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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January 9, 2019

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

When two equally excited, in love people come together, you have a dynamic duo! I guarantee you’re going to ADORE this couple as much as I do just by looking through these photos. 🙂 Taylor and Sarah are simply darling, easy going, and down to earth. Sarah’s sense of humor will make anyone smile and laugh … Especially while nuzzling her hubby and then all of the sudden you hear her say, “MEEEOOOOWWWWW!” HA! They know how to make each other smile. 🙂 Without a doubt, they are one of a kind. <3 One thing I adore the most is how well they love each other. You can see in their eyes, words, and actions that they do not take each other for granted. Most importantly, they have created the foundation of their love based by keeping God in the center of their relationship. And for that, I’m excited to see where God will take their marriage! If you missed their love story (how they met and how Taylor proposed to Sarah) as well as their engagement portraits, be sure to check it out HERE!!!

While prepping for their big day, they dealt with a few unforeseen obstacles like Sarah’s family coming down with the flu. Fortunately, they were all able to attend and celebrate the big day on Saturday. I’m glad that the flu didn’t stop them from enjoying one of the best days!! <3 As the party commenced, I couldn’t help but be “shutter-happy!” I loved photographing this crowd in their element on the dance floor. 😉 Taylor and Sarah put together a traditional, fun, and classy wedding while keeping it naturally GRAND at the ever-so-beautiful Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia! The day started at Sarah’s home not too far away from the downtown area. It was special that she got ready there before her parents “gave her away.” They held their ceremony at the Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church before starting the party at the Jefferson that evening, so that family time before Taylor and Sarah had their moment together was so important. I loved seeing how much their families meant to them as we celebrated throughout the day. Especially when the dance floor opened up, their families knew how to get down!!! I had the opportunity to visit the Jefferson Hotel about a year ago with Alex and his family, and the Christmas decorations were mesmerizing!!! Even though they didn’t have a Christmas themed wedding, I’m so glad they still had the decorations up for Taylor and Sarah’s wedding day! For their reception, Taylor and Sarah kept a clean and simple design by decorating the room with navy, whites, and plenty of greenery! To add a fun pop of color into the room, they decorated the centerpieces with oranges. A cute and unique little detail! When the party started, it didn’t take long for people to jump onto the dance floor! I was so impressed with how Soul Expressions, Lucy Black Entertainment interacted with the crowd and couple throughout the night. They were SOOOOO good that I wanted to join them!!! I knew that Saturday evening was going to be an unforgettable party, and it’s a celebration I’ll never forget! <3

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

TAYLOR & SARAH’S WEDDING DAY

The day started at Sarah’s parent’s house on a beautiful day!! We were honestly a little concerned about the weather, but after many prayers and stalking the weather, it cleared up just in time for their wedding festivities to begin! <3 What a blessing!!!! On a side note, on my drive down to Richmond that morning, I spotted a full rainbow! Magical!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

I’m a fan of your dress too, Sarah! <3 GORGEOUS detailing!!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

A precious shared moment between Sarah and her mom while her sister’s helped her get dressed. 🙂

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

So classy and timeless! I also love that they included a drawing of the church in the invitation!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

While Sarah was at her place getting ready to see her groom, Taylor was at the Jefferson putting on the final touches before seeing his beautiful bride. He was excited to see her and did not doubt that she would be the most gorgeous bride. <3

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Look at that rock!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Be still my heart. <3 I love how much he adores his bride!!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Sarah had these beautiful earrings to wear on the wedding day, but Taylor surprised her with another gorgeous set of pearl earrings to wear. She will forever cherish them!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

He also gave her a new Bible with her new last name!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

It was finally time to see her besties!!!! They were anxiously waiting for her around the corner… 🙂

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

I love sweet candids with parents. <3 Before everyone headed out, the girls took time to pray over Sarah and Taylor’s marriage.

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Her father is so proud!!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Ohhhhh, gosh. Taylor. Melting everyone’s hearts with his reaction.

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

As they took a moment resting in each other’s arms, Taylor whispered into her ear that he would love her every single day for the rest of their life…

I’m tearing up just writing this!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

We had a short bit of time to make portraits happen before heading to the church, but they made it SO easy and fun to photograph them!!!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Sarah exchanged her earrings out with the ones Taylor gifted her, so she made sure to show him how much she loved them! 🙂 So sweet!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Can you feel the love?!?! I sure do!!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

MODELS.

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

You’re stunning, Sarah!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

I loved seeing them soaking in every minute together. 🙂

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Then we brought out the crew for photos!!!! This was fun!!! <3

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

AWE!!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Loved working with these friends!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Typical men goofing off!!! HA!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

The moment we were all waiting for!!!! TIME TO GET HITCHED!!!! <3

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

YAY!!!!!!!!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

I love documenting the candids directly following the ceremony. 🙂

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Taylor loved his new pair of sunglasses Sarah gifted him!!! Haha! Adorable!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

YYYYYYYEEEEEESSSSSS!!!!! They did it!!! <3

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Time to celebrate on the trolley!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

I loved their introduction into the cocktail hour! What a sight!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

They were excited to get the party started!!!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Gosh, I love them together!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

It didn’t take long for the entire room to get down on the dance floor!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

I loved seeing Taylor video his WIFE on stage for the bouquet toss! Haha!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Popcorn late night snack station? Heck yes!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

This crew. <3

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Signing Proud Mary in style!!!! One of my favorite highlights of the evening!!!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Love them!

Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer Taylor & Sarah | The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Thank youuuuu, Taylor and Sarah, for giving me the GREATEST honor of documenting your special celebration!!!! Alex and I could not be more excited about your new adventure as husband and wife!! You both deserve all of the happiness in the world, and I thank God that He brought you two together. You were made to be with one another. Love you both!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thanks to the vendors who made this day possible!!!

Reception Venue: The Jefferson Hotel 

Ceremony Venue: Grace Holy Trinity Church 

Hair and Makeup: Brideface  

Photographer: Stephanie Messick Photography with assistants, Krysta Norman + Brett Denfeld

Caterer: The Jefferson Hotel  

Florist: Fran King/Velvet Rope Design

Baker: The Jefferson Hotel  

Band: Soul Expressions, Lucy Black Entertainment

Ceremony Music: Grace and Holy Trinity Organist – Beth Melcher Davis / // Harpist – Anastasia Jellison

Videographer: Peter Von Kahle 

Stationery Designer: Papeterie Fine Stationery 

Dress Boutique: Tiffany’s Bridal in Richmond 

Officiant: Bo Millner (Grace and Holy Trinity Church)  // Erik Bonkovsky (City Church)  

Transportation: Winn Bus Trolley 

  1. Lauren Swann says:

    Beautiful as always, Steph!! I LOVE the photo you grabbed of the church too — so epic!