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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

find inspiration

Gallery images

James & Claire | Chincoteague Island, Virginia Beach Engagement Portraits

To enjoy the beach (if you live in Virginia) might mean driving to Virginia Beach, OBX, Myrtle Beach, or Delaware (all popular choices). But one of my favorite beaches is Chincoteague (Assateague) Island in Virginia, and I loved that James and Claire wanted their portraits there! When I was younger, my Girl Scout troop would […]

Tom & Jenn | Stone Tower Winery, Virginia Wedding

I met Tom and Jenn for their engagement session in Washington DC last spring, and after hanging out with them, I knew their wedding was going to be one to remember! šŸ™‚ But I had *no* idea that we would battle the unpredictable weather. Fortunately for us, it actually worked in our favor (as you’ll […]

Wine & Nosh at Spruce Mountain Ranch is organized by the incredible Sarah Viera Events and the talented Southern Charm. This bridal show is an intimate boutique experience for couples. And unlike typical bridal shows (which can be overwhelming and feel very salesman-like) Wine & Nosh is an upscale, curated vendor team with the heart to serve couples […]

Some things Jessica and Maxx enjoy together — Trips to Colorado, skiing, attending Broncos games, hiking, and dancing. We covered *almost* everything in this engagement session (except skiing and football) at Sapphire Point in Colorado! šŸ™‚ They flew out from Virginia to have this season celebrated in the mountains. While I photograph many of my […]

Jessica & Maxx | Downtown Breckenridge Engagement Photographer

When Jessica, Maxx, and I talked over the phone during our initial meeting, they mentioned how much they love Colorado. For Jessica, it’s all about skiing. For Maxx, it’s all about hiking! It sounds like they need to move out this way. šŸ˜‰ This session was their first professional photographer shoot, and I was excited […]

Top 10 Colorado Springs Engagement Portrait Locations | Garden of the Gods

Colorado Springs has some of the most beautiful and romantic locations to capture your engagement portraits! From the mountain views, rock formations, spectacular sunsets, quaint parks, and downtown settings, there are plenty of amazing places in Colorado Springs that are perfect for engagement portraits. As a wedding and engagement photographer, I know the importance of […]

Lofthouse Colorado Springs Proposal

Rey and Caitlin were visiting from Texas to enjoy an unwinding, relaxing trip after Christmas. After 12 hours of driving, they arrived just in time for a snowstorm to create a winter wonderland! Rey knew he wanted to propose to Caitlin during their mini vacation but wanted to wait for the perfect moment. That moment […]

The Mareans | Manassas, Virginia Family Photographer

The last time I photographed Jessica and Gary was on their wedding day back in 2014! Since then, they have had two precious little boys! Fast forward to this year, Jessica reached out wanting professional portraits of her family. We met at the Manassas Battlefield in Virginia to photograph her darling family. Although, we didn’t […]

The Hu Family | Colorado Springs Family Photographer

Hey, look! An indoor portrait session! I don’t typically photograph indoor photo shoots, but this was a special request. <3 Our friends, Chris and Rachael, had their baby here in Colorado Springs and hoped to have a family photographer take lifestyle portraits. The newborn season goes by so fast! šŸ™ I could hardly wait to […]

Colorado Springs, Colorado Fall Minis

I was so excited to host my first Colorado Springs Fall Minis in Colorado this year! Typically, I host annual Christmas minis, but with the aspens peaking, it was the perfect opportunity to document the mountains and color all at once! šŸ™‚ I had a jam-packed schedule with weddings/sessions in Virginia earlier in October, cutting it close to […]

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