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Check out one of GEM's recent engagement sessions photographed at the famous Yale University.

Eric and megan's Yale Engagement session

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Meet The Future Murdys I have met couples in many different ways. Whether it is a referral from a past couple or friend. I have met them through online directories. I met Megan like how a lot of couples meet these days: Facebook. This time, I actually introduced myself in the DMs (I’m not a […]

July 9, 2020

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Being home for the last couple of months, like and Connecticut wedding photographer has, I have a lot of time to think. While, I could have spent my time to become a professional couch potato I did not. Instead I developed new collections, created two new photography guides, and found new ways to strengthen the […]

May 28, 2020

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Will & Tonia WIll and Tonia’s beautiful fall New Haven wedding was a day filled with joy and love. Not only was the weather perfection, but the day shined with their love and friendship. I believe every wedding reveals a couple’s journey in the loveliest way. This wedding was no different. It truly was an […]

April 8, 2020

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Ashley and Kevin I have known Ashley since she was about nine, so I have basically watched her grow up. When she asked me to shoot her wedding I was truly honored. I always treat clients as if they were family, but this time it is in a way. Fun fact: My sister is actually […]

March 25, 2020

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Meet Steve and Courtney As many of you know when I am not shooting weddings I am a full-time wedding teacher. I have a special place in my heart for teachers, which is why I created the GEM Loves Teachers program. In fact, Courtney and Steve were part of my inspiration for the program. I […]

December 17, 2019

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Meet Will and Tonia Before getting into the Saville Dam engagement session I have to say, growing up in the 90s was the best. First, we had Saturday morning cartoons like Muppet Babies and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Next, we played the original Mario Kart on Super Nintendo. Most important, we had some amazing sports […]

May 9, 2019

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From Instagram to New Milford I have known Clarissa of Pink Olive Events for almost a year now. We first met at a networking function at her new office space. Next, as most wedding vendors do, we started following each other on Instagram. As the months went on we would take to each other through […]

May 2, 2019

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Welcome Back GEM Photography A little known fact about me I grew up in Meriden, CT. I had walked in the Daffodil parade as a kid, played at Cepa Field, and have walked up to Castle Craig. So when Latisha of BluuRibbon Events asked me to collaborate at the Silver City Ballroom in Meriden for […]

April 25, 2019

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Eight years ago I woke up to a picture of the newest love in my life. Miss Elsie came in like a bang and has been leaving her spark for the past 8 years. At first, she wanted to do her yearly pictures at Chick Fil A, but after some thought, she decided to do […]

February 27, 2019

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So you have booked your adults-only trip to Disney World. Have your plane tickets to MCO, and you are wondering what to bring. I have traveled to Disney quite a few times in the last two years, and now have packing for trips down to a science. Now everyone is different and every trip is […]

March 24, 2023

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Milayna’s Sweet Sixteen at Farmington Gardens was one of my favorite events that I have had the honor to photograph. One of the main reasons is the fact I was her substitute teacher back when she was in elementary school. What up Jefferson Jets? This also made me feel really old. The other reason is […]

March 14, 2023

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Chis and Emily’s Norwalk engagement session is going to make you want to grab a cup of coffee or hot cocoa and relax. In fact, Ill give you a moment to do so. Welcome Back This session took place right before the holidays. It was a beautiful day in December, which is hard to come […]

January 3, 2023

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Janessa and Sam’s fall Topsmead Forest engagement session was the perfect way to show off New England. The foliage was in it’s glory during this October session… Sam is from the south and had never experienced New England in the fall, so I thought Topsmead State Forest would be a perfect introduction. Janessa grew up […]

December 27, 2022

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Mike and Libby’s fall mansion wedding, at the Mansion at Bald Hill, is a wedding I’ll never forget. I knew they would have a fun wedding based on how much we laughed at their engagement session. Like their engagement session the weather was a dream as well. Not only were the fall leaves in their […]

October 25, 2022

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Eric and Megan’s Yale maternity session brought such a sense of nostalgia because it was shot a little over 2 years from their engagement session in the same location. Now if you have been following my blog or business for a while these two look really familiar… As I just mentioned, I shot their engagement […]

October 18, 2022

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I don’t even know where to start when it comes to Rachel and Aken aka Moose’s Hawk Ridge Winery wedding. It really is hard to put into words, but here it goes. If you read my last blog you would know that last week’s couple was connected to the Murdys who I booked two years […]

September 27, 2022

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Brandon and Madeline’s Nuzzo’s Farm wedding was very special because not only are they one of the sweetest couples on planet earth, but they are also who I have spent July 10th with for the past two years. Brandon was the officiant aka best man at Meghan and Eric’s wedding last year and they are […]

September 22, 2022

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Tyler and Liz’s Stony Creek Brewery Wedding was a day years in the making. Liz and Tyler met in college and tied the knot after a long courtship (based on speeches). I remember meeting them on zoom like I have met most couples over the last couple of years. It was a Sunday for me […]

September 21, 2022

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Maggie and Nemil’s Pond House Cafe wedding was full of laughter and love. Whether it was Nemil cracking jokes or Maggie getting tearful during her photos with her grandma. Even though their wedding was on Labor Day weekend it wasn’t labor to shoot due to their chill and relaxed attitudes to the day. I guess […]

September 16, 2022

xoxo, -R

Raina McMillan, THE PHOTOGRAPHER

GET TO KNOW ME

Fueled by equal parts caffeine and Old School Hip Hop and R&B, I spend my days capturing the kinds of images that tell stories with beauty. Your story, your love, is beautiful and I can't wait to capture it in images you will treasure for years to come. 

I believe in real moments and heartfelt conversations over a good beverage. In the kinds of images that remind you of the joy that can be found in the simplest of moments. 

WEDDING & PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY FOR Those Who Cherish Authentic Story Telling

MEET Raina

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SEND ME MY GUIDE

A lot of moving pieces go into planning a wedding day timeline and we know it's easy to feel like a hot mess! Grab GEM's free guide to plan the perfect timeline for your day. 

5 Tips for a Perfect Wedding Day Timeline

GRAB THE FREE GUIDE

Get a free copy of GEM Engagement Session Guide here. There are tips on locations, wardrobe, weather and more. 

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