Fairfield County photographer – Milli Stephania Photo

Capture Your Event’s True Essence

Posted on November 22, 2025 by Milli Stephania in Client Resources, Event Photography, Helpful Guides

stratford conneticut main street festival, block party where vendors come together to build community and network with patreons and locals. Photo of magician laughing while entertain a teen and dad in the festival

If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this, life is full of moments worth remembering, not just the big milestones, but the hugs, the quick laughs, the chaos, the tiny in-between gestures that make your family and your celebrations yours. That’s exactly what I’m there to capture.

backyard bbq of a toddler and a teen having fun together alongside a party game in stratford ct

Whether you’re throwing a birthday party, hosting a baby shower, celebrating a baptism, or planning a sweet sixteen, my goal is simple, I want you to actually enjoy your event and trust that the memories are being documented with intention, heart, and a whole lot of candids.

And just so you know, your photos will look like your day felt, bold, colorful, lively, and full of energy, never washed out or drab. I’m all about true color, real emotion, and photos that feel alive.

family member admiring aonther family member, taking pictures of her dad on her cellphone

1. I Photograph Your Event as It Naturally Unfolds

I’m not the photographer who yells at your guests to pose every five seconds.
I’m the one following the story, weaving through the room, catching the laughter, the tears, the surprise moments, the details you spent time choosing.

You’ll get a mix of
• traditional group photos,
• beautiful candids,
•unexpected moments you didn’t even realize were happening around you.

event party , birthday celebration of anmolder woman dancing on the dance floor surrounded by loviong family members having fun and celebrating her on brooklyn NY

Think of me as a friendly extra guest… who just happens to have a camera and a love for storytelling. And if the vibe is right, yes, I absolutely will jump on the dance floor with my camera in hand. Listen, if Abuela is breaking it down, I’m not missing that.

doljabi details of birthday table including cake in norwalk ct

2. I Capture the Details You Worked Hard On

The decorations, the table setups, the cake, the florals, the outfit details, the balloons, and every little thoughtful touch you added, I document them all.

You’ll get photos that bring your vision to life, Pinterest-board worthy, without pausing the celebration even once.

details of baptism party in new york, ny . garden party event photography with beautiful flower cage

3. Your Guests Will Actually Feel Comfortable

My vibe is relaxed, fun, friendly, and very go-with-the-flow.
Kids love me, parents relax around me, and guests feel at ease, allowing them to be themselves.

No stiff poses. No awkward angles.
Just people being themselves.

three friends posing for the camera at an event in washington heights for spirutal awakening .

4. I Take Care of the Timeline, You Enjoy Your Day

From the moment I arrive, I’m observing everything: the flow of the event, the emotional moments, the people who matter to you most, and the lighting as it shifts through the room.

You never have to chase me down or remind me to get a shot — if anything, I’m already two steps ahead.

party goers having fun at the photo booth event photography in upstate NY

5. You Get a Sneak Peek Fast

Because I know the excitement is real.
Within a short time after your event, you’ll get a preview of the best highlights so you can relive the magic and share with loved ones.

The full gallery follows in an organized, easy-to-navigate online format.
No stress, no guessing, just your memories waiting for you.

doljabi event, where mother in law hugs her son in law, at event celebrating thier first born. baby is celevrating a year and grandmother has helped prepare for the family . in conneticut fairfield county

6. Your Memories Are Safe With Me

These moments matter, and they can’t be recreated.
Your images are backed up, secured, and delivered in high resolution so you can print, share, and treasure them forever.

peruvian dancers at a festival showcase their traditional dance for party and festival atendees in their traditional dress in paradise green in stratford CT

7. I’m Here to Celebrate With You

This isn’t “just another event” — it’s a chapter in your family’s story.
I want you to feel supported, understood, and documented in a way that feels real. I capture the love, the laughter, the chaos, the beauty, and everything in between. It’s an honor to be invited into that space.

If you’re looking for photography that’s alive, bold, colorful, heartfelt, and full of personality, I’m your girl.

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A Gift of Memories: Documenting Quaijzah’s First Moments of Motherhood

Posted on August 6, 2025August 4, 2025 by Milli Stephania in Milli Stephania

Recently, I had the chance to attend The Stratford Main Street Festival, one of my favorite kinds of days: full of energy, music, local love, and lots of smiling families. After the event, I shared a gallery of photos in a local Facebook group so folks could download their favorites. I figured if someone saw a sweet moment of their own family, they’d want to keep it. What I didn’t expect was what came next.

A woman named Samantha slid into my messages, not for herself, but for her dear friend Quaijzah. Cue the heart melt.
Samantha wanted to gift a photo session to her friend, who was about to give birth at Bridgeport Hospital. She told me that the hospital no longer offered Bella Baby photography, which is usually a Fresh 48-style session (if you’re new to the term, it just means capturing those first soft, sleepy hours after baby arrives—when everything is still new, squishy, and totally magical).

