WINTER LODGE AT THE COSMO COTTAGE
There’s a certain kind of magic that comes with the first whisper of winter — the kind that invites you to slow down, gather close, and find warmth in the simplest things. This year’s “Winter Lodge” gallery was a celebration of just that — nostalgia, friendship, and the beauty of childhood wrapped in cozy holiday pajamas, cocoa, and laughter. We hope you enjoy your visit to The Cosmo Cottage holiday transformation. Tervetuloa ya kiitos!
SET DESIGN | FLORAL | PHOTO: V.LAURILA
WARDROBE: ONLY LITTLE ONCE
INSPIRED BY: ALABAMA MAGAZINE
This collection was inspired by the journey that brought our family to lay roots here in Alabama — a place of unexpected beauty and soulful warmth. Having grown up in Denver surrounded by little mountain towns and ski slopes, I found a poetic contrast in Alabama’s cotton fields and golden light. Fields that Koa said look like miles of snow.
“ I have literally seen pictures of her thigh deep in water just to get the perfect photos for her clients. You will never find a photographer or florist who will work harder to make sure everything is perfect for you. Jump on this and get Christmas memories you will cherish forever! ”
COX | SIMMONS FAMILY CHRISTMAS
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The atmosphere, the people, and the sense of place felt like something straight out of Alabama Magazine — luxurious yet grounded. Together, these influences shaped the vision for The Cosmo Cottage’s first holiday portrait series, blending the nostalgia of my past with the elegance of our new Southern home.Our set was inspired by my own youth in Colorado — the snow-dusted lodges, the scent of pine, the hum of firelight dancing against frosted windows. Each detail was layered with memory: kuksas (cups), a cherished tradition from my family from Finland, a lovingly styled hot cocoa bar, and trays of home-baked cookies that filled the space with the smell of comfort.
At the heart of this expansive gallery were four bright little souls — my daughter Koa Karhu (who shamelessly photobombed their family photos), and her dear friends Sutton, Ruby, and JW. They brought the set to life in that effortless way only children can — giggling, exploring, and wrapping themselves in the cozy spirit of the season.
Most of their winter wardrobes came from one of our longtime favorite children’s boutiques, Only Little Once — timeless textures and colors that perfectly complemented our lodge aesthetic.
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Moving to Alabama, I was instantly captivated — the sight of cotton fields glowing at sunset, lightning bugs dancing in the dusk, and a community rooted in such genuine, agricultural beauty. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced before.
This set is especially close to my heart. The Cox family has been a cherished supporter of The Cosmo Cottage from the very beginning, and it’s an honor to celebrate their beautiful grandbabies and the legacy of love and creativity that surrounds them. The Winter Lodge gallery is more than a gallery — it’s a glimpse into what we hold dear at The Cosmo Cottage: storytelling through design, childhood through an artist’s lens, and the warmth that comes from gathering together.
