Photography: Rebecca Hook rebeccahookphotography.com Venue: Carwinion House carwinionhouse.co.uk
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Holly and Mikołaj’s story began on their first day at university on Penryn Campus in Cornwall. “Everyone was so awkward on the first few days, so I knocked on their doors, dragged them into the kitchen and said today is Make-up Monday and we’re all going to do each other’s make-up – you can’t be awkward while being so close to someone’s face!” laughs Holly. The icebreaker worked, and the flatmates quickly became friends. “Fast-forward to Freshers' Week, a few too many drinks, flat parties and late nights crowded around a laptop watching old movies – we became inseparable,” she says.
Their first date was at the Meat Counter. “I was vegan, so our first date being there was comical,” she laughs. “We ate too many skinny fries and decided we didn’t want the night to end, so bought last-minute Winter Ball tickets and danced the night away. We’ve been dancing together ever since.”
Holly proposed first, choosing the photo booth they always stop at during their annual Christmas shopping trip to Brighton. “It felt perfect for Mikołaj, who can be so shy,” she says. With a silver ring etched with the Carpathian Mountains, she suggested new photos with their dogs, Evie and Luna — then popped the question once inside. “He was in shock, but of course said yes.” Mikołaj followed with his own proposal at Kynance Cove, their favourite Cornish beach. “I’m glad Holly didn’t change her mind,” he laughs. “This was almost like two-factor authorisation!”
Held at Carwinion House, their wedding drew inspiration from The Secret Garden, About Time and 1950s glamour. “We chose summer hues and an Italian dinner-party vibe,” says Holly. “We wanted everything to be immersed in nostalgia and have meaning to us and our guests.” Flower meadows of seasonal blooms framed the day, while bridesmaids wore dresses in shades of pink, lilac, lemon, blue and orange. As an art director and illustrator, Holly designed all the stationery herself, inspired by 1950s-style invitations with art-nouveau touches.
Their friend Anna Dempsey officiated the ceremony, with Mikołaj’s sister translating into Polish. “Our dads were the flower boys, tossing dried petals we’d been saving all year,” says Holly. “We had quotes of advice from our grandmothers, and a moment to recognise my grandmother who passed in April. We read our vows to each other before the big kiss and walked back down the aisle under a shower of confetti.”
Canapés, beers and Pimm’s followed before guests gathered in the marquee for a feast of arancini with lentil ragu, orzo pasta bake and pizzas topped with vegan nduja and hot chilli honey. “Mikolaj used to be a pizza chef and couldn’t resist jumping on the pizza oven,” Holly laughs.
After the speeches, the couple shared their first dance to Real Love Baby by Father John Misty. “It was very loosely rehearsed,” says Holly. “Lots of lifts, shimmying, twirling and laughter.” Guests then filled the floor for a night of party classics inluding The Cha Cha Slide, which Mikołaj translated live for his Aunt Ola. The fun continued with a bow tie toss and guests sketching self-portraits on the seating chart.
Mikołaj’s favourite moment? “The flower toss after the ceremony.” For Holly, it was “the ceremony itself and hearing everyone’s speeches.” Her advice for other couples: “Pinterest is your best friend – save the things that inspire you and group them into sections, so you have a clear vision. Chat about details over in a wine bar or pub, and don’t take it too seriously. The day is for both of you – forget traditions and do what feels true to you.”
Photography Rebecca Hook rebeccahookphotography.com
Venue Carwinion House carwinionhouse.co.uk
Dress Jane Bourvis janebourvis.com
Bag JalwaArt, Etsy etsy.com
Veil Heart Aflutter Bridal Studio heartaflutterbridal.co.uk
Suit Paul Smith paulsmith.com
Shoes Loake, The Brogue Trader thebroguetrader.com
Flowers Sophie Flowers sophieflowers.com
Candlesticks Out of the Ordinary Event Hire outoftheordinaryeventhire.com
Entertainment DJ in Cornwall djincornwall.co.uk
