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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April 2, 2014

Stephen & Elissa | Downtown Alexandria, Virginia Engagement

We met downtown Alexandria and immediately within the first 5 minutes, I knew this was going to be a good time! The 70 degree weather … the flowers blooming/budding … the magical sunlight … sigh. I’m so thankful spring finally decided to come around! ABOUT TIME! 🙂 I know my spring clients and I have been waiting for this moment and now officially begins the portrait/wedding season! These two are getting MARRIED this fall and I’m so thrilled to be there to document their special day. <3 The intimate love between each other was beautiful to capture. You’ll just have to witness it yourself by the photos below! 🙂

late_augustStephen & Elissa’s Love Story
from Elissa’s point of view

Steve and I met at a wedding in Ohio.  We were both in the wedding party but had never met before.  We spent the evening dancing and talking. Steve asked for me for my number and not soon after we had out first date.  On our first date Steve made an authentic Italian dinner that he had slaved over all day. It was delicious. Fast forward a year and a half to January 19th when Steve made the exact same dinner.  It was just as fantastic as it was on our first date.  After dinner he put on some music and pulled out a photo book. Page after page was filled with photographs from our adventures told as a fairytale story.  As I flipped to one of the last pages I read the words, “Will you marry me?” Steve was on one knee with the most beautiful ring.  Through the tears of joy I replied, “Yes!” The final page of the book read, “To be continued…” 

late_august

Thank you both for a great time around Alexandria! Looking forward to your special day in September!!! xoxo

stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-5_webFinally spring is coming! 🙂
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-6_webLove this!
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-8_web2014-03-31_elissa_stephen-18_webstephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-11_webstephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-14_webstephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-16_webstephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-17_webGorgeous, Elissa!
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-20_webIn LOVE.
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-24_webstephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-27_webstephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-25_web
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-28_webI FINALLY have flowers to work with again for the ring shots. :))) Joy joy joy!
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-30_webstephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-35_web
Get it!
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-32_webBeautiful! 🙂
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-33_webstephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-36_webThis is adorable!
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-38_webMagical lighting in Alexandria!
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-43_webThis colored door was perfect!
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-47_webstephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-50_webI LOVEEEE this!!!
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-54_web
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-52_webSo stinkin’ cute!
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-56_webstephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-60_webstephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-61_webStunninggggggg!
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-66_web
stephen_elissa_downtown_alexandria_virginia_engagement_-63_web

Thanks again for a wonderful time!! xoxo

+ COMMENTS

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  1. Paula Dwyer says:
    April 8, 2014 at 2:02 am

    Stephanie,

    Love the pictures! They are beautiful. I am really enjoying them being so far away! Can’t wait to meet you in September!

    Paula Dwyer

  2. Stephen & Elissa | The Winery at Bull Run, Virginia Wedding Photographer » Stephanie Messick Blog | Wedding and Portrait Destination Virginia Wedding Photographer says:
    October 1, 2014 at 4:23 pm

    […] and sentimental moments came  so naturally. I remember falling in love with these two at their engagement session in downtown Alexandria. I initially thought these two were very soft spoken, but then I got to […]

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