Iā€™m Stephanie, a wedding + lifestyle photographer based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Warrenton, Virginia. Whether Iā€™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

find inspiration

Gallery images

September 24, 2014

Matt & Shelby | James Madison University Couples Portrait Photographer

I remember receiving an exciting phone call from Shelby regarding her couples portraits a couple months ago. I had to keep myself from squealing with excitement when she mentioned that we should photograph in the James Madison University stadium! I’m not going to say no to that!!! šŸ˜‰ What’s even better than just shooting in the stadium? Photographing this MRD Alumni with the MRDs practicing in the backdrop! GO DUKES and MRDs!! I felt so at home, but then I was sad to think that I would not know anyone here anymore. Has it been that long? Then Matt and Shelby started updating me on the construction happening around campus ā€¦ I was completely in SHOCK. The first thing I noticed coming on campus is the fact that Newman Lake is G.O.N.E. ā€¦ On top of other random construction tasks around campus, I came back to JMU not really recognizing the place I knew as home for four years.

These two met while being in the MRDs together, which is why it was very appropriate to be in the stadium while the MRDs were performing. šŸ™‚ They were fun and enthusiastic during our time together and so glad I was able to connect with them!

Thank you Matt & Shelby for a great time back on my stomping grounds!!! šŸ™‚ Enjoy some of my favorites!

matt_shelby_jmu_harrisonburg_photographer-1_webmatt_shelby_jmu_harrisonburg_photographer-5_webmatt_shelby_jmu_harrisonburg_photographer-8_webmatt_shelby_jmu_harrisonburg_photographer-10_webmatt_shelby_jmu_harrisonburg_photographer-12_webmatt_shelby_jmu_harrisonburg_photographer-15_webmatt_shelby_jmu_harrisonburg_photographer-17_webmatt_shelby_jmu_harrisonburg_photographer-18_webmatt_shelby_jmu_harrisonburg_photographer-21_webmatt_shelby_jmu_harrisonburg_photographer-22_webmatt_shelby_jmu_harrisonburg_photographer-29_webmatt_shelby_jmu_harrisonburg_photographer-30_webmatt_shelby_jmu_harrisonburg_photographer-32_webmatt_shelby_jmu_harrisonburg_photographer-36_webmatt_shelby_jmu_harrisonburg_photographer-39_web

  1. Debbie McCormack says:

    These pictures of Shelby and Matt look FANTASTIC! They really capture a lot of their true expressions that they feel when they are together. They are a wonderful young couple together. We love them both. Again, a fantastic job, Stephanie! šŸ™‚