This family photo session was, more than anything, a chance to document the arrival of the Donahue family’s newest member. Tori and Andrew had just welcomed their first baby, Pearce, into the world. At just one month old, he was wonderfully patient with the rest of us as we changed his outfit and had him striking different poses. As long as he could eat, he was up for anything.
Tori and Andrew only moved to Roanoke recently, but as a Virginia Tech alum Andrew has some familiarity with the area. Their house has a lovely view of downtown Roanoke and the mountains beyond it, especially from Pearce’s room. His little nursery is all blue and white, complete with a sweet theme from the book The Velveteen Rabbit and a small rocking horse. We spent quite a bit of time capturing little baby snuggles, kisses, and yawns with both mom and dad. Babies just look so tiny in their parents’ arms, it amazes me.
Pearce has striking blue eyes. I couldn’t decide if he looks more like Andrew or Tori, but either way he will be lucky because he has two beautiful parents. It was so fun to watch him look right at Andrew while he spoke to him. I also loved to see his delicate little hands grip Tori’s wrist so firmly as she fed him a snack from the bottle. That boy sure can eat!
We finished the photoshoot on their porch, complete with mom, dad, baby, and their two adorable pups. With the sun shining down on the blooming azaleas outside, it was the perfect backdrop to get everyone together. It just warms my heart to photograph a newborn session and see how in love two people can be with their baby. Congratulations Andrew and Tori!