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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July 12, 2018

Rob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Rob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding Photographer

It’s so fun photographing and celebrating with JMU friends!! 🙂 Michele and I go back to the MRD days, which is special because I’ve done several other JMU MRD weddings come to think of it!! Even more fun! 🙂 Always an honor!!! Michele reached out to me after Rob proposed to her, and I was happy to see their date available on my calendar! So July 7th it was!! And goodness was it a BEAUTIFUL day!!!! July is considered a slow season in the wedding industry because Virginia can get quite hot and humid. Fortunately for Rob and Michele, it was the ideal day to get married. 🙂 The sun was shining and we took advantage of it every opportunity!

On the big day, I arrived where the girls were getting dressed and ready for the ceremony. Everyone was excited, but I couldn’t help but notice tears as soon as Michele got into her dress. She couldn’t believe it was her wedding day as soon as she caught a glimpse of herself in her dress in the mirror. <3 The day she dreamt her entire life was finally a reality! And better yet, she found her Prince Charming!!! Soon after the tears were wiped away, everyone was smiling and laughing again, and we were off to the chapel!!!

The ceremony was so sweet and meaningful. I was especially surprised when I looked over and saw Ethan, Rob’s son, tearing up when he saw Michele walking up to his dad at the altar. Seriously?! My heart melted to PIECES. Also, while listening to their ceremony, there were so many key things I picked up from the sermon. I really enjoy hearing what is entailed to have a successful marriage through every wedding I photograph. Rob and Michele’s wedding caught my attention, and I felt in my heart to share the message with you all today. <3 Their priest, who is Rob’s cousin, said marriage isn’t 50/50. We may think that it needs to be an equal effort on both ends, but really, it should be 100/100. We should love, forgive, and sacrifice for our significant other because Jesus did the same for us. Not only should we be a 100, but our goal should be to help the other achieve the Kingdom of God. AMEN.

Rob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding Photographer

After they tied the knot, we were off to the reception!! Rob and Michele had their celebration at the beautiful Heritage Hunt Country Club where they tied in their love for the beach into their details. Why not bring the beach to you if you can’t have a beach wedding?! I love nautical themes, which is another reason why we chose Old Town Alexandria for their engagement session. 🙂 Rob and Michele incorporated a bunch of seashells around the reception, and better yet … “I cannot believe it’s butter!” Seriously though! The caterers at the country club managed to create seashell butter presentation for each table. So impressive and thoughtful!

It was a great experience watching their closest family and friends celebrate the special day. I don’t think I’ve seen so many kids at a wedding before, but it was SO fun!!! Kids say the darnest things after all, right? HAHA! Right after the first look, family and friends started cheering/clapping for Rob and Michele as they exited off the dance floor. Rob’s son, Ethan, yelled, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” It was so cute and hilarious! Then towards the end of the night, all of the kids let loose and jumped on stage to dance to Taylor Swift! Another precious moment worth photographing. 🙂 But what came to my surprise was how well those kids danced!!! Even better than me! 😉 Especially little Ethan! Gosh, he stole the show that evening on the dance floor! I wish these photos moved to show you his dance moves. HA! I’m honored Rob and Michele asked me to document their wedding memories, and I’m excited to share a preview today with you all. <3

Thank you, Rob and Michele, for having me alongside you two as you celebrated your special day!! I hope you enjoy my perspective on your wedding! 🙂 It was a great day and I love how these photos show off your happiness from Saturday!!! CONGRATS!!!!

Rob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Rob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding Photographer
Rob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding PhotographerRob & Michele | Heritage Hunt Country Club, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Congratulations!!!

Thanks to the vendors who made this day so special!

Ceremony Venue: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Heritage Hunt Country Club
Venue Coordinator: Kara Birkenfeld
Photographer: Stephanie Messick Photography with the assistance of Megan Rei Photography
Hair and Makeup: Kira Sanders Beauty
Caterer: Heritage Hunt Country Club
Florist: Floral Affairs by Jean Marie
Baker: Patticakes
DJ: Black Tie Entertainment
Stationery: Minted
Dress Designer: Stella York
Bride’s Bridal Shop: Amy’s Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids: Bill Levkoff
Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Rosalin’s Bridal Boutique
Rings: Ascot Diamonds
Officiant: Father Christopher Sullivan
Tuxes: Jos A. Bank
Photo Booth: Photo In A Box
Transportation: Majestic Limo Service

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