We all know what a washout this summer has been so far and so, when my idea started of having an outdoor styled shoot, I knew what a risk I was taking. It was a risk that thankfully paid off though, as the morning of my shoot, on Saturday 11th August, was met with glorious blue skies and warm sunshine! Cue, big sigh of relief and smiles all round!
My styled shoot was designed to showcase the glass drinks dispensers I hire and quickly grew into a shabby chic/vintage theme, incorporating local businesses too. I was blown away by the support for my shoot from all the businesses involved – it definitely highlighted for me the importance of small independent shops and suppliers.
The shoot was held in the stunning grounds of Starborough Manor, Edenbridge. This gem of a country manor is reached after travelling down a private tree-lined road, with the end of the road opening out to this:


A 5* B&B, Starborough Manor can also host weddings and events – a simply gorgeous venue! Selecting where to shoot in the grounds was tricky – there were so many pretty places, but the moat proved to be a good focal point, with Starborough Castle providing a beautiful backdrop.

Every shoot starts somewhere and mine was lovingly sketched out on a piece of paper – Picasso I am not – but the vision was there!

So from paper, to reality. I always wonder what it’s like behind the scenes of a shoot so here are the photos behind the day and the finished result!
Behind The Scenes


Locations decided – now time to decorate!

Where to put this bunting? Me, hard at work and ever so slightly camera-shy!

Last minute make up touches by Toni on model Kerry


So that’s how it’s done! Nataliya perfecting the shots of model Kerry

Rose Cupcakes from Vintage Rose Cupcakes – almost too pretty to unwrap!

Tea anyone? Model Kerry relaxing between shots
The Finished Result


Hat and Vintage Dress from Vintage shop – Wear It Again Sam

Jug and crates from The Edenbridge Florist
‘Love’ sign from Magnolias

‘Dream’ sign and crates from The Edenbridge Florist
Bottles and holder from Magnolias

‘You’ve got the key to my heart’ – Keys and wooden key holder from Magnolias
Candelabra, drapes, crates, flowers, ‘Dream’ sign, jug, hanging heart tealight holders – The Edenbridge Florist
‘You & Me’ sign, ‘Love’ sign, keys, wooden key holder, photo frame, bottles and holder – Magnolias

Glass Drinks Dispenser – Available To Hire from Finest Detail Weddings & Events
Shabby Chic style table, sweet holder, pebbles, glass bottles – Magnolias
‘Love’ sign and flowers – The Edenbridge Florist










Toni applied bold red lipstick for the next set of photos – setting the hat and dress off perfectly

Table and chairs & ivy trees – The Edenbridge Florist
Vintage Tea and China – Violet & May Vintage


Cupcakes – Vintage Rose Cupcake









Finest Detail Weddings & Events wishes to thank the following suppliers for this shoot:
Akira Photography – Nataliya – for amazing photos as always
Starborough Manor – for a stunning shoot location
Toni – for beautiful make up
Wear It Again Sam – for a gorgeous vintage dress & hat
The Edenbridge Florist – for all your pretty props & flowers
Magnolias – for your lovely, unique pieces
Vintage Rose Cupcakes – for cupcakes far too pretty to eat
Violet & May Vintage – for your elegant vintage china
Kerry – for being an amazing model – the pictures speak for themselves!
Mr H – for all your help on the day
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