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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April 21, 2016

Happy First Weekend of Wedding Season!

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

After months of anticipation, my official wedding season kicks off this Saturday with James and Natalie! It’s crazy to think that my final wedding last year was way back in November. By far the longest slow season I have had my entire career. Don’t let the words, “slow season” mislead you.  But why do I call it “slow season” after all? Not many brides get married during the winter time because of the fact that it’s cold, there’s a chance for a snow storm and of course, the a lack of greenery. Doesn’t mean that winter weddings never happen because of course it does! I had two beautiful winter weddings last year! At first I was a little worried that I was about to go into hibernation for five months … Really, it was the complete opposite! I signed a contract to have my house built and ready to move in February and on top of that, I was hustling planning for the Runaway Brides 5k Fun Run.

The moving time could not have been more perfect! Months ahead, I was able to prep and make sure I was ready to go for the big move. I made  time to antique shop over the weekends and watch nonstop inspiring HGTV shows. 🙂 Crafty projects make my heart happy! I took on the challenge of renovating a table (!!!Cannot wait to share the results!!!), fixing up lighting, reupholstered chairs and many more fun crafty projects! What you probably didn’t know was when I was in middle school, I really thought I was going to be an interior decorator. That eventually turned into wanting to be an architect (Seinfeld anyone?) to a graphic designer to where I am today, a full time wedding photographer! 🙂 I love seeing the progression in my career paths leading me to where I am today. Not just that, but I love seeing how I’m able to use those passions I gained over the course of my life in some way. This winter season was a season for the books!

Now it’s time to move onto the next chapter of this year. I have been so fortunate to have made connections with my 2016 couples! They are all SO incredibly sweet and beautiful in every way. <3 Already so many memories created with them and cannot wait to capture their special moments on their wedding day. I’m humbled beyond words! I just know they are going to make this year one of the best years yet!!! Cannot wait to see you all soon! XOXO!

Introducing my sweet 2016 couples!!!

JAMES & NATALIE

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

BILLY & COURTNEY

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

BOBBY & CASEY

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

SEAN & KELSA

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

BRANDON & SUMMER

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

BRANDON & SAMANTHA

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

STEPHEN & KELLY

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

DAVID & HANAA

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

JR & STEPHANIE

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

DANNY & BRITTANY

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

AJ & MARINA

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

JOSH & AMANDA

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

JOHN & ELNORA

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

MITCH & ASHLEY

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

SCOTT & CAITIE

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

JON & HOPE

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

JUSTIN & ASHLEY

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

JUSTIN & SAMMY

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

CHRIS & CHANEL

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

MATT & TINA

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

ELIAS & ANNA

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

DAVEY & ISABELLA

2016 Wedding Season Kick Off | Virginia Photographer

JOE & LAUREN, MATT & LAUREN, ROB & KIM, TODD & LYNEE, JOSH & SAMANTHA, ERIC & ASHLEY, JAMES & GRETA, CHRIS & NATALIE, ANDREW & BETH ANN, JAKE & MEREDITH (photos coming soon!) <3

Cannot wait to see you all soon and document your joyful love story!!!

  1. […] spring schedule, I hit my wedding  booking goal plus more so I’m incredible thankful for my wonderful 2016 couples!!! Plus, this spring has been a WET one to say the least! I’m glad the spring weddings I have […]