Published October 3rd, 2025
š Pasture Tales & Autumn Beginnings
Hello darling!
September was our busiest month yet, and it reminded us how much life and connection this farm can hold. The shift into fall brought big momentsāRalph turning 3 and showing us what it means to care for our herd as they grow, a wedding that filled the land with love and laughter, and a day of remembrance that grounded us in community and resilience. Itās been a month of learning, celebrating, and honoring, and October is already shaping up to carry that same energy forward.
š¦ Ralph Turns 3: Growing Pains & Changes
If you can recall from the last newsletter, Ralph hit his third birthday this month, which in alpaca terms means heās entered his āteenageā years. With that has come some extra sensitivity and protectivenessātotally normal for his age, but it means weāve had to make a few changes to keep everyone safe and happy.
Starting this fall, brunch is no longer taking place inside the pasture. Instead, guests will enjoy their meal in a covered shelter that looks directly into the field, with plenty of opportunity to feed and interact with the boys from the fenceline. Itās a small adjustment, but one that feels right for the well-being of both our herd and our guests.
And since Ralphās birthday also lines up with the change of seasons, it feels fitting to share a reminder: Our brunch season will close on October 31st. This is the last chance to join us before we pause for winter.
š Anna & Juanās Joyful Day
On September 6th, we had the honor of hosting Anna and Juanās wedding at the farm. A small spatter of rain passed through during the ceremony, but nothing could dampen their spirits. Surrounded by family, friends, and the beauty of the land, the two of them radiated joy all day long.
Moments like these remind us why we opened our doors to love stories in the first placeābecause thereās something deeply special about seeing this place become part of a coupleās beginning.
āØ For couples looking ahead: weāre offering an exclusive promotion to all of our loyal subscribers. For any couples planning to get married in 2026, we are offering 10% off the base price of wedding packages. If youāre dreaming of saying āI doā here on the farm, just email us with the code ALPACALOVE and let’s make that dream come true!
š³ Honoring Hurricane Heleneās Anniversary
September 27th marked one year since Hurricane Helene changed Western North Carolina forever. Today, its memory carries both grief and gratitude ā grief for the lives and livelihoods that were lost, and gratitude for the resilience, care, and community that rose up in its wake. Here on the farm, its impact is still part of our story, shaping how we tend the land and how we hold space for one another.
On September 26th, our team gathered for a Tree Planting Day of Remembrance, placing new roots into the soil as a living tribute to both loss and renewal. Each of us chose a special tree to plant ā symbols of what we hope to grow in the years ahead. Even baby Dean got to plant a lovely lilac shrub with his mom and dad, making his own little mark on the land.
As we worked, we took time to reflect on the past year ā grateful for our own safety and for the resilience of this farm and community. With every scoop of dirt, we also held space for those who werenāt as fortunate and honored their memory in the simplest way we knew how: by planting something hopeful.
Caring for the land is one of the best ways we know to honor both the past and the future ā so thatās what weāll keep doing.
āļø Closing Out a Full Summer
This summer has been one of our busiest and most joy-filled yet. From countless brunch gatherings, hosting weddings, each new milestone keeps the farm alive with energy and connection. Every booking and every moment of laughter has added to the story weāre creating together here at Durrant Farms.
As we move from summerās bright fullness into the soft breeze of fall, we carry deep gratitude for each of youāfor showing up, for believing in our vision, and for helping us grow into all that weāre becoming. None of this would be possible without the love and support of this community.
Hereās to all that weāve created together, and to the season aheadāfull of new beginnings, cozy gatherings, and the quiet beauty of change.
With gratitude and sweet alpaca kisses,
The Durrant Farms Team
For bonus content, check out our latest blog detailing Alex & Selah’s big day from our POV!