Our Story
We want you to remain present and intentional throughout your day—but more importantly throughout your marriage… We aren’t your everyday photography team—we’re family and that’s how we treat you…. with tight hugs and tears on our cameras.
We believe in that sweep you off your feet—white picket fence kind of love. We believe in handwritten vows and dancing together even without music. We believe in grabbing each other’s butts and holding hands until your fingers cramp.
Your wedding day should be filled with beautiful and simple moments.
Moments where you can breathe slowly and soak in every single second and the ones that make your heart beat a little faster in excitement—and we want to make sure that you’re able to be intentional and purposed on your sweet day. You deserve it.
You deserve a wedding full of sentimental details— fleeting moments that you’re able to cling to and truly enjoy… but more than that, you deserve a marriage that will matter more than your wedding… Because as much as we believe in weddings and what we do—we believe more in marriage and being a part of your love story.
We’re all fam here… between all of us, we’ve got a little bit of high energy and shyness with a whole lot of awkward hugs thrown in!!!
BY the NUMBERS
11
TEAM MEMBERS
we pick on each other, a lot, but more than that, we pick each other up…. we’re all family here.
10
YEARS IN BUSINESS
you’ll never catch us forgetting where we came from… it’s embedded into who we are.
150
No. of WEDDINGS
Or rather… the number of times
we’ve cried during vows…
33
No. of HUGS
you’ll receive when we meet you
IT’S ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE.
A HAND OUT THE WINDOW ON
A BACK COUNTRY ROAD…
cuddles
ON THE COUCH.
HOLDING THE HAND OF SOMEONE WHO MAKES YOU SMILE.
WE BELIEVE IN TIGHT HUGS
WITHOUT THE PATS…
AND SHARING HONEST CONVERSATIONS
OVER A MEAL.
IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE
heirloom
PIECES THAT GET PASSED DOWN.
IT’S THE LEGACY AND THE STORIES THAT GO WITH THEM.
Meet Sharon Elizabeth
I’m passionate... and I'm purpose-driven... My passion stems from my drive to live a purposeful life... which ultimately stems from my faith. Everything I do in this life is for Him.. and even though I fail.. over and over again.. I still wake up every day trying to live for Him.. The way He loves me is how I try to love others.. I'm passionate about teaching... and about photographing people... and I pray that somewhere along the way —you can see the light I try so desperately to keep lit.
I've come to realize that my enjoyment in photography isn't found by creating the perfect image... It's seeing someone feel beautiful—it's capturing someone laugh - it's watching two people fall in love again...
My heart belongs behind a camera...and when this big beautiful world seems to be failing me.... Behind a camera is where I find myself again.
Empire Builder. Encourager.
The Team
get to know
You don’t have to fit a mold to be one of our peoples – as long as you are kind, love deeply, and love awkward hugs…. You can totally join our circle.
Sharon
owner
Amanda
associate
Emily
associate
Chase
that booth buy
Darian
second shooter
Katie
assistant
Britney
assistant
Sandy
assistant & photo booth
Heather
assistant
I'm sensitive... like hit a lightening bug in the middle of the night... and cry the rest of the drive home— sensitive... I'm a cry at commercials... kind of sensitive. I am such a tender-heart... I am such a sensitive-tender-corny-cheesy-mush-ball.
I'm an open-book... I remember when Chase asked my Dad for my hand in marriage... my Dad told him—"I could ask you, do you know what you're getting yourself into.... but you already know what you're getting yourself into.. because Sharon is an open book.. she always has been... what you see is what you get... there are no secrets with her...."
I'm a simple-small town girl... I grew up in a one-light town.. my graduating class in high-school only had 14 people in it.. My childhood taught me how to appreciate the food I was eating... taught me that 'eating' in general, was a blessing.... and it taught me how to work for everything I owned.. Having a small bed in the laundry room and growing up in a trailer— really makes you appreciate the simple 'things' in life..
My upbringing has taught me to be grateful for even just the warm wind in my hair... the embrace of a man who loves me unconditionally... The simple things in life -- like holding Chase's hand, holding my sweet little girl and the smell of a puppy's breath.. are truly what make me whole....
Leave me with nothing—and the simplicity and beauty of life will keep me happy.
I'm passionate... and I'm purpose-driven... My passion stems from my drive to live a purposeful life... which ultimately stems from my faith. Everything I do in this life is for Him.. and even though I fail... over and over again.. I still wake up every day trying to live for Him.. The way He loves me is how I try to love others.. I'm passionate about teaching... and about photographing people... and I pray that somewhere along the way— you can see the light I try so desperately to keep lit.
I've come to realize that my enjoyment in photography isn't found by creating the perfect image... It's seeing someone feel beautiful—it's capturing someone laugh— it's watching two people fall in love again...
My heart belongs behind a camera...and when this big beautiful world seems to be failing me.... Behind a camera is where I find myself again.
sharon
OWNER
Hi! I'm Amanda. I'm a quiet and easy going girl who likes to sit back and take everything in. I enjoy just being IN the moment... that is why I love photography so much.
