bethan lloyd : a woman in her prime

The Girl With Substance, Style, and Spark

Some birthdays are remembered. Others are etched in the collective memory of everyone lucky enough to attend. Bethan Lloyd’s 30th wasn’t just a party. It was a moment.

Bethan Lloyd’s 30th birthday was a kaleidoscope of colour, character, and carefully curated joy. And at the centre of it all, I got to capture the magic. Held at the achingly cool House of Fu, Manchester's neon-drenched haven for ramen, karaoke, and Tokyo-inspired interiors, the evening felt less like a birthday party and more like a scene (think Studio 54 vibes) —part fashion editorial, part underground supper club, part euphoric reunion. Think: blush pink walls, disco lighting, and DJ-ing on demand, (Bethan's boyfriend and friends absolutely stole the set).

In a world where aesthetic often overshadows authenticity, Bethan Lloyd is a refreshing contradiction: equal parts powerhouse and muse, a woman who turns every room into the place you want to be and every conversation into connection.  Bethan floated through the evening like the main character in a Sofia Coppola film - ethereal, grounded and always camera-ready.  I knew Bethan from our NHS days - Emergency Nursing at Nottingham University Hospital. She has always been a force, but now - OBSESSED.  Bethan Lloyd is the embodiment of modern elegance— she is a woman who moves through the world with quiet confidence and unmistakable presence, she has a big sister energy that makes people feel at home with her  -  seen and heard, and always included - she is the epitome of womanhood, girls supporting girls. On the cusp of this new decade, she radiates a kind of effortless sophistication that feels both timeless and entirely her own. With an innate sense of style and a warmth that draws people in, Bethan doesn’t just enter a room—she elevates it. Her 30th birthday wasn’t just a milestone; it was a celebration of identity, grace, and the kind of womanhood that doesn’t ask for attention but commands it with authenticity and poise - She’s the girl you clock across a room and want to befriend. Not because she’s intimidating—because she’s magnetic.  Bethan is effortlessly chic with a disarming warmth, Bethan’s style is the kind that doesn’t follow trends—it sets them. Her signature look? Think retro-glam meets downtown cool: a red lip, sculptural earrings, maybe a vintage mini, always paired with an unapologetic confidence that feels both timeless and entirely of the moment.  But, beneath the surface of her enviable wardrobe, flawless make-up and picture-perfect poise is a woman with depth. Bethan doesn’t just attend culture—she creates it. Whether she’s fronting a campaign, curating experiences, or hosting intimate gatherings that feel like living editorials, she moves through the world with intention. She understands that real style isn’t about what you wear; it’s about what you leave behind. A feeling. A memory. A mood.

It was the biggest honour to photograph Bethan's 30th Birthday.  Capturing all the luminous detail, Bethan's iridescence (and, my goodness, does that girl shine and glitter right from her core).   I wanted the ph otos to look like they belong on the pages of Vogue: honest, editorial, effortlessly elevated. The photographs from the evening to feel like memories reimagined—blurry in all the right places, full of movement, laughter, emotion, and as thought you can almost hear the music. Like poetry in motion -  the tactile shimmer of Bethan’s mini dress, the kinetic glow of cocktails mid-toast, the flash-lit warmth of friends wrapped in laughter—every frame pulsed with joy.  And, this night - I fell in love with flash photography all over again.  One of the standout elements of this party session was the portrait series of Bethan herself. Draped in understated elegance, Bethan moved with ease and confidence , these weren’t posed shots—they were quiet declarations of a woman stepping into a new decade with power and presence.

Levelled Up Female Collaboration : Making a Statement.

Themed 'Spicy Margaritas' the styling was entrusted to Hayley Events who turned atmosphere into experience - she is a must-have accessory for birthday soirées everywhere. Hayley made a statement. She transformed House of Fu into a curated collision of celebration and cool: think punchy florals, layered textures, playful signage, and table settings that felt both elevated and entirely unpretentious. Every detail felt like Bethan herself—joyful, confident, and completely unique. It styled to perfection into a vibrant, velvet-draped dreamscape. Think: sculptural florals in glass bud vases, slices of citrus scattered with disco balls, and a towering cocktail fountain crowned with lime wheels and chilli slivers. It was maximalism made modern, a celebration of excess done tastefully rightTogether, we created more than a party. They built a world. One where turning thirty didn’t just mark a milestone—it became a moment, artfully lit and beautifully remembered. So, here’s to the women who make magic behind the scenes—and the ones who let us photograph them dancing in the middle of it.

Growth, Gratitude + Spicy Margaritas - Entering a New Decade.

Bethan’s 30th was more than an event—it was a statement of self, of growth, of gratitude. Hopefully, our collaboration means it lives on as an heirloom story, told in fun, beautiful and honest frames. For those looking to mark milestones in a way that feels elevated yet deeply human, this collaboration between subject and artist is a moving example of what’s possible when you prioritise presence over performance. As with all of my work, the images serve not just as documentation, but as feeling. A keepsake not only for Bethan, but for everyone lucky enough to have shared in her celebration.

The celebration was more than a party; it was a love letter to meaningful milestones, surrounded by the people who helped shape Bethan’s story so far.

Bethan Lloyd ( @BETHANRALLOYD) is a Manchester-based beauty and makeup influencer celebrated for her empowering content tailored to individuals with fair complexions. With a dedicated following on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, she shares tutorials, product reviews, and lifestyle content that resonate with her audience. Bethan’s expertise lies in creating pale-friendly makeup looks, and she often emphasises the importance of embracing one’s natural beauty. Bethan Lloyd isn’t just someone to watch—she’s someone to remember. Not because she demands attention, but because she earns it. With grace, grit, and a flash of disco-ball brilliance.

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