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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May 15, 2019

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Welp! This wedding is a hefty post!!! Only because I had wayyyy too many favorites and have to share the entire story of Saturday with you all to show you only a glimpse of their fairytale day! 🙂 It’s so funny to admit this, but after photographing Graham and Meghan at their engagement session last August, I wasn’t quite sure I was getting through to Graham. If anyone knows him, they know he’s a straight shooter, honest, a little to himself at times, and very blunt! Meghan is a ball of sunshine, personable, and very outgoing! So it was fun trying to crack open Graham’s shell in front of the camera during the engagement session! So fast forward to last Saturday at Airlie in Warrenton, VA when we were moments away from the first look with Graham and Meghan… Graham mentioned with a serious tone that he needed a moment to himself before seeing his bride. But as soon as he turned around, he grabbed her in tightly and revealed a side that I totally did not expect! I think he even surprised himself after he mentioned that it was the first tears he cried in two years! Ha! Graham loves his Meghan with every ounce of his body! And after witnessing that, I couldn’t love these two together more!!! <3 I saw a genuine side to Graham that wasn’t revealed during the engagement session, and I was able to click into his sense of humor. After they had a quiet moment together, we walked under a canopy of trees for a private vow exchange that made my heart melt over and over and over again for these two… I won’t spoil too much before you dive into the blog post, but gosh… That really started my time with them on a beautiful note!

Graham and Meghan gathered with their family and friends to create a celebration no one will ever forget. <3 Airlie has a charming garden atmosphere that made their day so romantic! And with the fluffy pink and white flowers everywhere just added even more to the look! They wanted to make sure that their guests had an experience they would never forget. The bartenders served margaritas going into the ceremony which was a nice way to have their guests relax walking in. Displays of desserts were outside for anyone who loved to pick little sweets here and there throughout the night. Also outside were cozy areas to relax and hang out during the reception for family/friends who needed to recover from the dancing. To top off the surprises to the guests, servers brought out late night pizza for those who also needed to reenergize for the next song and even surprised Megan with her favorite ice cream! Graham and Meghan wanted everyone to feel loved and made sure to spend intentional time with their family and friends throughout the night. Most importantly, they also made time for each other! To cap off the evening, everyone exited the building so Graham and Megan could share one last dance in the middle of the dance floor alone. As the song ended, they grabbed each other’s hands and ran through the sparklers to say goodbye to their loved ones on their way out. Their day was everything and more I hope for my couples as they embark this exciting new journey of marriage! And it was evident that Graham and Meghan started it on a high that will only continue to grow over the years to come. <3 Check out their magical day below!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

GRAHAM AND MEGHAN’S WEDDING DAY

Saturday started with some rain in the forecast, but we stayed optimistic that everything would work out! So while the vendors coordinated a Plan B plan, Meghan and the girls were in the “Old Post Room” having the best time prepping for the celebration! Even the little flower girl had her prepping game on with pretty nails and mascara!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

I LOVED photographing Meghan’s details and her pale blue Badgley Mischka shoes!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

The flower girl took her role in the wedding party seriously and helped Meghan any time she could! So sweet!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Graham gifted Meghan a beautiful bracelet as a wedding gift. 🙂 After she was done getting ready, it was time to pop the champagne because she was about to change her name!!!! 😉

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Goodness, you’re gorgeous, Meghan!!! And those flowers were SO fluffy!!! I LOVED IT!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

And then Meghan’s father saw his baby girl all dolled up… <3

This heirloom ring was her something blue — Beautiful!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Gold details are the way to my heart!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Just around the corner, the men were helping Graham get ready for the “First Look!”

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

I didn’t even recognize him at first without his man bun from their engagement session!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Then it was finally time to see each other. <3 BE STILL MY HEART. Graham grabbed her in tight as they soaked in the intimate moment together.

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

The rain started to come down harder so they moved under the trees for coverage to exchange private vows to one another. It was so romantic and serene! And their promises were beautiful!!! Graham spoke words to Meghan like she’s the light in his life and I totally see that because she is absolutely beautiful inside AND out!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

They ended their vow exchange with popping a bottle of champagne! Aren’t they adorable?!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

The rain let up for them to walk around for their portraits in the Butterfly Garden.

