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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July 1, 2014

Jared & Brittany | Chatham Manor, Fredericksburg Engagement Photographer

I don’t think I could love having a JMU couple more! I LOVE my University and LOVE when I have brides who attended JMU! 🙂 Immediately I fell in love with these two, especially when I saw their outfits for their engagement session. 😉 They are super adorable inside and out and it was an absolute pleasure getting to know them through their engagement session. They are planning to have a daytime wedding with brunch served … uhhhh YES! So awesome! Their wedding is just a little over a month away and I’m counting down the days until then! 🙂

It’s not every day where I get to photograph at this gorgeous location so when they said they were all for it, I was ecstatic! Although, not sure if I was counting on meeting all of the creatures we found during our shoot … a TON of mosquitos, a raccoon, a SKUNK (ah!), cute chipmunk, bunnies … lol! Okay, so a couple are cute! 😉 I guess the wildlife loves this place with all of the vegetation! This place was the perfect backdrop for these two and I’m excited to share their session with you today!

late_august

Jared & Brittany’s Love Story

Jared and Brittany met at James Madison University in 2007. As new freshmen, they quickly became friends and soon their friendship grew into even more. They continued to date throughout college, and while busy studying, realized they were meant for each other!

In October, 2010, Jared proposed to Brittany on the top of Massanutten, overlooking the fall colors of the valley below. The following year came with many changes: they graduated from JMU in May 2011, Jared started working full time in NYC, and Brittany moved up to NY for Physical Therapy school.

They are currently living together in Tuckahoe, NY and are loving the small town feel while being close to the big city. On weekends they try new adventurous activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, or simply exploring the wineries of New York’s Hudson Valley region. And while they love being active, a relaxing afternoon on the couch with family and friends can be just as enjoyable.

late_august

Thanks Jared and Brittany for a great time at Chatham Manor!!! I seriously cannot WAIT for your wedding day NEXT month!!!! :))) xoxo

jared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-1_webAdorable!
jared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-2_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-4_webLove those smiles!
jared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-6_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-7_webCute!!!
jared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-10_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-13_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-14_webGorgeous setting!
jared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-15_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-17_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-20_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-21_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-27_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-32_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-33_webLoved his bow tie!
jared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-34_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-37_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-38_webLove!
jared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-39_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-42_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-47_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-53_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-55_webOhhh yes, the infamous skunk!
jared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-56_webLove her smile! 🙂
jared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-46_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-1_web

jared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-3_web

Cute!
jared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-63_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-65_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-66_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-69_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-70_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-72_webYou two are so photogenic!
jared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-74_webModels! 😉
jared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-78_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-80_webjared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-81_webCute!
jared_brittany_chatham_manor_fredericksburg_photographer-84_web

CONGRATS on your engagement and I’ll be seeing you two soon!!! xoxo

  1. Ellen Messick says:

    as always your photos are spectacular… but may I just say: That RING!!? goosebumps… and I love the ring pics as well. Cute couple!

  2. Jennifer Gulley Photography says:

    classic and chic and love love love that venue!

  3. […] where to begin! Amazing day! You may remember Jared & Brittany from their engagement session recently on the blog and finally, it was their big day! I loved that they incorporated JMU colors […]