The Donnelly Family

 

 

A close-up view of someone sleeping peacefully in a cream-colored knit sweater.
A family sits together on a beige chair with a green plant in the background, sharing a tender moment at home.
A golden retriever dog lies relaxed on a beige carpet while people sit in the background on a couch.

There’s something so special about getting to follow a family’s story from maternity to welcoming their newest little one. I photographed the Donnelly family’s maternity session back in June, and stepping into their Milton home a few months later to meet baby Millie felt like picking up right where we left off.


Even though Millie was almost three months old for her “newborn” session, the energy in their home was exactly what I love most about in-home sessions—real, lived-in, perfectly imperfect moments. Her big brothers, Harrison and Lane (the busiest, funniest two-year-old twins you’ll ever meet), brought their whole personalities to the session. They weren’t super interested in posing, but honestly… that’s the magic. Kids this age don’t stay still, and they definitely don’t pretend for the camera, which is why documentary-style family sessions feel so genuine and full of life.


We spent the morning playing with bubbles, exploring toys, checking in on baby sister in her crib, and following the boys as they bounced from one idea to the next. Millie was the calm, wide-eyed little observer, taking in all the movement around her like the sweetest center of their universe. And then there was Sully—their very chill dog—who was easily the calmest part of the entire session. He just hung out in the mix, laying near the boys, watching over his people, and photobombing in the most perfect ways.


What I love most about this session is how honestly it reflects this season of their life: the chaos, the laughter, the tender in-between moments, and the way they love on each other in their own unique rhythm. These aren’t the pictures of perfectly posed siblings or quiet newborn snuggles (though we snuck in a few of those too). These are the memories that will mean the most someday—the ones that look and feel like them.


Donnelly family, thank you for welcoming me into your home. Watching your family grow and capturing your story has been such an honor. Enjoy this beautiful chapter with your sweet Millie, your wild and wonderful twins, and of course, Sully, the MVP of the day.


A series of candid photos showing a baby crawling on beige carpet wearing a light gray onesie.
Golden retriever dog lying relaxed on beige carpet.
Close-up detail shots of gentle hands touching during an intimate family moment.
Family sits together on wooden chair sharing special moment with newborn baby in white outfit.
A series of candid family moments showing parents and children laughing and embracing together on a white background.
Black and white panoramic series showing intimate family moments in a nursery with ceiling fan and white curtains.
Closeup of sleeping baby in cream knit outfit showing peaceful expression and long eyelashes.
A toddler in a brown sweater stands on a cushion next to a wooden crib in a nursery.
Close-up macro shots of eyelashes in soft, warm lighting with delicate lace fabric.
Family relaxing together on white furniture in a bright, airy living room.
Decorative home interior with wooden furniture, framed artwork, and ceramic accessories on display.
Macro detail shots focusing on a sleeping baby's delicate features and ear.
A wooden crib with a white blanket in a nursery room with floral wallpaper and lace curtains.
A couple dancing intimately in a softly lit room with pink walls and natural light streaming through windows.
Golden retriever dog lying lazily on beige carpet with living room furniture in background.
A family relaxes together in a cozy armchair, sharing tender moments in neutral-toned casual clothing.
Family sitting together on floor with indoor plant in background.
A sequence of photos showing a child climbing up onto a window ledge from a crib.
A sleeping baby's tiny hand rests peacefully against soft cream-colored lace fabric.
Mother in beige sweater holding sleeping infant wearing white outfit and bow in nursery setting.
Smiling baby with bright eyes lying on soft beige fabric showing a happy expression.
Mother in beige sweater smiling while holding sleeping baby dressed in cream outfit with bow.
Black and white portrait of smiling baby with bright eyes looking directly at camera.
Close-up series of tender moments between parent and infant showing gentle touches and bonding.
A sweet baby wearing a gray outfit rests on a beige couch cushion.
Close-up artistic shots of delicate baby features against soft cream-colored fabric.
Series of black and white photos showing a white dog relaxing on furniture.
Series of photos showing family members by a window with lace curtains in a nursery.
A tender family moment in a nursery with a wooden crib and neutral decor.
A sequence of photos showing a family lounging and playing together in a bright, modern living room.
Black and white portrait of a mother in a sweater embracing her baby wearing a white bow headband.
Black and white close-up of intertwined hands showing tender connection and intimacy.
Adult in white sweater sitting on couch sharing joyful moment with infant in casual home setting.
Sweet moment between parent and infant in white clothing against neutral background.
Mother holding baby while looking at their reflection in decorative mirror mounted above wooden dresser.
Tender embrace between parent and baby wearing cream colored outfit.
A couple in neutral colored clothing share intimate moments in a romantic indoor photoshoot series.
Close-up of a tiny baby hand reaching out against a soft cream-colored background.
Close-up of hands embracing during an intimate dance moment in a sunlit room.
A sleeping baby wearing a cream colored outfit with bow accessory rests peacefully.
Series of monochrome images showing a baby resting peacefully in a wooden crib.
Close up view of a baby with bright blue eyes and rosy cheeks lying on beige fabric.
Dog resting on carpet while people sit and relax in cozy living room setting.
Peaceful sleeping infant in cream knit clothing with soft natural lighting.
White dog resting on carpet near furniture in a minimalist room setting.
Black and white photo series showing a baby being gently swaddled in a white blanket.
Family lifestyle photography session showing warm interactions in a bright white setting.
Baby in cream outfit resting peacefully while being cradled and fed in caregiver's arms.
Panoramic view of a modern bedroom with ceiling fan and family relaxing on floor.
A golden retriever rests peacefully on carpet while family shares moments in the background.
Parents gazing at their reflection in vintage mirror while standing beside dresser in nursery.
Intimate family portrait session showing tender moments in a softly lit room with lace curtains.
A heartwarming series of photos showing tender moments between a parent and baby with a white dog.
Collection of photos capturing tender moments between family members near a wooden crib.
A child in grey clothing stands precariously on a window sill next to white curtains.
Couple looking at their reflection in ornate mirror mounted above wooden dresser in pink-walled nursery.
Close-up macro shot of a newborn baby's belly button against soft white fabric.
A loving family shares tender moments together on a carpeted floor with a decorative plant in the background.
Family members cuddle close together while relaxing on the floor of their home.
Black and white photo series capturing gentle moments with a newborn baby.
Close up portraits of a smiling baby with bright blue eyes lying on beige fabric.
Gentle close-up photos of tiny baby hands reaching against white knitted fabric.
A romantic dance captured in a cozy room with pink walls and warm lighting.