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With over a decade of experience, I’ll gently guide you through a relaxed, meaningful photography experience — allowing real connection, emotion, and in-between moments to unfold naturally. So when you look back, you’ll remember how it felt, not just how it looked.

Timeless photography for couples and families who want to remember how it felt.

@stephaniemessickphoto

Stories of love, connection, and the moments in between

Gallery images

Best of 2025: Family Photographer in Colorado Springs + Warrenton, VA

If I could bottle up the feeling of family portraits—the giggles, the wild toddler energy, the tiny hands reaching for mom, dad scooping someone up mid-run, and those quick little real moments in between—2025 would be the year I’d put in the jar! This past year was my first big year back after starting a […]

A Fall Colored Airlie Warrenton, Virginia Wedding

There’s something so special about photographing weddings that come full circle — and Renee and Nolan’s Airlie Warrenton, Virginia wedding was the most heartfelt example of that. They tied the knot at the very same venue where Renee’s parents said “I do” years ago! Their wedding day felt like a beautiful blend of family legacy, […]

An Orange and Pink Fall Crosskeys Vineyards Virginia Wedding

There’s something special about fall weddings in Virginia — the crisp air, the golden light, and the way the Shenandoah Mountains glow in the distance. Aiden and Meghan’s CrossKeys Vineyards Virginia Wedding captured all of that and more. These two met while attending JMU in Harrisonburg (GO DUKES!!!), so celebrating their love story just down from our […]

An Industrial Purple and Green Downtown Charlottesville Virginia Wedding

When two doctors fall in love during their residency and manage to plan the most elegant, heartfelt celebration — you just know it’s going to be special. Chelsea and Sam’s Downtown Charlottesville Virginia Wedding was one for the books! Despite the forecast calling for rain all week, we were blessed with the most beautiful mid-October […]

A Fairytale Airlie, Warrenton Virginia Wedding

I can’t think of a more magical way to celebrate the last days of summer than with Zach and Maddi’s Airlie, Warrenton Virginia wedding. From the start, their wedding was filled with heartfelt moments, laughter, and so much love. Their engagement session at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens carried that same natural, garden-inspired theme, so it felt […]

A Late Summer Garden Murray Hill Virginia Wedding

I can’t think of a better way to close out the summer wedding season than with Alexis and Nate’s celebration at Murray Hill in Virginia. Together, these two are fun, easy-going, and full of life—and their wedding day reflected that beautifully. From heartfelt moments to nonstop laughter, their day was one for the books. Alexis […]

Black Horse Manor, Warrenton Virginia Wedding

I don’t think EJ and Eliana could have asked for a more perfect wedding day at Black Horse Manor in Warrenton, Virginia. From start to finish, it was a true fairytale! Eliana’s parents joked in their speech that their daughter’s 85-page wedding spreadsheet might have had something to do with it—organization pays off. 🙂 I […]

Spruce Mountain Ranch, Colorado Wedding

I’ll be dreaming about this Spruce Mountain Ranch wedding for months to come. It was the most joyful, heartfelt day for Shane and Sarah—two people who radiate kindness, faith, and love. Truly, they deserved every ounce of celebration that came their way! Their love story still makes me smile. Shane, a former football player turned […]

Birkby House, Leesburg, VA Wedding

Amy and John gathered their closest family and friends at the charming Birkby House in the heart of Leesburg, Virginia for a wedding day full of love, laughter, and unexpected moments. Nestled in the historic district, this beautiful venue set the stage for a joyful celebration—despite a surprise protest just around the corner and an […]

Poplar Springs Manor Warrenton, Virginia Wedding

I don’t think I’ve made it through a wedding lately without tearing up—and Elise and Andrew’s day at Poplar Springs Manor in Virginia was no exception. As a mom and a wife, witnessing the way my couples include their families, especially their little ones, hits close to home. Elise and Andrew’s wedding was so touching, […]

With over a decade of experience, I’ll gently guide you through a relaxed, meaningful photography experience — allowing real connection, emotion, and in-between moments to unfold naturally. So when you look back, you’ll remember how it felt, not just how it looked.

Timeless photography for couples and families who want to remember how it felt.

@stephaniemessickphoto

Stories of love, connection, and the moments in between

Gallery images