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Capturing a Moment of Holiday Magic

Sammie R. Studios transforms into the North Pole to create a magical experience and unforgettable moments for the whole family

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Everywhere you go

Take a look at the five and ten, it’s glistening once again

With candy canes and silver lanes that glow.
 

While we love the thought of the five and ten all aglow this time of year, we can capture that same spirit by visiting Sammie R. Studios where we will be surrounded by all the wonder and splendor of the holiday.

Owner and creative photographer at Sammie R. Studios, Sammie Rodriguez, has built a dream space for everyone who loves Christmas, beginning with a warm and inviting room with a crackling fireplace in the corner and a comfy chair for reading a good book.

Three more Christmas-related rooms offer opportunities for even more great photos as you and your family move from space to space creating memories that will last a lifetime.

“We’ve designed their time with us to be a full experience," Sammie said, "from making cookies and crafts with Santa, to enjoying a game with him, to checking his Naughty and Nice List.” 

Stepping into Sammie R. Studios is like stepping into Santa’s house at the North Pole. With her background in high school theater, Sammie designed and built the North Pole set. From the walls, to the fireplace, and even the custom set of stairs, she created a warm and cozy scene you would expect to see at a local theater. 

“I wanted my sets to be more immersive, not just a backdrop,” she said.

Sammie said she loves Christmas, and her children, Paisley and Porter, have also caught the Christmas bug and love to help decorate the studio too.

“There’s just something about the holiday, the warmth in everyone’s heart,” she said. “And I enjoy it so much knowing I can take some of the stress off Mom and Dad by offering this experience for the kids or the whole family. I get to make magic for a while.”

Sammie offers 45-minute Christmas sessions and books them well ahead so the photos are ready each year for family Christmas cards.

Sammie’s love of the holiday extends into the community with her work on past collaborations with Lights of Aksarben, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Girl Scouts of Nebraska Outreach Program and Saint Cecilia Cathedral School. This year Sammie R. Studios will be at 'A Country Christmas' at Ditmar’s Orchard & Vineyard in Council Bluffs, with Make-A-Wish on December 6-8th. “There will be a whole Christmas village. The kids can have breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and so much more,” she said.

Sammie R. Studios offers a full range of photography sessions from newborns to brides. And while Sammie said she loves all of it, she really loves Christmas.

“My favorite part is the magic that happens. The light in people’s eyes, the kindness of their faces. I love the whimsy that brings everything to life and brings us all together. The world is more colorful at Christmastime.”

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas …

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