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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

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 […]

The Emmart Family | Airlie Gardens, Warrenton, Virginia

I’ve photographed the lovely Emmart family over the years, but it all started when Morgan and Cam married in the Airlie gardens in Warrenton, Virginia, in 2017. 🙂 Since then, they have had two ADORABLE children. It was fun taking photos with the kids, especially of their spunky little girl! She was not afraid of the camera, […]

Christmas Mini Sessions | Warrenton, Virginia Photographer

I’m grateful to everyone who supported my ELEVENTH annual Christmas Mini Sessions! There were so many great photos from every session during the short 15-minute timespan — It made these galleries my favorite collection of mini-sessions to deliver! New and familiar faces joined the festive occasion! 🙂 I hosted my annual Christmas mini-sessions in Warrenton, […]

Hannah | Shenandoah Mountains, Virginia Self-Love Portraits

When Hannah puts her mind to something, she’s fully in! I’ve known Hannah for YEARS, thanks to my brother. Since our initial meeting, I’ve photographed her engagement portraits, wedding day, and this self-love shoot! I love watching her grow over the years — She’s very intellectual and spiritual. Through yoga, singing (she has a voice of an angel*seriously!!!*), […]

Dennis & Cassidy | Shenandoah National Park Engagement

Cassidy reached out to me what seems like a year ago to photograph their engagement portraits at the Shenandoah National Park! Since then, the months flew by, and I could tell from Cassidy’s emails that she could hardly wait!!! 🙂 I loved seeing her excitement because I could tell this meant so much to them […]

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