Est. 2012 | Colorado Springs, Colorado and Charlottesville, Virginia wedding & family photographer

There isn’t a more romantic story than the Notebook. Don’t you agree? Well, we lived that iconic movie scene during the final minutes of this engagement session when the rain started to fall! Perfect timing!!! I mean, by that point, I was almost showered with champagne! I cannot think of a better way to end a session. HAHA! 🙂 When Michael and Laura were brainstorming a theme idea for their session, they loved the idea of doing it at a Christmas tree farm! I was all about it!!! Laura ran across the Belmont Christmas Tree farm, and loved the different backdrops it offered! After asking for permission, we made plans to meet there on their way down to Charlottesville for a weekend away. 🙂

When we first arrived at the farm, the owner greeted us with a big smile and enthusiastic jokes! We got a kick out of it, especially when he shared some of his favorite photo ops! From there, we ran around the property with fun props that Laura brought, including the bottle of champagne. 🙂 The champagne was not only used as a prop and drink (obvi), but it reminded me of their engagement story when Michael proposed to Laura! Maybe we can recreate this photo on their wedding day? HAHA! Maybe the final picture of the night. 🙂 Anyways, check out this festive Christmas tree farm session!!! SO FUN!

MICHAEL & LAURA’S LOVE STORY

from Laura’s perspective

HOW MICHAEL & LAURA MET

We met on the first day of classes at Virginia Tech freshman year. We sat next to each other by chance. The next session I tried to mix it up but Mike wasn’t having any of it. First we were study buddies, then friends, and by sophomore year we were dating (2012). 

HOW MICHAEL PROPOSED TO LAURA

We last minute planned a trip to Hawaii for a little Covid relief. Mike proposed at sunrise on Waikiki (he knew I wouldn’t want anyone staring and luckily we were the only ones awake). We went ring shopping a full year before so he certainly was biding his time. We walked up the beach to find some mimosas and my sister and future brother in law surprised us by flying in and they were waiting with a backpack full of champagne. 

Thank you!!!

Thank you, Michael and Laura, for making this season extra festive with your engagement session!!! 🙂 I loved getting to know you two a little better while photographing your portraits around the Belmont Christmas Tree farm! I can only imagine how much fun it will be when we get together for your wedding day!!! EEEPP!!! Enjoy this festive season and I look forward to hanging out with you again SOON!!!!

Stephanie Messick Photography, LLC is a Northern and Central, Virginia + Colorado Family, Wedding, and Engagement Photographer. Learn more HERE or contact her HERE!!