About Us
Laying the Cornerstone for Standing Oak Farm
After a combined 45 years of dedicated service in the United States Army, Jon and Dannielle felt called to begin a new chapter—one rooted in faith, family, and community. Having spent much of their military careers at Fort Bragg, they developed a deep connection to North Carolina and knew it was where they wanted to plant lasting roots.
Following their retirement, they purchased land in West End, North Carolina, built their forever home, and brought their vision to life.
Standing Oak Farm. What began as a calling has grown into a place grounded in purpose, perseverance, and the enduring strength symbolized by the oak.
“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.”
— Isaiah 61:3
Standing Oak Farm is more than land and home—it is the legacy of service, faith, and commitment that Jon and Dannielle carry into this new season of life.
Raising Farm Kids
There’s something special about raising children on a farm. Life moves a little slower here, and the lessons run a little deeper.
Farm kids learn early that hard work matters. They understand that animals depend on them, that fences don’t fix themselves, and that early mornings are often the most beautiful part of the day. They grow up knowing the value of commitment, responsibility, and caring for something beyond themselves.
But more than chores and calloused hands, they gain something even greater — space. Space to roam, to imagine, to climb trees, to build forts, and to watch the sun set over open fields. They learn resilience when things don’t go as planned and gratitude when the harvest comes in.
At Standing Oak Farm, raising farm kids isn’t just about country living. It’s about building character, strengthening family bonds, and creating a childhood filled with freedom, faith, and unforgettable memories.
It’s muddy boots by the back door. It’s laughter echoing across the pasture. It’s a life rooted deep — like the oaks that stand strong through every season.
A Wedding Close to Our Hearts
The very first wedding ever held at Standing Oak Farm will forever be the most meaningful one of all — our son’s.
Before the farm hosted other couples, before celebrations filled the fields, it witnessed the joining of our own family in a new way. Watching our son say his vows beneath the open sky, surrounded by the land we poured our hearts into, was a moment we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
That day wasn’t just the beginning of a marriage — it was the beginning of Standing Oak Farm as a wedding venue. It confirmed what we had hoped from the start: that this land was meant to be a place where families gather, promises are made, and legacies begin.
There is something deeply personal about knowing the first “I do” spoken here belonged to our own child. It set the tone for everything that followed — that every wedding at Standing Oak Farm would be treated like family, because to us, it truly is.
