Iā€™m Stephanie, a wedding + lifestyle photographer based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Warrenton, Virginia. Whether Iā€™m by the mountains of Colorado or Virginia, my soul feels at home, surrounded by rural living and the raw beauty of nature. I genuinely love what I do, and feel so passionate to share the enthusiasm and joy of these celebrations with you!

DOCUMENTING LOVE'S UNSCRIPTED CHAPTERS FROM COUPLES & FAMILIES IN COLORADO + VIRGINIA

@stephaniemessickphoto

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August 20, 2013

Andrew & Ashley Wedding | Culpeper Center, Culpeper, Virginia Photographer

To think where this couple and I started … their first meeting at Starbucks to their downtown engagement session downtown Culpeper to Turks and Caicos for Ashley’s brothers wedding to finally their very own wedding day … I cannot say enough how much fun this has been to get to know not just them but their family! I did not feel like I was there for them for the job, but as a guest and a friend. šŸ™‚ I love their spirits and their hearts. So sweet, sincere, loving, joyful, lovers of God … nothing to not love about this couple!!! It was a joy to see all of the supportive family and friends surround this couple during their most important day of their lives! šŸ™‚

Andrew and Ashley, thank you and your family for an AMAZING wedding day to witness/capture your special moments!!! You two have been such a pleasure to get to know through our journey together!! Loved every moment with you! šŸ™‚ Best wishes through your new adventures as husband and wife!!! Enjoy the preview of your wedding day!!! xoxo

Gorgeous rings!!!

Special ring from previous generations

SURPRISE!!!! Andrew did not tell her that they were going to have a videographer for their wedding day! What a great gift Andrew!

Then… she opened up her first gift …

He handmade this bar from scratch. The corks are compiled from their favorite winery and it has their first dance title written on the front! AMAZING!

Then she opened up the tear jerker gift … a Bible with her new name engraved along with a beautifully written letter that got us ALL in tears!

All of those tears did not let this bride SHINE and smile during her prepping time though. šŸ™‚

Lol … The Culpeper Mayor would have this reaction for his beautiful daughter! šŸ™‚

GORGEOUS!!!

The ring bearer was left behind and fell down before getting to the altar … poor thing. Haha!

The ring may have been dropped … LOL! But that did not stop them from being pronounced HUSBAND AND WIFE!!!! šŸ™‚

Love!

One of my favorites!

So cute!!!

Another favorite!

ANOTHER FAVORITE!

LOVED their cake!!!

Yay! LOVE seeing their engagement photos in a book!

One last surprise!!!

YES! Andrew and his groomsmen came out dancing for Ashely when it was time to take off the garter! Suit and Tie by Justin Timberlake and of course Blurred Lines by Robin Thick! Lol! PERFECT!

Cute guys!

CONGRATS!!!!!! What a perfect night!

VENDORS
Ceremony: Culpeper United Methodist Church, Culpeper, Virginia
Reception: Culpeper Center, Culpeper, Virginia
Coordinator: Kim Newton Weddings
Photography: Stephanie Messick Photography
Assistant: Jannicka Mayte
Videography: Red Heron Productions
Catering: Masaic Edibles, Richmond, VA
Baker: Unbridled Bakery, Melanie Herbert
Harpist: Page Durham
Band: Wake the Neighbors

 

 

 

  1. Christy says:

    I just looked at these pictures and relived that joyous day! I am soooo happy for you, Mr. and Mrs. Carter!!! I am sure you are enjoying St. Lucia right about now. I love you guys – your sister, Christy

  2. Cyndi Messick says:

    Looks like a fun wedding! A note for the beautiful bride: as a wannabe genealogist, I can tell you that your new Bible can be a beautiful heirloom and an important family record. Be sure to write down all your important dates in it — birth of children, etc. For some reason, Bible records “hold up” as official documentation for genealogical research, where other handwritten records do not. And that beautiful letter from your husband makes it even more special.

    Congratulations Ashley and Andrew on your wedding, and I wish you a long and happy marriage! Beautiful photos for a beautiful day!

    Cyndi Messick
    mom of the photographer! šŸ˜€

  3. […] was the day after Andrew and Ashley tied the knot when we met up right before taking off on their pre-honeymoon vacation! This might be one of my new […]

  4. […] robes must be popular if you also remember Andrew and Ashley’s wedding having these! šŸ™‚ They are super […]