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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August 30, 2018

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

David and Michaela originally reached out to me last year to have just their engagement portraits taken and we ended up having the most beautiful, fun time together. They weren’t looking at wedding photography at the time because they were considering getting married in Maui! Which, I secretly thought, pleaseeeee pack me in your bag!!! 😉 HA! But I was seriously excited for them!! Obviously, they didn’t get married in Maui, but they are currently honeymooning on the island now! I’m glad they got to celebrate with family, friends, and still managed to visit their favorite place! By the way, if you didn’t see their incredible sunset Mount Vernon engagement session on the blog, you should get to know them HERE!!!

And to think that this wedding all started with a crush back in MIDDLE SCHOOL … <3

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

David and Michaela’s Wedding

Just as they were blessed with beautiful weather for their engagement session at Mount Vernon, it was the same for their big day on Sunday! 🙂 The girls were hiding away at the farmhouse having hair and makeup done while the guys were in the main building getting dressed! It was clearly a beautiful day judging by the amount of people roaming the property!! The tasting rooms were SLAMMED so thank goodness we weren’t there that day for a wine tasting. 🙂 

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

I joined the girls at the farmhouse where there was a lot going on, naturally. It was nice for Michaela to sneak away to the bedroom to have a moment to herself before stepping into her dress. Also, I love when my couples personalize their vows — Not only intimate but very meaningful. <3

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

It was time for the girls to get dressed, so of COURSE, it was time to celebrate and pop the bubbly!!!! They were SO much fun to photograph!!!! Loved their energy. <3

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

This black and white of Michaela — Girl. Magazine worthy!!!  You’re a beauty!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Seriously, not everyone can pull off a dress like Michaela had! She looked like a gorgeous rockstar!!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

I love Michaela’s bond with her family. <3 Her grandmother had a special part in the prepping time by placing in the veil. 🙂 The final touch that always brings the wedding day into reality!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

David wrote out the sweetest card to Michaela that brought her to tears. <3 When she opened her gift, she immediately gasped, teared up, and then smiled. He gifted her another solitaire ring, which is identical to the original ring he gave her before she lost it in a fire. He said, “For the record, I don’t know anyone else who has received three engagement rings!” Ha!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer


David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

The girls all gasped and teared up when they saw Michaela. They were all excited to see her fairytale day come to life! <3

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Michaela had the most helpful group of women!!!! So grateful for these ladies!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Like I mentioned above, Michaela has a special connection with her family. Especially her grandfather! I loved documenting their bond throughout the course of the day. <3

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

On the other side of the property, David and the guys were getting ready for the ceremony!! Everyone was in great spirits, and even sang together while prepping? HA!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

What a cute, personalized, thoughtful gift from Michaela illustrating their relationship from start to the wedding day!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

First touch. <3 Look at those smiles!!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Not only did they write personalized vows for their ceremony, but they wrote letters to read before the ceremony since they wanted to keep with tradition. I love letter exchanges because these written letters will be forever cherished and be a reminder of the love they shared on their wedding day. <3

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Soon after, it was time to get HITCHED!!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Gosh, David melted my heart!!! I teared up watching him see her walk up the aisle! Also, look how adorable Michaela’s grandfather is!!!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Despite how hot it was on Sunday, they had a BEAUTIFUL outdoor ceremony overlooking the distant mountain views! Be still my heart. <3

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Just as the officiant, Jeff, said during the ceremony, “This won’t be the first time you adjust his tie!” Haha! So cute!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

So much raw emotion shared during the ceremony. They vowed to honor each other and be the best partner in life, and their exchanged vows were without a doubt from the heart!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer
David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Totally glowing from the inside-out!!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

HUSBAND AND WIFE!!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

MARRIED!!!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

This group was awesome! HAHAHA!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

One of my MANY favorites!!!!! I could have photographed this crew for way longer!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

J. Morris Flowers always does an incredible job with her flowers!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Holy moly … MICHAELAAAAA!!!!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

AH! I squealed over these photos (while I took these photos and while I was editing!)!! HA!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

This view never gets old!!! Love Stone Tower Winery!!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

So. Many. Favorites. #modelstatus

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

AND! We had a glowy sunset to photograph!!!! SCORE!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

YEEEEES. YES! YES!!!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

David and Michaela put together a color scheme combining dusty rose, gold and lots of greenery, and they pulled it off well! The candles set a very romantic and cozy atmosphere. What made this reception really cozy was the outside setting with the twinkle light ambiance and fire pit that you’ll see later in this post! 🙂 But I love they stuck with a very classy, elegant theme!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Also, these customized name cutouts are SO FUN and beautiful!!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

You know what’s also fun? Tacos. Even better? A taco bar! Even better than that?! My Saturday wedding was also a taco bar wedding!!! HA! It must be the food of the year, and I’m not hating it one bit! 😉

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

They danced to Jason Aldean’s, “You Make it Easy” as their first dance song together as husband and wife. <3 I’m currently listening to it as I write this blog post!! 🙂 Love it!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

 

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

After special words were spoken during toasts, we ran outside to pop the bubbly and take a few more portraits before the sun went down. 🙂 I love how fun this champagne photo is!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

GOSH! They are ADORABLE!!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Oh my gosh … Again … They knew how to melt my heart every time!!!! There wasn’t a dry eye as Michaela danced with her grandfather. <3

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

LOOK HOW HAPPY HE IS!!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

This photo of Michaela’s grandparents outside needs to be paired with the song, “Moon River.” <3

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

GORGEOUS NIGHT!!!!

David & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding PhotographerDavid & Michaela | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Thank you, David and Michaela, for your enthusiasm, trust, and for being amazing!!! <3 It was so much fun to be by your side to witness, document, and celebrate your special moments. I’m very grateful for your frienship and I cannot wait to see where your marriage takes you!!!!! SO happy for you both!!

Congratulations!!!

Thanks to the vendor team for making David and Michaela’s wedding day so special!!!
Venue: Stone Tower Winery
Wedding Planner: Caroline Dutton Events
Hairstylist: Jewel Hair Design LLC
Make-up: Blend Makeup Artistry
Caterer: Main Event Caterers
DJ: Dream Day DJs
Floral Designer: J. Morris Flowers
Officiant: Wedding Ceremonies by Jeff
Photographer: Stephanie Messick Photography // Assistant: Krysta Norman
Stationery: Minted
Wedding Dress: Reem Acra – Hitched Bridal Couture
Transportation for Guests: Road Yachts
Videographer: Bella Vista Productions LLC
Wedding Cake: Tysons Cakes

  1. Incredible pictures!! 🙂