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Grayson’s First Birthday: A Chef’s Dream!

Becoming a parent is one of the most transformative experiences life can throw at you. Itโ€™s full of late-night feedings, endless diaper changes, belly laughs, and the joy of watching your little one grow into their own tiny person. When Elsie reached out to document her son Graysonโ€™s first birthday, she knew she wanted to make it specialโ€”not just for him, but as a way to celebrate an incredible milestone in her own journey of parenthood.

Elsie chose the cutest โ€œchefโ€™s themeโ€ for the session, and I was instantly obsessed! With a miniature apron, a sprinkle of flour, and a rolling pin that looked bigger than Grayson, we were ready to cook up some memories that would last forever. Naturally, I leaned all the way into the theme, gathering every prop a tiny chef might needโ€”whisks, mixing bowls, muffin tinsโ€”you name it. The vibe was all about joy, mess, and embracing the chaos of the toddler years.

Before our session, I worked closely with Elsie to plan the shoot. Once she shared her vision, I created a mood board to bring it to life. Itโ€™s so important to me that every client feels like theyโ€™re part of the creative process. Whether choosing a theme, picking outfits, or deciding on locations, we collaborate to make your session unique and true to your family. When Elsie saw the mood board, she was over the moon and said it was everything sheโ€™d imagined and more.
Hearing that kind of feedback? Thatโ€™s the chefโ€™s kiss for me.

The session itself was so much fun. Grayson was the star of the show, of course. He explored every little thing we set up, from poking at the flour to crawling around like a champion. (Honestly, who knew a crawling chef could be so adorable?) Watching Elsie laugh and play with Grayson, I could feel how much love and joy she pours into being his mom. It was a beautiful reminder that first birthdays arenโ€™t just about celebrating babiesโ€”itโ€™s about celebrating parents, too. Elsie, youโ€™ve made it through an entire year of sleepless nights, new challenges, and countless memories. Thatโ€™s something worth shouting about!

When Elsie received her final images, she couldnโ€™t stop smiling. Seeing her joy made all the planning, organizing, and flour-covered chaos totally worth it. Sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. Capturing these fleeting momentsโ€”the ones that feel small but mean so muchโ€”is what Iโ€™m here for.

So, if youโ€™re a parent wondering whether you should book a session like this, let me be the one to tell you: YES. Celebrate your baby, celebrate your family, and most importantly, celebrate YOU. After all, these moments fly by, and they deserve to be remembered.


Do you have an idea for a theme or milestone youโ€™d like to celebrate? Letโ€™s brainstorm and create something magical together. Reach out, and letโ€™s get planning! ๐Ÿงก

Quick Recap!

Quick Recap: Your Guide to Milli STephania Photo’s Connecticut Adventure!

Hereโ€™s everything you need to know about my exciting expansion and offerings:

  • Exciting Expansion: Milli Stephania Photo now offers services in Fairfield County, Connecticut, while still serving the New York Metro Area.
  • New Beginnings: Recently relocated to Stratford, CT, with my family, bringing my candid documentary-style photography to a vibrant new community.
  • Services Offered:
    • Family Photography
    • Event Photography (baby showers, birthday parties, etc.)
    • Outdoor Sessions with scenic CT backdrops
    • Travel Sessions beyond NY and CT (inquire via the contact form)
  • Kid-Friendly Approach: As a mom of two, I specialize in capturing genuine, joyful, and candid family moments, embracing the chaos and charm of children.
  • Why Choose Me:
    • Bold, vibrant, and true-to-life photography style
    • Relaxed, fun, and stress-free sessions
    • A dedication to turning your memories into unforgettable art
  • FAQs:
    • Still accepting clients in NYC? Yes!
    • Open to traveling outside NY and CT? Yes!
    • Kid-friendly? Absolutely!

