An English Reverie: A Maternity Session at Virginia House

Photographed by McKenzie Fairclough

Tucked away in Richmond, Virginia stands a manor that feels worlds away. Built in England and later transported piece by piece to the United States, Virginia House offers an atmosphere steeped in quiet grandeur. It was here that photographer McKenzie Fairclough hosted her recent content day, designed for family and motherhood photographers seeking depth, softness, and intentional storytelling in their work.

One of the four stations McKenzie designed was this ethereal maternity session featuring Morgan, who wore a simple yet elegant Doen nightgown. The garment’s gentle texture and movement complemented the warm stonework of the manor and the lush, early evening gardens. With bare feet on weathered stone, Morgan became both subject and muse.

“I really wanted to lean into the English manor vibes that day,” McKenzie shares. “There’s something timeless about Virginia House, and I wanted that timelessness to echo in the images. The gown allowed Morgan and the surroundings to shine without distraction.”

Everything about this session – its light, colour palette, and composition—feels like a nod to another time, yet it remains utterly rooted in the present moment of motherhood. It is a study in grace, strength, and quiet transformation.

About the Photographer
McKenzie Fairclough is a Richmond-based photographer who specializes in family, maternity, and motherhood portraits. Her work is known for its natural softness, editorial framing, and timeless sensibility.

Words and curation by Editor Lisa Christoffel