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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July 31, 2019

Rhett & Caroline | Morais Vineyards, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Let’s talk about THIS wedding for a minute … or maybe forever. 😉 Not only is this “AWE” worthy … Well, actually, it is all “WOW!” worthy!! Because I had to take a break away from these photos while I married my best friend just days after Rhett and Caroline, coming back to this wedding to feature on the blog today has me thinking, “I cannot believe I got to document their special day!!!” From the joy to the even more joy to the details and everything in between, their celebration did not disappoint! 🙂

I have photographed at Morais Vineyards many times, but I love how every single wedding has a different personality. Without a doubt, this one was filled with overflowing love and happiness not just between Rhett and Caroline, but from every single one of their family and friends. <3 What a pure joy it was to witness that support!!! Also, I thought it was absolutely hilarious to learn that Rhett and Caroline left the reception at 9:30 p.m. to let their parents party with their friends at Morais Vineyard while they ran off to DC! Talk about a fun crew of folks!!! I won’t spoil too much before you dive into this blog post, but it’s one of my favorites! <3

RHETT & CAROLINE’S WEDDING DAY

I’ll never get enough of Morais Vineyards! I love the staff, the atmosphere, and the fact that it’s just minutes away from my folk’s place. 🙂 But what makes it even more special is having a beautiful couple with beautiful hearts to photograph. <3

Rhett and Caroline’s day started on a perfect, sunny afternoon in Bealeton, VA! Rhett was with the guys hiding away in the groom suite to ensure he wouldn’t see his bride before the first look. While he was enjoying food and entertainment with his best friends, Caroline was with the girls getting hair and makeup done on-site in the gorgeous bridal suite! As soon as I walked in, there were strings of lights and photos of Caroline with her friends around the perimeter of the room. It was clear how EXCITED everyone was for her and Rhett! I loved the celebrating before the celebration! 🙂 When Caroline got into her dress, we had to take a step back and admire the BRIDE. She was absolutely stunning and we all knew that Rhett was anxiously awaiting for the moment, “It’s time to see your bride!”

It wasn’t too long before Rhett was able to step foot close to the bridal suite to see Caroline. <3 They had a sweet first look together — So genuine and JOYFUL! Gah! I just adore these two and their love! We wandered around Morais Vineyard photographing their moments together before being officially husband and wife. I love this part of the day because even though it goes by quickly, it’s a time to appreciate stillness with each other before family and friends start showing up.

And speaking of family and friends!!! Their wedding party came out to enjoy some time with Rhett and Caroline. <3 The girls wore a beautiful, long, flowy blue gown. The lush, white bouquets with long silk ribbon was a nice contrast too! The men wore mix-matched suits and totally made it a thing!! Anddddd goodness … The flower girls! They stole the show with their dainty blue gowns and their “Flower Girl” elephant stuffed animals Rhett and Caroline gifted them. 🙂 Gosh, this wedding party was a beautiful one to photograph!!

Guests made their way down the path to the ceremony. Along the way, they filled up a refreshment and read a beautiful banner welcoming them to their celebration! Not too long after shuttles dropped them off, Caroline made her way down the aisle. 🙂 They had a sweet ceremony with stories of how they met and how meaningful their wedding day is. As they were pronounced husband and wife, they threw their arms in the air ready to celebrate with family and friends!!!

I didn’t want to take them away from their guests for too long during the cocktail hour, but we squeezed in some time in front of the camera before the reception started. 🙂 We also ran out just before the sun disappeared behind the trees for glowy sunset portraits! My photographer heart was FULL this day as you can believe!!!

Rhett, Caroline, and their families worked so hard to put together a beautiful wedding. 🙂 As you can see the details were classic with the soft hues of blue and white. I loved seeing the space come alive with floral garland running down the tables! Also, their menu was so fun!!! They had a FRY BAR (say whaaaat?!) and fun drinks like wine slushies!!!

Rhett and Caroline walked into the reception, everyone went nuts! MR. AND MRS.!!! They took a moment together in the middle of the dance floor to have a special dance together. Beaming with smiles, it was obvious that it was the best day of their life! The speeches didn’t disappoint with hilarious stories to embarrass Rhett (just a little!!)! HA! We then kicked off the party by gathering everyone in for a large group photo and then DJ Craig Wood made the party a PARTY!!! It was so much fun to watch Rhett and Caroline have the time of their life! Upstairs was a photo booth where friends took advantage of dressing up in costumes and dance around the balcony. Haha! And of course … When the song, “Sweet Caroline!” came on … You better believe the party was turned up to another notch! This wedding didn’t disappoint and I love reliving the moments over and over again from the photos documented throughout the day. <3

Rhett and Caroline — THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU so much for giving me the greatest honor of being your engagement and wedding photographer!!! Seriously, what a DREAM! I could have photographed your wedding day over and over again (and I wish I could!!)! I’m so excited about your future and what it has in store for your marriage! Love you both! CONGRATS!!! XOXO!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thanks to the vendors who made this happen!!!

Venue: Morais Vineyards & Winery

Coordinator: MayJune Events

Hair and Makeup: Yisell Santos

Caterer: The Chef’s Table Caterers

Florist: Love Blooms

DJ: Perpetual Sound, LLC

Stationery: Minted

Dress Designer: Katherine’s Bridal Boutique of Alexandria

Officiant: Jamie Dee Schiffer

Rentals: Margarita Man

Transportation: Limousines, Inc 

Signage: Artisan Matchmaker LLC

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