Amy & James | Hollins Hall Wedding

Amy and James got married at Hollins Hall near Shipley on a warm August day, and it was one of those weddings where everyone seemed to be smiling from the first cup of tea to the last song of the night.

After nine years together, a little boy and a rescue dog, this was a day about family, football and a proper party. Everyone got ready under one roof at the hotel, the ceremony was at two, and by the evening a band straight from Valley Parade had the whole room singing.

Meet Amy & James

Amy and James have been together for nine years. In that time they’ve moved into their first flat, got engaged, bought their first home and welcomed their little boy. As Amy put it, “Our home wasn’t complete until our beautiful rescue doggy arrived.”

They’re also huge Bradford City supporters, and Amy told me that when James isn’t at work, “he can be found on the golf course”. Keep that in mind, because it comes up again.

What struck me on the day was how easy they are together. There’s a lot of gentle teasing and a lot of laughing, and that makes my job very simple: I just have to be in the right place when it happens.

The Proposal

They got engaged in Ibiza, which Amy calls “the best island in the world!” In her words: “The most beautiful day and holiday, we love it so much there, we are going back for our honeymoon!” So the sunshine is already booked again for next spring.

Why They Chose Hollins Hall

When I asked why Hollins Hall, Amy didn’t hesitate: “The views, without a doubt! Oh and the golf course for James…” I can see why on both counts.

From the grounds you look straight out across the golf course to the rolling West Yorkshire countryside beyond. For portraits that’s a gift. There’s woodland for soft, shaded light, open grass that turns golden in late summer, and that big view when the sun starts to drop.

Personal Touches

The touch that stayed with me most was their sweetheart table. Instead of a long top table, Amy and James sat together with just their little boy. Amy explained it perfectly: “we felt you don’t see your partner much on your wedding day and we wanted to make sure we spent time together.” I think more couples should do this. It gave them a little bubble in the middle of a busy day, and I got some lovely quiet moments because of it.

Each place had a menu card with soup, lamb and sticky toffee pudding, and a pair of mini shot bottles sat alongside as favours. And the evening entertainment was pure Bradford City: The Good Citizens, the band who sing the walk-out song at Valley Parade.

Getting married at Hollins Hall? I’d love to hear about your plans.

Bridal Preparations

It was an early start. Hair and make-up began around six, with Amy, her bridesmaids and her mum all getting ready at the hotel. Matching black pyjamas for the girls, white for the bride, a giant BRIDE balloon in the window and plenty of fizz.

Bon and Belle looked after hair and make-up, working by the big bay windows, which gave me lovely soft light. I like to shoot some of the morning in black and white. It strips things back to the moments and the laughter.

Once Amy was in her dress, she’d asked for a reveal with her dad and her bridesmaids. It’s one of my favourite parts of the morning, and there were a few damp eyes in the room.

James and his groomsmen were getting ready at the hotel too, so I nipped along the corridor for a few quiet portraits. One window, a dark room and black and white. James scrubs up very well in a tux.

The Ceremony

The ceremony was at two o’clock inside the hotel. Amy walked in on her dad’s arm, and from the front I could see James turn to watch her come down the aisle.

There were plenty of happy tears among the guests. I always keep one eye on the front rows during a ceremony, because that’s where you find moments like this.

The vows and the rings were full of smiles, and before long they were walking back down the aisle as husband and wife.

Drinks Reception at Hollins Hall

Outside, the guests lined the red carpet at the front entrance, and Amy and James walked out through a proper storm of confetti. The old stone doorway at Hollins Hall is made for this, and everyone threw with real enthusiasm.

Then it was drinks in the sunshine, hugs from everyone, and the family group photos. I also grabbed a few minutes with James and his groomsmen on the lawn, and they needed absolutely no encouragement to ham it up.

Couple Portraits at Hollins Hall

For their portraits we headed into the grounds. I started under the trees, where the canopy gives you soft, even light on a bright afternoon. I gave them a couple of simple prompts and then let them chat and laugh while I worked around them.

Amy’s long veil was made for a breeze, and we got one on the path through the trees.

Later, as the light warmed up, we went back out to the long grass at the edge of the grounds. The seed heads were glowing and the sky had gone a soft blue, so I got down low and shot through the grass for that golden, end-of-summer feel. It’s one of my favourite pictures from the day.

Love a golden evening portrait? Twilight pictures are one of my favourite ways to end the day.

Wedding Breakfast and Speeches

Guests were called for the wedding breakfast at four. The room was styled by Create a Look, with flowers from Ivy and Eve and a warm glow from Wedding Venue Lighting. The bridesmaids made the grand entrance of the day, dancing in with glow sticks and heart-shaped sunglasses, and it set the tone for everything that followed.

Speeches were before the meal, which I always love, because everyone can relax and enjoy their food afterwards. They were a good mix of heartfelt and cheeky, and the reactions around the room tell the story better than I can.

From the sweetheart table, Amy and James spent most of the speeches laughing, which is exactly what you want.

The Evening Celebrations

Evening guests arrived at seven, and at quarter to eight Amy and James cut the cake and had their first dance. After that the dance floor filled up and stayed that way.

Hired for Sound kept the music going, and then The Good Citizens took over. A room full of Bradford City fans singing along with the band that plays their team out at Valley Parade was something else, and all ages were up dancing.

Before the night was done, I pinched Amy and James for a few minutes of twilight. The hall was a dark outline against a pink sky, James popped a bottle of champagne, and that was our last picture of the day.

Hollins Hall Wedding Suppliers

Amy and James, thank you so much for having me. It was a joy to spend the day with you, your families and your little boy, and I hope Ibiza is every bit as good as you remember next May.

If you’re planning your own day there, have a look at my Hollins Hall wedding photographer page for more about the venue.

If you’d like me to photograph your wedding, I’d love to hear from you.

Planning your own wedding near Bradford? Have a look at my Bradford wedding photographer page.