I’m Stephanie, a wedding + lifestyle photographer based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Warrenton, Virginia. Whether I’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

find inspiration

Gallery images

May 13, 2014

Lauren | UVA Senior Portrait Photographer

This world keeps getting smaller and smaller! I really didn’t know the connection of this senior portrait session until I met Lauren on the GORGEOUS UVA campus. She was about to graduate the time I met with her last week, and I believe now she is officially graduated! CONGRATS! I found that her parents attended UVA along with my momma and they live practically “down the road” from my family in Fauquier County! I also had no idea going into this session that they also know Matt, who is also about to take off for his next chapter of his life at UVA! I guess the UVA community knows each other pretty well, right?! 😉 This was my first time on UVA grounds and I have to say that I was very impressed by Thomas Jeffersons architecture plans! After visiting Monticello last year with Kyle, I can see so many similarities between his home and the University. Pretty awesome! As I was walking around the campus scoping out ideas for Lauren’s portraits, there were several a cappella groups singing around the quad with students hanging out soaking up the sun while studying … sigh … brings me back to the college days. Now, I have to be biased and say that even though I loved UVA campus, JMU’s campus still and will ALWAYS have my heart. <3 Although, I definitely wouldn’t mind having a UVA couple just to do an engagement session on the campus!!! 😉

Lauren is a SUPER sweet girl and has a bright future ahead of herself!!! I was a bit obsessed with her Lilly Pulitzer … so perfect for this senior session! I can tell how proud her family is of her as both of her parents attended UVA! Now their daughter is graduating and their son is attending. So awesome to have the entire family attend the same University for generations, as even Lauren’s grandfather attended the University! Lauren was able to finish all of her classes a semester early allowing her to attend Disney World for an entire semester! What a fun way to end schooling!

Lauren, best wishes to you as you embark on this next chapter of your life! I had a blast getting to know you and a part of your family! Enjoy some of my favorites!!! xoxo

university_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-13_webuniversity_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-12_webuniversity_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-6_webLighting + dress = yes!
university_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-16_webGORGEOUSSSS!
university_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-22_webLove these!
university_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-18_webuniversity_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-25_webuniversity_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-27_webuniversity_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-33_webOne of my faves!
university_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-37_webStunning, Lauren!
university_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-40_webuniversity_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-42_webuniversity_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-43_webCute!
university_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-46_webThat cap! AMAZING!
university_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-50_webLove these!
university_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-57_webuniversity_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-58_webuniversity_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-59_webBeautiful!
university_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-64_webuniversity_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-67_webuniversity_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-71_webGORGEOUS!
university_of_virginia_senior_portrait_photographer_-78_web

Thanks Lauren for an amazing time!!!! Best wishes!

+ COMMENTS

add a comment

  1. Lauren Swann says:
    May 13, 2014 at 4:03 pm

    Ahh! Her cap is absolutely adorable!!! Love these Steph!

  2. Tori W. D. says:
    May 13, 2014 at 4:59 pm

    Wahoowa! 🙂 I love her cap and her scarf! She is definitely rocking the cap and gown too.

  3. Sarah goodwin says:
    May 13, 2014 at 5:00 pm

    these are stunning! and I love her Lily dress 🙂

  4. Wanda Foushee says:
    May 14, 2014 at 12:18 am

    One word AWESOME:)

  5. Cyndi Messick says:
    May 14, 2014 at 3:39 am

    Congratulations to Lauren, and I wish her all the best in the next adventure of her life! As you mentioned, I have known her parents since before you were born. Hard to believe, isn’t it??

    Wish I could have been with you all that day … I could have taken you on a grand tour of The University! Although probably more than a few things have changed in the last “several years”, as Lauren’s parents can attest to as well. But on the other hand, the best and most classic landmarks remain! For one, I am sorry I didn’t tell you to peek in Edgar Allen Poe’s room — you were just across the street. Next time I’ll give you a list of places to visit! 🙂

@stephaniemessickphoto

Close