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Meghan, you rocked that dress!!!! And I loved Graham’s style — Especially that pup bow tie!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

<3

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Then it was time to meet up with the wedding party!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Oh, and of COURSE, with their VIP! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Can we talk about his suit?! HA!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

I had the best time photographing this crew!!! And that light worked for our benefit — Thank you rain for the beautiful, lush … “JUICY” greenery! <= Thanks, Graham, for that word to describe the greenery on Saturday! HAHA!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Loved the orchids mixed into Meghan’s bouquet!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

What a crew!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

These girls were super helpful with Meghan’s dress! And their pup was the HAPPIEST because his parents were getting married!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Krysta documented this photo — Ummm… They look like they stepped out of a movie!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

The flower girl continuing her role as the best volunteer helper! 🙂 And Graham looked so dapper! Also, I love the contrast of his suit with the groomsmen!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

And speaking of attire — THESE dresses!!!!! OBSESSED. Some were from Lulus and Jenny Yoo!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

After we were done playing outside before the rain came back, it was ceremony time!!! Everyone was on edge that day praying they made the right decision to move the ceremony inside — And they definitely did because it POURED during the ceremony time!!! I’m so glad everything worked out for us. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

After Meghan’s dad gave Meghan away, he started walking back towards his seat when Graham stepped out of place to ask for a hug too! I love Meghan’s beaming smile seeing them together!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer  Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

YES!!!!! He was included in the ceremony and he made sure everyone knew he was there because in the quietest moments was when his breathing was the center of attention. It was pretty comical and helped release the formality of the ceremony! But look at that smile!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

They publically exchanged vows again and it was just as emotional as the first time around!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Meghan is the cutest!!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Towards the end of the ceremony, they took soil from their hometowns and poured it into the pot. Perfect detail for their garden themed wedding!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

HUBBY AND WIFEY!!!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Oh my gosh, that smile…

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

The flower girl was SO sad after the ceremony thinking that Meghan was leaving forever. <3 Awe, my heart broke for her!!! But Meghan and the family reassured her they weren’t going anywhere. 🙂

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Fortunately for us, after the family photos were done, we were able to run outside RAIN-FREE!!! Graham’s best man, Alex, though, hijacked one of their pictures by photobombing… Well done! 🙂

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Awe!!! First family portrait together with the same last name!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Goodness, you two are so photogenic!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

GOODNESS. Thanks to the team who helped pull off this photo!!! (Krysta, Alex, and RJ!!)

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

This photo belongs in a magazine!! Actually, a lot of them do because they nailed these photos!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

I love the beautiful, vintage furniture supplied by Bella Villa Antiques & Vintage Rentals!!! And the owner teamed up with Leah Letters to make Graham and Meghan’s vision come to life!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

The desserts were a HIT!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Meghan was SO excited about the desserts, especially the Nutella donuts! YUM.

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

The day continued to fly by because before we knew it, they were announced into the reception to have their first dance together as husband and wife. 🙂

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

This flask made several appearances throughout the day. 🙂 They will have fun going through their entire gallery of photos!!! Haha!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer  Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Graham’s sister sat down with the bride and groom to share a poem with everyone that brought her to tears. Meghan’s heart to love everyone is so evident through her words and actions. I just adore her so much!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

To get the party started, Meghan and her Dad hyped up the energy with their surprise upbeat father/daughter dance halfway through their time on the dance floor!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Their father/daughter bond was so special to document throughout the day. <3 Same with Graham and his mother!!! 

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

ANDDDDDD then… The party started!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Love this casual photo with their officiant! 🙂 Haha! Also, Graham’s mom knew how to get down on the dance floor!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Their friends knew how to have fun!!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

And so did Meghan!!! Pretty sure this happened during a Backstreet Boys song. 😉 I so wanted to join in on the singalong!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Yep! This happened!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

AND YEPPP!!! THIS DEFINITELY HAPPENED! Haha!

Meghan spoke words from her heart from them how much everyone meant to them and how that day was the BEST day of their life!!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

In the meantime… There was a surprise happening outside. 🙂

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Meghan’s parents surprised Meghan with her favorite ice cream from Penn State!!! I think she was surprised! 😉

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Guests enjoyed not only the desserts but especially dancing!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Haha! They had fun!!!! 🙂

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Love these two!! <3

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Once the room cleared, the DJ turned on one last dance for Meghan and Graham to dance alone together before running through the sparklers!

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

Then they were off!! What a night to never forget. <3

Graham & Meghan | Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia Garden Wedding Photographer

THANK YOU, Graham and Meghan, for giving me the greatest honor of being your wedding photographer!!! <3 What a dreamy day from start to finish and I cannot believe it’s done! I hope these photographs will forever cherish the memories that were seen and unseen throughout the day. I couldn’t be happier for you two and cannot wait to see where the future takes your marriage and family! XOXO!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thanks to the vendors who made this happen!!!

Venue: Airlie in Warrenton, VA
Planner: White Pumpkin
Catering: Airlie
Vintage Decor: Bella Villa Antiques & Vintage Rentals
Hair and Makeup: Tracey Garcia
Florist: The Rosy Posy Floral Design & Event Studio
Lettering: Leah Letters
DJ: MyDeejay
Videographer: August McCue Films
Baker: Simply Cakes by Susan
Ceremony Music: Joshua D. Colbert

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