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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October 13, 2015

Mitch & Ashley

Mitch & Ashely | Warrenton, Virginia Engagement Photographer

We met at the gorgeous Sky Meadows Park in Delaplane, Virginia where we had the BEST weather for an engagement session! The leaves are still in the process of changing but we found a tree that was a beautiful red color! I found that those shots are some of my all time favorite ring photos! 🙂 As we walked around the property, we ran across a spot where little seeds from the grasses were floating in the air. With that beautiful golden lighting, I just had to stop what we were doing to capture those shots. Haha! Even if those seeds were actually gnats … I have no idea. We will say that they were seeds. 😉 With Mitch and Ashley’s beautiful and contagious smiles, it was nothing short of magical! We carried on the fun till we said our goodbyes which leaves me SUPER excited for their big day next year! I just know this time is going to fly by and their excitement is going to be another level up from what we see below … If that is even possible!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 They are so cute, happy and in love in these photos! So happy for them!!!

Mitch & Ashley’s Love Story

How they met from Mitch’s perspective
When Ashley and I met it was definitely unexpected. We met at Mister Days in Clarendon, one of the last places I would have ever expected to meet my future fiance. One of my close friends from high school,Taylor, was home from California, on leave from the Marines, and wanted to have a good time out at some fun bars so we decided to head to Clarendon since there were so many choices. After checking out a couple of bars we headed to Mister Days, completely unaware of how this bar would change the course of my life.

Once inside Mister Days, we made our way to the bar for a drink.No more than 5 seconds after we got our drinks and turned around Taylor was being pulled into a group of girls on the dance floor. Retaining more of my inhibition than Taylor, I made my way outside the mess of people to some open space off to the side of the dance floor, next to a beautiful blonde who seemed to be drinking water. Intrigued by her sobriety and hooked by her beauty I built up the nerve to start a conversation. I think it went something like “How come you aren’t dancing with your friends,” but I’m sure it didn’t come out that smoothly.

I spent the rest of my night at Mister Days trying desperately to not make myself look like an idiot in front of Ashley. During that time we discovered how much we had in common with each other and I knew I had to see her again. As we said our goodbyes on the way out I again built up my nerves and asked her for her phone number. We set a date and haven’t stopped spending as much time together as possible ever since.
How Mitch proposed from Ashley’s perspective
When Mitch proposed it was a complete surprise! I had been sleeping most of the day for my shift at the hospital that night. Out of nowhere I got a call that I was cancelled, so we had a free night. Mitch suggested we go on a hike at Scott’s Run Park. It was perfect timing and he knew I was blissfully unaware of what was about to happen.
At the start of the hike I noticed he was quieter than normal. We hiked up to our favorite spot overlooking the waterfall. He started to climb down a rock, while I was, not so gracefully, attempting to keep my footing above. Next thing I knew he was down on a knee with a box in his hand! He looked so nervous when he grabbed my hands and asked “Ashley, will you marry me?” I was so shocked at first I responded “Wait, REALLY??!” followed by “YES, of course!”  At that moment, I could not have been happier! We lucked out and found some hikers to take our first picture as an engaged couple :))

Thank you Mitch and Ashley for a FUN time running around the park! You two are beautiful not just on the outside but the inside. 🙂 Sweet with contagious smiles. I cannot wait to capture these happy moments on your wedding day next year! Congrats and enjoy this engagement time of your lives! XOXO!

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