SECRET GARDEN COLLECTION - THE NEXT CHAPTER
The second installment of our Secret Garden series unfolds as a deeply heartfelt and reflective chapter. I reimagined Mary Lennox not as the child she once was but as a woman molded by the trials and triumphs chronicled in Frances Hodgson Burnett’s timeless tale. This project is a quiet homage to her resilience and transformation—capturing that delicate balance between her youthful naivety and the poised strength she ultimately embodies. We hope you enjoy this creative perspective on a classic -and in honor of the classics; we stayed true to our brand. The flowers, the props, the rigging… everything is real. The Cosmo Cottage stands on keeping art in the hands of artists, and out of grips of artificial intelligence prompts. Let’s take a walk in the garden.
HAIR | STEPHEN LAYMON LAYMON of BEE’S BEAUTY
MUA | FOSTER SHAMBLIN AKA DOLLY BEE WELLINGTON of BEE’S BEAUTY
FLORAL/PHOTO/DESIGN/PROPS | V.LAURILA of COSMO COTTAGE
MODEL | JO SUTTON of BLACK HEARTS TATTOO
At the core of this installation is Huntsville tattoo artist Jo Sutton, whose unique aesthetic and bold presence bring a compelling dimension to Mary’s adult persona. Jo’s artistry seamlessly intertwines with our concept, adding authenticity and a hint of modern edge that respects the story’s origins while inviting fresh perspectives.
“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”
The gentle landscape of Muscle Shoals offered a warm and inviting setting, its soulful atmosphere gently enhancing the rich emotions woven throughout this set. There is a soft texture present—a delicate dance of light, shadow, and feeling—that brings Mary’s journey to life, allowing it to touch the heart and linger in the mind.
The swing and rigging were some of my favorite projects to date. The first time I had visited this bridge, I always imagined a garden swing in the middle of it. -PROPS CB ASSIST-
A COMMUNITY OF ARTISTS
The true magic, however, lies in the collaborative effort of our dream team. Jo Sutton, Stephen Laymon and Foster Shamblin, crafted hair and makeup looks that evoke both natural beauty and subtle symbolism. I love working with talented, creative people that I can surrender control of any project to and fully trust their vision and craft. Stephen and Foster’s expertise had ensured that Mary’s transformation was palpable and visually striking. It is always an honor to work with people you can learn from, laugh with, and build something you thought might not be possible. We as a society have lost the art of collaboration and working cohesively with other beautiful minds. Face to face.
With concern, not judgement - The Cosmo Cottage is truly set apart by our desire to create the “old fashioned way”, outside of an AI generated phone app or one click filtered faces. This shoot was like many we have done before and they are all so special because they are real. Not just products…these are memories. The experience and emotions were real. You can feel the togetherness of creators rather than lonely scrolls behind a screen to match your likeness with an empty template. This is why we have to save the arts. This book stays alive because it is inspirational and moving to readers of all ages. A 1911 classic that sits on a shelf just waiting to be picked up and acted upon. It wasn’t written by a computer - Frances made this timeless piece that lives on through generations of young minds and artists alike. I get you love the simplicity and the undeniable flattery of AI programs, but it isn’t you. It is no one.
So go find yourself. Get creative. Get out of your house and search for that garden that everyone told you you couldn't’t find… and if you ever did - you can’t have it. Find your creativity and spiral into the many talents of those around you. Be vulnerable. As I tell my kiddo, be brave enough to suck at something new.
“Classically and officially trained in nothing, yet here we are”. My favorite quote from my favorite artist, Leanne Ford. With all my love, please, build something today. -V
“She made herself stronger by fighting with the wind.”
“Of course there must be lots of Magic in the world, but people don’t know what it is like or how to make it.”
FAMILY PORTRAITS - FLORAL - DESIGN - COUPLES SHOOTS - ENGAGEMENT SHOOTS - BRANDING - MODELING AND PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIOS - SENIOR PICTURES - MATERNITY PHOTOS - GARDEN PARTIES - MOM JOKES
“At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can be done, then they see it can be done—then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago.”
IF YOU’VE READ THE BOOK, YOU’LL REMEMBER THE LENNOX PARENTS DIED FROM THE PLAGUE. YOUNG MARY WAS LEFT IN THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD UNTIL SOMEONE FOUND HER. MY AVID BOOK READERS WILL FIND SO MANY TREASURES BETWEEN BOTH cottage collections: SECRET GARDEN No.43 & Secret Garden, the next chapter.
