Coastal Black

Mar 19

Coastal Black

Telling the Story of Coastal Black: A Farm Full of Heart, Harvest, and Community

When I started Hometown Creative last October, I knew exactly the kind of stories I wanted to tell — real stories about real people doing incredible things right here in our community. And over the past 8 months, I've had the opportunity to do just that in a big way, with one of the most ambitious projects I’ve taken on to date.

It all started with a simple idea: I reached out to Dan and Justine Ludwig to film their annual Pumpkin Festival at their family-run farm, Coastal Black. I thought it would be a beautiful, fun event to capture for my portfolio — but as soon as I met them, I knew there was something much bigger going on.

Coastal Black isn’t just a farm. It’s a vibrant hub of seasonal festivals, fresh food, locally made goods, and deep-rooted family values. The Ludwigs pour their heart into everything they do, and it shows.

Over the course of three seasons — from crisp fall mornings in the pumpkin patch to the first blooms of spring tulips — I had the privilege of documenting the life and energy behind Coastal Black. And let me tell you: their story practically tells itself.

Here’s just a taste of what you’ll find at Coastal Black:

🌷 Tulip Fest – Rows upon rows of stunning blooms, drawing visitors from all over the island for the ultimate spring photo op.
🎃 Pumpkin Fest – A fall favourite, complete with hayrides, corn mazes, family activities, and a field full of pumpkins.
🍯 Locally made honey, grown and harvested right on the farm.
🫐 Fresh blueberries — a sweet taste of summer.
🍷 Small-batch wine and cider, crafted from fruit grown on-site.
🕯️ Hand-poured candles and other artisan goods.
🎃 A market full of seasonal produce and handmade gifts.

With so much going on, this video turned into a packed, joyful highlight reel of everything the Ludwig family does — a mix of hard work, creativity, and genuine love for their land and their community. Every shoot day brought something new and exciting, whether it was chasing kids through flower fields or watching pumpkins get loaded onto wagons with smiling families all around.

What started as a quick project turned into a deeply fulfilling experience, not just professionally, but personally. Dan, Justine, and their kids welcomed me in like family, and I’m so grateful for the time we’ve spent together.

I’m also thrilled that this partnership is just getting started. We’ll be continuing to work together over the next year, telling even more stories, filming new events, and sharing the magic of Coastal Black with the world.

Stay tuned — this is just the beginning. 🎥✨