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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February 21, 2017

Best of 2016 Reception | Virginia Wedding Photographer

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

It’s a HUGE honor to photograph a wedding, and I’m forever thankful for those who trust me from year to year. Each of my couples has a special place in my heart, and I’m glad I have these memories to reflect my experience with them forever. <3 I have been so fortunate to have sweet, inspiring, encouraging and loving couples!

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

We are about to wrap up the series, “Best of 2016,” but before that happens, we need to check out some of my favorite reception photos! I love the sweet, sentimental moments just as much as the fun, happy moments! It’s a great time for me to step back and document the candid moments around the reception, which I love the documentary side of my job!!

Without further ado, check out some of my favorite reception moments from 2016!! Thank you all for a fabulous year!

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

Instead of a champagne toast … MILK and cookies! So fun!

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

A little dance from the groom during the garter removal. Haha! I also LOVE that Brandon and Sam played the “Shoe Game!”

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

In the left photo, one of the military men demonstrated how to uncork a bottle of champagne with his sword. Very impressive!

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

I love moments like this when the two mothers are holding on to each other. So sweet seeing two families become one!

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

Beautiful father/daughter dance. <3

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

LOVE this little moment shared between the bride and her grandfather!! My heart melted.

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

Sweet moment seeing the bride admire her husband busting moves on the dance floor!

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

Wine ice cream at a wedding?! Yes, please!!!

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

That time Kelsa sang “At Last” to her hubby and NAILED it!

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

Oh yes … and that time the bridal party ate the cake. LOL!

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

Chris and Chanel’s wedding will forever be a favorite because of the guest performances!!!

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

Awe! Sam dancing with her grandmother. 🙂

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

Haha! Stephanie and her dad had MOVES on the dance floor for their surprise father/daughter dance!

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

Rob and his guys serenaded Kim during the reception and it was SO GOOD!!!

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

Bobby and Casey played along with a traditional circle dance — SO much fun!!!

Best of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding PhotographerBest of 2016 Reception Photos | Virginia Wedding Photographer

  1. Margaret Kendron says:

    Great pictures.  Love them all