Real weddings are a great way to gain a true insight into a wedding at Holdsworth House. Here we introduce Alexia and Elliot, who were married at the hotel in 2023. It is with their kind permission, and that of their photographer David Charles Photography and AV, that we share their story with you.
From Toy Story to Love Story
Alexia and Elliot met whilst working together at Toys R Us in West Yorkshire. They spent eight and a half years dating and got engaged in 2022. It was only a year later that they tied the knot.
Living near Leeds and Huddersfield, the couple looked for a venue at a midway point and chose Holdsworth House Hotel in Halifax. Alexia said, “We came to an open day at Holdsworth House the week after getting engaged and just fell in love with the place! We had already decided on our theme and knew Holdsworth House would match it well. It’s a gorgeous venue, has brilliant staff and is super pet friendly, which was a key thing for us”.
Dog-Friendly Wedding in Halifax
Alexia continues, “We brought our dog Laica to be part of the wedding. We rescued her in 2019 from Mayflower Sanctuary in Doncaster. She came from a shelter in Romania where she’d been for over a year. Her name means ‘pure’ and she is a Romanian crossbreed, 7 years old. Laica is a big part of our lives, so it made sense for her to be there on such an important day. Also, it sounds cheesy but we miss her when she isn’t around.” Laica walked down the aisle with groom Elliot and Alexia’s mum, and she remained present for the marriage ceremony (where our team reported she was as good as gold). Laica took part in the family photos before being led back to the quiet of a bedroom when the partying started.
Autumn Theme Wedding
Alexia and Elliot’s theme was autumnal. With their marriage taking place in October, their dream wedding conjured up feelings of warmth and cosiness, with a rustic and intimate vibe. The couple opted for colours of burnt oranges, soft pinks, creams and lush deep burgundy. They used natural grasses, dried flowers and pumpkins – lots of them – to provide earthy, natural tones.
Memorable Moments
In a unique twist to a Holdsworth House wedding, Alexia’s dad had organised a traditional Scottish piper to play just before the ceremony. Alexia said, “He also played us out after the ceremony, back up the aisle, which was lovely. As a family, we have an emotional attachment to bagpipes because my grandad, who is no longer with us, was a piper. My grandad had organised a surprise piper for my mum and dad’s wedding day, so it was wonderful for my dad to continue the tradition.”
How was your day, Q and A
What was the best thing about your day: “Being surrounded by the people we love and being made to feel special throughout the whole day.”
What did you choose for your first dance: “No Tomorrow, by Orson. It’s a bit more upbeat than a traditional first dance song but we’re not slow-dance people.”
What did you choose for your wedding meal: “We had a warming soup, a delicious chicken breast dinner and sticky toffee pudding. Although me [Alexia] and my dad had the pork belly which was delicious!”
How many guests did you invite: “21 to the day: we were set on having a small, intimate wedding ceremony and we’re so happy we made that decision. We had the table in the main function room set out as a hollow square, with everyone facing inwards, which was brilliant as you could see everyone at the table. Then we had about 60 extra guests joining us for the night do.”
Where are your dress and suit from: “My two-piece dress was from Lace & Co in Horbury, near Wakefield. The groom and father of the bride’s suits were Antich Tailors in Huddersfield.”
Who created your flowers: “The Willow Garden, Hebden Bridge.”
Who was your wedding cake maker: “Niki Burns – Naughty Little Cupcake”
And your photographer and videographer: “Colin from David Charlesworth Photography and Charlotte White Weddings for videography.”
Where did you find your bridal party outfits: “We had two bridesmaids – my cousin and Elliot’s sister – and then my sister as maid of honour. They wore merlot-coloured velvet dresses from Limelight Occasions in Huddersfield.”
Who did your hair and makeup: “Jade & Beth from Bow and Blush…they’re amazing!”
Any wedding planning advice for other couples: “Be the guests of honour at your wedding and not the hosts! You’re there to enjoy it, spend time together and try take it all in.”
And what are Alexia and Elliot’s lasting memories of their wedding at Holdsworth House? “Everyone commented on how amazing and relaxed the day was. There was no stress, everything was just perfect. My sister kept asking me in the morning why I wasn’t nervous…but I didn’t have a nervous moment at all! I felt so chilled, happy and excited throughout the whole day.”
If you’re interested in booking your wedding at Holdsworth House, make a free show-round appointment or call 01422 240024