Ready to book? Reach out today to schedule your session in CT or NY, and letโ€™s create something unforgettable. Contact Me Now

Photographing Connection and Growth at “The Rooted Visionary Experience”

Photographing “The Rooted Visionary Experience” in New York wasnโ€™t just another day behind the cameraโ€”it felt like a family reunion (minus the awkward โ€œWhat are you doing with your life?โ€ questions). Ada Rojas, from “All Things Ada,” the powerhouse behind this event, has been on my radar since 2017 when she hosted her very first vision board workshop (see that post HERE). Back then, it was all about manifesting dreams and gluing magazine cutouts to paper. Fast forward to now, and here we areโ€”on a whole other levelโ€”spiritual growth, ancestor-honoring, and sensory meditation. Talk about a glow-up, right?

From the moment I walked in, the vibe was chefโ€™s kiss. Guests were greeted with an โ€œEnergy Barโ€ that didnโ€™t serve cocktails but instead offered custom aura mists to cleanse and ground yourself. (Who knew a spritz could feel so life-changing?) Then there was the โ€œTea Bar,โ€ complete with blends designed to open your heart and clear your mind. Honestly, it was the kind of wholesome magic that made me want to put down my camera and just sip tea all day.

But the real magic happened during the guided ancestral journey Ada led. Watching a room full of people close their eyes, breathe deeply, and connect with their roots was so moving that even I felt like my camera lens was getting misty. (No, I wasnโ€™t cryingโ€”you were!) The community altar stole the showโ€”decked out with photos of loved ones, cafecito, mamajuana, and fresh flowers. It was beautiful, heartfelt, and so uniquely Ada.

Capturing these momentsโ€”the hugs, the laughter, the quiet moments of reflectionโ€”reminded me why Iโ€™m so obsessed with what I do. Lifeโ€™s not about the perfectly posed photos; itโ€™s about the ones that make you feel something. And this event? It was packed with feeling. From the heartfelt embraces to people just letting go and being themselves, I couldnโ€™t stop snapping away. (Okay, maybe I paused for a quick sip of teaโ€ฆ priorities.)

Seeing Adaโ€™s growth from vision board queen to spiritual guide extraordinaire has been nothing short of inspiring. Her ability to create spaces where people can reflect, connect, and honor themselves and their ancestors? Pure magic. Iโ€™m so proud to have been part of her journey and even prouder to capture these moments for her.

As I packed up my gear (and maybe grabbed another aura mist for the road), I couldnโ€™t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. This wasnโ€™t just a jobโ€”it was a reminder of why I do what I do. Being entrusted to capture the essence of “The Rooted Visionary Experience” was like going through a personal journey with Ada. Ada, youโ€™re a superstar. Thank you for trusting me to document your incredible vision. Iโ€™m already counting down to the next chapter of your journey.

Big News: Milli Stephania Photo is Expanding to Fairfield County, Connecticut!

If you’ve been following along with Milli Stephania Photo, you already know Iโ€™m all about capturing lifeโ€™s beautiful, messy, and magical moments. Well, buckle up, I have so much to share with you! Life has been full of exciting changes latelyโ€”a new baby has joined the team, weโ€™ve moved to beautiful Connecticut, and we just bought a new home! Itโ€™s been a whirlwind, but through it all, Iโ€™m beyond excited to announce that Iโ€™m now offering my photography services in both New York and Connecticut.
If weโ€™ve worked together before, I want to thank you for your continued support. And if we havenโ€™t yet, I would love the chance to meet you and help capture your special moments! Whether youโ€™re in New York or Connecticut, Iโ€™m thrilled to be able to offer more flexibility in scheduling and location to make it easier for you.
And before my NYC clients start panicking, donโ€™t worryโ€”Iโ€™m still here for you, too. Letโ€™s dive into the details!

Why the Move? New Beginnings in Connecticut

Life has been a whirlwind lately. As a new mom of twoโ€”yes, two! (cue the coffee and chaos)โ€”my family and I recently made the leap to Stratford, Connecticut. New home, new vibes, and a fresh opportunity to expand my business to a whole new area. Fairfield County, with its gorgeous parks, coastal charm, and bustling communities, feels like the perfect place to bring my candid, documentary-style photography to even more amazing families and events.

