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!

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May 28, 2019

Kyle & Lauren | The Mill at Fine Creek, Virginia Wedding Photographer

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend!!! Kyle and Lauren’s classic and timeless wedding at the Mill at Fine Creek kicked off this long holiday weekend on Friday. 🙂 The last time I got together with Kyle and Lauren was from their engagement session at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens last summer. Time has flown since then, and before I knew it, we were on the phone weeks ago talking about the final plans for their wedding day! They had been planning this celebration for 1.5 years, so this was a very anticipated day!

We weren’t necessarily planning for May to be so HOT, but we couldn’t complain because it really was a beautiful, sunny day. 🙂 Kyle and Lauren planned an enjoyable weekend at the Mill at Fine Creek with their favorite people and planned to stay in the little cottages on site, which created a relaxing experience for everyone. Family and friends admired the venue’s unique rustic/classy vibe that naturally drew in Kyle and Lauren wanting to host their wedding there. It offers a beautiful mix of scenery that works for so many types of couples! They had their ceremony tucked away inside the ruins with green vines crawling up the stone work. Light filtered in through the top, and with twinkle lights strung above, the atmosphere was “light and airy” even though they were inside a stone building. It was beautiful!!! As the party carried on into the night, the photo booth became a highlight! Family and friends not only struck a pose with hilarious costumes inside the booth, but guests were found wandering around wearing a Panda head around the dance floor. HA! Needless to say, guests enjoyed themselves and had a great time celebrating the new Mr. and Mrs.!!!! Check out Kyle and Lauren’s day below!

KYLE AND LAUREN’S WEDDING DAY

Friday weddings are great because out of town guests have the opportunity to make it a long weekend with family and friends — Especially over the Memorial Day weekend! The Mill at Fine Creek offers little cabins for the wedding party and family members to stay and make it a weekend experience just steps away from the reception hall! 🙂

Inside the ruins where the ceremony was set up, the vines had little white flowers blooming which was a nice touch for the neutral color scheme Lauren was envisioning!

Inside where it was nice and cool (because it was very humid and toasty outside), Lauren was getting dolled up to see her groom!

I loved photographing her pretty, classy details!!!

After enjoying some relaxation time (because hair/makeup was ahead of schedule — way to go, team!!), it was time for Lauren to get into her gorgeous dress!!

I told you it was gorgeous!!! I love the train! Also, Lauren wore this heirloom sapphire and diamond ring as her something borrowed, blue, and old!

What a classy invitation suite! Simple and classy! And that flower photo on the inside of the envelope was a nice touch!

Lauren had her mother-in-law help her throughout the prepping process. Their bond is already so sweet!!

Then it was time to spend some quality family time! Tears continued to flow throughout this part of the day as she had to do so many “first looks” with family members. Awe, Lauren!!

She also gave them each special handkerchiefs to remember the day — And use throughout the day!

Across the courtyard, Kyle was prepping to see his bride!

Looking dapper as expected, Kyle!!!

Lauren made her way to see her groom and they were both BEAMING with smiles!!!

And, goodness … They looked so good!!!

Those fluffy peonies had my heart so happy!!!

<3 LOVE!!!

Then the wedding party met up with the B&G to take bestie photos!!! I loved the dove gray color scheme with the white flowers, a hint of pinks, and lots of greenery! And the pearls are always a classic touch!

The men sported monogrammed cuff links and fun socks!!


 

We quickly ran out to the water for a few photos — It was HOT. Thank you all for making it happen!!!

While the violinists played from above, everyone gathered in the ruins to see Kyle and Lauren say ‘I DO!’

Lauren had double the love as her dad and stepdad walked her down the aisle! 🙂

I told you those handkerchiefs would come in handy! Kyle and Lauren had the sweetest vows!

HUSBAND AND WIFE!!!

Love the moments just after being pronounced as husband and wife!

After family photos were done, we took advantage of the pretty light and took a few newlywed + sunset portraits!!

CUTE!!!

Beautiful!!!

Everyone was gathered inside soaking in the A/C and refreshments after being outside for their ceremony. Definitely worth it!!

Loved what the florist did and the stationery pulled in the classy look Lauren and Kyle hoped for on their wedding day!

Beautiful!!!

Then the bride and groom were announced into the reception for their first dance together!

<3 Awe!!! The bond between a father and daughter…

These are so precious!!

A heartfelt mother-son dance. <3

Then Lauren shared a dance with her stepfather.

THEN THE PARTY STARTED!!!!!

The photo booth was a huge HIT! These props were hilarious!

Just before our final goodbyes, Kyle and Lauren snuck to the ruins to have a private dance together under the twinkle lights. 🙂

The sparklers ended the evening and everyone cheered for the newlyweds as they made their exit.

Thank you, Kyle and Lauren, for having me a part of your beautiful celebration on Friday!! You both looked gorgeous! CONGRATS!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thanks to the vendors who made this happen!!!

Venue: The Mill at Fine Creek
Hair and Makeup: Amazing Occasions
Caterer: The Mill at Fine Creek
Florist: Mary Henry Designs
Photographer: Stephanie Messick Photography
Second Photographer: Katie Nesbitt Photography
Baker: Fine Creek Provisions – Pierre Tocco
DJ and Lighting: Debonaire Entertainment Inc
Ceremony Music: Somerset Trio
Videographer: Yeattes Productions
Stationery: SHINE Wedding Invitations
Dress Designer: Essense of Australia
Officiant: Ernest Irby
Photo Booth: Silly Shotz Photo Booth
Transportation: Richmond Limousine
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Banks Custom Suits

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