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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December 10, 2014

Mike & Candace | Snickers Gap Tree Farm, Virginia Engagement Photographer

We met on a pretty mild day for December at the GORGEOUS Snickers Gap Tree Farm. I was thankful that I didn’t have to wear gloves, but boy was I WRONG! Half way through the session the temperature must have dropped 20 degrees! We were FREEZING by the end of the session! They braved the cold weather and managed to look warm in the photos erasing the thoughts of the painful numbing sensation we went through. 🙂 I cannot get over how adorable they are together! Their snuggly photos makes me want to grab Kyle for a BIG hug and hold on to him as tight as possible! Their love is real … the photos and their love story say it all! No explanation needed. 🙂

late_augustMike & Candace’s Love Story
from Candace’s perspective

How We Met
Mike and I met during our freshmen year at college. Either through fate or a mistake in the school system, I was the only English major assigned a room on a hall of Biology majors, and Mike happened to live right across from me. We first met at a hall meeting, and our friendship grew naturally from there. I always thought falling in love would involve fireworks, poetry, and butterflies, but for me it was different: when Mike and I were together I could be myself. It was suddenly so easy for me to laugh or cry, to share my dreams and tell my biggest fears. On October 26, 2008 he asked me to be his girlfriend, and I was overcome with what love means to me: truly feeling at home.
The Proposal
I grew up in the suburbs of Savannah, Georgia, so when Mike said he wanted to visit I was ecstatic. I couldn’t wait to go back down south and show him where I spent the better part of my childhood. We were tourists all weekend, spending most of our time downtown and on River Street. On Sunday night, we had a romantic dinner at the Olde Pink House. After dinner, we took a (long) walk to Forsyth Park—my feet were killing me, but Mike seemed set on visiting the park one last time. When we got there, he asked a couple in front of the fountain to take our picture. After the couple handed Mike our camera, I was turning to get my purse when he grabbed my hand, went down on one knee, and said “Wait…Candace, will you make me the happiest man in the world? Will you marry me?” Of course, I said “Yes!” and started laughing and crying. The couple who took our picture turned out to be professional photographers that Mike hired, and they captured the proposal at the perfect moment!
late_august

Thank you Mike and Candace for a fun time running around the tree farm! I cannot WAIT for your wedding next May! Enjoy some of my favorites! xoxo

mike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-1_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-3_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-10_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-9_webGosh Candace, you’re gorgeous!
mike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-11_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-15_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-21_webThis is so sweet!
mike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-27_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-28_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-34_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-35_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-39_webCute!
mike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-41_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-43_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-44_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-49_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-53_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-55_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-56_webLook at THAT view!
mike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-57_webGorgeous!
mike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-59_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-61_webmike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-65_webLove this!
mike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-69_web
mike_candace_snickers_gap_christmas_tree_farm_virginia_engagement-68_web

CONGRATS on your engagement and upcoming wedding! Cannot WAIT! xoxo

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