Baptism Photography: Diana

Watching families grow has to be one of my favorite things. The Burgos are my VIP clients, as they’ve allowed me the honor to document their engagement session, their wedding, their maternity, and their newborn memories. Naturally, I was excited to see them once again, to document their beautiful daughter Diana, being baptized.

The location was the infamous Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. I mean, absolutely gorgeous… inside and out. I had no idea that inside the church, there were smaller chapels at the back. Giving you the opportunity for a more private mass. It ended up working in my favor as well, as I roamed around the pews so I wouldn’t miss any key moments.

I decided to stay longer and honor The Burgos while they celebrated their Princess Diana at Duomo 51, a fine Italian restaurant with a rooftop view overlooking the Cathedral.
The Cake was nothing short of brilliant, with a flowery theme, which matched the centerpieces of the table. The food was delicious, and everyone is always so welcoming when they see me again. I absolutely adore this family, and I cannot wait to continue on building with them. Seeing their family grow and flourish. I wish them all the blessings.

spring baptism cake
saint patricks cathedral

Never Letting Go

Title: Never Letting Go
Photographed by: Milli Stephania

Newlyweds, The Burgos, sneak off to soak in all their joy during their wedding reception

Wedding Photography: Beata + Luis

Photographing the commitment of love is such a beautiful blessing.


I was so lucky to document newlyweds, Luis + Beata.
Upon first getting to know a little more about the couple, who have a 6 years dating, they were eager to tie to the knot and were upset that their initial wedding plans had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. Their Vegas wedding was now being held in Dumbo, with a handful of loved ones surrounding them. I appreciated how no matter the circumstances, the love still shined through.

Everything seemed like it happened so quickly!
The officiant was ready to go, the guests were ready to see the new couple exchange vows and have that first kiss, I was ready to get snapping.

Vlog: Art Off The Clock Presents Art Auction & Chill at Harlem Nights

When you have a bunch of talented people in the same room, magic is bound to happen. Well, first, you have to have a chat full of talented people making plans, decisions and working their asses to make it all come together.
Art Off The Clock was born, and we couldn’t be prouder. We all planned an art auction that was held at the quirky Harlem Nights Bar. Just seeing the place from the outside makes you curious as to what’s going on indoors, and once you walked in, there was no disappointment.
A room full of painters, designers, photographers, and a pyrographer, all excited to share their art. Dj J Fuse, set the vibe up beautifully and our host Joe Hill had everyone cracking up.
This is only the beginning to all we plan on doing, and we can’t wait to share all the fun with you. Check out a re-cap of our first event above and follow us on instagram for upcoming events…. (we actually have one up coming soon, and it’s gonna be sooo good.)
See you guys soon!
Best,

Event: You’re Invited to Art Auction & Chill

Great things are happening!

You ever have that feeling in your gut… that fulfilled feeling where everything feels like it’s falling into place? Well that’s how I’m feeling, especially knowing that I’m surrounded by the right people.
This talented group of artists have been a blessing, and it’s not in disguise. We’ve all been working off the clock, creating and building in all our different mediums.
We’re a bunch of painters, illustrators, graphic artists, photographers, and designers who have bonded into so much more. We’re so proud of this growth and we’re really excited to be hosting our first event soon, and we want you to be a part of this experience.
Come and show some support, laugh a lot, and win some art to take home with you.
This is only the beginning.

RSVP is available HERE

I can’t wait to see you there!
Best,

Great Vibes & Chill: Vision Board Workshop

Don’t you just love “feel good” moments?
Today was all about that, and I couldn’t be more inspired than how I feel right now.
The gorgeous and inspiring, @allthingsada and @readingsbyvida hosted an intimate vision board workshop. This get together made all the gorgeous women who attended vulnerable to the point where they almost ran out of tissues.  Imagine opening up to a room full of strangers? It was beautiful.
We all want to become a better version of ourselves, and today we had the chance to tap into our goals, both long term and short.
This event was made to uplift us. Remind us that we have to manifest the things we want for ourselves into existence. When things are physical, they tend to be more real. We  rummaged through magazines, and shared scissors and glues to make our masterpieces.  Our vision boards needed to be a reflection of our talk and I gotta say, I like how mine came out. I keep staring at it!

This event was sold out in about 3 hours when it was posted, I was so glad i didn’t hesitate to sign up when I did. Now there’s a long waiting list for the next one, and I’m not surprised at that one bit. I think this was such a feel good wake up for all the girls who attended, and I only hope others get to bond the way that we did.

Also, shout out to @nycfoodmuse for being my collage partner and a friendly face in the crowd.

