Capturing the Magic: An 80s-Themed 40th Birthday at Somersbury Barn, Surrey
As a Surrey wedding and event photographer, there is nothing quite like the atmosphere of a historic barn brought to life by a milestone celebration. Recently, I had the pleasure of documenting a vibrant 40th birthday party at the stunning Somersbury Barn in Ewhurst, Surrey.
Nestled in the tranquil Surrey Hills countryside, this venue offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and refined elegance, making it a premier choice for those seeking a bespoke private event or a Surrey barn wedding.
A Bespoke Birthday Party at an ancient barn & Victorian glasshouse in the heart of Surrey
This special event wasn’t just a party; it was a curated journey back to the 80s, designed with love by a sister who wanted to give a gift of cherished memories to her younger sibling. Themed to Jilly Cooper’s bestselling novel “Rivals”, and recently brought to life by Disney Plus UK’s TV adaptation of the same novel, the party was both a visual feast and a travel back in time to the colourful 80s.
As an event photographer in Surrey, my goal is always to capture the authentic energy of the room. Despite the challenges of an indoor night-time shoot, the setting was breathtaking. I utilised the Canon R5 mirrorless system, which features an incredibly sensitive sensor, allowing me to preserve the moody, ambient atmosphere of the barn while ensuring every detail and interaction remained crisp.
The Art of Documentary Photography
My brief for the night focused on documentary-style imagery. I started with a few shots of the barn itself from the outside and then moved inside the barn where the guests were arriving. The only lighting inside the barn were fairly lights so I pushed my camera to the limits, moving from zoomed in images of people mingling and having a good time, to wide angle stills, to slow shutter speed to capture a bit of movement, as well as freezing the moments with the use of on camera flash.
Expert Catering at Somersbuty Barn
No high-society 80s affair is complete without a decadent spread. The catering at this Somersbury Barn celebration was nothing short of legendary. To match the sophisticated Rivals theme, the food needed to be as photogenic as the guests. Clarissa Rudd catering delivered a bit of luxury for the guests, serving an array of exquisite canapés that perfectly complemented the rustic elegance of the ancient barn.
The showstopper, however, was a hyper-realistic sugar piece of art that left everyone wondering where the real cake was! Domino Purchas Cakes created the most incredible, hyper-realistic, Rivals-inspired masterpiece that sat at the heart of the venue. Whether it was the intricate details of the book lettering or a glistening foam inside the coffee mug, the cake was a centerpiece designed for the spotlight. For any Surrey event photographer, capturing the details of the amazing food on offer was really a dream.
From vibrant, seasonal canapés to refined late-night bites, the menu provided so many photographic opportunities for documentary event & wedding photography, with every plate styled to perfection against the backdrop of Surrey’s most picturesque countryside barn. Following the initial meet and green in the barn, it was time to move into the warm light of the Victorian glasshouse.
An Intimate Celebration in Somersbury Barn Glasshouse
From the spacious and high-beamed barn, we moved into the intimate Victorian glasshouse in preparation for the main meal. The decor was a masterclass in event styling, featuring dark pink floral themes and candlelit ambiance creating a warm, inviting space for an evening meal.
As Surrey wedding and event photographer, I make it a priority to document these intricate details, as they represent the hard work of the suppliers and the vision of the host. After capturing everyone entering the glass house, mingling, getting themselves settled and having their food served, I said my goodbyes and left everyone to enjoy the rest of the party (and that stunning cake!).
“Thank you so much Mina - you have done an excellent job!! They (the photos) are great.”
About Mina: Your Surrey Wedding & Event Photographer
Hello! I am Mina, a professional Surrey wedding and event photographer working across Surrey, London, and the South East. My passion lies in documenting life’s most significant milestones, from the "I dos" of a wedding day to the joy of baptisms and milestone birthdays. I believe in a blend of storytelling and fine-art photography, ensuring your memories are preserved in a set of beautiful photographs you will treasure in years to come.
Book Photography For A Private Event or a Wedding
If you have a birthday party, baptism, or a wedding coming up and you would like to discuss booking a professional photographer to document the day for you, please get in touch! Leave a short description of the event, date & time of the event and how much photography coverage you require. I look forward to hearing from you! Mina