Family photography in Lyme Regis, Dorset

Today’s blog is the first of two posts from Ed’s fabulous 40th birthday weekend. I’ve been lucky enough to know Ed for many years now, since my first history lecture at Cardiff University when he sat down next to me and introduced himself. He has been one of my closest friends ever since and I was thrilled to be invited to his 40th birthday extravaganza at his parents’ house in Lyme Regis in Dorset over the Easter weekend.

Ed’s family and friends gathered from all over the country (and from America for his big brother and his family). It was going to be fantastic.

I suggested that we arrange a family shoot during the weekend – it’s not often that everyone gets together and I know how dearly Ed loves his brothers and their families, I’ve been hearing all about the nieces and nephews for years. My offer was gladly accepted so I looked like I was moving into the B&B when I arrived with suitcases of clothes for Tom and I, and enormous bags of cameras.

Good Friday was bitterly cold but it didn’t rain! I was amazed, thrilled and frankly very surprised – it’s been such a wet spring.

We started our day indoors with a bit of play and some egg decoration while baby William had his nap, and some general chilling out as the cousins enjoyed each other’s company and the brothers caught up after months apart. It was a wonderful atmosphere and I was so pleased to be a part of it.

To be able to capture a big family group photo, we did need to get outside as there simply wasn’t room in Ed’s parents beautiful cottage to get a nice shot of everyone together so hats and coats were put on and we went down to the beach. Oh it was bitterly cold but perfect as the beach was empty and it really felt like a British childhood holiday – a bit on the chilly side, but a stiff upper lip and all that!

As always, the older children didn’t notice the cold at all and holes were dug in the sand and fun was had.

To warm up, we headed to the pub for ice cream (!?!) and chat before heading home.

It was a wonderful start to the weekend and I’m so thrilled with capturing this set of family photographs for one of my dearest friends.

I do hope you like them. More pictures shall follow from the rest of the weekend – after all, how many birthday parties involve a re-enactment of a scene from Jane Austen’s Persuasion!