Holdsworth House Halifax wedding

Holdsworth House located in Halifax, stands as a testament to history. Steeped in rich heritage dating back to the 17th century. This impressive country house, nestled amidst the rolling hills of West Yorkshire, offers a unique experience that is sure to captivate any visitor. Holdswoth House is a place where the past is honoured, the present is cherished, and the future is eagerly anticipated.

Inside the grand walls of Holdsworth House, there was calmness that fills the room on the morning of Gemma and Matt’s wedding day. Glimmers of natural light sneak through the diamond-patterned windows. Laughter mingles with the clinking of champagne glasses as the bridal party indulges in a glass of bubbly. Soft, romantic curls flow effortlessly down Gemma’s back, complementing the timeless elegance of her dress as she readies herself for one the most important days in her life. Meanwhile in the courtyard, Matt and his groomsmen prepare for the day ahead, their laughter echoing through the manicured grounds of Holdsworth House. They carefully adjust their ties and fasten buttonhole flowers. As they stand side by side, a sense of camaraderie and anticipation fills the air.

Welcome to the highlights to Gemma & Matt’s wedding at Holdsworth House, complete with a post-wedding Q&A with the newlyweds.

Tell us about how you met & your proposal

In 2013, we went to Amsterdam and came back as a couple. We were together until we both finished University and I moved to London and Matt stayed in Yorkshire. Being 21, we decided we were too young for long distance, so went our separate ways . Fast forward to 2021 I decided to move back home to Yorkshire when Matt and I rekindled our relationships. December 2022, Matt took me to Aldwark Manor as a surprise. I came out of the bathroom, and realised ‘a thousand years’ was playing. Matt grabbed my hand to started slow dancing in his nervous state and then got down on one knee and proposed!

Hear the full story here

Wedding Photography at Holdsworth House

What were your first and important steps for wedding planning?

We have only ever had 3 requirements. Good food, good music and a relaxed/happy atmosphere. I would say, the first step is to make a list of what you want from your day, and plan around that.

Tell us about choosing the dress

I have never been one who dreams of their wedding or the dress. It was a new world to me. I tried on so many dresses, but this one just felt different. It is something I would have never gone for. I went with the intention to buy a plain simple wedding dress. What I came out with was so much more, and I would never look back. They say that you just know, and maybe that was the case, but the real reason I bought the dress? It was the only one that brought tears to the room.

What are your memories of walked down the aisle/ waited for your bride?

Matt – I remember being stood at the front with all eyes on me for what seemed like hours waiting for the bridal party, in reality it was only 5 minutes.

Gemma - Honestly, very few! It was such a rush, it felt like it was over in seconds. I do remember seeing Matt’s face; he looked very sweet. I do remember my dress becoming wrapped around my ankle, but luckily Gemma spotted something was wrong and helped me out!

Often the aspect that makes a wedding original to the couple is the detail, what aspect we’re important to you?

Gemma – My most important part of the day, above getting married of course, was that everyone came and had a fun time. We are very relaxed people and go with the flow mostly, and I wanted people to come and be themselves, and not feel they have to be ‘perfect’ as we certainly are not! This is why Gemma’s approach to our day was so perfect, she was perfect at just moving through the crowds and taking candid shots.

Matt – Being close to my father-in-law's guide dog Astley, it was important to incorporate him into our day with personalised collar and having him walk down the aisle also.

What did you love about Holdsworth House, why did you choose it as your wedding venue?

Where to start. From the minute we arrived we loved Holdsworth House. The staff were so friendly when they greeted us and made us feel at home. Following a relaxed, ‘non-salesy' chat, we then had chance to look around the venue, and it is safe to say we fell in love. It is beautiful inside and out and we loved that it had so much history. We stayed for dinner that night, and that topped off our decision as the food was to die for. We called to reserve the date the next day.

Were there any personal touches that reflected who you individually or as a couple?

Matt – It was important to us that guests were not getting bored while photos were taking place. We had crazy golf (stolen from a previous wedding) but loved the idea. It was a great addition to keep kids and big kids entertained.

Gemma – We wrote a card to every guest and left these on the tables. The day goes so quickly and you barely get chance to have a full conversation with everyone, so this really helped us make people understand how thankful they were that they endured the travel and cost involved in coming to our wedding. We are really family people so this was important to us.

What was the most important wedding investments for you and why? Is there anyone that you want to shout out? (suppliers or guests)

Gemma - Firstly, the food and drink, but that is simply because my family are major foodies and love a good drink! The second was the photographer and videographer. The day goes by so fast, you cannot possibly remember or see it all. We had lots of family there that you do not get to see often and people who had travelled so far. To have those moments with us forever is one of the best things you can invest in. God, just everyone who came and made it so special. Gemma, and her second photographer, Craig and Lana the videographer, made the day so easy. I swear they said goodbye 3 times and they were still wandering around taking some candid shots!

Matt – Photographer Gemma, Craig and Lana again! Craig for helping the guys get ready and take those special shots. All went above and beyond what we hoped for from them all.

What’ your favourite memory from the day?

Gemma – There are too many to choose from, but my favourite memories include the get ready period in the morning (one of the calmest parts of the day) and also the vows. Writing our own vows was one of the best things we did.

Matt – Vows. I loved that we both wrote vows and coincidentally mentioned Gemma’s addiction to Jaffa Cakes. Second photographer Gemma for suggesting the ‘throw the groom up in the air’ photo was a highlight and talking point of the day. Just do not do it after a few pints and a 4 course meal.

Why did you choose your photographer?

From the very first zoom call with Gemma she made us feel at ease. Booking a photographer is something most people might only do once in a lifetime, and it feels like a huge deal! We met Gemma and we both finished the call and pretty much knew she was the one. The engagement shoot was a great feature, and helped us get to know Gemma and how it all works. Honestly, we could not have asked for a better photographer, thank you.

Did the day go as expected? Is there anything you would do differently?

We are both very lucky to have come away saying we wouldn’t change a thing about our day. We only wish it was longer or we can re-live the experience from start to finish.

Any advice you can share with a couple planning a wedding?

Gemma – Relax and try to enjoy it. For example, do not spend longer than 20 minutes on your table plan. We have around 90 people to sit, and refused to spend time on a seating plan. We stuck to the harsh rule, ‘if you cannot sit here and make polite conversation for 2 hours, do not come!’.

Matt – Enjoy it!!! It is not a burden to plan the happiest day of your life.