This is where I come in. 🥹
I had the honor of being invited into this sacred window of time, just days after Quaijzah welcomed her baby. A new chapter of her life, a whole new identity, and I got to help her freeze it in time.

Out of respect for her wishes, and because I completely get it (I didn’t share photos of my own kiddos online until they were both over one!), I won’t be showing baby’s face. But those tiny fingers? Yeah, I can’t keep those to myself.

To anyone else joining the parenting club soon, I’d love to help you hold onto those raw, honest, beautiful beginnings. And if you’re not expecting, but know someone who is?

I happen to make a pretty dang good gift.

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Do You Photograph Newborns? Yes—But Not Like You Might Think

Posted on July 16, 2025July 9, 2025 by Milli Stephania in Helpful Guides

Parents cuddling newborn baby at home, close-up of family bonding during lifestyle newborn photo session in Stratford CT. Tiny newborn feet held gently by mom during candid in-home baby photo session, lifestyle photography Fairfield County.

Newborn baby swaddled in soft blanket lying in crib, captured during natural light, documentary-style newborn session in Connecticut.

I had a friend reach out to me, and get this question all the time: “Do you do newborn sessions?”
And the short answer is: Yes, I do!
But if you’re picturing a baby wrapped like a burrito and nestled in a basket with a headband bigger than their head… that’s not quite my thing.

My style is what I like to call real-life magic. It’s storytelling. It’s emotional. It’s close-ups of teeny toes, sleepy yawns, and the way you instinctively run your hand down your baby’s back. It’s capturing the way your partner looks at you when you’re rocking your little one at 2 weeks old—messy bun, tired eyes, and all.

These aren’t studio-styled portraits with props, flower crowns, or babies propped up on pillows.
Instead, I focus on natural moments, honest emotion, and connection.

So, What Does a Newborn Session With Me Look Like?

We’re usually in your home, where you’re most comfortable. I might catch baby in the crib just waking up. Maybe there’s a moment where you’re nursing or bottle-feeding. Or your partner’s curled up with baby on the couch while you sneak in a hot coffee (finally).

We’ll get those beautiful little details—tiny hands wrapped around your finger, soft baby skin, the way your body holds them like you’ve known them forever.
It’s less “say cheese” and more “you’re doing great, let’s freeze this moment in time.”

What If You Were Hoping for the Wrapped-Up Look?

Totally valid! Those posed newborn sessions with intricate wraps and set-ups are an art of their own—and I know some amazing photographers who specialize in just that. If that’s more your vibe, I’d be happy to send some referrals your way.

But if you’re looking for something more laid-back, heartfelt, and centered around your story as a growing family… I’m your girl.

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Gemma’s First Birthday Doljabi- A Celebration of Culture and Connection

Posted on July 9, 2025July 9, 2025 by Milli Stephania in Milli Stephania

Doljabi, korean first birthday for baby Gemma, where she chooses her future, she chooses a stethoscope for physican. Mom holds her in her traditional korean dress.

Ever wondered what tradition, adorable baby giggles, and a dash of destiny look like? Let me take you behind the scenes of Gemma’s first birthday doljabi. It was a vibrant celebration rooted in Korean culture and bursting with love.
Spoiler alert: It involves tiny hands choosing their future career path, squishy baby cheeks, and some of the best food I’ve ever tasted.

In Korean culture, a doljabi is more than just a birthday—it’s a cherished tradition that celebrates a baby’s milestone first year while offering a peek into their future. During this event, various symbolic items are placed before the birthday child. The baby then picks one, and each item hints at their potential path in life: a gavel for a future judge, a paintbrush for an artist, a microphone for a musician, a stethoscope for a doctor, and even thread for longevity. Watching little Gemma reach out with her tiny fingers was the cutest—and possibly most suspenseful—moment of the day, especially since there was a raffle to make it extra fun. And guess what? Little Miss Gemma—with her squishable cheeks and gummy smile—reached straight for the stethoscope. Future doctor in the making? We’ll have to wait and see, but the room erupted in cheers and laughter when she made her pick.

Stephanie and Robert hosted Gemma’s doljabi at The East Norwalk Association Library. The venue was intimate yet lively, filled with family, friends, and the warmth of celebration. Gemma, dressed in a stunning traditional Hanbok, looked like a little princess. Her parents, also dressed in Hanboks, radiated grace and pride as they shared this special day with their loved ones.

Gemma’s at the perfect age where everything is fascinating, and is full of personality. She lit up every time I sang “Wheels on the Bus” to catch her attention.

If you’re planning a special event—whether it’s a doljabi, a birthday, or just a fun family gathering—I’d love to be there to document it. I’m based in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and I also serve the New York Metro Area. Let’s make sure your memories aren’t just lived but beautifully preserved forever.

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