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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September 1, 2020

Tim & Morgan | Little Washington Winery Family Photographer

Tim & Morgan | Little Washington Winery Family Photographer

You might recognize my *once clients turned to friends* in this blog post!!! Tim, Morgan, and I connected YEARS back when they were planning their wedding at Marriott Ranch! πŸ™‚ Gosh, it was a picture-perfect day!! And as perfect as it was, I love seeing their story continue to unfold over the years since saying “YES!!” From becoming my community neighbor to seeing them progress in their careers, endless adventuring for their social butterfly lifestyle (I miss our winery dates!!), and so much more … I’m grateful for their friendship!! And when they asked me to be their photographer and document their family portraits at The Little Washington Winery, I was elated!! Despite that our original plans didn’t necessarily look like that (we had to switch our game plan around a few times), I’m so glad we pushed forward! πŸ™‚

They recently welcomed a beautiful blessing into the world back in June. I could hardly wait to celebrate with them!! But this pandemic did not make it easy for Morgan and Tim. Yet, they handled it with so much grace!!!

Tim & Morgan | Little Washington Winery Family Photographer

Pregnancy in the Midst of a Pandemic

I remember when Morgan first told me she was pregnant during one of our catch-up dates at Red Truck Bakery (YUM!)! Gosh, I cannot even imagine how much she went through being pregnant when this pandemic became a thing. From once having Tim in the appointments to going in alone … Imagining her mother to be in the delivery room to not having her in the room at all … So many weird changes that I don’t think she ever expected, but again, she handled it with so much grace!! πŸ™‚ Most importantly, she’s healthy as well as their sweet baby boy!

We originally had maternity portraits scheduled for the middle of May until the pandemic closed down businesses. We had to restrategize and planned to squeeze in the session on the day businesses were allowed to operate (June 10th). She was due in July, but to our surprise, she was at the hospital in labor with Wyatt just a couple of days before the session!! I was THRILLED by the news that Wyatt was making a very early entrance! πŸ™‚ So we restrategized and turned the maternity session into these family portraits a couple of months later. I’m so glad it worked out because I’m obsessed with these! πŸ™‚ Enjoy checking out some of my many favorites!!!

Thank You!!!

Thank you, Tim and Morgan, for your friendship. Just seeing you two take on the roles of parents has my heart bursting at the seams!!! What a joy it has been to witness/document these milestones! Wyatt is going to grow up being one adventurous, fearless, compassionate boy, thanks to his role model parents. <3 I cannot wait till the next time I get to see you all again!!! CONGRATS on the sweetest little guy! Wyatt is perfect!!!!

A huge thanks to these awesome vendors for making this session happen!!!

Venue: The Little Washington Winery | Hair/Makeup: Salon Emage Day Spa

Stephanie Messick Photography, LLC is a Florida Panhandle Beach Photographer, also serving Northern + Central Virginia, specifically The Little Washington Winery, and many more venues. Learn more HERE or contact her HERE and ask about the Destin, Florida Portrait Photographer Special if you’re visiting! Or contact her for information when she will be in Virginia for weddings/sessions!

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