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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October 23, 2014

Jared & Kaitlin | Downtown Richmond, Virginia Engagement Photographer

I love going down to Richmond for photos because I’m always brought to a new space I’ve never been before. Basically, I have the opportunity to document my beautiful couples in these great spaces and also tour around! It’s a win-win! 🙂 Not many people know this, but I was actually going to attend VCU for their art program back in 2007! It was until I heard from JMU that I decided to go there, not necessarily for their art program but for the MRDs (GO DUKES)! I love visiting Richmond and exploring the new spaces through downtown and through the parks.

I met Jared & Kaitlin officially for the first time when I held my 5k Runaway Brides Foam Run … oh my gosh, I cannot WAIT until I can finally plan for 2015!!! Having the time to get to know them even more during our engagement session together made me so appreciative for my couples as a whole. Seriously, I am very blessed to have the sweetest and most loving couples!! And Jared & Kaitlin are nothing less than sweet and loving! They are getting married at the GORGEOUS Mill at Fine Creek next spring! I absolutely love that venue and can only imagine how gorgeous they are going to look on their wedding day! So glad I had the chance to get to know them as well as their ADORABLE pup during their engagement session! I officially have pup fever … thank you Jared & Kaitlin! 😉

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Jared & Kaitlin’s Love Story

How they met from Kaitlin’s perspective
How we met: I moved back to Richmond after graduating from Clemson in 2011. My mom was on the same tennis team as Jared’s mom that fall. My mom kept telling me I should meet her new friend’s son. Meanwhile, Jared’s mom had been doing the same thing to him. Jared finally friend requested me on facebook. We decided to meet up for drinks, so our moms would stop pressuring us. We had so much fun, and Jared asked me out on our first date. The next week we went out to dinner for the first time. We have been together ever since. Our moms definitely like to take credit for our relationship. I guess mom really does know best!

How he proposed from Jared’s perspective
Kaitlin and I got engaged on her birthday after 2.5 joyous years of dating. Since she still lived in Richmond at the time, I was planning to come down from Arlington to visit for her birthday weekend.  Although she had a good idea that a proposal was coming, I tried my best to surprise her that Friday night- and she said “yes”!  The next day we all went to wineries around Charlottesville to celebrate with both of our family and friends.

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Thank you Jared & Kaitlin for a wonderful time running around Richmond!!! If you ever need a puppy sitter, please let me know! :)))) Enjoy some of my favorites!!! xoxo

Aren’t they gorgeous?!
jared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-1_webCute!
jared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-6_webOne of many favorites!
jared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-8_webjared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-10_webI absolutely love this set up!
jared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-11_webjared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-15_webThis LIGHTING! Can I please pocket this and bring it everywhere with me?!
jared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-18_webjared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-26_web
jared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-19_webjared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-28_webSo so cute! I need her boots in my life!
jared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-30_web🙂
jared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-33_webThe adorable PUP!!!!
jared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-35_webOh my goshhhhhh!
jared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-37_web!!!!!
jared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-41_webjared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-42_webAnother favorite!
jared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-49_web

Made it just in time for the sunset! 🙂
jared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-44_web

jared_kaitlin_richmond_va_engagement_photographer-51_web

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CONGRATS on your engagement! Cannot wait for your special day next spring!!! xoxo

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