Class of 2013 Hype Crew!

Magic Moments!

We always love our photo sessions with Robyn & her sweet little Audrey! Audrey has been coming here since before she was born, starring in Robyn’s maternity photos! She has now completed her one year photographs & it has been a joy to capture the special moments in her life so far. We love working with baby Audrey and Robyn and always look forward to them coming in. Peter helped with this session and we thought it was so cute that she was fascinated by his beard! Apparently he has that affect on women- haha!

It's Pickup Time!

With Michael Buble Christmas playing & the smell of fresh pine trees (thanks to our trusty Bath & Body Works candle) the Essenza elves are at their happiest. The front room is adorned with wrapped portraits finished with pretty bows waiting to be picked up & displayed proudly in their new home.

We are missing Angela dearly, as we wish she could see this all for herself!

We really appreciate all of our clients and sincerely love what we do at Essenza. It gives us such joy to know how many families have invited us into their lives and trusted us to capture such precious memories and milestones.

Our last day in the studio will be Friday December 23rd. Please call to arrange a pickup before then so you can have your orders for the holiday!

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & a wonderful New Year.

Ps. Can you find Megan, our little packaging elf, in the piles boxes & bows?

Ethan & Santa 2011 Limited Edition Vintage Santa Special!

A letter from Ethan's Parents:

“We brought Ethan for the Vintage Santa photo shoot convinced that this would be the last year he would believe in Santa. He was picking up on the differences of the various Santa's he had seen through the years and was putting it all together. We decided to "do it right" for what we thought might well be the last time. Essenza had us send in some information before we got there as well as had us bring over a gift for Santa to give to Ethan. This made everything so personalized.

When we walked into Essenza Studio, it had been transformed into a magical setting. Ethan was so excited he could hardly contain himself. Ethan was the center of attention. We had all these amazing people sweetly guiding Ethan through his Christmas traditions. As he played them out, we (mom and dad) were able to watch it all take place from behind the scenes. It was fun to see him recreate leaving the cookies and reading The Night Before Christmas.

Without Ethan knowing it, we saw Santa sneak up behind him. It was great! We started to cry almost immediately. Then Santa disappeared and came around to the front so Ethan could FINALLY see him! The excitement on his face was something we will never forget. It felt like it was all so real. It was very real to Ethan! Santa knew so much about him it was uncanny. They got along like they had known each other forever. Santa talked with Ethan about his Christmas list and all the things he had been doing. He was genuinely interested in what Ethan had to say. It was wonderful that Ethan had Santa all to himself for that period of time.

While we were so absorbed in it all, there were three amazing artists at work. Jen, Erica, and Peter were all focused on capturing every sweet moment. They didn't miss a thing. And they were just as into it as we were! Missy was wonderful too. She made certain I had something to wipe away the tears. It was evident that so much went in to Vintage Santa. That Santa really is Santa!

The set design was fabulous. It was warm, gorgeous... the attention to detail was amazing! We loved all the special touches. The photos are PRICELESS! Forget making any choices, plan on buying them all. Each is truly a work of art, not to mention they are magical. The beauty of it all, is that I think we got some more Santa time! Ethan believes more now than ever... and so do we!! That is something you can't put a price on. Quite simply, everything was perfect.

Blessings,
Shari and Terry Lawson”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEN!

We decided to surprise Jen with balloons & treats and beat her to the studio this morning, but to OUR surprise we found Jen already there! Due to her long list of things to do for our deadline, she had a sleepover at Essenza & her alarm clock was us walking in the door! We celebrated during our lunch break with applebees, cupcakes, singing cards, gifts & even dancing! Jen's dad stopped in the studio with an adorable princess balloon & card. Its been a fun day at Essenza as we rejoice having Jen in our lives- We're so lucky!

Midnight Delight!

Compliments of Laura Bowling, we enjoyed these delicious & decorative cookies as a late night treat after a busy day at work! We're spoiled!

"Thats the Essenza Spirit!"

You know it’s Christmas season at Essenza when the staff is at the studio more than at home- & Jennifer is caught in her pajamas, pulling all nighters! After realizing the numerous hours and incredible effort the Essenza team has been putting in, we decided to dedicate time together outside the studio!


We went on a retreat to Waynesville to celebrate the family-like bond that the Essenza staff has behind the scenes! It was a joyful car ride there, as we sang along to Christmas carols & debated where to go first! Embracing the rainy weather and belly’s full of Hammel House cooking, we went shopping around town! Our day flew by as we admired the antique shops and bought special presents for our loved ones.


That Sunday Angela organized a wonderful get together at Maggianos! We were served a delicious three course meal and embraced the spirit of Christmas by expressing how much we appreciate each other. Along with the gratitude, many funny stories were revealed, followed by countless laughs. We left that night with full bellies and happy spirits!

To continue the holiday celebration, we had a Secret Santa gift exchange on Monday during our lunch hour! It was exciting to finally reveal who everyone had & watch everyone open their gifts! Continuing the tradition, Angela bought mugs for everyone and we had to guess who they were for and why. This game is something we enjoy doing every year!


We not only love our job & the people we photograph, but we love the people we work with! We are so fortunate to be surrounded with such talented & remarkable people on our staff, and that’s why I am proud to say we wake up every morning with a smile and love coming to work.

Essenza loves you! 13 days till Christmas & counting (:

Tis the Season!

It is finally December, and our large delivery yesterday knocked us off our feet, literally! Tis the season to be jolly & spread the holiday spirit with a smile. Our studio has turned into Santa’s workshop as we plug away as hard as his little elves to get our jobs done! Magic is in the air at Essenza and we wish you the finest during these last hard working days before the break! Remember, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!" - Buddy the Christmas Elf

Holiday Stocking Stuffers!

We hope you’re doing well as the holidays approach. We know it can get hectic this time of year and on that note, we are offering holiday ornaments! They make great stocking stuffers and are a nice remembrance to hang up year after year.

Unfortunately, the deadline is quickly approaching and we would need your order no later than Tuesday, December 13th to make sure we can get the ornament back in time.

The ornaments are $39 plus tax. You can simply call the studio at 513.831.5351 with a credit card and we’ll do the rest!

Sending you and your family the warmest wishes for the holidays and always,
The Essenza Team!

Here comes Santa Clause!

Here is Erica setting up for the Vintage Santa shoot this weekend!