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

When I spoke to Nick and Julianne about a meaningful location for their portraits, the Reston Towncenter came up. After all, they live in Reston, and Nick proposed there. 🙂 So we planned to take photos around the town and their home with their pup! But about a month before their portraits, Julianne reached out with another idea! They love breweries, eating out, and outdoor walks with their dog, Darcy. 🙂 So we strategized and decided that Bluemont, Virginia (Bears Den Overlook + Bear Chase Brewery) was the ideal spot for their engagement session!

I said above that Bears Den Overlook and Bear Chase Brewery were ideal spots, but that was after careful strategizing around sweaty hikers. HAHA! After we hiked a little ways (go, Julianne in heels!), we were surprised by how crowded it was! At that hour, we were all there for the same reason — To watch the sunset. We had to be careful not to intrude on other people’s “spots” while also considering the goal for Nick and Julianne (beautiful photos)! We made it work, but the rocky formations did not make it easy for Nick and Julianne to do crazy stunts. Haha! I’m so glad Nick and Julianne were easygoing and trusted me to make it happen! It ended up being a beautiful time together!! 🙂

Nick & Julianne’s Story

How Nick and Julianne Met

from Julianne’s perspective

Nick and I met at work (we are both consultants and met at our federal client site). We started as good work friends for a while, a little flirting over water cooler moments and microwaving lunches. It wasn’t until I (Jules) saw Nick at our local Church, and went and sat with him, that we started to hang out after work. The week after that, he offered to drive me to and from mass. The week after that, he asked me to get breakfast afterward. We did the Church + breakfast thing for almost two months before we officially started dating (you have to be careful when you work together, LOL). Only about a week after, the “I love you’s” came. 🙂

How Nick Proposed to Julianne

from Nick’s perspective

It was December, and I made dinner reservations at one of our favorite restaurants at the Reston Town Center. After dinner, I suggested a walk over to the big Christmas tree. When we went to take a picture, I got down on one knee, and thankfully she said yes!

A Gorgeous Evening and Sunset at Bear Chase Brewery and Bear’s Den Overlook in Bluemont, Virginia

Thank You!!!

Thank you, Nick and Julianne, for making this session so personal to you two as a couple. 🙂 I loved getting to know you (your family and pup) during our time together, and I’m glad everything came together beautifully! I mean… that sunset was gorgeous!! Bear Chase Brewery/Bear’s Den, Virginia for your engagement session was a perfect spot to celebrate your relationship! Your wedding day will be a BREEZE after this fun photo shoot!!! 🙂 Congrats and enjoy your engagement!!

Stephanie Messick Photography, LLC is a Colorado Springs, Colorado Wedding, Engagement, Maternity, + Family Photographer, also serving Northern, Washington DC + Central Virginia. Learn more HERE or contact her HERE!