I'm really laid back and enjoy photographing people being present and soaking in the day.
Besides being a photographer, I'm a Medic/Firefighter for the City of Hampton. Being a firefighter and a photographer have always been dreams of mine... I'm lucky enough to get the best of both worlds.
amanda
ASSOCIATE
When I'm not working I love to play guitar, listen to music, spend time with my family and look up at the stars.
I'm so thankful for this life I live.
I'm simple really; I am a mother to two beautiful twin girls... a wife to an amazing husband who loves and supports my passions. I have two fur babies!!! OHHHH and by the way, I am a HUGE dog lover! hehe I can literally spot a dog a mile away—not really but you get the picture? So if your wedding has a doggy best believe I'm going to be in heaven!!
I think to understand why I'm passionate about photography... about love—you need to hear about my story... my 'simple' love story.
In 2012 I married my best friend; he has been there for me through everything. We've known each other since Middle School, never anything more than friends. I remember the first time I truly noticed him. We were in our Wednesday night church group playing dodgeball when he launched a ball directly towards my head... I was on the sidelines - so either he has really good aim or really bad aim... After knocking me down—he ran over asking me if I was okay. The entire night he stayed by my side to be sure.
Did I mention that he gave me a concussion.... Yeh... he did. But it was that night that I fell in love with him. How many people can say that they fell in love after their now husband gave them a concussion?
As life would have it—we headed down different paths for a while. But like most happily ever afters—we soon found each other again and have been inseparable ever since.
I remember our wedding day; it was raining cats and dogs! We had to finish up all the final touches for our OUTSIDE wedding and I was so nerve wrecked and worried about the rain and if it was going to be perfect. If it was even going to happen! I remember stressing so much I was so nauseous - in true bride's fashion.... But on July 21st 2012, in the rain, and despite the thunder—we got married outside and it was perfect, because I was marrying the man of my dreams; the man who put me above all, the man who spoiled me to no end; who did anything in the world for me. I was marrying my true best friend!
I remember walking down the aisle with my father on my arm and just looking at the man I was going to marry! Nothing else mattered; not the rain, not the stress or worry. That feeling; that moment; his smile; his tears; that is what I love most about weddings—it's what I loved most about my own! I love seeing the groom's reaction... for me that moment took away all the worry and all the nerves.... just by seeing him.
And after four years of waiting.. God opened our hearts even more to two little angels.. Amelia and Elizabeth.. That story is a totally different story in itself but after having them all I have ever wanted to do is take pictures, freeze their smiles, freeze their moments and that's what I want to do for weddings! Lifes' moments go by so quickly—and some we don't even notice, but having captured those memories forever makes me love photography even more!!
I am apart a BEAUTIFUL team.. these girls (and photo booth guy hehe) are like family to me!! We have a great time.. we laugh.. we play.. we capture your wedding how its ment to be.. we love our job - because in all honesty it's not really a job when you have fun doing it! ?? I cannot wait to capture your love story!!!!
emil
ASSOCIATE
chase
that booth GUY
Let's just get down to it.... I'm a man of few words—at least that's what my wife says, so this is a little difficult for me. I'm Chase, I was born and raised in small town Smithfield, Virginia.
I am your typical small-town-gentleman (my wife tells me that too) and our town is surrounded by rivers | creeks | swamps so it will likely come to no surprise to tell you that hunting is a huge passion of mine—duck hunting specifically. I love being out on the water, even in the middle of winter - rain, snow, sleet, feet frozen, face red... it's what I love.
Outside of hunting you can find me spending time with those I love most, it's something I value most important in life.
I'm a simple man and I don't need much to keep me happy—give me a good hunting season, three helpings of dinner, and my friends and family.... and I'm happy.
I take that back... four helpings of dinner and a beer.
darian
SECOND SHOOTER
Hiiiiii! Darian here! I am a lover of the simple things....neighborhood walks, good conversation, sunshine, a phone call with my Momma, Friday dinner plans with great friends, and Sunday snuggles. I am a lover of these simple moments that do not seem significant until they have passed. That is why I am so passionate about photography. It's not about the pictures, it's the moments. I desire to capture and create these moments so that they can last MORE than a lifetime.
When I am not behind my camera, I am a full-time special education teacher to the best kiddos.
I spend my down-time near the water (ocean, river, lake, you name it) with my high school sweetheart and our two rescue pups. I am extremely family oriented and would do absolutely anything for my family and friends. I'm a sucker for a good rom-com, a great thrift store find, and fresh flowers.
