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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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Ryan and Paige woke up early to make this session happen — But they made it look like a piece of cake! Months ago, we talked about a backdrop for their engagement session, and the Washington DC monument “row” came up. I like to call it a “row” because there are so many iconic landmarks in […]

The last time I photographed Matt and Angela was pre-kids — They celebrated their anniversary by having photos at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with their sweet Roxy pup (RIP). I was excited they asked me to be their photographer again, but this time, their family at Silver Lake Park. A lot changed in 6 years, but they […]

Morgan & Tim | The Inn at Little Washington, Virginia Family Portraits

I love the Virginia countryside. The green rolling hills, sunsets, trees, and beautiful views of the Shenandoah Mountains. Whenever I visit from Colorado, there is a side of me that misses the green countryside. I have a lot of appreciation for this beautiful environment, and I’m grateful I have an excuse to visit throughout the […]

Ryan & Kelsey | Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Engagement Photos

Oh, the way these two look at each other. <3 I love looking through these photos from Ryan and Kelsey’s Old Town Alexandria engagement portraits! It seemed suitable to have their portraits taken here since they live in this charming town. Old Town Alexandria is known for its cobblestone streets, brickwork, history, waterfront area, southern […]

Brennan & Lindsey | Shenandoah Mountains, Virginia Maternity Portraits

This was not Lindsey and Brennan’s first time in front of my camera. In fact, I think I have photographed them at least three different times! Their engagement session, wedding day, and Christmas mini sessions. 🙂 But when Lindsey reached out excitedly sharing that they were expecting, I couldn’t imagine not celebrating this season with […]

Ute Valley Park, Colorado Springs Mini Session Photographer

Who else loves seasonal mini-sessions? I don’t offer them all year long, but I love the hype up before the event. 🙂 While I hosted mini-sessions in Virginia this year, I wanted to extend an invitation to locals in Colorado! I enjoy any chance to reunite with familiar faces and meet new families. 🙂 I […]

I’ve been looking forward to sharing this sweet and beautiful Great Marsh Estate Virginia wedding with you all! I remember my first phone call with Brendan and Caroline and thought we could be friends. 🙂 Fast forward to their dreamy Seattle, Washington engagement session … they were so easygoing in person and fun! I loved that we started […]

A Weekend in Estes Park, Colorado

After blogging about the sessions I photographed at Rocky Mountain National Park, I want to share a personal post from our spring experience there! 🙂 Alex and I stayed for the first time last summer while my parents were in town. We saw moose, elk, and more! During the summertime, the wildflowers turn the mountains into different […]

Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Photos

Just hours before their flight back to the east coast, James and Claire woke up early to take some photos in the sunshine! If you saw their dreamy Dream Lake wedding photos from the day before, we didn’t even have the chance to change into Claire’s traditional attire because of the frigid temps! By the […]

Dream Lake, Colorado Wedding Photos

James and Claire flew from the east coast (do you recognize them from their Chincoteague Beach session?) and were surprised to find that spring in Colorado really meant SNOW at Dream Lake for their wedding photos. And to be honest, I expected snow on the ground, but I was not expecting a snowstorm during their portraits, […]

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