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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November 3, 2021

Jeff & Brandy | Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Jeff & Brandy | Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

My girl, Brandy, is MARRIED!!!!! Back in August, Jeff and Brandy tied the knot in the most beautiful and intimate way. They had their wedding in Richmond, Virginia, and asked me to be their wedding photographer — DUH! I wasn’t going to miss this day for the world! And their day was perfect because it was a celebration that really embraced and reflected who they are as a couple.

I remembered when Brandy first started seeing Jeff. We knew something was different about him… in a GREAT way, of course!!! During their friendship/dating years, they enjoyed running around Bryan Park together. In fact, Bryan Park was where they tied the knot!!! I bet if they had a flash-forward to this beautiful scenery you see below, they wouldn’t have believed it! I’ve seen Brandy go through heartbreaks in the past. But I knew that one day that she would end up with someone who adored her for the beautiful and intelligent person she is! And let’s not forget that contagious smile and laugh!! Speaking of intelligence, Brandy found her match in SO many ways!!!! Not only is Jeff intelligent, but he is also compassionate, caring, humble, and so many qualities that Brandy compliments him. I’m so excited that they found each other. <3

And now… I’m featuring one of my best friends on the blog! <3

Check out their beautiful day through my lens!!!

Jeff & Brandy | Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

When it came to their wedding day, Brandy and Jeff were very intentional about supporting local shops and vendors. They picked up decor from Richmond thrift/consignment shops, hired local vendors, and asked friends to donate time and talents where possible to personalize the day.

AN INTIMATE WEDDING + CELEBRATION IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA.

Jeff & Brandy’s Ceremony

Jeff and Brandy’s family gathered at Bryan Park for an intimate ceremony by the water. They had a few chairs set up as well as ice packs because it was a hot August day. Jeff anxiously waited for Brandy to walk around the pond, but funny enough, we could hear her across the pond yell, “OH MY GOSH!!! IT’S SO BEAUTIFUL!” That’s our girl! HAHA! While a soft guitar played in the background, Brandy walked around the pond with her father. Tears filled her eyes as she saw Jeff and their family standing there waiting for her. Everything came together better than she expected! But goodness… When Jeff and Brandy shared their hearts at the altar, there wasn’t a dry eye! Brandy shared her heart through her talented voice and wrote a song for Jeff. Every one of us could feel their words of intention and purpose to be there for each other until “death do us part!” To conclude their ceremony, they performed the ancient Celtic tradition, the handfasting ceremony, and were pronounced husband and wife with the seal of a kiss!

After many celebratory hugs and kisses from family, we took photos around the pond — Ummm, they ROCKED their portraits, as you can see below! They looked HOT! And not sweaty hot… fortunately! HAHAH! Don’t you LOVE Brandy’s dress?! She looked so beautiful in her Pronovias dress, especially with her hair done up and her beautiful bouquet! After finishing up our time at the park, we drove to downtown Richmond for a few more photos around their hotel, Linden Row Inn, before heading to their party. Both Linden Row Inn and their reception (Max’s On Broad) were very “Richmond” — Rustic, “old world”, classic, historic architecture. Very fitting for their Richmond, Virginia wedding!

Jeff & Brandy’s Celebration

When it came to their celebration, they had family and friends waiting for their arrival at Max’s On Broadwhile enjoying cocktail hour. As soon as Brandy and Jeff walked in, everyone CHEERED and surrounded them on the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. 🙂 After their parent dances and welcome speech, they let the rest of the evening play out with mingling, lots of hugs, photos, and heavy hors d’oeuvres/cocktails. I loved their go-with-the-flow attitude because it was stress-free — Exactly how Brandy and Jeff wanted their wedding day to be! 🙂 Check it out!!!

Thank You!!

THANK YOU, Brandy and Jeff, for giving me this incredible honor to photograph this VERY extra special day for you two. <3 It was everything and more that I dreamt of for your celebration! I felt your intentions during your ceremony and I absolutely love your hearts. Brandy, my heart is so full knowing that you have found your soulmate! The more time I got to know Jeff between our Richmond hangs outs and our time in Florida, the more excited I was about your future!! And now you’re a MRS to your Jeff!!! CONGRATS! I love you both!!!! Thank you so much for having me as your wedding photographer to document your special day in Richmond, Virginia!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thanks to the vendors who made this happen!!

Ceremony: Azalea Garden, Joseph Bryan Park
Extra photos: Linden Row Inn
Reception: Max’s On Broad
Photographer: Stephanie Messick Photography
Hair and Makeup: Caitlyn Kincaid @ Bombshell & Haley Rose Beauty
Florist: Coleman Brothers
DJ: Pandora playlists 🙂
Dress: Pronovias @ Blue Sage Bridal
Suit: Regency Clothiers
Officiant: Anita Puerto (best friend) and Julia Sauder
Ring design: Walker and Sons
Guitarist: Jon Haley of Church Hill Music Co.

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