bride in a white gown and a groom in a tan suit walk down an aisle outdoors under a wooden arch adorned with white flowers. Guests stand on either side, dressed in various styles, watching the couple proceed. It's a sunny day with a clear sky. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A newlywed couple sits at a table adorned with white flowers and greenery on a rooftop. The bride wears a lace dress and smiles, while the groom wears a tweed suit and a flat cap, looking ahead. The cityscape is visible in the background. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.

AFTER THE CEREMONY THIS IS WHERE THE ENTERTAINMENT BEGAN AND WAS PRETTY MUCH NON STOP UNTIL THE END OF THE NIGHT!

As a photographer, days like this are a gift. Not because I am trying to tick off a list of entertainment, but because every part creates a different reaction. Children watching. Friends laughing. Somebody getting unexpectedly pulled into a dance. The little looks that say, what is happening now?

That is the real stuff.

How did the first dance become a surprise?

The first dance caught more than one of us out. I expected it to happen on the main dance floor. Victoria and David had a different plan.

They were led to a stage, where a tribute played on the big screen. It was a delicate, personal moment in the middle of a day that had been so lively. I had to move quickly, get the lighting and camera gear in place and make sure I did not miss it.

That is wedding photography in a nutshell. You can have a plan, and you should have one. But you also need to be ready for the moment that has not been written down. The surprise, the tears, the laughter, the reaction from the room. Those are often the photographs people come back to.

How do I photograph a busy wedding without taking over?

My job is not to slow a wedding down. It is to keep up with it, notice what matters and make the practical bits easy when I need to step in.

For the vast majority of the day, I work around what is already happening. The hugs after the ceremony. Guests catching up. The noise around the tables. The dancing that starts before anyone has officially declared the dancing open. I want you to enjoy your wedding while still ending up with photographs you absolutely love.

I will guide the useful parts, such as confetti, group photographs and portraits, so they do not become a long interruption. The rest of the time, I let the day happen.

I photographed Victoria and David’s wedding for just over 12 hours, but the time moved quickly because there was so much life in it. Their ideas were big, but the story was still about them and the people who came to celebrate with them.

What made this Shankly Hotel wedding memorable?

It was the mix of things. A rooftop ceremony in good weather. Two themes that suited the couple. A room full of guests. Entertainment that kept moving. A first dance none of us saw coming.

More than that, it was the fact that Victoria and David had fun with it. They did not seem worried about making the day look like somebody else’s wedding. They made space for their people, their ideas and a proper celebration.

That is always worth photographing.

If you are planning a wedding at the Shankly Hotel in Liverpool and want photographs that hold onto the atmosphere, the big moments and all the unexpected bits in between, I would love to hear what you are planning. Ask away, any time.

  • A young boy dressed in white with suspenders and a bow tie sits on the floor, looking upward. Other children, dressed in fancy attire, stand nearby. One girl wears a dress with a tulle skirt and a large bow, while a boy in a blue suit sits on the right. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A black-and-white photo of a baby wearing a checked flat cap, a white shirt, and dark shorts with suspenders, crawling on grass. The baby has a cheerful expression with an open mouth. In the blurred background, there are people and a stroller. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A close-up of a bride holding a glass of champagne in her right hand. She is wearing a white lace wedding dress, and her left arm holds a white horseshoe with the text "A PROMISE OF FOREVER" and two small heart embellishments. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A group of people socializing at an outdoor event. A woman in a blue dress is laughing with a drink in hand, sitting next to a man in a light blue shirt. Other guests are seen mingling in the background. The scene appears lively and joyous. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A woman in a blue dress raises a glass and smiles amid a crowded festive gathering. Beside her, a man also holds up a glass in a toast. Other guests in the background appear to be engaged in the celebration. The atmosphere is joyful and lively. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A woman with blonde hair and glasses, dressed in a light-colored outfit, sits at an elegantly set table, clapping her hands. She is surrounded by other people who are engaged in conversation. The table has white flowers, candles, and various drinks. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A woman with long, dark hair and wearing a light-colored top is sitting at a table during a formal event. She is smiling and resting her chin on her hand. The table is adorned with wine bottles, glasses, and floral arrangements. Other people are seated in the background. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A young man in a white shirt and maroon tie sits at a table, smiling and resting his chin on his hand during a lively gathering. People around him are engaged in conversation, featuring glasses of drinks and table decorations. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A person in formal attire carries a black slate plate with an assortment of gourmet appetizers. The plate includes stuffed pastry cups topped with balsamic drizzle, spring rolls on a bed of shredded vegetables, toast slices, and a glass with shrimp cocktail. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A bride in a white dress speaks into a microphone at a wedding reception. A guest in a floral dress and large blue hat attentively listens, seated at a table decorated with white flowers, candles, and wine glasses. Other guests are seen in the background. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • An elderly woman and man, both smiling and waving, lead a line of dancing people outdoors. The woman is wearing a patterned dress, and the man is in a white shirt. Other adults and children in festive attire follow them, enjoying the celebration. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A young boy with blonde hair, wearing a light blue shirt, laughs joyfully while holding a small red ball in a relaxed outdoor social setting. People are seated on gray sofas in the background, engaged in conversation. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • Three men in formal attire share a joyful moment outdoors. The man in the center, holding a smartphone, smiles and clasps hands with one of the men while the other man claps. The background shows a cityscape with buildings under a cloudy sky. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A woman wearing a silver sequined costume and white gloves holds large white feather fans above her head against a blue background. She has long blonde hair and is smiling at the camera. She appears to be dressed for a performance or celebration. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A smiling toddler with brown hair, adorned with a small pink hair clip, sits in a beige stroller on a green lawn. She is wearing a light pink sleeveless top and looking up at the camera with a happy expression. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A bride in a white dress with a fur stole smiles and holds a champagne glass. She is surrounded by guests who are dancing and mingling. The background includes a little boy in a white shirt sitting at a table. The scene appears to be a festive celebration. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A group of dancers in 1920s flapper-style costumes perform on a black and white checkered dance floor. The lead dancer in front wears a silver sequined top, black fringe skirt, and headband with a feather, while others hold white feathered fans. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A man kneels on a black and white checkered dance floor holding a microphone, looking up at a woman performing in a white feathered costume and headband, with other similarly dressed performers and large illuminated "18" numbers visible in the background. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A bald man wearing a blue checkered suit with an orange tie is smiling and standing on a grassy area. It looks like it's raining as there are rain droplets on his suit. In the background, there is a wooden arch decorated with flowers, suggesting an outdoor event. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A man in a black suit and bow tie stands beside a woman in a sequined black dress holding a drink. They are at a formal event with colorful lighting, white floral decorations, and other attendees in the background. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A person in a maroon jacket and black hat performs with a silver cane in front of a group of dancers dressed in sparkly costumes. In the background, large illuminated "1920" numbers and other dancers in vintage attire can be seen. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A group of eight women, including one in a wedding gown, pose for a photo on a grassy rooftop with a city skyline and clock tower in the background. The sky is blue with scattered clouds, and the women are wearing a variety of dresses, smiling at the camera. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
  • A man in a white shirt and blue vest is laughing at a festive event. He is wearing a headpiece with large white feathers, and a woman next to him is holding her arm up, also with white feathers. People in the background are smiling, and a child is in the foreground. Image by Documentary Wedding Photographer Lewis Bishop Photography.
Lewis Bishop

Similar Posts