In January it was Lyndsey Thomas of Girl About’s 40th Birthday and she wanted to mark it with a very special photoshoot.

It all seems like such a long time ago now with all the current goings on…I mean I haven’t driven my car in 2 weeks (or worn anything other than pyjamas ) , so I thought it was time I shared some of the photos – you know…to cheer everyone up and remember better days to come!

So it all started with a trip to Grantley Hall hotel in North Yorkshire.

I should have known it was going to be something special cos Lyndsey doesn’t do anything by halves. The last two shoots I’ve done with her involved driving out into the middle of north yorkshire and getting lost (me…both times).

The big arrival

Anyway, when you arrive at Grantley Hall you’re met by a very smart man at the gatehouse…and eventually allowed to follow the sweeping drive by the side of the river (with its own little waterfall ) up to the house…

I say house. Imagine something straight out of a Bronte classic…

And I should point out at this point is that I didn’t realise they had posh entrance and a “service” entrance – so you can imagine the entrance I made in my battered old MX5…

and then you park up…and there is actual classical music playing in the speakers in the long grass next to the car…

And the reception isn’t any less amazing. The smell…the decor…have I mentioned the smell?

Jo Malone everywhere

Something you realise quite quickly is that every room is like going into a Jo Malone shop. Each has a different and beautiful smell. Not like the usual fake, perfumed fragrances that are pumped through hotel bathrooms. These are amazing.

And then they took us up to the Bridal suite…where we’d be getting ready for the shoot. Lyndsey, Naomi Frazer (make-up artist) and me..

Yes it really was as luxurious as it looks. No I couldn’t afford even one night in that suite (even if I sold my car to pay for it…).

So after a quick tour of the whole of the grounds, including the where they have weddings, the Japanese gardens, the Spa and the Presidential Suite (thanks to the lovely staff at Grantley Hall) we got down to business.

The idea of the shoot was for it to be dramatic and a real celebration of Lindsey and all that she’s achieved.

I think we did ok…

And if you visit Grantley Hall, don’t forget to visit the cocktail bar. You can have a special cocktail for the year of your birth…basically they have a cocktail bookcase, and each book has a year on it, then inside is a cocktail… I got a Salty Dog…

If you’re thinking of having a celebratory photoshoot to mark a special birthday or maybe to celebrate your book being published? Give me a shout.

Hotels like Grantley Hall make perfect backdrops for shoots like this.

I’m already planning shoots later in the year (and expect it to be crazy busy once Im back out shooting)! All it takes is a small deposit and as soon as I can shoot again, you’ll have me all to yourself (well… unless you choose a branding day…)

Maryanne x

Make-up – Naomi Frazer

Cake – Kiki and the cakes

Location – Grantley Hall Hotel

Lyndsey Thomas – Girl About

—————> PS. Have you seen that I’ve opened up VISIBILITY SCHOOL again starting this September?