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

find inspiration

Gallery images

June 9, 2015

Michael & Candace

Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Talk about a CLOSE call! All day, we prayed for no rain when it mattered. It’s okay if it had to rain in the morning … just as long as we are able to have the outdoor activities taken care of at the gorgeous Morais Vineyard. 😉 I was setting up for the ceremony when I looked over my shoulder to see a dark rain cloud. I looked at the weather hoping it wasn’t coming for us. Fortunately, we made it through the ceremony to the first kiss when it started to rain. I know the guests were thinking, “bridal party walk faster” so they all could run inside before a downpour occurred. Haha! I told Michael and Candace that this little rain came through at the most appropriate time! We were able to take care of the family formals inside with beautiful lighting (fortunately) overlooking the vineyard and by the time we were finished, the sun came out for the wedding party/b&g portraits! It could not have been more ideal! I know brides can get discouraged when they see rain forecasted for their wedding day, but I always have faith that everything will work out! 🙂 And it definitely did for Michael and Candace! In fact, we were even able to run out during the reception for sunset portraits. After coming in from portraits, it was a fun celebration with closest family and friends. No matter the age, everyone was on the dance floor busting out moves I have never seen before. Haha! Michael and Candace’s sweet love is obvious and contagious! … Even if Candace smashed a whole piece of cake in Michael’s face. 😉 I love these two and so happy my business connected us!

CONGRATS Michael and Candace!!! What a beautiful day to look back and relive the special moments over and over again. So happy for you two and I cannot tell you how much of an honor it was being your wedding photographer!!! Thank YOU! xoxo!!!

Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerLoved her classy details with a bow detail. 🙂
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding Photographer
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerIsn’t she STUNNING?!
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerSweet mother/daughter moment. <3
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerThis was the rain cloud I saw from a distance … oh boy!
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerLove the wine box ceremony!
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerEveryone ran once the rain picked up after the first kiss! Perfect timing!
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerThen the sun came out!!!
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerGorgeous!!
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerLove this left photo of you both!!!
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerOne of many favorites!
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding Photographer:)!!!
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDon’t you love the groom cake?! I personally love the cat detailing on the topper. 😉 Haha!
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerWe ran out for some sunset photos! 🙂 Great little time away from the commotion.
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerBut first …. let me take a selfie! Hahah!
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerOhhhh this happened… BAHAHAH!
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerMichael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding PhotographerYAY! CONGRATS to a beautiful celebration!!!!
Michael & Candace | Morais Vineyard, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Thank you to all of the vendors involved making Michael and Candace’s wedding truly spectacular!!!
Venue: Morais Vineyard, Bealeton, Virginia
Photographer: Stephanie Messick Photography
Planner: Voila! Event Studio
Hair & Makeup: Flow Blow Dry and Beauty Bar
Caterer: R&R Catering
Florist: My Buttercups Floral
Baker: Edibles Incredible Desserts
DJ: Generation C Entertainment
Stationery Designer: Shine Wedding Invitations
Dress Designer: Allure Bridals
Transportation: Prime Executive Service
Violinist: Liya Ensemble
Officiant: Wedding Ceremonies by Jeff
Bridesmaid Dresses: Donna Morgan

  1. Lauren Swann says:

    Their portraits and details are exquisite, Steph!! I love the way that you captured this sweet day!!

  2. Caitlin says:

    this wedding is so beautiful! i love all those fun reception photos- everyone looks so happy!

  3. It was wonderful working with you, Stephanie! What gorgeous photos! Candace and Michael are the best! Hope to work with you again soon.

  4. Omari says:

    Wow, these pictures are amazing! It was nice working with you! Hopefully, we will be able to work together again in the future!

  5. Kate Ann says:

    You captured their day perfectly! The venue looks incredible!