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 27, 2014

Anthony & Ashley | Warrenton, Virginia Farm Engagement Photographer

Anthony and I went to high school together, so naturally this farm type of atmosphere really was different for Ashley. She fit in perfectly with the cows … and the cows were agree as they played and chased each other around Anthony and Ashley! I always enjoy seeing my clients light up when the baby cows are playing and wanting attention from them. These two are so sweet and absolutely love each other! It’s a soft spoken kind of love, but so obvious when their smiles are revealed … which was like that the entire time together! 🙂 I was so excited to make this session happen after it being rained out once before! Now, it’s the countdown to their wedding day… officially less than a year! YAY!

late_august

Anthony & Ashley’s Love Story
from Anthony’s perspective

I will never forget the first time I ever laid eyes on Ashley. I was sitting in my car waiting for my shift to start at work when I saw a 5’2”, petite, blonde haired beautiful girl in uniform walking across the parking lot. See, at the time, Ashley and I both worked as Correctional Officer’s for the Prince William Manassas Adult Detention Center and what I saw wasn’t the typical description of a female jail officer so I can say I was very shocked! I wanted to run right up to her and introduce myself but I was way too shy. Because we were on opposite shifts, there was a small chance that I might get to see her as our shifts relieved one another. As the weeks turned into months, I hadn’t had the chance to see her again since that day in the parking lot. I often thought of her and even asked people on her shift about her and to put in a good word for me.

One day, as I walked onto my post at work, I finally saw her! Butterflies filled my stomach and my hands became a little sweaty. As we stood around waiting for our shift change to be complete, we found out we had a lot in common. Our conversation was short, but it left a lasting impression on me. I thought about her all day at work and I couldn’t wait to see her again. I wanted to ask for her number but I chocked. I decided to write her an email asking her if she wanted to get together and gave her my number so the ball was in her court. I constantly kept checking my email to see if she had responded and then it happened. She said she would like to get together and gave me her number; I was the happiest man alive.

Our first date was amazing, absolutely the greatest date I have ever been on. As time went on, we had a blast together, trying things we had never done before and setting goals for us as a couple. We are best friends and motivate each other to be better people. If one of us has a dream the other one is doing whatever they can to make sure they accomplish it. I was in love and knew I had found the girl of my dreams.

Ashley and I began to talk about our future together a lot and she knew one of my bucket list items was getting a boat, I’ve always wanted one. So when we would talk about “when we are married…” I always responded with “I am buying a boat before I buy a wedding ring”. Because of this, Ashley had no idea that I was planning to ask her to marry me. I decided to make a photo album of all our adventures together over our year and a half relationship. The second to last page of the album pictured a toy boat with the words “My dream boat can wait, my dream girl cannot”. The last page was a picture of the engagement ring and when she saw this she started to cry and immediately covered her face with the book. I got down on one knee, opened the jewelry box, and asked Ashley to marry me. Once she stopped hyperventilating, she managed to squeeze out the words “YES”! I proposed to her on my birthday, September 2nd 2013; that was the best birthday present I could have ever asked for.

late_august

Thank you Anthony and Ashley for a great time on the farm!!! 🙂 I cannot WAIT for your big day next summer!!!! xoxo

anthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-4_webBeautiful lighting peeking through!
anthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-5_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-7_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-11_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-14_webAdorable!
anthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-15_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-20_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-21_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-22_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-24_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-28_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-36_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-38_webAs they were walking across the field, the cows were FUNNING with them! Lol!
anthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-42_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-43_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-46_webCaught the light just in time!
anthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-49_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-51_webLove this shot!
anthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-57_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-53_webSOOOO cute!
anthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-61_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-63_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-66_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-67_webanthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-72_webPerfect ending!
anthony_ashley_warrenton_virginia_engagement-75_web

CONGRATS on your engagement!!!

  1. Paula Rogers says:

    Love these pictures!!!

  2. Ricky White says:

    I love this Pics its great knowing you guys anthony your my best friend and it’s a honor to have been there living with from the start of your relationship you telling me stories on the couch drinking a beer as you told me this is the one and sure enough you settled down and stuck with her I’m proud of ashley is an amazing person and I can’t wait until the wedding.

  3. Ingrid Littrell Mims says:

    Beautiful pictures and couple, thank you for sharing.