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

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September 3, 2014

Fernando & Ally | Alexandria, Virginia Wedding Photographer

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I remember their engagement session so vividly like it was yesterday … but in fact, it has been over a year ago since their engagement shoot! When we were having our final meeting together, I just kept thinking where did this past year go?! Although, they can say that after being engaged for two years …  these two were definitely ready to get hitched!!! 🙂

Last Saturday, I arrived at Hotel Monaco excited to see all of their details come to life! Ally is an amazing artist and I was anxious to take photos of her unique creations. When you looked around the reception room, you would notice fun details inspired by their adventurous travels, since this is what Fernando and Ally love to do together! Fernando is Brazilian which of course I was excited to realize this since my boyfriend’s family is also Brazilian. 😉 Seeing how they put together a party with their 600 sweets lining the dessert table left me in awe! Glad to see how many travelled from afar to celebrate this lovely couple! Their day flew by faster than imagined, but it was perfect. I could not be more happy for them as you will tell below in their photos that they just gush love!

Thank you Fernando & Ally for an incredible day!!! I am SO happy for you two and look forward to seeing your next adventures! Love you both! xoxo

1-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-3_web1-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-4_web

Loved their programs she designed! They had different games for their guests to play. What a cute idea!
1-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-2_web1-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-1_web1-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-5_web1-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-6_web1-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-7_web1-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-9_web1-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-10_webBEAUTIFUL dress!!!!
1-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-16_webLove this gift set she set up for her bridal party!
1-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-19_web2-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-5_web2-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-1_webThe girls in their cute PJs!
2-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-6_web2-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-7_web2-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-9_webHer father was SPEECHLESS when he walked through that door to see her. It was so cute!
2-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-11_webAs well as the girls!
2-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-12_web3-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-1_web… As well as the groom! Haha!
3-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-3_web3-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-5_web3-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-6_web3-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-7_web3-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-8_web3-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-10_web5-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-1_web5-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-2_web5-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-4_web5-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-6_webYAY!
5-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-7_web5-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-8_webHaha!
5-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-10_web5-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-11_web5-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-13_web6-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-2_web6-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-5_web6-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-6_webGorgeous!
6-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-8_web6-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-7_web6-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-11_web6-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-12_web6-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-13_webLove!
6-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-17_web6-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-18_webWe snuck in before the guests were able to get in for a couple of photos in the empty reception room. 🙂
6-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-19_webGuests were able to write out favorite destinations the bride/groom should visit in the future! Love this idea!
7-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-1_webNow THIS is an adorable idea for a name card display!
7-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-4_web7-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-2_web7-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-5_web7-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-7_web7-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-8_webLet’s talk about dessert … ALL 600 PIECES of dessert! That’s how Brazilians do it!
7-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-12_web7-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-13_webCute cake Ally and her twin sister, Meg, put together!
7-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-14_web7-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-16_web8-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-1_web8-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-3_webFernando putting on her new initial necklace. 🙂
8-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-7_webDANCING TIME!
8-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-15_web8-fernando_ally_alexandria_virginia_wedding_photographer-16_webCONGRATS!!!!

Thank you to all of the vendors!!
Venue: Hotel Monaco, Alexandria, Virginia
Day of Coordinator: Amanda Smith
Hair/Makeup: Jordan K Winn & Co.
Florist: Maryam Flowers
Baker: Curbside Cupcake
DJ: Mike Blaufeld

+ COMMENTS

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  1. Caitlin C says:
    September 3, 2014 at 3:42 pm

    Beautiful photos, Stephanie – as always 🙂 Ally, your details are absolutely amazing. You are so talented! Best wishes to you both <3

  2. John Beck says:
    September 3, 2014 at 7:12 pm

    I’m so happy to see so many people having a great time! Best Wishes to the Bride and Groom.

  3. Erin Gough says:
    September 3, 2014 at 8:09 pm

    Ally, I almost didn’t click on this album because the first picture looked so perfect I assumed it was an ad! You never looked more beautiful or happy. I’m so thrilled for you and so glad I was able to be part of your day!! Xoxoxo

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