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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June 3, 2014

Justin & Kristen | Chestnut Hill Bed & Breakfast, Orange, Virginia Wedding

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Finally the day arrived! I met Kristen through mutual friends years ago … and actually, I’m pretty sure I knew her parents before I had the chance to get to know Kristen. But seriously, this group is a TRIP! These families know how to have FUN! Their special day was going to happen at another venue, but it foreclosed before they had the chance to sign the contract … which is kind of a relief! They were then scrambling around to find another venue when they ran across Chestnut Hill Bed & Breakfast! This was my first time photographing here and I was so excited to see this space because it is gorgeous! From the fountain ceremony space to the gardens to the tented reception … it could not have been a more perfect space for Justin and Kristen’s wedding! And I loved that the clouds revealed the sunshine as Kristen started to walk down the aisle! True magic! 🙂

It was such an honor to photograph Justin and Kristen on their lovely day. Their chemistry that they have for one another is so evident in these photos … well, maybe not the cake smashing … but we can look past that. 😉 The way that Kristen crinkles her cute nose when Justin makes her giggle is so sweet and genuine! That is what I love most about these two … their genuine and obvious love. May they continue to grasp this young love for decades to come!

Thank you Justin & Kristen for an amazing time Friday!!! What a beautiful day! Wishing you the absolute BEST in your marriage! Love you both! xoxo

7_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-2_web1_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-1_web1_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-4_web1_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-5_web1_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-9_web1_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-12_web1_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-13_web2_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-1_web2_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-2_web2_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-8_webGetting excited!!! 🙂
2_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-9_webSo pretty!
2_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-11_webWriting the last bit of their letters they will seal up for their wine box ceremony. 🙂 Love this idea!
2_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-15_web6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-40_web6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-43_web3_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-2_webAnticipation building as we wait for the bride. 🙂
3_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-5_web3_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-6_webSO sweet! Bride looking over at her mom in tears as she makes her final steps up to the altar. 🙂
3_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-10_web3_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-12_webSo cute!!! Love her smile. 🙂
3_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-14_web3_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-15_webWine Box Ceremony. Inside this box, there are two glasses, a bottle of wine and a hand written letter from the each of them. The letters are written to the other explaining why they fell in love and their reasonings of getting married. This box will not to be opened until their 5th Anniversary. If they happen to find themselves in trouble with their relationship, they are to open up this box if it is before their 5th year Anniversary. They can continue to do this over the decades to come. 🙂
3_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-18_web3_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-19_webHusband and wife!!!! 🙂
3_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-21_webThe family is so happy! Hahaha!
4_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-6_webCute!
4_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-7_web
5_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-1_webGorgeous girls!
5_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-2_web5_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-4_web5_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-5_webThis is cute!
5_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-9_web5_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-10_web5_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-12_webYAY!
5_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-13_web5_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-15_webThe men … were a bit rowdy to say the least! Hahah!
5_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-16_web5_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-18_web5_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-20_webLove this!
6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-1_web6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-4_webAwww nose kisses! Cute!
6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-7_web6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-10_webPure happiness! 🙂
6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-14_web6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-18_web6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-19_web6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-24_web6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-25_webSOOOOO PRECIOUS!
6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-27_web6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-29_webLove!
6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-33_web6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-39_web6_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-46_web7_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-3_web7_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-6_web7_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-8_web7_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-9_web7_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-10_web7_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-11_web
8_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-1_web8_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-4_web8_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-7_web8_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-9_webSo sweet!
8_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-11_web8_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-15_web8_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-16_web8_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-18_web8_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-23_webThey made up. 🙂
8_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-25_webThen the dancing began! 🙂
8_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-27_web8_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-32_web8_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-34_web8_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-36_webCONGRATS!!!!! xoxo
8_chestnut_bed_breakfast_virginia_wedding_photographer-43_web

VENDORS:
Venue: Chestnut Hill Bed & Breakfast, Orange, Virginia
Coordinator: Stephanie Cash
Hair: Katie with Warrenton Plaza Hair Design
Makeup: Trish Uraje with Amazing Occasions
Caterer: Hanks Smokehouse
Florist: Caitlin Utz with Forget Me Not Flowers
Baker: Sandy Lund with C&S CAKE DESIGNS
DJ: Mike Munson

 

  1. Caitlin says:

    love that pink! so bright and colorful. LOVE the portraits of the happy couple on the stairs- so genuine

  2. Lauren Swann says:

    The venue looks gorgeous!! Such pretty colors!!

  3. Tori D. says:

    I loved the emotions and honesty in the pictures! I loved their laughs and smiles. You can see the love and happiness!

  4. Brooke says:

    I love the wine box idea 🙂 Beautiful portraits of such a lovely (and so happy!) couple 🙂

  5. Karena Dixon says:

    Love all the bright, vibrant colors!

  6. Tonya Chafin Butcher says:

    What an amazing couple…. Congrats to you both. A job well done on the photos….

  7. Brenda E Rich says:

    Beautiful photos. Congrats to all.

  8. Stephanie Cash says:

    Great photography Stephanie M.

  9. lindsay says:

    I LOVE that ring shot on the glass!!!

  10. Karen Radonski McElroy says:

    Beautiful couple and pics. Congrats Kristen & Justin!

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