Meet Savvy Leigh of Charlotte, North Carolina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Savvy Leigh.

Hi Savvy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Hi there! I’m a wedding photographer in Charlotte, North Carolina. I started my photography journey in Utah, where I went to college. My original plan was for my photography business to get me a little extra income to support myself as I studied for my bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language. However, the more time I spent on my business, the more I realized that being a wedding photographer was what I wanted to do with my life. I adored ASL and loved my classes, but eventually, towards the end of my schooling, the needs of my business became incompatible with being a full-time college student. I had already learned the language I set out to learn, and I had decided that photography was now my future. After a lot of angst and crying (haha, I’m a big crier), I decided that the degree was not worth putting my business on hold for, and I dropped out of college. I’m a planner, especially regarding important life decisions, so letting go of this entire plan I had made for my future and pivoting my life like this was terrifying! But nothing energizes me more than seeing people truly in love on the happiest day of their life and getting to create beautiful artwork from that day. Photography is that magical career I found that fuels me instead of draining me.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I grew up in a miserable household. My parent’s relationship was horrendous and abusive, with little affection between them. Truthfully, I had very few examples of a good relationship anywhere. Marriage looked like a scary trap that brought out the worst in everybody. That was all I had ever known, and I didn’t have any proof of the alternative- besides movies and stories, which everybody knows aren’t real. Two things save me from that mindset today: My incredible husband, AJ (and his parents and family!), who showed me first-hand what a loving, functional family looked like– and photography. Every time I photograph a bride choking up during her vows, or a groom sneaking kisses in while I pose them, my heart feels like it’s going to burst. (I’m seriously tearing up as I write this right now– I told you I was a crier!) And I used to worry it didn’t exist! I now witness DAILY the love of being best friends with the person you care about most and the love of putting somebody else’s needs before your own. I am blessed with the most incredible couples who show me time. And time again that there is so much goodness and joy in the world. It’s like a healing experience for me every time I get to photograph a wedding or capture a couple laughing together as if they’re the only two people in the room.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My photos are elegant and dreamy. Light and airy, but with plenty of colors! I’ve put a ton of my learning efforts into flattering posing to make sure my couples can trust me to give them photos they love themselves in! I pride myself on helping my clients feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. As someone who struggles with body image, I know that can ruin a moment (or even a memory!) if you hate how you look in the photo afterward. So my main priority is always pretty simple. I make sure you look good in your best moments. When you look back at the day you married your best friend, I don’t want any insecurities poisoning that feeling.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
You already know that I’m a big control freak regarding life decisions, so it might be surprising to know that my husband and I had only driven through North Carolina once before deciding to move here!

After we got married, we went on a road trip around the USA. I grew up in Texas, and though we had been living in Utah, I knew I ultimately wanted to end up back in the south somewhere. We drove through North Carolina, and the state’s beauty impressed us so much that I couldn’t stop thinking about it when we got home. North Carolina seemed to have it all– mountains, the beach, city living, country living, and best in my mind, warm weather!

I wondered if we were crazy to uproot our lives and move somewhere both of us had only driven through one time. The closer we got to the move, the more I panicked, wondering if my business would see success here or if North Carolina was as beautiful and welcoming as I remembered.

Luckily, North Carolina has been our absolute dream come true. We moved here just recently (January 2022!), and I already feel I’ve found my home here. The kind people, the beautiful pastel sunsets, and the rolling green hills are beyond anything I could have hoped for. I am so excited to see what the Carolinas store for us!

Pricing:

• My pricing is always subject to change, however these are my prices currently!
• Wedding Day Package – 2000
• Session Pricing – 350
• You can see current details on my site – savvyleigh.com/details

Contact Info:

• Website: https://savvyleigh.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvyleighphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savvyleighphotography
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/savvyleighphotography/

Image Credits
Photos by Savvy Leigh Photography