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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March 11, 2014

What Inspires Me | Wedding Photographer

This can be a loaded question … What inspires me as a wedding photographer? I could think that wedding magazines I pick up … or Pinterest … or other wedding photographers. Sure, honestly they all do inspire me. But what REALLY inspires me is something more real and tangible. Personal experience. Where does that personal experience come from?

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This man! I’ll tell you why … and yes this was not meant to necessarily be a mushy gushy post! When we first started dating, I started noticing the small things that he probably wouldn’t even think twice doing. The way he held me in his arms or gently kiss me on the forehead or when he would come up and hug me from behind to kiss me on the cheek or how he grabs my hand and squeezes it so hard as if he never were to let go. I noticed these gestures. These gestures are not just poses. These gestures are expressions of love. THIS is what I want to capture in my couple. After seeing these natural expressions of Kyle, I try bringing this into my engagement sessions and weddings. I strategize ways to get my clients to open up in front of the camera to not only show off their fun personalities, but to show off the tender LOVE they have for one another.

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Photo Credit: Amanda (shout out to my sista!)

Noticing this natural form of love has changed the way I have approached my direction towards my couples. I create and allow moments to be exposed because really, this is a time of celebration. A celebration of raw young love. Thank you Kyle for showing me what love is all about … natural … beautiful … compassionate … warm … gentle … secure. I look forward to capturing these qualities in my couples. <3

What inspires you?

  1. […] quick shout out to the love of my life, Kyle! We celebrate two years today of dating. 🙂 He has shown me so much of what love truly means and I […]