TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS | WOLFE FAMILY
Every once in a while, a photo session feels less like work and more like a love letter to the people who make a place feel like home. This holiday season, that feeling came to life inside The Cosmo Cottage greenhouse with my next-door neighbors—Haley, Carlos, and their beautiful trio: Saylur, Emmie, and their newest little star, baby Lily.
Photographing this family felt effortless, largely because of Haley. She is, without exaggeration, one of the best mothers I have ever met—steady, present, nurturing, and endlessly creative. She’s also one of the few people I trust completely with my own daughter, a rare kind of trust that grows only with time, consistency, and heart. Her natural style and her children’s photogenic little personalities made this holiday set shine in the most beautiful way.
The greenhouse was transformed into a cozy holiday nook, all warm cocoa steam and the smell of fresh-baked treats. Saylur and Emmie—who have been inseparable from my daughter, Koa, since their first moment of eye contact and a quick sprint across the yard to say hello. It is my 1990’s dream to allow my kiddo to peak over the fence to see if her buddies are outside. That kind of solitude and learning it is ok to be bored and then… wait - Saylur and Emmie are outside, mama! Can I go?
Absolutely baby. I will ring the bell when it is time for dinner. Go play.
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“May your days be merry and bright”
KOA’S MOSES BASKET FROM BACK IN THE DAY. SHE SLEPT IN THIS BASKET FOR MONTHS AND IT HAS BEEN FEATURED IN OTHER SPECIAL MOMMY-BABY SESSIONS AT THE COSMO COTTAGE
< SCROLL GALLERY USING WHITE ARROWS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE PHOTO >
Moms often pour themselves into everything and everyone else, forgetting to pause and be in the frame. That’s why this session felt especially meaningful. Capturing Haley with her babies—so much love, so much intention—was an honor I don’t take lightly.
“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Maya Angelou”
YOU KNOW THE CONSULTATION IS GOLDEN WHEN COORDINATING TEXTURES AND COLORS -IF- YOU HAVE TO ASK THE SUBJECT WHAT COLOR THEIR HAIR IS NOW. BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU. THAT IS WHAT MAKES YOU ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. CATCHING YOUR BUDDY SILENTLY WATCH AND ADMIRE HER CHILDREN AS THEY PLAY MAKES MY SOUL HAPPY TO IT’S CORE.
“All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth
My two front teeth, see, my two front teeth”
“Emerald is the adventurer, the one who loves all things beautiful in the world. Literally naming a butterfly She is the headstrong, sassy one filled with attitude. But she has lots of love for everyone. She will talk for hours and tell you everything in that child mind of hers.” -MAMA HALEY
“Lily is a sweet, cute baby squish. That always wants to be held and loved on. 4 months old and the sweetest with a little bit of talking.” -MAMA HALEY
“Saylur is quiet, sweet and very observative. He is the one who loves soccer, games and always working hard at making sure he accomplishes his goals. He is always thinking of other peoples feelings.” -MAMA HALEY
I’m already counting down the days until I get to welcome the rest of their extended family traveling in from out of state later this December. If this session was any indication, the next chapter in their gallery will be just as heartfelt. And if you haven’t already discovered her work, Haley is a remarkable fiber artist whose crochet pieces feel like tiny heirlooms. You can find her beautiful creations on Instagram at @meadowpixiecrafts.
SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS
SUPPORT A LOCAL powerhouse creative who crochets stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces while raising three kiddos with heart and hustle.
HANDMADE MEANS HEART MADE — each stitch carries a story, a moment of calm, a rush of imagination.
SUPPORT LOCAL CREATIVITY — giving artists like Haley the freedom to keep creating, dreaming, and inspiring.
SUPPORT LOCAL ART THAT CARRIES MEANING — owning a local, handcrafted piece means you’re holding something no machine or mass-production line could ever replicate.
KEEP THE ARTS ALIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Here’s to neighbors who become chosen family, to holiday magic in unexpected places, and to the stories we get to keep—one photograph at a time.
