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

July 5, 2016

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend! It sometimes seems like I’m at my computer more than my camera but the past couple of weeks I have been in front of my camera more than my computer. But you know what that means? A LOT of computer time this week as I edit away all of the photos I recently documented. I look at my editing folder and can easily get overwhelmed but I played it smart this week and did not take on any sessions. I’m purely focusing this week on editing, emails and shipping. Sure, yesterday would have helped my workload but I didn’t realize how much I needed to take a day off to just … sleep! From traveling across country and adjusting back to the time zone (six hours difference!!!) on Thursday to photographing one sweet proposal and two weddings over the weekend, I was SO thankful for Fourth of July yesterday! Although, I did start the Holiday with an intense work out session with Jenny DeMarco (WHEW!) which easily wiped me out for the remainder of the day. It’s very important for us to take care of our bodies. Mine was screaming for sleep and hydration so that is mostly all I did yesterday. I managed to get out of bed and celebrate the Holiday with my family as we blew up cannons, fireworks and ate a ton of food! We are so thankful to live in a free country and could not be more gracious to those who have served and are serving. We take our hats off to YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!

With one busy wedding filled weekend, it was definitely a popular time to get married! Exactly 30 years ago, my parents said yes to forever. 🙂 Happy 30th Anniversary to my dear parents today!!! What a huge blessing it has been to see my parents walk through life together. They have gone through hard and good times, but with a strong foundation, love conquers all. Thank you Mom and Dad for being an example of what love means. I love you both and excited that you are taking today to celebrate this occasion! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

2016-03-06_hawaii-135_web

As you know by now, I am officially back from Hawaii! Hawaii was a completely different trip from February. This time was business matters, but I did squeeze in some recreational time after Dave and Hanaa’s wedding! I’ll be sharing photos from the adventures on the blog soon!!! I have many suggestions for those who are interested in traveling to Oahu, Hawaii and cannot wait to share!! 🙂 But first, I have many beautiful couples to share before I blog my fun stories!

Here are many sneak peeks I’m excited to share more over the next couple of weeks!!!

JACOB & ALLY | MALIBU, CALIFORNIA ENGAGEMENT

Ally Jacob | Malibu, California Engagement Photographer

JOE & LAUREN | AIRLIE CENTER, WARRENTON, VIRGINIA WEDDING

Joe and Lauren | Airlie Center, Warrenton, Virginia Wedding Photographer

JR & STEPH | THE WINERY AT BULL RUN, MANASSAS, VIRGINIA WEDDING
(By the way, can you see the rain drops in this photo? Thankfully, we were able to finish right before the rain really came through!!)

JR and Steph | The Winery at Bull Run, Virginia Wedding Photographer

JUSTIN & ALLIE | WARRENTON, VIRGINIA SURPRISE PROPOSAL

Justin and Allie | Warrenton, Virginia Surprise Proposal Photographer

CHRIS & NATALIE | OAHU, HAWAII COUPLES PORTRAITS

Chris and Natalie | Oahu, Hawaii Destination Engagement Photographer

Hope everyone has a wonderful start to their four day work week!!!

Reply...