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 20, 2023

Brendan & Caroline | Great Marsh Estate, Virginia Wedding

Brendan & Caroline | Great Marsh Estate, Virginia Wedding

I’ve been looking forward to sharing this sweet and beautiful Great Marsh Estate Virginia wedding with you all! I remember my first phone call with Brendan and Caroline and thought we could be friends. 🙂 Fast forward to their dreamy Seattle, Washington engagement session … they were so easygoing in person and fun! I loved that we started at a brewery where they were playing card games (they love the competition), and when they brought their two golden dogs to the session, I knew we had to be friends! And now, they just moved to Colorado (!!!), and I cannot WAIT to meet up at some point for an adventure! 🙂 I love connecting with couples and keeping up with their journey well after their special day!

Brendan and Caroline’s Wedding Day

Before photographing Brendan and Caroline’s wedding, vendors said prepare for a “flower explosion.” The talented vendor team pulled off a modern, romantic wedding on the most beautiful day! It was a little hot, but we were grateful for the sunshine. When I arrived, you could tell how excited everyone was for Brendan and Caroline (every couple deserves that)! But I really loved documenting the relationships, especially when the tears came out or the squeals (by the men, of course… jk!!). 🙂 Caroline was an exquisite BEAUTY in her dress — It took Brendan’s breath away when he saw her during their first look! But honestly, both were emotional and living in the moment, which created the best images to cherish forever. <3

Their ceremony was beautifully decorated to the nines with flowers down the aisle. I loved that they had their best friend officiate their wedding because he made it humorous, personable, and relaxed. Fun fact! They had a licensed officiant come before their wedding to “seal the deal.” But here is the kicker… It was a surprise ceremony for their wedding party, and they gathered on the steps “for a photo.” HA! It worked out. 🙂 During Brendan and Caroline’s vows, they had each other belly laughing and crying. From their scrabble competitions to their love for seals at the zoo, their vows were witty and intentional. I hope someone recorded it!

The Party

Before they joined their party, they hopped in the vintage car for a little ride. They stepped out of the car with everyone cheering while everyone enjoyed the cocktail hour. They had a wall of champagne glasses for guests to enjoy as they walked under the overhang draped in greenery. Their welcome table with a Scrabble dictionary guest book reminded me of a Kentucky Derby theme decorated with classic books and gold horse bookends. It was appropriate because that weekend was the Kentucky Derby too. 🙂 Their guests enjoyed the lounge areas, the Hors d’oeuvres, and the signature drinks (complimentary of their pups)! Outside of the barn had cornhole and firepits for guests to use.

Guests came in for dinner and were awed by the flowers/greenery that stretched toward the ceiling. Brendan and Caroline came in for their first dance and enjoyed dinner with their family and friends. Caroline surprised her mother with a special dance — and I loved her reaction! Brendan and Caroline lived up to every minute of their party! Some of my favorite songs I remember from their wedding were “Sweet Caroline” (classic) and Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.” 🙂 They danced/sang their hearts out. 🙂

They ended the night with an emotional private dance. Then they ran out to say goodbye to everyone in a bubble exit. It was a perfect wedding day in Virginia at Great Marsh Estate!

Check out their beautiful day through my lens!!!

Brendan & Caroline | Great Marsh Estate, Virginia Wedding

A Flower-Filled Dusty Blue, Rose, and Green Virginia Wedding at the Great Marsh Estate

Thank You!!

Thank you, Brendan and Caroline, for having me document your Seattle engagement and your dreamy Great Marsh Estate Virginia wedding!!! These photos are some of my all-time favorite — You two are SO cute together! I’m excited to watch your marriage blossom here in Colorado!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thanks to the vendors who made this happen!!

Venue: Great Marsh Estate
Photography: Stephanie Messick Photography
Assistant Photographer: Alexis El Massih
Hair: Bombshell Blowouts
Makeup: Beke Beau
Caterer: Serendipity Catering
Florist: Rosewood Floral Designs
DJ: Bryan George Music
Ceremony Strings: String Poets
Stationery: Minted
Bridal Dress: Martina Liana
Bridal Boutique: Van Cleve Bridal 
Official Officiant: Wedding Ceremonies by Jeff
Rentals: Something Vintage Rentals
Signage: Oh Darling Details
Childcare: District Sitter
Transportation: RMA Limo
Classic Car: Camelot Classic Cars

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