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 11, 2014

Chris & Emily | Rustic Elegance Early Mountain Vineyard, Virginia Wedding

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Emily and I go back since freshmen year of JMU … which now feels like an eternity ago! Really, that was 7 years ago … wow. It wasn’t long after that when we and two of our friends moved in together. First it was an apartment and then we upgraded to a house downtown where we referred ourselves as the “Stoop Kids” because of the time we spent on the front porch. Haha! So many great times together and I’m blessed to have been connected with Emily thanks to the Sarahs! 🙂

It was about a year ago when Chris proposed to Emily. You can just tell when seeing them together that they genuinely love each other which is something that is precious to photograph. Last weekend, it was FINALLY their wedding day at Early Mountain Vineyard … the perfect venue for these two! As I watched Emily walk down the aisle, my eyes flooded with tears. I was SO happy for this moment … gosh, just thinking about it makes me tear up again! Chris was in complete shock as he watched his soon-to-be-wife make each step towards him. It was a beautiful moment and I hope you are able to see that through these images … their genuine and admirable love. What a perfect day it was!!!

Chris and Emily, I cannot tell you how much this meant to me to be your wedding photographer! Really, it was a true honor! To see how happy you are together makes me tear up. You have found your special someone and I have no doubt that this IS forever. I love you both and a HUGE congrats!!!! Enjoy a preview of your special day! xoxo

7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-1_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-2_web1_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-5_web1_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-8_web1_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-13_web1_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-15_web1_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-16_web1_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-17_web1_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-19_web1_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-22_webLove these robes!
2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-2_web2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-4_web2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-9_web2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-10_web2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-1_web2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-13_web2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-1_webAnd then the tears started…
2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-17_web2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-18_webSuch a sweet moment as she looks down at her blue heart representing her Godmother. Wrapped around her bouquet is her grandmothers dress. Love that!
2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-4_webAdorable!
2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-3_web2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-19_web2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-22_webGosh Emily!!! You’re stunning!
2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-24_web2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-27_webI can hear your laugh through this photo. 🙂
2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-29_webA little momma moment. 🙂
2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-33_web2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-34_webStunning!
6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-1_web2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-5_web2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-8_webThanks Amanda for these shots! 🙂
2_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-9_web3_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-3_web3_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-6_web3_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-9_web3_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-12_webSo sweet!!!
3_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-13_web3_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-15_web3_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-16_web3_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-17_web3_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-19_web3_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-10_web3_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-20_web3_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-21_webYAY!!!!!
3_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-22_web3_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-24_web5_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-2_web5_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-3_webGorgeous girls!!!
5_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-5_web5_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-6_web5_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-7_web5_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-8_web5_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-11_web5_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-12_web5_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-14_web5_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-16_web5_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-17_web5_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-18_web5_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-19_webYAY!
5_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-20_webHaha! Love what Amanda caught on camera of this fun wedding party!
5_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-1_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-5_webEMILY! Holy cow!
6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-12_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-22_webThis makes me smile!!! I LOVE this!
6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-13_webGorgeousssss!
6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-18_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-19_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-21_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-24_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-26_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-27_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-29_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-31_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-33_webCute!
6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-36_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-37_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-40_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-49_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-52_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-42_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-44_webLove!
6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-51_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-56_webOne of my faves!
6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-60_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-63_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-67_web6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-70_webLove this!
6_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-72_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-3_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-5_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-6_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-8_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-12_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-13_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-15_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-16_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-17_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-19_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-20_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-22_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-26_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-28_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-29_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-30_web7_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-34_web
8_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-1_web8_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-4_web8_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-5_web
8_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-6_web8_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-14_web8_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-11_web8_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-16_web8_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-18_web8_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-26_web8_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-30_web8_chris_emily_early_mountain_vineyard_madison_wedding_photographer-36_webCONGRATS!!!!!!

Thank you to all of the vendors involved!
Venue: Early Mountain Vineyard
Hair/Makeup: Lou Stevens Glam Squad
Caterer: Beggars Banquet
Florist: Pittman Florist
Baker: Kellie Kidd
Officiant, DJ and Reception Coordinator: M-T Music

 

 

+ COMMENTS

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  1. Caitlin says:
    June 11, 2014 at 4:36 pm

    such a gorgeous wedding! that last sparkler shot in black and white is perfection!

  2. Simone Fox says:
    June 11, 2014 at 4:39 pm

    Love the details and especially the bridesmaids bouquets! Amazing portraits 🙂

  3. Lauren Swann says:
    June 11, 2014 at 5:08 pm

    What a gorgeous wedding!! I love all of their portraits!!! You did a great job Steph!!!

  4. Vera Slemp says:
    June 11, 2014 at 8:22 pm

    It was a beautiful wedding. And the pictures are great this is a neat way to show pictures. You and Pat look like you had a lot of fun. Emily and Chris make a great couple and they look like they are really in love and happy. BEAUTIFUL!!!! Thanks for the pictures. Congratulations Emily and Chris.

  5. Riette says:
    June 11, 2014 at 8:36 pm

    Love Early Mountain Vineyards! Good job stephanie!!

  6. Bobbi Lynn Akers-Clarke says:
    June 11, 2014 at 8:52 pm

    Beautiful….breathtaking….congrads

  7. Barbara Gould Hill says:
    June 11, 2014 at 11:14 pm

    Gorgeous pictures! Congratulations to Emily and Chris!!♥

  8. Joe Messenger says:
    June 11, 2014 at 11:55 pm

    What a beautiful wedding. I love all of these images!

  9. JoAnne Maher Simmons says:
    June 12, 2014 at 12:29 am

    Amazing pictures, Emily you look absolutely stunning!… To you & Chris, every happiness in life. Thank you for sharing these. 🙂

  10. Brooke Tubbs says:
    June 12, 2014 at 1:45 am

    Beautiful pictures Susie!

  11. Theresa Allen says:
    June 12, 2014 at 4:25 am

    Absolutely Breath taking! <3

  12. Katie says:
    June 12, 2014 at 2:07 pm

    Stephanie this is beautiful!! You did an amazing job! Love your detail shots:)

  13. Lindsay says:
    June 12, 2014 at 2:49 pm

    I love Early Mountain!! This is gorgeous Steph!!!!

  14. Kathleen Kluxen says:
    June 12, 2014 at 11:25 pm

    Wow Emily! A gorgeous girl makes a gorgeous bride! Imagine that! Everything was absolutely beautiful. Congratulations =)

  15. Emily says:
    June 23, 2015 at 2:45 pm

    […] marks Chris and Emily’s One Year Anniversary! Cannot believe it has been a year since their Early Mountain Vineyard wedding! So many great things have happened since then, one of the great things being that they […]

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