SUFFOLK, Va. — Easter Sunday will look very different for many families forgoing their gatherings for their well-being.
That’s why a local portrait studio came up with a creative way to celebrate the holiday safely.
Around this time of year, Terry Smith, President of Shotz Portrait Studio, is setting up her for Easter portraits— picking the perfect background and setting the stage just right for a memorable family photo.
“Annually we have what we call a 'Bunny Day' where we let folks come in into the big studio… and we do traditional Easter pictures,” says Smith.
But there’s nothing traditional about this year.
“It was in the best interest of our customers and our employees that we just go ahead and close,” says Smith.
The company closed their doors because of mandated coronavirus safety measures. Droves of kids couldn’t come to Bunny Day, so Smith decided she would bring Bunny Day to the kids.
A dressed-up bunny and his friends will pass through several Suffolk neighborhood Saturday in hopes of brightening the spirits of families staying safe at home.
Starting at noon on Saturday, the bunny will drive through these Harbor View Neighborhoods:
- Burbage Grant
- Harbour View neighborhoods across from Harbour View Marketplace Shopping Center
- Bennett’s Creek neighborhoods, from Shoulder’s Hill to Bennett’s Creek Park
- Wellington
- Dunedin
- Western Branch Schools neighborhoods
- Bruce Road neighborhoods
- Taylor Road, from Bruce Road to the mall, neighborhoods
“I think people have been in isolation for long enough. I’m really hoping they will come out on the porch and come out on the lawns wave at the bunny,” says Smith.
For families who would like to get that picture-perfect photo, the Easter Bunny will be outside of the portrait shop on Sunday. Families can stop and take their own picture with the Easter Bunny while standing at least 6 feet away.
Sunday pictures with the bunny will be from noon to 2 p.m. in the shopping Center of Shotz Portrait Studio at 7386 Harbour Towne Pkwy. in Suffolk.
“I hope he brings them a lot of joy and hope that even though we’re in the situation that we’re in, that celebration still continues— Easter’s still with us,” says Smith.
