Then we miscarried.

I decided I needed plants. Lots of plants. All under my control, all things I could keep alive. I never seemed to have enough. Each month we had a negative test, that day I’d go to a nursery and get more plants. I’d take my time walking through the plant aisles. I’d run my fingers across their leaves, waiting for one to call out to me. Sometimes I’d go with my son and let him pick one. Sometimes, I just wanted to go alone. This was an errand where I couldn’t be rushed. I needed to take my time and let the minutes, sometimes hours, in the company of plants work their magic.

In June 2017, I woke up with an idea. Greenhouse. I want to build a greenhouse. So we did. We designed it ourselves. It's not a kit you buy. We were outside for 7 months, just the two of us, placing each individual piece with our own hands. Our fingerprints are pressed into the wood. Our blood, sweat and tears are mixed into the foundation. I've touched every single leaf and petal of every single plant and flower that calls it home. The greenhouse is an extension of my heart and soul. It shows us that there is good that comes from the bad and is a reminder of God's promises and His Perfect Plan.

It's so much more than just a greenhouse. We found out we were pregnant with our rainbow the day it was completed inside its's walls. Our family visits it daily and we play beneath the leaves. While it was never built for weddings, it's grown to be a micro-wedding venue. Couples say 'I do' here and for us, that's incredibly special. From pain comes beauty. From death, new life.

and then...

We are a registered Monarch Waystation! Along with tons of pollinator friendly plants, our yard is full of milkweed, the only plant monarchs lay their eggs on, and the only plant the caterpillars will eat! During butterfly season, Megan will go egg hunting and keep the eggs & caterpillars safe. When they emerge, they are released back into the yard to start the process all over again! They also remind Megan of their sweet baby. The very best thing you can do for their species? Plant milkweed! 

why the butterflies?

how did we get started?

Mitch and I were a full-time photo/video wedding team for almost 10 years. We traveled all over the world, documenting 40 weddings a year. When Covid hit, we suddenly had 40 couples whose weddings had come to a complete halt. We felt so bad for them! We said hey! We have a backyard greenhouse and we think it's really pretty. Keep your wedding date, lower your guest count, get married on your original date, we'll document it and then your reception at a later date. Many took us up on that offer, as well as couples that weren't originally ours. Before we knew it, we realized we accidentally created a wedding venue in our backyard and are now honored to host 100 weddings a year.

- Megan

'Waking up to a new sunrise - Looking back from the other side - I can see now with open eyes - Darkest water and deepest pain 
I wouldn't trade it for anything - 'Cause my brokenness brought me to You
And these wounds are a story You'll use

So I'm thankful for the scars - 'Cause without them I wouldn't know Your heart - And I know they'll always tell of who You are 
So forever I am thankful for the scars

I can see, I can see - How You delivered me - In Your hands, In Your feet - I found my victory - I can see, I can see - How You delivered me
In Your hands, In Your feet- I found my victory

I'm thankful for Your scars - 'Cause without them I wouldn't know Your heart
And with my life I'll tell of who You are - So forever I am thankful.'

- Scars, i am they