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

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August 21, 2015

Tyler & Jess

Tyler & Jess | Castleton, Virginia Engagement Photographer

Jess and I met years ago through Piedmont Press & Graphics. I was in the design department and Jess was handling all sorts of jobs throughout the office. From our time there of getting to know each other, I could tell that she needed to be in the creative industry. Not only is she personable, mature and adorable but she is as sweet as can be! I am so glad she has found her job out in Castleton where she is able to ignite that creative spark in her! In fact, her job site is where we took photos for this session. 🙂 Did someone say mountains?! I’m there! It was the perfect backdrop for their portraits. It was my first time meeting Tyler but it wasn’t long before I realized that these two were meant to be. They are both such happy individuals! Of course they bring out the happiness from each other. The smiles in these photos don’t lie! Haha!

During our time together, we were literally chasing the sunset lighting. Castleton is a GORGEOUS backdrop but it definitely requires some driving around. Once we saw the sun setting at one point of the property, we would drive to that spot to catch that little glimpse of sunlight before it set. It was quite humorous but we made it work! We were finishing up our time together and I decided to stop by a patch of Queen Anne’s Lace flowers for a ring shot. As I was taking the photos of the ring draped on the flowers, Jess realized that on their first official date together they went on a little hike to find this flower. So funny the coincidence and significance. 🙂 Point established … They are adorable together!

Their Love Story

How we Met

Tyler:
 One night, I called my friend to see what he was up to. He replied saying that he was at a board game lounge with a group of people, which included a girl named Jessica. I was immediately intrigued that a girl was there, and said I would be there soon! I showed up and I could tell something was different about her, in a good way.
Jessica: He walked in and all I see is a great smile and some amazing muscles – definitely a jock. He was not necessarily my type – I was the geeky girl who avoided jocks simply for self preservation. He was tall, gorgeous and muscular.
Tyler: I tried to make funny jokes to get her attention, but due to constraints on seating arrangements, we never really had the chance to talk.
Jessica: The night was coming to an end so I had to make a move fast. I decided to hug him before I left.
Tyler: “What the heck just happened?!” I thought to myself. She just came up and gave me a hug goodbye and I didn’t even get to talk to her… Awesome! I had to find out more about this girl, she had my attention. After a comprehensive investigation, I eventually found out she was assisting in a swing dancing class which my friend taught. I joined the class and got to know her more.
Jessica: What girl doesn’t love that? Not only a man who dances, but one who joins a dance class for her? I had struck gold.
Tyler: We eventually started going on our own dates together, and the rest was history!
The Proposal
 
Jessica: Let me start this one. I get a text from a girlfriend asking me to go to yoga at a winery. She mentions that she had talked her husband into joining and wanted to know if Tyler would come.
Tyler: I had secretly set this all up… hehehe.
Jessica: Long story short, we head out to the winery for what I thought would just be a day of yoga, wine, and games. After the yoga class, we enjoy a picnic and played Dominion.
Tyler: I won.
Jessica: My friend’s husband all of a sudden has to leave to drop off some tickets to a friend. At the same time Tyler mentions that he is ready to go.
Tyler: All a part of the plan.
Jessica: I adamantly explain that we cannot leave my friend alone and that we will wait until her husband returns. Tyler is adamant to leave and so – with frustration that he doesn’t understand…I go.
Tyler: I whisked her away, and on the way out of the winery I told her I had a spontaneous idea to go check out the local historic civil war bridge. She agrees. We pull into the parking lot and I open the back door of my car as we get out, grab the ring box, and stuff it into my back pocket… I swear she almost caught me.
Jessica: Oblivious to everything around me. We headed down to the bridge and over towards the water.
Tyler: I try to get her into the water for an epic moment, but she refuses.
Jessica: I had silk shoes on!
Tyler: I settled on a spot close to the river bank, turned her to face me (and away from her friend’s husband who was perched on top of the bridge secretly photographing the moment), and said I wanted to say a prayer.
Jessica: This is the point when I guessed what was happening.
Tyler: I finished the prayer, knelt down on one knee, and asked her to marry me. She didn’t exactly respond with what I thought would have been a “yes.” It was more of a “blubbidy-blub-a-bloo” sound.
Jessica: I could barely breath. I was so excited. I said yes!
Tyler: 🙂

Thank you Tyler and Jess for a fun time in Castleton! I absolutely love the area!!! Looking forward to documenting your wedding day this fall! xoxo!
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