When I say I get the kindest couples, I truly mean it. I’ve had the honor of working with Sylwia and Mike on three very special occasions—their dreamy engagement session at Harkness Park, Sylwia’s gorgeous bridal shower, and now their rehearsal dinner and welcome party at New England Brewing in Branford, CT.


This celebration was everything a welcome party should be: filled with love, family, laughter, and those emotional little moments that make you stop and smile.


A Celebration Filled with Love


Friends and family traveled from near and far to celebrate Sylwia and Mike, including loved ones who flew in all the way from Poland! Both mothers gave heartfelt speeches and toasts, which had everyone teary-eyed and smiling. It was such a beautiful reminder of how weddings bring families together in the most special way.


The event décor, designed by Christina’s Rental Supply, tied it all together with chic black and white details—white balloons and black bows everywhere you looked. It was simple, elegant, and so perfectly them.


My Favorite Detail


One of the sweetest surprises was seeing so many of Sylwia and Mike’s Harkness Park engagement photos printed and framed throughout the space. Nothing makes me happier as a photographer than seeing the images we create together turned into tangible keepsakes. It’s such an honor knowing that the photos I take live on beyond a screen and become part of your story.


Golden Hour Magic


We wrapped the evening with portraits during golden hour on the water at New England Brewing, and let me tell you—the light did not disappoint. That soft glow paired with the joy of the evening made for some of my favorite images of the night.


Client Love


Sylwia shared the kindest words in her review, and I couldn’t be more grateful:


“My husband and I have hired Carlota for three different occasions so far and each one has been better than the next. Her attention to detail is next level… The golden hour photos she took at our welcome party are going to be some of my favorite for a long long time. Not only is she super talented, but so kind and bubbly as well. We can’t wait to work with her in the future for other life milestones!!!” Read the full review on my Google Business Page

Black and white photos show guests mingling at an indoor reception venue with hanging lights.
Couples enjoying dancing lessons in a studio space with dark wood paneling and soft lighting.
A wedding couple stands near white balloons with black ribbons at an event marked 'The Night Before'.
Romantic couple poses on a waterfront dock with boats and marina in the background at sunset.
A couple in white attire shares a romantic moment on a wooden dock overlooking a marina at sunset.
A couple toasts with champagne glasses in front of a decorated balloon display at a celebratory event.
Guests celebrate at an elegant indoor reception venue with white tables and modern lighting.
A woman in a white lace dress poses casually on a wooden deck with a marina and boats in the background.
An elegant white balloon arch with black bows creates a wedding backdrop against a cream-colored wall.
Two people embrace warmly in a room with hardwood floors and industrial-style lighting.
Wedding party members in blue dresses and white gown share drinks at a rustic indoor bar.
White gift bags are being held in a reception hall decorated with string lights and white chairs.
Two women in a lace wedding dress and light blue dress share a joyful moment at an event venue with string lights.
A photo montage showing preparation moments from a wedding day with multiple candid shots in natural light.
A montage of dancing couples during a ballroom dance lesson showing various steps and movements in an indoor setting.
Multiple romantic engagement or wedding photo poses in white outfits against light backgrounds.
A series of black and white photographs showing two chefs preparing food in a kitchen setting.
A group shares emotional embraces in front of a white balloon arch at a wedding celebration.
Wedding party members gather for photos in front of a decorative white balloon arch.
Group photo showing attendees in coordinating light blue dresses and white gowns at a wedding celebration.
Wedding celebration with blue-dressed attendants and white balloons in a bright indoor venue.
Friends pose together on wooden deck outside white building with glass windows.
Wedding guests celebrate at an indoor reception with twinkling lights and white balloons.
People enjoying a sunny day together on a wooden deck overlooking water.
Group enjoying drinks and conversation on an outdoor waterfront deck during sunset.
Couple posing together on a deck with a marina view, woman wearing light blue ruffle top.
Wedding reception venue with wooden bar top and hanging pendant lights creating cozy ambiance.
A series of tender moments captured on a covered outdoor deck with string lights overhead.
Wedding party poses outdoors against white building backdrop with string lights.
Wedding reception guests dancing and socializing in a venue decorated with string lights.
A buffet line of catering trays with various dishes at an event.
Buffet line of hot food being served in metal chafing dishes at catering event.
Friends gathering at an outdoor restaurant patio overlooking the water.
Bridesmaids wearing contrasting white lace and brown dresses pose together with drinks at a wedding celebration.
A group photographed at an indoor venue with string lights and balloons decorating the space.
Candid moments captured during a wedding celebration showing people in formal attire.
Wedding detail shots featuring shoes, photo frames, and table decor arrangements.
Group photo of wedding guests in light colored attire posing together outdoors.
Guests in colorful floral attire share joyful moments at a celebration.
A group poses cheerfully on a waterfront deck wearing formal dresses in white, blue and floral patterns.
A couple shares a romantic moment at sunset on a waterfront deck with boats and docks visible in the background.
Black and white photo of couple celebrating against waterfront landscape.
Scenic marina boardwalk wedding photos with boats and docks in the background.
Black and white photos capture wedding reception celebration with balloons and dancing guests.
An elegant event venue decorated with white balloons and string lights creating a festive atmosphere.
Black and white panoramic shot of wedding guests gathered at reception tables.
Wedding celebration candids showing couple in formal attire enjoying intimate moments.
Wedding guests pose for outdoor photos at sunset on a wooden deck.
Detailed white frosted wedding cake with delicate piped designs and lace patterns on display.
Black and white wedding cookies decorated with rings arranged on tiered plates.
Black and white photo of people dancing in lace and floral dresses at a celebration.
Wedding reception party guests dancing and celebrating together in an indoor venue decorated with white balloons.
Couple cuts their wedding cake together during reception celebration.
Couple sharing a sweet moment with wedding cake at indoor celebration venue.
Black and white wedding signage displays with floral centerpieces reading 'The Night Before'.

 

About Photos by Carlota


I’m Carlota, a Connecticut portrait and event photographer based in Bethel and serving Fairfield, Hartford, and Westchester counties. Whether it’s your engagement, proposal, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, I’m here to capture every big and small detail so you can relive it for years to come.Think of me as your personal hype girl with a camera—always chasing good light, joyful laughter, and genuine connection.


If you’re planning an event or looking to celebrate your era with photos, let’s chat!

 

inquire about your event