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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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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 […]

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 […]

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! 🙂 But I had *no* idea that we would battle the unpredictable weather. Fortunately for us, it actually worked in our favor (as you’ll […]

Colorado Springs + Virginia Photographer

What a season!! As a photographer with businesses in Colorado Springs and Virginia, there can be challenges. With Jack being so out of routine, I saw how much it affected him as well as myself. But it’s also very rewarding!! I’m grateful for the time with family and friends in Virginia while also being in […]

The Fagans | George Washington's Mount Vernon, Virginia Family Photographer

The Fagans wanted to hire a family photographer to celebrate their last pregnancy at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. When we talked about taking photos around the estate, Kayla knew McKenna would love it! And she was right — McKenna was glued to the estate map as we wandered around the property. Of course, I took a […]

Brian & Jenn | Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Maternity

I met Brian and Jenn years back on one of the coldest December days for their engagement portraits in Washington D.C… Read their engagement blog post, and you’ll see how adorable these two are together! <3 When we were figuring out the ideal backdrop for their engagement photos, they also mentioned Old Town Alexandria but went […]

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