Est. 2012 | Colorado Springs, Colorado and Charlottesville, Virginia wedding & family photographer

I stalked the weather constantly leading up to Saturday’s wedding. The forecasters predicted a 90% chance of rain. I knew that wasn’t a good sign but I was going to pray and hope for the best! That’s all you can do, right? No need for stressing because everything will work out. 🙂 Rain won’t keep Greg and Alyssa from marrying and celebrating that is for sure! The morning of, I refreshed my weather browser every hour as if it was my own wedding day! Hahah! This also reminded me of their JMU engagement session as we crossed and prayed for no rain. It looked positive so I was in high spirits arriving at the gorgeous Marriott Ranch in Hume, Virginia! I was welcomed with beautiful smiles in a room packed with Alyssa’s closest family and friends. After Alyssa and Greg were dressed, it was finally time for Alyssa’s little surprise. 🙂 Greg turned around to see his darling Alyssa dressed in her exquisite Maggie Sottero lace gown. After their prayer, Alyssa pulled out her Ukelele and surprised Greg with a song she wrote. My goodness, that girl can sing! Must be in her genes because her sister sang during the ceremony and also amazing! It was the perfect way to start off the fairytale day. As we were photographing the wedding party, a few droplets came down and the thunder was roaring in the background but we kept our confidence in the forecasters (for some reason ;). Thank goodness the rain came pouring down after the last photo of the groomsmen! Whew! We crossed fingers the rain would pass but we had to move to plan B for the outdoor ceremony. Marriot Ranch has a great alternative for a ceremony space in case of situations like this so I’m thankful it worked out. 🙂

In the middle of family formals, the sun came out! I looked over to see Mr. Foster out in the middle of the field saying he was on “rainbow watch” for me after I told him about the last time I was there. Haha! Alyssa’s parents were so helpful and I genuinely appreciated everything they did for me that day. It wasn’t two minutes later we had the rainbow call so we bolted out for some photos. 🙂 God definitely blessed this couple with an amazing day! I’m so thankful the rain wasn’t consistent and they were able to have the celebration with family and friends as they hoped. Saturday will be one for the books!

A little special feature made it to the blog!!! Jordan Baker was able to put together a sneak peek film from their wedding day! AH! Be sure to check it out at the end of this blog post!!!! Cannot wait to see the highlight film when it is completed!

Thank you Greg, Alyssa as well as your family and friends for an amazing time on Saturday!!! You were blessed with an amazing day and I am incredibly honored to have been your wedding photographer! <3 Enjoy seeing your wedding day through my eyes. XOXO!!!! Enjoy Europe!!!!

Greg gave Alyssa a Bible with their wedding date engraved. Sweet gift. 🙂
I absolutely love this photo of you girls!!!
Sweet mother-daughter moment. 🙂
The coolest socks I have ever seen! Alyssa gave Greg a map for them to pin where they have travelled. I envy their escapades!!!
Such a manly room!
Sweet first look. 🙂
Alyssa surprised Greg with a song she wrote for him on their wedding day. <3
Nose kisses!!! They are so cute!
Beautiful, girls!
Love the look Greg and Alyssa designed for the men!
…. Although, I’m sure Alyssa wasn’t expecting this shot. Hahahah! I think they really wanted to be lumberjacks and display their socks and suspenders. 😉
Due to rain, they had to move the ceremony to indoors but this isn’t a bad alternative at all! 🙂
YAY!
Awww, I LOVE how happy they look!!!!
And this happened! Thanks Mr. Foster for being on “rainbow watch”. 🙂
Fortunately for us, the rain stopped just in time for portraits! I even had rain boots and a couple of umbrellas ready to go for photos! Haha!
Their tree. <3
🙂
LOVE.
This photo makes me smile! 🙂
They had an INCREDIBLE first dance that left the room in tears.
This choreographed dance included an umbrella which was coincidentally appropriate for the day. 🙂
Better Together. <3
Then we ran outside for some sunset photos. We pretended there was a sunset of course. 😉 It was still very romantic!
Showing off the new bling!
Alyssa, you are adorable!
DJ Craig Wood hooked us up! Dance party all night long!
JMU DUKEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!! Thank you for including me! :)))
Yay! I love my JMU couple! Don’t mind my hair … it was cute before I was stuck in the down pouring rain. 😉
I usually don’t post up bouquet toss shots but I laughed so hard to see the shot on the left of everything trying to grab it when one of the bridesmaids snuck attached and dive bombed. Perfect!
Final dance together in an empty room. Sweet little moment together! CONGRATS!!!!

Also, check out Alyssa and Greg’s wedding Video by Jordan Baker on Vimeo.

Thank you to all of the vendors involved!!!
Venue: Marriott Ranch, Hume, Virginia
Photographer: Stephanie Messick Photography
Day of Coordinator: Louise Ramsey from Marriott Ranch
Hair and Makeup: Trish Langley from My Mobile Salon
Caterer: Marriott Ranch
Florist: Shelley’s Floral Enterprise
Baker: Misty Claveloux from Girl Meets Cake
DJ: DJ Craig Wood (he’s the bomb DOT com!)
Videographer: Jordan Baker
Stationery: Margaret Clary
Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero
Photo Booth: King Photo Booths
Transportation: Rappahannock Flyer