But hereโ€™s the kicker: Iโ€™m not leaving my NYC roots behind. As your go-to NY and CT portrait and event documentary photographer, Iโ€™m keeping one foot firmly planted in the New York Metro Area. So, whether youโ€™re in Brooklyn or Bridgeport, Iโ€™ve got you covered.

What Services Do I Offer?

My heart is in candid lifestyle photography, capturing those real, unscripted moments that tell your familyโ€™s unique story. But I also offer a variety of services to celebrate all of lifeโ€™s milestones. all you have to do is bring the moments, and Iโ€™ll bring the magic. Hereโ€™s a quick snapshot of what Iโ€™m all about:

  • Family Photography: From giggly toddlers to sassy teens, Iโ€™ll document your crewโ€™s unique dynamic.
  • Event Photography: Baby showers, birthday parties, baptisms, and sweet sixteensโ€”letโ€™s make those memories unforgettable.
  • Outdoor Sessions: Fairfieldโ€™s scenic backdrops? Yes, please.
  • Travel Sessions: Dreaming of a shoot beyond NY and CT? Letโ€™s chatโ€”Iโ€™m always up for an adventure.

Kid-Friendly? Oh, Absolutely.

As a mom of two wild and wonderful kiddos, I get it. I understand the chaos, the tantrums, and the moments of pure joy that make it all worth it. Thatโ€™s why I pride myself on being super kid-friendly. You donโ€™t have to stress about getting your little ones to โ€œsit stillโ€ for a pictureโ€”Iโ€™m here to capture the real stuff: the giggles, the hugs, and even the occasional cookie-bribe negotiations.

A Little Story: My First Fairfield Session

Let me set the scene: a sunny afternoon at a Fairfield County park, with a family of four which included the silliest fresh new double digit kid. He’s too cool to be doing cute poses… embrace it! Let him go absolute ham, maybe he can show us the newest Tik Tok dance! The parents? Beaming. As we wandered through the trails, snapping candid moments, I realized just how special it is to capture the essence of a family in a new setting and embracing . This is why I do what I do.

Why Choose Milli Stephania Photo?

Hereโ€™s the deal: When you book with me, youโ€™re not just getting a photographer. Youโ€™re getting a memory hoarder who sees the beauty in the everyday. Iโ€™ll make sure you feel at ease, have a laugh, and maybe even forget thereโ€™s a camera involved. My style is bold, vibrant, and true to color because I believe lifeโ€™s moments deserve to be remembered just as they are.

FAQs: Letโ€™s Clear Things Up

Are you still taking clients in NYC? Absolutely! NYC clients, youโ€™re my OGs, and Iโ€™m not going anywhere.

Are you open to traveling outside of NY and CT? Yes! If youโ€™ve got a dream location in mind, letโ€™s make it happen. Just fill out my contact form, and weโ€™ll chat.

Are you kid-friendly? One hundred percent. I specialize in documenting families and their journeys as candidly as possibleโ€”snacks, tantrums, and all.

Letโ€™s Capture Your Moments

Iโ€™m so grateful for this new chapter and all the possibilities ahead. I canโ€™t wait to see what the future holds and, most importantly, to continue capturing the memories that matter most to you. Whether you’re a long-time client or someone new, Iโ€™m here to help you celebrate lifeโ€™s big (and little) moments. Whether youโ€™re in Connecticut or New York, Iโ€™m ready to turn your memories into art. Reach out today to book your session, and letโ€™s create something unforgettable. Iโ€™m so grateful for this new chapter and all the possibilities ahead. I canโ€™t wait to see what the future holds and, most importantly, to continue capturing the memories that matter most to you. Whether you’re a long-time client or someone new, Iโ€™m here to help you celebrate lifeโ€™s big (and little) moments.

Contact Me Now to get startedโ€”Fairfield County, Iโ€™m looking at you!