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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October 3, 2014

Matt & Candice | Bealeton, Virginia Farm + Lake Engagement Photographer

I had the perfect spot for these two when they mentioned they wanted water a part of their engagement portraits! The funny part is that I haven’t shot an engagement session there since I first started taking on my first clients … whew! Brought back memories!!! Times have changed and I have grown SO much over the years (thankfully), so I was able to come into Crockett Park with new ideas and a better perspective specifically for these two. Of course though, Matt and Candice’s sweet love was obvious from the first click of the camera. I knew this was going to be a great session!Β I love how these two can look at each other and cannot help but to smile. πŸ™‚Β You’ll see what I mean when you scroll below … a sweet obvious love. <3

late_august

Matt & Candice’s Love Story
from Candice’s perspective

How weΒ met … Matt was working at a bank when I started working at a pharmacy across the street. It is amazing how God crosses people’s paths at the right time. If other opportunities had ‘worked out’ I wouldn’t have even gotten a job there in the first place. We saw each other occasionally as I deposited my paychecks or he came into the store to buy a drink or snack. I didn’t really think that much of him until he came in 3 times in the same day and I thought that was strange. He eventually asked me out after the third visit, and I decided I had nothing to lose and agreed to it. So we started talking and ended up having a lot in common.. now here we are!
How he proposed … We were on a weekend trip to Pittsburgh (I later found out this the city where my parents got engaged which made it even more thoughtful) and I wanted to see the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which is such a beautiful place. We were enjoying touring through all the various buildings when we ended up in a room alone towards the end of the tour. He asked me to take his picture, but before I could grab my camera he was pulling out a box and getting on one knee. He was so nervous he could hardly mumble out will you marry me? This is so unlike him! So he has since calmly and more sweetly proposed to me at random times when we are together πŸ™‚
late_august

Thank you Matt and Candice for a wonderful time on Tuesday! I cannot WAIT for your big day next summer!!! Enjoy some of my favorites! xoxo

matt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-3_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-5_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-2_web
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Can I please have the sun follow me to every session?! Beautiful you two!!!
matt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-14_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-19_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-22_webLove! πŸ™‚
matt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-9_web
matt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-23_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-28_webLooks like the warm tones of fall is coming!!! πŸ™‚
matt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-32_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-33_webCute!!
matt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-38_webGORGEOUS lighting and love this right shot!
matt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-41_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-29_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-81_web
Off to the lake!
matt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-50_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-42_web
matt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-57_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-58_webSo glad they were willing to get their feet a little wet. πŸ™‚
matt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-60_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-61_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-65_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-62_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-72_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-77_webGorgeous!
matt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-76_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-52_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-49_webmatt_candice_bealeton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer-78_web

Thanks again for a great time! CONGRATS on your engagement!!! xoxo

+ COMMENTS

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  1. Beth Ming Pascuma says:
    October 3, 2014 at 11:25 pm

    So pretty!

  2. Kimberly Shultzaberger says:
    October 4, 2014 at 12:02 am

    Candice! I don’t know Stephanie but I’ve followed her blog for a really long time because her work is awesome! Imagine my surprise when you and Matt (aka the bank guy ;)) popped up on the screen! Love, love, love these pics! Cannot wait to see your wedding pics pop up on my screen in June <3

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