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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June 9, 2017

Shawn & Elaine | Manassas, Virginia Engagement Photographer

Shawn and Elaine | Manassas, Virginia Engagement Photographer

Oh man, this session has to be one of the cutest sessions! I love couples who exude LOVE and JOY! I’m blessed with so many incredible couples, including Shawn and Elaine! Our session was our first official time meeting in person, and I felt as though I could have easily hung out with them for hours. 🙂 They took my “style guide” seriously and dressed in outfits that made me excited to photograph them the moment I met them! And of course, they are one good looking couple! 🙂 I can only imagine what their wedding day will be like if we had this much fun together just for their engagement portraits! AH! Cannot wait!!

Shawn and Elaine | Manassas, Virginia Engagement Photographer

Shawn and Elaine’s Love Story

How They Met

Elaine and Shawn’s first date was the week before Christmas in Old Town Alexandria.  Before going to dinner at Chart House, we walked around to see the Christmas lights. Elaine quickly began to regret wearing wedged boots, since Old Town has so many cobblestone streets and uneven brick sidewalks. But, she decided to use this oversight to her advantage and grabbed Shawn’s hand to help her balance. After admiring the gorgeous lights and enjoying a delicious meal on the waterfront followed by a few cocktails and endless conversations, we both knew we had found someone special.

How Shawn Proposed to Elaine

On a beautiful and unseasonably warm Saturday in February, Shawn set up a day date to go hiking at Sugarloaf Mountain–a hiking trail that we had not been to together. We both really enjoy hiking, especially since we can bring our dog, Zoey. Elaine assumed this was like every other hike, but Shawn knew it was going to be extra special. Shawn packed champagne and a really pretty ring. When Elaine started getting hangry, she requested to stop and have a snack; Shawn decided this was his moment. Shawn got down on one knee to get the “snacks” out of the backpack. When Shawn turned around, Elaine thought he would have a bag of almonds in his hand. To her surprise, it was a diamond ring. We hugged, kissed, took a few selfies, and let the precious moment soak in before Elaine chowed down on some almonds.

Later that day, Elaine discovered that 69 years earlier on that exact date, her paternal grandparents got engaged. Talk about a really cool coincidence that makes February 18 that much more special to us.

Thank you, Shawn and Elaine, for spreading happiness! You have me smiling over these photos!!! Enjoy a preview from our time together!!! CONGRATS on your engagement!! XOXO!

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