A Library Wonderland Wedding at Holdsworth House: Hollie & Nick’s Dream Day

When a couple’s shared love of literature, art, and vintage glamour weaves its way through every detail of their day, the result is nothing short of magical. Hollie and Nick’s wedding at the historic Holdsworth House was a masterpiece—an enchanting celebration that echoed the beauty of Dutch master paintings, the warmth of a timeless library, and the romance of a true love story.

A Setting Steeped in Charm

Holdsworth House, with it’s Jacobean stonework and storied character, was the perfect setting. Low-beamed ceilings, flickering fireplaces, and a layout full of intimate corners created the ideal canvas for Hollie & Nick’s vision: stepping into a library wonderland, where every element told a story.

Bookish Beauty with a Vintage Soul

From the moment guests entered the ceremony room, the scene was set. Vintage lampshades floated gently from the Tudor-style ceiling, casting a warm glow over the aisle. Chairs were dressed simply, each one adorned with jewel-toned satin ribbons, leading to a breathtaking ceremony backdrop. Here, lush, colourful florals cascaded across rich velvet drapes in emerald green, burgundy, burnt orange, and dusky pink. Books—some stacked, others open—added texture and narrative, grounding the scene in literary charm.

Hollie’s vintage glamour bridal look stole the show. With soft waves that channelled a classic Hollywood starlet and a gown that shimmered with old-world elegance, she was every inch the leading lady. Nick looked equally dashing in a rich tweed green suit, finished with burgundy accents that perfectly echoed the styling.

The bridesmaids’ emerald green dresses added a lush depth to the palette, with one bridesmaid wearing a striking William Morris-inspired suit, a nod to both pattern and poetry.

Dining with the Masters

The wedding breakfast took place in the Steward Room, where the tables were a vision of opulence and artistry. Layers of jewel-toned fabrics—burgundy, sage green, burnt orange—flowed across the tables, echoing the colours of the florals and drapes. Elegant brass candlesticks with colourful tapered candles flickered softly, while vintage books served as centrepieces and risers for florals bursting from antique brass vessels.

The couple dined on a shoe-shaped head table, raised above the room so they could look out over their guests. The centre of the “shoe” brimmed with hurricane candles and floral arrangements, creating a glowing heart for the reception.

Thoughtful Details with Eco-Friendly Touches

Every element of the day reflected Hollie and Nick’s thoughtful, sustainable ethos. The Order of the Day, printed on biodegradable card, was styled as an oversized library card and displayed on an easel beside the grand stone fireplace. The seating plan, printed on vintage-style parchment paper and sealed with wax stamps bearing the couple’s initials (H&N), was mounted within a rustic Haywain-style painting, making for a truly artistic display.

A lovingly illustrated venue map, created by one of Hollie’s bridesmaids, was styled as an open book and printed on biodegradable card. These maps, placed on easels throughout the venue, guided guests while complementing the literary theme.

Joy and Play on the Lawns

Out on the lawns behind the house, our vintage-inspired outdoor games offered a peaceful retreat from the celebration. Guests could sip their drinks, enjoy a quiet moment, or dive into some friendly competition—all while surrounded by the lush greenery and timeless elegance of the grounds.

When it was time for the confetti shot, guests were invited to take part in a whimsical tradition. A vintage bowl brimming with eco-friendly confetti offered a ‘help-yourself’ moment, while a basket of paper cones—lovingly handmade from salvaged books—gave guests the option for a more direct flutter of celebration as the couple exited to cheers and colour.

Capturing Voices and Memories

Tucked away in a quaint room, guests discovered the audio guestbook, complete with a heartfelt and humorous message from Hollie and Nick, inviting loved ones to leave their own words of wisdom and well-wishes. Nearby, a vintage suitcase with a light green silk lining collected cards and gifts. Clear, beautifully designed signage ensured guests knew the purpose of each thoughtfully placed prop, creating a seamless and engaging experience throughout the day.

A huge part of the magic on the day came from the incredible talents of Zosia and the team at TerraFlora, whose floral artistry brought the entire vision to life. Working with rich, seasonal blooms, they created stunning, textured arrangements that echoed the deep, moody tones of Dutch master paintings and perfectly complemented the jewel-toned drapery. From the ceremony backdrop to the brass-filled centrepieces, their work was nothing short of breathtaking. Meanwhile, Robyn of Cow & Cake wowed guests with a table of delectable treats and an unforgettable retro-inspired wedding cake, adorned in layers of deep red icing, piped frills, and ornate detailing—a showstopper that was as delicious as it was beautifully theatrical.

The cake display itself was a visual feast, with Robyn’s creations presented on our collection of vintage china and cake stands, adding layers of charm and nostalgia to the sweet table. Each piece, carefully chosen for its delicate pattern or soft faded gold rim, added to the sense of timeless elegance. For the wedding breakfast, guests dined from our mismatched vintage china, a mix of floral motifs, gentle pastels, and rich tones that perfectly complemented the overall theme. The crockery brought warmth, character, and a lived-in beauty to the tables—echoing the couple’s love of old books, romantic art, and stories woven through history.

A Wedding with Vintage Heart and Sustainable Soul

Hollie and Nick’s wedding was a celebration of all the things they love—books, art, heritage, and each other. It was a joy to style such a heartfelt day, full of meaningful moments, stunning textures, and sustainability at its core.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that reflects your passions, values, and personality—whether that’s stepping into a storybook setting or embracing vintage charm with an eco-conscious ethos—we’d love to help you bring it to life.

Let’s tell your story, beautifully.

Photographer: www.maddiefarrisphotography.co.uk

Venue: www.holdsworthhouse.co.uk

Cake: www.instagran.com/cowandcake

Florist: www.studioterraflora.com