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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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Gallery images

Old Town Alexandria Engagement Spring Flower Trees

It’s Erica and Ian’s WEDDING week! And what better way to kick off the celebrations than by sharing their beautiful Old Town Alexandria engagement session?! We really rolled the dice with this session. Rain was on the radar just hours before we were supposed to meet. But Erica and Ian were all in, and I’m […]

The Inn at Little Washington | A Virginia Countryside Photographer

I had the pleasure of meeting Kate and her family on a beautiful evening for their family portrait session. When Kate reached out, she envisioned a backdrop that truly captured the essence of the Virginia countryside. Having spent many special moments at the Inn at Little Washington in Virginia over the years, Kate felt it […]

Early Mountain Vineyards Wedding | A Cozy November Celebration with Southern Charm

On cold winter days like today, I love reminiscing about Kelsey and Ryan’s November wedding at Early Mountain Vineyards. The lit fireplaces and glowing candles created a cozy, romantic atmosphere that perfectly suited their celebration. Their elegant white and blue color scheme immediately takes me back to Kelsey’s stunning dress from their Old Town Alexandria […]

Boulder Flatirons, Colorado Photos | Maternity Session

Kenzi and Jack are SO excited to start their little family here in Colorado. I might be biased, but my husband and I believe this was one of the best places for us to raise our son. There’s so much to do in the mountains to raise an adventurous boy! I’m excited that Kenzi and […]

Clifton Inn Charlottesville, Virginia Winter Wedding

I knew I was in for a treat after I photographed Ryan and Paige’s engagement session in Washington DC — They are not only down to earth but classy. The Clifton Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia, had an appealing factor that carried the same class Ryan and Paige embodied. Their closest family and friends gathered to celebrate them […]

Bear Creek Park, Colorado Springs Family Session

In the photography business, word of mouth is powerful. Thanks to a mutual friend (heyyyy, Jess!!), I was connected with one of her best friends who lives in Colorado. 🙂 Claire reached out wanting updated family portraits with their toddler and wanted fall vibes AND greenery. After recently photographing at Bear Creek Park in Colorado […]

A Virginia Vineyard Wedding with Southern Charm

I’ve been dying to share Ryan and Kelsey’s wedding day on the blog! Their Virginia vineyard wedding exuded Southern charm at its finest, especially with the bespoke signage. The details were beautiful, but the party was super fun! Ryan & Kelsey’s Wedding Day Ryan and Kelsey wanted to provide an experience for their guests, and […]

A Skyline Drive Fall Virginia Mountain Engagement

What a romantic evening! The sky showed off for Olivia and Marshall’s Skyline Drive Virginia mountain engagement session! And their sweet laughs/smiles lit up the photos more. <3 I appreciated them driving from the DC metro area for these portraits in the mountains. Shenandoah Mountain photos are some of my favorite sessions in Virginia! Talk […]

Miles, Elizabeth, and I met one morning in Washington DC to document this sweet engagement season that seems to fly by. They were excited to have their portraits taken in a meaningful place to them! I love it when couples incorporate their favorite sports team too (as you’ll see at the end of this blog […]

Christmas Mini Session Photographer at Forest Bend Farm, Colorado Springs

Typically, I organize a full afternoon of Christmas mini-sessions every year. In fact, I don’t think I’ve missed one year (minus the year my son was born in 2020) since the second year of my business in 2013. But this year was a little different due to the busy season (I’m definitely counting on it […]

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