To sign up for the waiting list go HERE, to see Ada’s instagram click HERE, for her blog HERE and her youtube HERE. Follow Vida on her instagram HERE, and check out her website HERE… oh, and of course, don’t forget to follow me on instagram HERE.

Family: La Hora Loca, After the Vows

After the ceremony it’s time to party!

What, did you think we weren’t gonna get get down and dance all night. Ha! You must not know Dominicans very well.

After we left the church, we arrived in style back to El Palacio Royal. Everyone was already seated and waiting for the wedding party to arrive. Mami seemed liked she was in a better mood after the vows. And knowing my dad, as long as Mami is happy, he’s happy.( Plus less of a headache.)

The venue was absolutely gorgeous. The attention to detail was insane. The little trinkets at the table fit right in with the romantic and coral theme.

I was kinda peer pressured into saying a few words, and even though I’m a great speaker—in English. I knew I had to shut this down in Spanish.

Knowing all the up and downs we have all gone through over the years, all the bickering we have all done towards each other, family is family. And even though we don’t always get along, you guys are it. My step dad to me is my dad. He’s the kindest man I know.  If anyone ever asks— he’s the real deal. And I know, I’m so blessed to have him in my life, our life, mami’s life. Being her rock.

The spot light was on them, they danced their first dance in the most of bubbles and confetti, and they looked so magical on the dance floor.

After taking a bunch of pictures (I couldn’t really hold my own camera all night, since I had to be posing. I handed it off to my Michelle and she rocked it)

1

The food was delicious. I wish I had a plate right now and  I heard the drinks were on point. I think all the dancing I did was enough to keep me occupied. Everytime I would go up to the bar for water, the bartender made sure he picked on me in a flirtatious way.

After taking all the wedding pictures mami kept hassling us to do (and which we still haven’t received from the vendor) I wanted to change. I had a second dress I couldn’t wait to get into. A mermaid style yellow number that made me feel like “chiquita banana”. I loved it, and apparently so did everyone else, because I kept getting compliments all night.

“La hora Loca” (which translates to “the crazy hour”) happened in a blur. The lights dimmed down, the fog began, and the music changed from soft to party mode. Right on time too. Mami changed into dress number 3. Funky hat’s and glasses were given out , and the crowd goes wild. I even caught Mami playing limbo, and my dad dancing to La Macarena!

This was such a special day for my family. My parent’s looked absolutely gorgeous. We don’t always see eye to eye, but now that I’m much older, I’ve learned to appreciate them so much more. I wish them all the happiness in the world.
And before I go, here’s a little drawing. I wouldn’t be me, if I didn’t create something new!

Color Scenes: An All Alpha Female Experience Exhibit

This Friday I had the opportunity to present my work at a small exhibit in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The show was curated by Color Scenes & La Femme Cheri. The exhibit was a collection of 40 talented ladies, all displaying 2 pieces each.
I displayed 2/3 of the “Oracle” pieces I have been working on, and guess what… sold 2/3 pieces.
What a blessing. Pictured above is the proud owner of the small green piece, who now gets to go home happily cared for.
The larger Oracle piece in blue is ready to be shipped to Orlando, Florida. I gotta say, I’m feeling pretty blessed that my babies get owners who appreciate them. If I kept all the pieces I have made thorough out the years, I wouldn’t we be able to walk through my tiny apartment. I have one more “Oracle” piece that’s looking for a new owner, you know how to find me.
→ millistephania@gmail.com

Event: Write Off Cancer

All photos taken on an iphone 7+

I’m going to start this entry with a big thank you. Thank you to everyone who came out last night, and showed support for such a great cause.
Write Off Cancer, is a group exhibition that was curated on the behalf of legendary graffiti queen, Diva. This benefit featured original works for sale, from a collective group of artists. All the proceeds fro this exhibition will be going to help Queen Diva with medical expenses and her battle with cancer.

Kaystar, the beautiful soul that she is asked me if I wanted to be a part of this installation. It was bit last minute for me with the move and all, but there was no way I was going to say no. I happily donated 4 older pieces I had hanging out in my bedroom. Two of the pieces were displayed,while the other two will be auctioned off, at an online auction. That link is coming soon, so please stayed posted.

The love and support was so real. It was such a great turnout.
I’ll update this post with a quick recap video of the night. See you guys soon!

Event: Fem.Is.In

artwork by : Lady Pink

artwork by: Queen Andrea

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to attend art shows. It’s been a little while, but Fem.Is.In was a great way to get me going again. Seeing Swoon, Queen Andrea and Lady Pink‘s pieces in person again, are always a reminder to get my craft together. The push to start creating and stop making excuses. Great show Ladies!