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

find inspiration

Gallery images

July 24, 2019

Garrett & Lacey | Keswick Vineyards, Charlottesville, VA Wedding Photographer

I am excited to share these sweethearts on the blog today! After officially meeting Garrett and Lacey for their Washington, DC engagement session last year, I knew I was in for a TREAT on their wedding day in Charlottesville, VA at the beautiful Keswick Vineyards. They are not only personable and so dang sweet, but they have hearts made of gold. Seeing their families come together and getting the chance to know them throughout the course of their special day made it even more clear where Garrett and Lacey got it from. <3

Garrett and Lacey’s wedding was everything and more of what I hoped for them! They were surrounded by their biggest fans and the day was overflowing love. Not just love for each other, but love for their family and friends. I loved seeing them balance their time with everyone, despite how quickly the day went by. I’m glad these photos will forever cherish the moments that were absorbed or perhaps overlooked! I have so many favorites and I love reliving the day by looking through this gallery! 🙂 Check out their beautiful wedding below!!!

GARRETT AND LACEY’S WEDDING DAY

I loved photographing Lacey’s details! We have a similar taste in details (we coincidentally chose the same bridesmaid color and dress designer, Azazie, as well as the same printed tablecloth from MS Events you’ll see later on), so it was fun photographing these details right before Alex and I got married a couple of weeks following their big day! 🙂 And that velvet ring box?! HELLO, pretty!!!!

While the girls were inside getting ready, the men were outside enjoying some lawn games. From corn hole to ladder ball and many more, I would say they knew how to occupy their time. 🙂 Also, a cool note about one of the cornhole boards — Lacey’s mom collected beer labels and Modge Podge them to the board! I’m convinced she’s one cool mamma! 😉

After seeing Lacey get into her gorgeous BHLDN gown, she proved that she was a classic beauty. Although, it didn’t take much convincing!!! And the jewelry she chose to wear was special, especially the necklace from her grandmother. <3

Lacey gifted her mom a handkerchief that even got Lacey teared up! And to her dad, a tie with a message embroidered on the backside. I love that she helped him put it on. 🙂 So sweet!

The girls were about ready and it was about time the guys finished up as well. Garrett was all smiles and excited to see his BRIDE!!!!

Before the ceremony started, we made sure to run outside and take wedding party photos without Garrett and Lacey seeing each other. 🙂 THAT VIEW. Wow!!! Also, I loved photographing the cutest little ring bearer! He rocked those suspenders! HA! And one of my other favorite moments was when we had a cat photobomb! Check it out below!!! HAHA! Never a dull moment. 😉

This ceremony was the sweetest and so personalized, thanks to Garrett’s uncle who married them! 🙂 I loved hearing stories about the two of them from when they were kids having bedtime stories read to this very day. They grew up with loving families and I know that will carry in their future. 🙂

As I was editing the ceremony photos, “Here Comes the Sun” came up on my Spotify, reminding me of what Lacey’s Dad said about his little girl! 🙂

Oh, and I LOVE that they included Lacey’s family dog, Charlie, a part of the wedding!!! He was one handsome boy with his boy tie!! 🙂

We quickly gathered the troops for family photos and wedding party photos to celebrate the new MR. AND MRS.!!!! <3

Garrett and Lacey made this portion of the day a BREEZE to photograph!!!! Their love and happiness shine through EVERY. SINGLE. PHOTO. 🙂 We were able to take our time because they had an extended cocktail hour. YES!!! I was in photographer heaven! 🙂 I mean, LOOK AT THESE TWO!!!

We came back from running around the grounds just in time to admire the details Lacey, Garrett and their families put so much time and attention creating. <3 Lacey’s mom did so much including the cork initials on the welcome table, the “CHEERS” flags on the straws, and SO much more!!! I love her crafty heart!!!

One fun experience during the cocktail hour Garrett and Lacey offered to their guests was a free wine tasting from Keswick Vineyards! What a great idea!!! Apparently, this is a new thing Keswick is doing at their wedding for couples who opt for the experience. 🙂 I’m all about it!

I enjoy photographing unique details, including Garrett and Lacey’s guest “book” — A cornhole board!!! So fun and something that will absolutely be used/admired throughout the years to come. 🙂 Speaking of things to be used, their guest favors were very practical as they gifted family and friends customized wine bottle openers! Great idea! Another unique idea was their cake wasn’t the traditional wedding cake, but instead a tiered bundt cake with cupcakes to enjoy on the side! YUM!

Before we knew it, we were heading into the PARTY! I don’t know how the afternoon soon became the evening, but this crew was ready to show up to the dance floor and get down! One of my favorite parts of the day to document, especially with a fun crew!! 🙂

Garrett and Lacey started by showing everyone a choreographed dance they had practiced before the big day. It was a HIT! But you know who didn’t need practice before Garrett and Lacey’s wedding? Lacey’s Dad! He had a beautiful speech prepared for his daughter and son-in-law and to top it off, he showed everyone one big thing he learned when traveling to Europe with Lacey … How to pour a special beer they drank together! Haha! It was quite impressive. 😉 But when it was the Maid of Honor and Best Men’s turn, they did not disappoint! Their speeches left everyone on the verge of tears from the comical stories they had to share about Lacey and Garrett! That set the mood for the rest of the evening as you’ll see below. 🙂

The evening quickly wrapped up (on a high note!!), and they were sent off on their married way through a magical sparkler send-off. A picture-perfect way to end the evening!

Garrett and Lacey, thank youuuuuu so so so much for including me for this very special occasion! The joy, beauty, and love that day were evident (and for good reasons too!)! I look forward to seeing how the years ahead will bless you and your adventures together as husband and wife. Love you both!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thanks to the vendors who made this happen!!!

Venue: Keswick Vineyards

Day of Coordinators: Brian and Cindy Schornberg

Hair and Makeup: Avenue 42 Salon

Caterer: Barbeque Exchange Events & Catering

Florist: Hedge Fine Blooms

Baker: Nothing Bundy Cakes

DJ: VA Party Master

Dress: BHLDN | Jenny Woo

Tent: Skyline Tent Company

Officiant: Garrett’s Uncle Tom

Rentals: Ms Events

Transportation: Blue Ridge Tours

Reply...