I recently had the chance to photograph a fantastic 21st birthday party at Chouet, and it was a blast from start to finish. The setting was incredible, with golden hour lighting that made everything look even more beautiful. Tigerlilly, the florist, outdid themselves with the decorations, and the personal touches all around added a special charm to the event. The bar, humorously named the "Guzzling Goose" after the birthday girl's nickname, was a hit!

The party kicked off with a drinks reception on the hill. The guests were mingling, sharing a leg of ham with salsa, and sipping on bottles of bucks fizz. The atmosphere was warm, relaxed, and full of laughter – the perfect recipe for a memorable evening.

I brought along my trusty 50mm and 135mm lenses to capture the action. The 50mm lens was perfect for getting those wide shots of the beautifully decorated setup, while the 135mm allowed me to snag candid close-ups of everyone having a great time. The guests really brought their A-game with colorful and sparkly outfits, adding to the festive vibe, even the dogs had their sarkely collars on!

The evening weather couldn’t have been better, making the whole event feel like a laid-back, outdoor celebration. Everyone was in high spirits, enjoying the company and the gorgeous setting. My goal was to blend in and capture those genuine moments without being intrusive. I must have done a decent job because the feedback was all about how people didn't even realize I was there snapping away.

I had to head out before the dancing kicked off, but I managed to capture all the fun of the drinks reception and the initial dinner setup. From the joyful mingling to the beautifully set tables, it was clear this was a celebration to remember.

Capturing events like this is always a joy. Thanks to everyone who made it such a memorable evening – and to Tigerlilly for the stunning florals that tied it all together.