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 16, 2014

Josh & Kaitlyn | Warrenton, Virginia Farm Engagement Photographer

We met with storm clouds rolling in the backdrop … we were all a little skeptical but decided that we will make the most out of this session and if it happens to rain, then at least we tried! Funny part about this, the MINUTE after we finished the last shot of the night, the first rain drop came. Talk about luck! These two are so sweet and weren’t afraid to open up in front of the camera. They both attended Virginia Tech and after them chatting about that, I realized how MANY brides/grooms I have this year who are all VT Alumni! Today is the day that we all look back and remember the tragedy 7 years ago. Thinking about the VT community today! I’m so fortunate to have met these two and looking forward to their special day just months away!

late_augustJosh & Kaitlyn’s Love Story
from Kaitlyn’s perspective

Although we attended the same small high school and had common interest, Josh and I hardly knew each other. We met while on a high school mission trip to Mississippi after hurricane Katrina. Yes, we are high school sweethearts. After the trip we kept in touch, and while horseback riding at my family farm, Josh asked me to be his girlfriend. Little did I know that this “summer fling” would become a lifetime love. Josh loved being out on the farm with me, and I enjoyed going to the mountains with him. The transition from high school to college was rough at first, but it challenged and strengthened our relationship. After high school, we attended different colleges for a short period of time before Josh transferred to Virginia Tech with me. Our relationship continued to grow over the years as we both grew into young adults. Josh is a year older than I am, so he was preparing for graduation while I was preparing for separation once again. I didn’t know that at the same time he was preparing to propose as well.

 Josh told me he would pick me up after my last exam. That morning, a friend of mine had texted me about a cookout that they were having that afternoon. I really wanted to go to the cookout that evening and told Josh that’s what I had wanted to do. He said that was fine and that we would just go after he picked me up. Once Josh picked me up, I quickly realized that something was up. He would not take me back to my apartment. We went back to his apartment until it was time to go the “cookout.” On our way past the horse barns at Tech I noticed one of my girlfriends vehicles, and was wondering why she would be there so late in the evening. We pulled in, and she had one of the horses out. She said she had forgotten something in the barn and asked us to hold the horse. After she disappeared, Josh asked if I remembered when he asked me to be his girlfriend. Of course I did! What girl forgets something like that? He continued telling me how much I meant to him and that he loved me very much. By that point I was bawling, and he reached back into the saddle and pulled out the box, got down on one knee, and proposed. I said yes, of course!!! We then returned back to my apartment where he had arranged a surprise party with family and friends. It was such a blessing to be able to celebrate all together. After nearly 6 years of dating, we couldn’t be more excited to be getting married! Finally!

late_august

Thank you both for coming out to the farm and taking the chance to dance in the rain. 🙂 Cannot wait for your wedding day in July!!! xoxo

warrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-2_webwarrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-4_webI love this Kaitlyn!!! You are stunning!
warrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-7_webOne of my faves!
warrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-9_webSuper cute!
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warrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-14_webwarrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-13_web
warrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-19_webwarrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-20_webOh yes, the cows thought his shoe was yummy?
warrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-22_webwarrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-24_webwarrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-25_webwarrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-29_webEven though storms clouds were overtop of us, the lighting was beautiful!
warrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-33_webwarrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-35_webwarrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-36_webwarrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-40_web
warrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-37_webAnother fave!!!
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Cute!
warrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-49_webwarrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-51_webThis calf wants to be in on this action! Haha!
warrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-52_webCow whisperers?!!?!?! Seriously, the calves could NOT stop stalking these two!!!! It was HILARIOUS!
warrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-54_webwarrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-56_webwarrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-58_webwarrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-60_web
Love this!
warrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-62_webwarrenton_virginia_farm_engagement_photographer_-65_webLook at this want-to-be-a-cow cat! Haha!
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Thank you both for an incredible time running around on the farm! Had a blast with you both! xoxo

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