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

September 13, 2019

Liz & Luke | Mountain Lake Lodge, Virginia Wedding Photographer

You saw on my “Coffee Talk Mondays” post this past week that my best friend got married at Mountain Lake Lodge in Virginia!! It was literally the most beautiful September day, and I’m glad that Liz and Luke got to experience that considering the entire wedding was outdoors. πŸ™‚ Timing really worked in their favor in so many ways β€”Β From the weather to family health. Truly, a blessing in so many ways!

Liz has one of those smiles that light up the room. Since knowing her in Third grade, nothing has changed! I mean, life has changed SO much since the Pokemon and Sailor Moon days, but her smile stayed the same. πŸ™‚ Although, Saturday was another level of happiness when Liz and Luke stepped foot in front of my camera just minutes away from saying “I DO!!” πŸ™‚ She was shining from within and it made my heart so happy to see my best friend excited to marry her best friend!!! Not only does Luke bring happiness to Liz, but also stability. He is her ROCK … Her CORE. It became more and more evident when Liz was stretched thin countless times over the past years. I specifically remember sitting in my living room and Liz saying, “I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have Luke.” He has been there for her countless times when I wasn’t able to step in, and that is exactly what she needs in her life. <3 TWO best friends!! HAHA! We have her covered any time of the day! πŸ˜‰

It’s always an honor to photograph a dear friend, and especially when it’s my best friend. I only played photographer for the “first look” portion of the day while another friend of hers took over so I could be fully present, but I was so honored that Liz and Luke wanted me to document that exciting time of their wedding. And the first look wouldn’t have been complete without their fur baby, Bear … Or should I say, their Ring “BEAR”er! πŸ˜‰ He was so well behaved all day long and even joined us on the dance floor at one point of the evening. Haha! You cannot help but love how Luke and Liz styled him. So dapper. πŸ˜‰

There are so many emotions leading up to finally seeing each other, but I love that they kept the day about them. Their animals are their world. So naturally, they were a big part of this wedding as well as my MOH speech. πŸ˜‰ But I love how they tied that in with the table names and even their vows. They also LOVE the outdoors. Their ceremony happened on top of the mountain where the lighting was so magical (I cannot wait to see those photos!!)! The evening ended around a campfire indulging in delicious s’mores (their favorite). Looking back on their day, it was perfectly them and I’m so honored to have been a part of it. <3

Congrats, Dr. and Mr. “KoWalton!” πŸ˜‰ I love you both so much and wish you nothing but blessings for the future!!! Thank you for being my best friend. Love you!!! XOXO!

CONGRATS!!!!!

Reply...