Capturing the Magic of the Enchanted Herbal Evening

Some nights don’t just unfold—they bloom, like wildflowers in a secret garden. That’s how it felt to step into the Enchanted Herbal Evening on August 10th, where magic lingered in the air, waiting to be captured. Hosted at City Farm Chehalis, the event was a beautiful reflection of community, creativity, and generosity. The venue itself—nestled quietly on Market Street in downtown Chehalis—felt like a hidden gem. Behind those historic doors, a vibrant world of bohemian charm, art, and rustic elegance unfolded, perfectly setting the scene for a night that would be nothing short of enchanting.



As a photographer, I don’t just take pictures. I seek out the stories that might otherwise be missed. And on this night, there were so many stories waiting to be told—woven into the laughter, the music, and the smallest of gestures. This wasn’t just another event; it was an experience. One filled with light, color, and an unmistakable sense of connection. I knew from the moment I arrived that this would be one of those nights that leaves a lasting imprint.

A Venue Full of Hidden Magic

The atmosphere at the Enchanted Herbal Evening was truly enchanting and immersive—it felt like stepping into a new world! The venues two story structure was full of charm and history that truly set the scene for an evening ahead. Upon entering through the doors I found myself mesmerized by the bohemian decor that greeted me so warmly—it was like being embraced by a world of creativity and style all at once! The playful and creative energy on the floor added a touch of magic to the nights festivities, with interactive stations that made it all the more special. The raffle tables were arranged in a corner of the room where guests mingled and explored while making their bids amidst the lively ambiance. It seemed like every corner of the venue had a touch to it. No matter where you stood it felt like being swept into an enchantingly vivid story unfolding right before your eyes.

Upstairs is where the venue truly came alive. The open space was perfect for the evening’s live music, flowing seamlessly into dinner, drinks, and lively conversations. The venue’s natural grandeur made it an ideal setting for the auctions and the excitement of the dessert dash, all while maintaining a sense of intimacy. As I moved through the room, I couldn’t help but appreciate how this space brought everything together—transforming a simple evening into something truly magical. It felt like the perfect place to host an event that blends community, creativity, and connection.

A Community of Giving

The heart of the evening was the people—their generosity, their warmth, and their shared commitment to supporting Nature Nurture Farmacy's vision. Everywhere I turned, there were moments of giving. From the silent auction tucked into the corners, where guests could quietly bid on treasures donated by local artisans & vendors, to the lively live auction where hands flew up in support of the cause, there was an unspoken understanding that this community stands together.

But it wasn’t just the auctions that created this sense of unity. It was in the quiet exchanges, the hugs between old friends, and the way neighbors whispered excitedly about their bids. As I moved through the space, I found myself drawn to these in-between moments—the kind where you catch a glimpse of the deeper connections that hold a community together.

The Art of Capturing a Meal Grown & Created with Passion

The evening’s meal was nothing short of a masterpiece. Created by local producers like Alucinor Farms and Black Sheep Creamery, the food felt like a celebration of the earth itself. I found myself drawn to the colors, the textures—the way the light hit a fresh piece of bread or how a fork dipped into a colorful salad made by hands that care so deeply about their craft. Each plate, colorful and vibrant, was a reminder of the care, love, and hard work that goes into sustaining this community.



I was enchanted by the way the food told its own story. Photographing the dishes wasn’t just about capturing their beauty—it was about capturing the essence of the people who created them. The farmers, the chefs, the artisans—each had their hand in making this meal a true reflection of our community’s deep connection to the land. I couldn’t help but be in awe of how these ingredients, grown with passion, came together to nourish not just our bodies, but our spirits.

A Simpler Past Homestead

Nestled at the end of the Newaukum Valley, A Simpler Past Homestead is a true reflection of what it means to live in harmony with the land. Rooted in old-fashioned quality and built with care by hand, this homestead is more than just a farm—it’s a way of life. The Noble family has created a space where sustainable living, community, and tradition thrive. Their philosophy of honoring the past while building for the future made them the perfect addition to the Enchanted Herbal Evening, contributing a sense of history and heart to the event. Everything they do reflects a deep respect for nature and a passion for creating a better world through mindful farming. Watching Derek and June work was a true delight, as they approached every plate with the hands and hearts of artisans, transforming each dish into a work of art.