I'm a dreamer, a BIG dreamer. & I'm so excited for the plans He has for me :)
katie
assistant
Hellooooo! My name is Katie. I am a simple, compassionate goofball who values God, family, and making fun of myself. I am an art therapist by profession but have always had a hobby and passion for photography. Art is something that has been with me since childhood, and I believe I have always looked at the world a little differently. I find it therapeutic and natural being behind a camera. It challenges me to seek out the "extra" in the "ordinary" and keeps me reminded and thankful of God's love. My main goal is making a difference doing what I love alongside a team with the same values, and I know that is what the SEP team does every day.
Coming from a bride's perspective, I can tell you first hand that this team ROCKS! Let me give a little back story...
Once upon a time I met this stud who I'd later be blessed to call my husband. We stumbled across SEP while planning our wedding and immediately fell in love with the team. The unwelcome rain and pending hurricane on our special day didn't even faze this crew! This team is made up of a group of professional yet refreshingly light-hearted and down-to-earth individuals that truly love what they do and make every effort to capture timeless moments of your special day.
My faith and spirituality are a major part of who I am, and I truly believe that God brought me to SEP for a much larger purpose than my own wedding. Little did I dream that one day I would call myself a SEP girl, and I am beyond excited to start this journey!
britne
assistant
Hi!!! My name is Britney Lowe, and I’m so excited to share a little about myself! My hunky husband and I moved to Smithfield a few years ago and are slowly settling in with our three dogs. We can be found most nights at home playing an intense game of Uno while the dogs run around and play tug of war over dog toys and the occasional sock. I joke that our house feels more like a circus, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
I’m a firm believer in being honest and genuine, even if it makes you feel vulnerable. I love how photography can capture raw emotion when a couple lets down their guard and just falls into the moment. Those are the times when you get the images that are truly unique to those individuals, and you can tell what their love is about. I’m also a sucker for the little details and love a good ring picture. Add some pearls and lace, and I’m in heaven!!
I’m sappy and a hardcore romantic. (I recently cried at a Subaru commercial – no lie.) If I’m working your wedding, don’t be surprised if you see tears in my eyes for most of the day. It’s just about a guarantee.
When I’m not crying at weddings on the weekends, I’m working as a social worker. In social work, I’m usually helping people on their worst days. Photography gives me a chance to be of service to others on their best day…how awesome is that!
Fun fact: I was an SEP bride! Having this team be part of my wedding was such a blessing. My goal is to make sure that every family I work with has as wonderful an experience as I did. I look at my wedding album several times a month. (Told you I was a giant sap!) These are the pictures that I will share with my children and grandchildren…and maybe a great-grandchild or two! While I certainly value the quality of those pictures, I value the relationships I have with these women even more.
I’m already excited to meet you and am so grateful to be part of your celebration. So, bring on the tissues and all the good feelings!
sand
assistant & photo booth
Hi there! I am Sandy, I also respond to Sassy!
I fell in love with photography when I took my first photography course in high school (circa 2001). From there I continued my education through T.C.C. at the Visual Arts Center in Portsmouth, VA where I finished with my Associates Degree in Computer Graphics.
I have 2 children with my loving and very supportive husband! On the weekends if I am not with camera in hand I am hanging out with family and friends either supporting a local brewery or restaurant! Crafting and organizing are my 2 of my most favorite activities!
I love being around creative individuals which is what led me to the SEP team! I am most excited about being on the team so that I can learn and grow as a photographer and create long lasting friendships with all the ladies! PSA: SEP also offers a Photo Booth!
If I am not helping my team out you will for sure find me striking poses in front of the Photo Booth….oh ya, I’ll be manning it too. Random facts about me and things I love: - My favorite color is yellow! - I LOVE LOVE LOVE salsa - My favorite show to binge watch on Netflix is The Office - I enjoy working at local coffee shops!
heather
assistant
I grew up right in the heart of Sedley, Virginia. Every Friday night during baseball/softball season I enjoyed seeing the bright lights of the ball field and hearing the sound of a bat cracking a ball right from my front porch swing.
In 2009, I gave birth to my beautiful daughter Alexis, who is undeniably my twin, spunky attitude, love for music and all! In 2013, I gave birth to my handsome son Landon, who is ALL boy! Lover of cars, dinosaurs, and piles of sand in his shoes LOL. Family means everything to me, so much so that I may or may not know almost every single family members birthday!
In 2011, I started working for State Farm Insurance. Insurance you ask? Really? I absolutely love helping people and what better way than saving them a few dollars, or maybe even more on their insurance?! And yes, I always hear that I look like Flo from Progressive! Haha!
I’m an avid coffee drinker and a closet coffee mug collector, obviously no longer a secret.
I also love trying out new restaurants and enjoy a good craft beer. Cooking is my stress reliever and fishing is a new love of mine. I also stick to my girlish roots and love a good smelling shampoo and conditioner. I also have a sensitive side. Yes, I sometimes cry watching commercials.
I have always had an eye for photography although have never pursued it professionally. I love seeing those special moments being captured even if it’s as small as a lady bug resting on a window sill. I am so excited to have joined the SEP team and having the opportunity to work next to these amazing and talented women!
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