Surrey Wedding Photographer at the Luxury Country House of Lord Beaverbrook
Private Birthday Celebration at Beaverbrook Luxury Country House Hotel
One of the things I love about my job is witnessing families I photograph go though different milestones in their life, including big birthdays. On this occasion, my clients invited me to Beaverbrook Country House near Leatherhead to capture their loved one’s 80th birthday celebration. It was an intimate family lunch followed by cake and family time at Beaverbrook’s stunning gardens.
Nestled in the gently rolling Surrey hills near Leatherhead, Beaverbrook feels at once grand and welcoming. A place where you sense the stories of the past quietly echoing through the corridors, mingling with the laughter and excitement of celebrations unfolding today. Beaverbrook is the quintessential English country house, a former home to William Maxwell Aitket, 1st Baron Beaverbrook, a press mogul and a friend of Winston Churchill. Formaly known as Cherkley Court, the house was build in the second half of the 19th centrury for Abraham Dixon, a metal exporter. The house was acquired by Lord Beaverbrook in 1910 who lived there for the next 50 years and enterntained many well known figures such as Winston Churchill, Bonar Law, H.G. Wells and many others. From the late nineties, for a couple of decades, the house went through restoration, changes in menagement and ultimately in 2017 opened as “Beaverbrook” - an exquisite country house hotel and a space that hosts weddings and parties of all kinds.
And it was a wonderful venue for the milestone birthday gathering I photographed. The family made a booking for a private dining space inside, a room decorated with wood panneling and elegant mahogany furniture. It was a lovely space where the family could enjoy a meal and instantly feel relaxed. After blowing candels on an impressive mustang shaped cake, we stepped outside for family portraits.
Wedding Photography at the Luxury Home of Lord Beaverbrook
In addition to being a venue for private gatherings, events and parties, Beaverbrook’s elegant interiors and 470 acre gardens can be hired as an intimate wedding venue. Working as a wedding photographer, I am always drawn to venues that feel authentic, where the atmosphere is as important as the architecture. Beaverbrook is exactly that sort of place. It is grand and sophisticated yet warm and welcoming. From the moment I stepped in, the staff greeted me with warmth and kindness, directing me to where I needed to go.
I was inspired by the beautifully decorated gardens, seeing photo opportunities in every nook and corner. For a couple who wishes to have their wedding portraits taken here, the choices are limitless. From the stunning view of the surrounding Surrey Hills, to the stone garden temples, wide garden paths thoughtfully planted and alive with seasonal colour, views of the house itself - t - there is something for every taste.
If you’re thinking about Beaverbrook for your wedding or celebration, I can wholeheartedly recommend a visit. Take a walk through the gardens, linger over tea in the Morning Room, and imagine how your day might unfold. It really is a place where memories are made.
Surrey Wedding Photographer
My name is Mina, I am a professional family and wedding photographer working across London and Surrey. As a wedding photographer, I strive to capture the emotion and unique personalities of my clients during their wedding day. I use documentary style photography to portray the day unfolding, working with natural light to create relaxed, candid shots of you and your family and friends having a good time. My photography style is unobtrusive, professional and fun. I will give direction for big group shots and intimate couples shots to make sure I get the best possible picture, but otherwise I work quietly and discreetly to capture natural moments of you and your wedding party enjoying themselves. Please visit my wedding photography page for more information.
Get In Touch
If you’d like to talk more about photography at Beaverbrook or any other Surrey venue, I would love to hear from you. Please get in touch by sending an email to mina@minamilanovic-photography.com or fill out the contact form below.
Family Photography at Abinger Roughs and Netley Park, Surrey
A Relaxed Family Photoshoot in the Surrey Hills
There is something rather special about spending time outdoors with your family when temperatures drop, the seasons change and there is that crisp feeling in the air. It is a great time for exploring the woods, running through open fields and enjoying a little adventure together. It is also one of my favourite ways to photograph families.
I recently organised a series of mini family photography sessions at Abinger Roughs and Netley Park, in the heart of the Surrey Hills. Surrounded by ancient woodland, open countryside and beautiful views across the North Downs, it's a wonderful location for relaxed, natural family photographs.
Whether you are looking to update your family photographs, capture a particular stage in your children's lives or simply have some lovely pictures of everyone together, an outdoor family photoshoot is a lovely way to do it. It is also a great option for anyone who would like to gift a mini session. I offer a variety of gift vouchers in my gift voucher store.
Exploring Abinger Roughs and Netley Park with Children
Abinger Roughs and Netley Park is a beautiful National Trust location near Dorking and Abinger Hammer, with a lovely mix of woodland, open grassland and countryside views.
One of my favourite features is the natural play area, with its wooden climbing structures and logs, which gives younger children the opportunity to explore and play. It's a great way to help everyone settle into a photoshoot without feeling that they have to pose for the camera.
The surrounding woodland, mature trees and open fields offer plenty of variety for family photographs throughout the seasons. From the fresh greens of spring to the warm colours of autumn, there is always something beautiful to work with.
Natural Family Photography in Surrey
My approach to family photography is relaxed and informal. Rather than asking everyone to stand still and smile at the camera, I prefer to let families enjoy time together while I capture the little moments as they happen.
During a session, we might explore the woodland, play games, run through the fields or simply enjoy a cuddle together. I'll offer a little direction when needed, particularly with younger children, but I want the photographs to feel natural and reflect your family's personalities.
You don't need to worry about children sitting still or behaving perfectly. Some of the loveliest photographs happen when they are simply being themselves.
What to Expect from a Family Photography Session
I organise family mini photography sessions at selected locations around the Surrey countryside a few times a year.
Mini sessions last approximately 30 minutes and are designed to be a relaxed introduction to family photography. They are particularly suited to families with busy schedules or those looking for a shorter photoshoot.
After your session, you'll receive a link to a private online gallery featuring approximately 10–15 edited photographs to choose from. Three digital images are included in the mini-session price, with the option to purchase additional photographs.
If you'd prefer more time to explore, or would like a larger collection of photographs, I also offer longer family photography sessions across Surrey and London.
Booking a Family Photoshoot in Surrey
If you are thinking about booking a family photoshoot, I would love to hear from you.
I photograph families throughout Surrey and the surrounding areas, including Dorking, Abinger, Guildford and the wider Surrey Hills.
You can find out more about my family photography sessions or get in touch to discuss arranging a session. Thinking of gifting someone a gift of family photography? Visit my gift voucher page.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Family Mini Photo Session Days in the Surrey Hills
For families who would love some beautiful photographs together but aren't quite ready for a full family photoshoot, I organise special Mini Photo Session Days in the Surrey Hills twice a year, in spring and autumn.
These shorter sessions are a lovely way to capture some natural, relaxed family photographs in the beautiful Surrey countryside. They are fun, informal and perfect for updating your family photographs while enjoying a little time together outdoors.
Upcoming Mini Session Day – Saturday 21st November 2026
I'll be holding a limited number of family mini sessions on Saturday 21st November, in a beautiful outdoor location in the Surrey Hills.
Each mini session includes:
A 30-minute outdoor family photoshoot at a set time and location.
5 fully edited, high-resolution digital photographs to download.
The option to purchase additional images from your private online gallery.
Session fee: £235
Spaces are limited, with only a small number of sessions available throughout the day. If you'd like to join me, do get in touch to reserve your place.