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

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June 4, 2014

Craig & Erica | Khimaira Farm, Luray, Virginia Vintage Southern Wedding

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Their love story began at Khimaira Farm in Luray, Virginia where they stood at the altar pronouncing their handwritten vows to one another. Their soft spoken and well thought out words left everyone in tears. Truly meaningful and so honest. Once announced as husband and wife, they looked at each other with a HUGE grin on their face and skipped down the aisle arm in arm! After being engaged for a year, it was FINALLY the day we all have been dreaming of. I could not have imagined a more picture perfect day for these two families coming together as one. I know that family is a huge part of their lives and coming from a supportive, loving and faithful background makes this relationship SO powerful.

You must remember these two from their seasonal engagement sessions?! If you haven’t, be sure to check them out!!! 🙂
SPRING  |  SUMMER  |  FALL  | WINTER  | SPRING
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I arrived at the farm early to scope out the details and site. I could not help but to “awe” over everything surrounding me. From the rustic farm appearance to the backdrop of the towering mountains surrounding to the details Craig and Erica put together … it came together beautifully. Immediately, it was love at first sight just imagining how the day would play out for these two… they described their day as rustic vintage with the inspiration of the 1950s. Of course tossing in the theme of their seasonal engagements! I loved hearing this unique inspiration for their wedding because it fits them so well and their style! Classy with a tasteful edge!

Craig and Erica, you have no idea the amount of honor I had photographing and documenting your genuine love over the past year together. I hope you will always look back through these photos and remember this young love when you are 90 years old together. These are precious moments I will never forget. I am SO happy for you both and looking forward to seeing you again in the near future. Love you both! XOXO

1_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-1_web1_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-4_web1_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-5_web1_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-7_web2_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-2_web2_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-7_webGorgeous!!!
2_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-10_web2_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-12_web2_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-14_web2_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-16_web2_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-18_web2_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-21_web2_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-26_webLOVED her hairdo!
4_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-4_web4_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-10_web4_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-6_webNatural beauty!
4_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-11_web4_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-12_web2_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-22_web2_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-24_web4_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-2_web2_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-29_web2_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-30_web3_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-1.5_web3_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-2_web3_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-6_webAMAZING view!
3_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-7_webLove this shot on the right of what my second shooter, Amanda, caught! What a proud brother!
5_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-1_web
3_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-13_web3_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-14_web3_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-15_web3_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-16_web3_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-17_web3_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-19_webYAY!
3_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-20_web5_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-1_web5_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-2_web5_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-3_webCutie girls!
5_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-8_web5_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-9_webLove this!
5_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-10_web
5_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-4_web5_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-5_webYAY!
5_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-6_web6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-1_web6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-2_web6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-4_webOhhhhh my goodness…
6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-5_web6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-6_web6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-8_webERICA!!!!! WHOA!
6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-9_web6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-12_webSo sweet!
6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-14_web6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-27_webStunning!
6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-29_web6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-20_web6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-33_webThe right one is one of my favorites! 🙂
6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-35_web6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-37_web6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-40_web6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-38_webLove
6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-41_web6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-46_web6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-47_web6_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-45_web 7_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-1_webGORGEOUS cake!!!
7_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-18_webOhhhh these cupcakes looked amazing!
7_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-4_web7_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-5_web7_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-26_web7_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-24_web7_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-22_webLoved the seasonal centerpieces!
7_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-20_web7_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-9_web7_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-7_web7_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-10_web7_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-17_web7_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-12_web7_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-11_web7_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-2_web
8_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-1_web8_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-2_web8_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-3_webModels … I swear!
8_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-4_webSuch a touching moment!
8_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-6_web8_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-7_web8_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-8_webAwww Jess!!!8_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-10_webDancing time!!!
8_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-12_web8_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-20_web8_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-23_web8_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-28_web8_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-31_webLOVE that they had a Chinese Lantern!
8_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-32_webCONGRATS!!! XOXO
8_khimaira_farm_luray_virginia_vintage_wedding_photographer-35_web

THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE VENDORS INVOLVED!
Venue: Khimaira Farm in Luray, Virginia
Brides Hair: Devon Baltimore
Bridesmaids Hair: Kelsey Nieves & Courtney Lund
Makeup Arist: Kizzie Kincer
Caterer: Paje Cross
Beer: Mad Fox Brewery
Florist: Paula Jeans Garden on Etsy
Baker: Sarina Petrocelly
DJ: No Limit Entertainment
Ceremony Music: James Britton and Jamie Boyd
Officiant: Nicholas Funk
Video: Red Heron Productions
Brides Dress Designer: Casa Blanca
Brides Veil: Marge Tischer
Bridesmaids Dress Designer: Alfred Sung
Tux Designer: Perry Ellis
Model T Renter: Dennis Fleming
Website Designer: Maggie Cameron
Stationery Designer: Maggie Cameron

And a special HUGE thank you to Jess Dawson for everything you did for the Craig & Erica as well as me! You were a vital part of the day and you made the day extra special by sharing your love and consideration. THANK YOU! xoxo

  1. Caitlin says:

    holy moly- this wedding is GORGEOUS- the bride, the location, everything is stunning. you did an amazing job capturing everything! i am LOVING those robes that the bridesmaids are wearing- so cute

  2. Lauren Swann says:

    This is such a gorgeous wedding, Steph! I love the shot of the bride with her veil pulled over… stunning!!! Oh, and that cake! So fun!!

  3. Janice L. Ritchie says:

    so stunning – all of it! thank you, Stephanie, for such a fantastic job with the pics. they’re amazing! THANK YOU!!! <3

  4. Tammy Hendry says:

    Absolutely beautiful! Are you sure they aren’t paid models?! LOL

  5. Christy Kelliker-Vann says:

    Beautiful! Everything looks so perfect.

  6. Breanna Marie Shaw says:

    Wowza. This is just too. pretty.

  7. Kathy Heidrich says:

    Absolutely gorgeous, that dress is gorgeous on her, just beautiful! The whole venue looked beautiful and such a great day! And the mother of the bride looked absolutely wonderful too!!!!

  8. Marge Tischer says:

    All other vendors are mentioned but no mention of that gorgeous veil in so many of the photos? Wedding veil designed anf hand sewn with love just for Erica by Marge Tischer.

  9. Laura Wein says:

    Such a happy couple, a wonderfully momentous occasion, stunning bride, proud groom, all the love….

  10. Kizzie Kincer says:

    Absolutely gorgeous!! Just found your card so I could see the pics! These photos need to be submitted to Virginia bride magazine! Stunning!!

  11. […] in love with them every time we got together. Seeing their fun personalities on the dance floor at Craig and Erica’s wedding definitely confirmed that fun energy I sensed from their engagement session which only means they […]