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

find inspiration

Gallery images

May 13, 2015

Clayton & Gigi

Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding Photographer

I have been anxious to post these photos since finishing up the edits yesterday! This ethereal themed wedding at the jaw dropping Oxon Hill Manor in Maryland was the perfect match for Clayton and Gigi! Kim from the wonderful Kim Newton Weddings connected me with this awesome, laid back and loving couple last year and I am SO thankful she did!!! You must remember the tulle skirt downtown Alexandria engagement session, right? This wedding was everything and more than what I imagined it to be! Oxon Hill Manor was an amazing backdrop with the historical building, beautiful interior with an abundance of natural light, formal gardens, reflecting pool and the twinkle lit tent. I’m convinced I will have to have a clear tent for my future wedding with twinkle lights because of how romantic the set up is. 🙂 I think you will agree when you see these great reception details. The vendors did an incredible job putting this wedding together!

Clayton and Gigi lived up their reception by dancing and taking in every moment possible with their family and friends. That’s what the reception is all about, right? 🙂 I loved seeing them doing the chair dance because Gigi was SO fearless in the air! They continued doing the traditions of the dance and I found myself laughing the entire time because of how much fun everyone was having. The men got in the middle of the circle, put their heads down and started spinning in a fast circle. I can imagine that had to have been tough after drinking… Haha! They did a great job not toppling over! It was time for the final dance and everyone surrounded the happily married couple chanting/dancing to “Sweet Caroline”. What a perfect way to end the day with high energy! In fact, that high energy came home with me. You would think after being out of the house for 13+ hours, I would be exhausted but instead I was still pumped on adrenalin that I stayed up until 4 a.m. trying to go to sleep. What a fun and memorable night!!!

THANK YOU Clayton and Gigi for giving me the honor and privilege of documenting your wedding day! I’m so incredibly happy this day was everything and more than any of us could imagine. Wishing you both the best and have an AMAZING time in Greece!!! xoxo!
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerBracelet Clayton gave Gigi the day of the wedding with the coordinates of the venue. 🙂 Thoughtful gift!!
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerLove floral crowns!
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerCute!
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerTime for the first look!
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerCute!!
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerGorgeous Gigi!!!
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerThis was a fun crowd!!! 🙂
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerLol!
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerWhat a sweet daughter/daddy moment right before walking down the aisle!
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerAwww, their vows were tear jerkers!
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerYAY!!!!
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerThere was a pasta station where they custom ordered your meal right there at the station! It was SO good!!!
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerHer aunt asked for anyone who still has a key to Gigi’s apartment … all of the men stood up and handed in a key. 😉 What a cute and hilarious prank!
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerFearless!!!!
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerTake this photo as you will to the right … Lol! They were physically throwing him around the reception! Hahah!
Clayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding PhotographerClayton & Gigi | Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland Wedding Photographer

Thank you to all of the vendors involved!!!
Venue: Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland
Photographer: Stephanie Messick Photography
Assistant Photographer: Ali McLaughlin Photography
Planner: Kim Newton Weddings
Hair/Makeup: Makeovers On Call, LLC
Florist: Studio DBI
Baker: Simply Desserts
Caterer: Northwest Fresh Catering
DJ: Premier DJ Services
Stationery: Etsy
Escort Cards: Caitlin Creative Works
Transportation: Limos Inc.
Lighting: Lighting Professors
Bridesmaid Dresses: JCrew

  1. Christa Rae says:

    I am swooning over every detail and every bride and groom portrait!! So stunning and beautiful!

  2. Tim Schwadron says:

    WOW !! I loved being at the wedding so very much. These pictures
    that I received were fantastic. Upon seeing these shots, tears
    certainly came to me. I definetly loved all the food being served.
    And, the music being played was dynamite. At my wedding, there
    definetly will me those Jewish songs. They were the best. Playing Michael Jackson was also incredible.
    Thank you so much Gigi & Clayton !Enjoy the Honeymoon in
    Greece as I’ve been told that GREECE will be amazing !! And, that actually comes from someone who is Greek. Have fun !! Love you two, TIM !

  3. Felicia Henry says:

    What a gorgeous wedding!

  4. ashley says:

    oh my word! everything about this wedding is amazing! what a dream! girl, you better submit this to style me pretty! this is drop dead gorgeous! <3

  5. Lauren Swann says:

    These are absolutely incredible Steph!!! One of my favorite weddings ever!!!

  6. These images are exquisite! So inspiring!! I love all of the details, & the sweet emotion in every image. Dad seems like he was a pretty cool guy!

  7. Beautiful wedding photography!

  8. Kimmie says:

    This wedding is absolutely stunning! From the details to the gorgeous tent!! AH! I love it!

  9. Erin Wheeler says:

    I can’t handle all these details- they are just TOO stunning! Awesome job- what a beautiful wedding!

  10. Lisa Zimmerman says:

    These are the most amazing wedding photos I’ve ever seen. They captured the love, beauty and fun of the wedding so well. Will you be posting anymore?