Tremendous 21st!
The journey to capturing these images started sometime ago.  I received an email enquiry via my website (www,carolinehardingphotography.co.uk).  A rather organised young lady was putting together a party for her 21st so she could celebrate in style with family and friends.  I promptly rang her and had a chat about what her requirements were and explained how we work and what was included in her package.  One thing that really stood out about  this promising client was that she knew what she wanted.  I love when prospective clients know what they want from their photography.  Sometimes we work together to discover what it is and other times the client just knows.  Either way, I always make sure you have an outcome in mind so rather than leaving your beautiful images on your hard drive, you get to see them every day in print. After all, youâre hiring a professional to take your images because you value the moments that are to be captured and want to see them on display.
A few weeks before the event, the lovely birthday girl, Lucy, and I caught up to go over the finer details and to make sure I knew if there were any particular images that were a must for her. Â This is really important for every client. Â I want to ensure I know which shots are most important to you - the people / combinations of groups that you may not see as often for a multitude of reasons. Â Having me there is a perfect time to capture family and friends together.
Very soon it was the date of Lucyâs party and I brought my second shooter husband with me. Â Itâs great to have a second, as we all see things differently and we can capture the event from different points of view. Â Plus it means we can spend more time photographing the fun and laughter.
Leading up to Woldingham Golf club (@WoldinghamGC),  is a long softly bending drive way which ends at a rather impressive building with a fabulous balcony and  steps to the side.  This was the location for some amazing family shots.
As the guests arrived, we captured some lovely moments for Lucy as she and her family greeted the guests.
One thing I was told about, and something that was incredibly important to Lucy, was about her Nan.  She lived abroad and had recently been in hospital. The love that Lucy has for her Nan just flows from every movement she makes when she talks about her.  Itâs amazing to see! There was an outside chance that Nan might arrive at the party as a surprise.  Now normally, thereâs someone on the âinsideâ who we can have a quiet word with and find if this was going to happen and weâd get an eta.  However, Lucyâs Nan is one smart cookie, and she knows how to keep a surprise, a surprise.  I knew we had to keep an eye out for her potential arrival as capturing her and Lucy was so very important. When my second spotted Lucy darting out of the door of her hired room, we knew something was going on. Sure enough, a fraction of a second later, in walked Lucy with her Nan!  There were tears and smiles and hugs galore!
One of the things I loved about this event was how up for a photograph Lucyâs friends and family were. Â
Soon the party was in full swing. The drinks were flowing and everyone was having an absolute blast! Â It was amazing to capture such fabulous dancing and everyone having so much fun.
It was a complete and utter pleasure to be part of such an event.  A massive âThank youâ to Lucy for letting us share and capture her special birthday.  HAPPY 21ST LUCY! Definitely an evening to remember!