A Valentine’s Day to Remember: Belle Starr Pinup and Co-Hosts a Stunning Pinup-Inspired Shoot at Ostel Place
The air was filled with creativity, camaraderie, and rustic charm as Belle Starr Pinup with Cohosts Lucy’s Retro Boutique and the lovely Ostel Rose brought together models, photographers, and stylists for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day shoot at Ostel Place on Saturday February 1st, 2025. With 20 models and nine photographers in attendance, the event was a vibrant celebration of artistry, collaboration, and self-expression.
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A Dreamy Valentine’s Day Setting
Ostel Place, known for its rustic beauty and elegant charm, provided the perfect backdrop for this romantic shoot. Carefully curated sets—from a dreamy picnic scene to a rustic piano with horses, a classic vintage chair and settee setup, and even a handmade life size chocolate box—gave every model the opportunity to step into a world of pinup and also bohemian elegance.
Adding to the romantic ambiance was a stunning rose backdrop, beautifully created by Darcy’s Best Life Photography, which became a favorite spot for many.
We had a total of 11 sets created between our photographers and hostesses. One of the biggest crowd pleasers of the day was my life-sized heart-shaped chocolate box, which also happened to be the very first set I’ve ever created! Seeing how much everyone loved it and how well it photographed made all the hard work so rewarding.
Bubbly in the Barn – The Perfect Ending to a Perfect Day
After hours of stunning photos and creative collaboration, the evening wrapped up with Bubbly in the Barn, a beautifully executed social hour that allowed guests to unwind and connect. A gorgeous charcuterie board and Champagne spread, flawlessly crafted by our new friend Beach Gypsy, added the perfect touch of sophistication. Models, photographers, and guests sipped, snacked, and shared stories, reflecting on the magic of the day.
The Joy & Growth of Hosting Larger Events
Hosting an event of this scale is both exciting and challenging, but each new experience allows me to navigate and refine my offerings and expectations as an event hostess. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing so many creatives come together, forming connections, sharing their talents, and simply having a great time. Every event teaches me something new—what works, what can be improved, and most importantly, how to continue creating an inclusive, inspiring space for our creative community.
A Special Guest & A Growing Community
One of the highlights of the event was welcoming special guest Miss Dee Dee Demilo, a renowned pinup contest queen and pinup model who traveled from Orlando to join in on the fun. Her presence, along with so many talented individuals, made the event even more special.
As the sun set over Ostel Place, it was clear that this event was about more than just photos—it was about building a pinup and creative community in the Pensacola area, where artists, photographers, and models can come together to celebrate their passion. Seeing everyone enjoy themselves and make lasting connections meant the world to me, and I am truly grateful for this thriving and supportive creative family.
This Valentine’s Day shoot wasn’t just an event—it was an experience. Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and made this day one to remember. I can’t wait to continue growing, learning, and bringing even more creative experiences to our community!
Valentine’s Group Shoot Photo by The Pensacola Pinup Photographer