Shona's Food Company

Just down the street on Market Boulevard, Shona’s Food Company is a local treasure that brings comfort and community to the table. Her menu is a love letter to fresh, local ingredients, with every bite full of the care and passion that goes into sourcing from nearby farms. Her meals embody the essence of the region, each dish thoughtfully crafted to tell the story of the land and the people who grow the food. Her commitment to sourcing local produce shines in everything she creates, making her not just a chef, but a true storyteller of our region’s flavors.

Minus Tide Shellfish

There’s something about Minus Tide Shellfish that speaks to the soul of the Pacific Northwest. Their oysters, clams, and other shellfish are harvested straight from our local waters, capturing the essence of the sea in each bite. What I admire most about Minus Tide is how they’re deeply committed to sustainable farming practices. It’s not just about the food; it’s about preserving the environment that nurtures it. When you enjoy their shellfish, you’re not just tasting the freshest seafood around—you’re supporting a philosophy of care and respect for the ecosystem that sustains us all. For anyone who loves the flavors of the coast, Minus Tide Shellfish is a taste of the ocean done right.

Desserts Dash

And then came the dessert dash, where things took a lighter, more playful turn. Watching guests eagerly eye their favorite treats, generously donated by local bakeries, restaurants, and home kitchen bakers, was an absolute delight to capture. The room filled with laughter and excitement as people dashed to secure their favorite desserts.

It wasn’t just about the sweets, though. What stood out to me were the joyful connections being made—friends giggling over their favorite picks, families sharing a dessert, and the pure happiness in the air. There was something whimsical and uplifting about this part of the evening, and I knew I had to capture the energy, the smiles, and the sense of community that was so present in that moment.

The Bar: Drinks Too Pretty to Drink

The drinks at the Enchanted Herbal Evening were like mini works of art—each one crafted with such beauty, it almost felt wrong to take a sip. The ladies behind the bar poured their hearts into every drink, infusing each creation with an attention to detail that turned cocktails into something magical. Despite working tirelessly throughout the evening, they never stopped smiling. It was clear they loved what they were doing, and their passion showed in every glass. Watching them craft these beautiful drinks was a reminder that art comes in many forms, even in something as simple as a cocktail.

Art and Spirit: Henna, Tarot, and Music to Enchant the Night

As if the evening needed any more magic, it was enriched by an array of artistic experiences that made the night unforgettable. Sun O Henna’s delicate henna art added an earthy, spiritual touch, as guests lined up to adorn their skin with intricate, beautiful designs. Meanwhile, Melody Lynn offered tarot readings, adding an air of mystique and introspection to the event. Watching guests sit quietly, listening as the cards unfolded, I knew I was witnessing a moment where art and meaning came together.

Then, there was the music. The melodies of Danika & Benny floated through the venue like a gentle breeze, setting the perfect tone for the evening. Their music wasn’t just background noise—it was part of the experience, weaving through conversations and adding harmony to the night. The music, along with the soft murmur of voices and the occasional burst of laughter, created a soundtrack perfectly in tune with the atmosphere.

Generosity That Truly Blew Me Away

As the live auction kicked off, I was reminded once again of how generous this community is. Hands flew up, bids were placed, and the room buzzed with excitement. But beyond the bidding, there was a deep sense of purpose. Every bid wasn’t just for the sake of winning a prize—it was for the love of supporting the cause. The generosity, the willingness to give, and the pure joy in doing so left me speechless.



The prizes, donated by local businesses and artisans, were treasures in their own right. But what stood out most were the people behind the bids—their smiles, laughter, and pride in giving back. In that moment, I felt deeply connected to the spirit of this community, and I wanted to capture every bit of it.

In Closing...

By the end of the night, I reflected on how lucky I am to be part of this community. As an artist, I strive to capture not just the visuals, but the heart of the story—the connections, emotions, and spirit behind the moment. On this night, I felt like I had the chance to do exactly that.

The Enchanted Herbal Evening was more than just an event—it was a celebration of everything that makes Lewis County special. The people, the food, the artistry, and the giving spirit all came together in a way that felt magical. Photographing it wasn’t just an honor, it was an experience that reminded me why I love what I do.



Thank you to everyone who made this night so special. Whether you were a guest, volunteer, vendor, or sponsor—your contribution helped create something truly beautiful. I hope these photos let you relive the magic, and maybe see the night from a new perspective.