A Love Letter to Springtime

Steeped in history and literary charm, Birdsall House has long-standing ties to novelist Jane Austen. The estate has been home to the Willoughby family for over 300 years, and Cassandra Willoughby—Jane Austen’s great-aunt—is thought to have inspired some of her character names. In Sense and Sensibility, the names Mr Willoughby and Lord Middleton make an appearance, directly drawn from Austen’s extended family. This historical link helped shape the editorial’s concept: Letters to Springtime blends timeless elegance with modern details, offering beautiful inspiration for couples drawn to classic romance with a contemporary twist.

Set within the stunning interiors of Birdsall House and The Old Kitchens, eleven talented wedding suppliers from across Northern England came together to create A Love Letter to Springtime—a styled shoot that celebrates the harmony of historic beauty and modern creativity. Designed to inspire couples who dream of a romantic, refined wedding, this editorial combines the charm of the past with a fresh, seasonal sensibility.

The colour palette was inspired by the arrival of spring: soft greens, delicate rose tones, and just a touch of rich burgundy. These hues paired perfectly with the Ballroom’s distinctive Eau De Nil walls and grand drapes, while the burgundy accents echoed the deeper tones found in the room’s antique portrait paintings—bringing a sense of warmth and depth to the space.

All gowns were selected from Hermia Bridal, a modern bridal boutique in Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley, founded by Grace. The boutique curates a thoughtful edit of contemporary dresses that empower brides to express their individuality with confidence and joy. Designers featured in the shoot included Bon Bride, Sebastian Luke, and Jessica Bennett—each known for their craftsmanship and modern, elegant silhouettes.

Samantha of Eve Bridal Beauty created natural, camera-ready looks that enhanced each model’s features while maintaining a timeless, understated glamour. Much of the jewellery was vintage, echoing the idea of heirloom pieces passed down through generations—a sentimental touch that added depth and meaning to the styling. One standout pair of earrings came from Vivi Embellish, known for their handcrafted pieces inspired by nature. Their organic shapes and textured floral designs added a soft, modern edge to the bridal looks.

Soirée Studio and LMJ Weddings led styling and decor. They drew inspiration from Birdsall House’s Georgian and Regency interiors while adding modern details with intention and care. Rather than following trends, the team used them as a gentle guide, letting the venue and season shape the overall aesthetic.

In a thoughtful nod to Jane Austen’s love of letter writing, the place settings included handmade envelopes, symbolising the kind of heartfelt communication central to her novels—and, of course, to any wedding celebration.

Texture played an important role throughout, influenced by the intricate embroidered textiles within the house. This focus on craftsmanship extended to the stationery, with a bespoke hand-embroidered invitation suite that brought a luxurious, tactile feel to the design, perfectly capturing the essence of heirloom romance.

Jemma Khan Studio, a luxury wedding florist known for her wild yet refined style, thoughtfully designed the florals. Inspired by the venue’s early spring gardens, hellebores were chosen as the focal flower, setting the tone for a soft, seasonal palette with rich burgundy.

The staircase installation created a show-stopping moment, using vines and cascading blooms to bring the outside in. Trailing roses, tulips, and hellebores added natural movement and a touch of whimsy.

For the table, mantel-style vases—reminiscent of traditional stately home decor—held elegant arrangements of spring flowers: snowdrops, fritillaries, ranunculus, and more. All florals were designed using sustainable, foam-free techniques to honour traditional floral artistry and complement the estate’s timeless character.