GRAB THE 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 our free guide to plan the perfect timeline for your day.
5 Tips for a Perfect Wedding Day Timeline
GRAB THE FREE GUIDE
VIEW THE POST
Check out one of GEM's recent engagement sessions photographed at the famous Yale University.
Eric and megan's Yale Engagement session
featured post
VIEW THE POST
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
VIEW THE POST
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
VIEW THE POST
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
VIEW THE POST
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
VIEW THE POST
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
VIEW THE POST
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
VIEW THE POST
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
VIEW THE POST
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
VIEW THE POST
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
VIEW THE POST
Christin and Molly’s Mystic elopement had a lot of smiles, water, and PIZZA. This was about the two of them and them only. A lot of weddings are a big celebration that can become more than people becoming a unit. There is nothing wrong with that, but elopements are truly about the couple only. I […]
September 11, 2023
VIEW THE POST
Fernando and Lyssa’s Wood Acres Farm wedding was hot in more ways than one. One it was actually hot weather-wise. I never appreciated ice water and the nice cooling towels the venue lent me more. The couple was hot for each other, which helps when you are photographing them for eight hours. Lastly, the dance […]
July 11, 2023
VIEW THE POST
Chris and Emily’s spring Hops Company Garden wedding was a showcase of talents. From the vendors who were also guests to the musical talents of family members. And to top it all off there was a dog. The last time I was at the Hops Company in Derby CT, the mom was the baker so […]
May 23, 2023
VIEW THE POST
Chris and Sarah’s Nuzzo’s farm spring wedding was not just two people coming together but four. The day was not just about them but their two children Adrianna and Benjamin. Their small wedding was filled with love and the perfect size for their perfect day. From the stunning weather to the tasty sliders, it truly […]
May 9, 2023
VIEW THE POST
My favorite park for food is definitely this one. Picking my top 5 places to eat in Animal Kingdom was the easiest for me. Even though Epot had great options I feel the food in Animal Kingdom tastes the best. Animal Kingdom does have the normal Disney options, but this park’s food is next level […]
April 26, 2023
VIEW THE POST
Welcome to part three of my top 5 places to eat in the Disney series. This week I pick my top 5 places to eat in Hollywood Studios. Now this one is the hardest because Hollywood Studios is my least favorite park for food. I tend to do resort eating on Hollywood Studio days for […]
April 18, 2023
VIEW THE POST
This blog post may be my hardest to do because narrowing down my top 5 places to eat in Epcot is hard with all of the dining options Epcot has. Another reason is that I tend to eat at the same place every time. World Showcase has 11 different nations represented along with a stand […]
April 12, 2023
VIEW THE POST
Today I am starting a new series about my favorite places to eat on Disney properties. The reason why I am starting with a food series is because one of my favorite things to do at Disney is: eat. I thought what better way to start than with the favorite park for many Disney fans. […]
April 3, 2023
VIEW THE POST
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
VIEW THE POST
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
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
meet the artist
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.
Put a Ring on it?