They say that it takes one part crazy, one part passion, a dash of luck, and a whole lot of faith to take the leap to start a business. Well, here I stand nearly 20 years later still LOVING this crazy life as a multi-passionate creative entrepreneur. The truth is I get to do what I love every.single.day! It’s truly a gift serving our beloved clients during one of the most celebrated times in their lives alongside some of the most remarkable humans. It takes a very special individual to dedicate their career by serving others in this capacity. Countless hours are selflessly given on weekends away from our families to help our couples create lifelong memories, and our team does it with so much heart! I couldn’t be more PROUD of the experience we’re creating here at Millhaven and the beautiful clients we have the honor of serving along the way.

I’m Jenn Ederer, owner of The Millhaven, and I’m grateful you’re here.

As the contractor for both Greencrest and The Millhaven, Jeff has been instrumental in taking Jenn’s lofty ideas and making them into a reality more incredible than anyone could have imagined. He enjoys being the quiet, steady man behind the scenes. While his To Do list is always extensive, you will never see him stressed as he consistently leads by example. When he isn’t on the top of a scissor lift, you will find him brewing his delicious signature kölsch beer that will soon be served in our Greenhouse Cafe, tending to his hives and collecting honey offered for sale in our Retail Shop, and scouring antique stores for inspired pieces for both properties.

I learned the gift of hospitality from my mom. She has always been welcoming, caring, and puts others first. She truly is the hostess with the mostess and loves to make everyone feel at home. On Sunday mornings, you can find me at Greencrest Manor, cooking breakfast and sending our wedding guests on to the next chapter in their celebrations. Little known fact, I went to school for baking and pastry! In the off season, you can find me in front of the fireplace, reading and snuggling my puppy, Charlie.

My happy hour favorites include an Aperol Spritz or a margarita; they are trendy right now! Or a rosé, a nice dry white wine or a sparkling wine. I appreciate a good wine menu! If I could be anywhere else right now, I would love to be in Charolotte, NC, hanging out with my niece and nephew or camping at Isle Royale, a bucket list item for me! Things that do not fly in my world include light bulbs with different color temperatures, tapers that are taller than glass hurricanes, and dirty floors.

Going camping and kayaking are my favorite things to do; honestly if I could camp/kayak every weekend I would in an instant. The woods and nature, in general, are my happy place. I've always loved being outside ever since I was a child.

Happy Hour is by far my absolute favorite time to go to any restaurant. Put a strawberry margarita in one hand and some pretzel bites or wings in the other and I’m in a happy place.

I have enjoyed Sunday mornings since I started working in the event world. You can always find me with a book in my hand cuddling with my cats and dreaming about exploring Michigan with Michael.

The people in my life that I most admire and have been most influential are my parents. My mother was a legal secretary for many of the young lawyers who would become well known judges. One, in particular, is from whom I learned to swear! My father was a postal worker, along with three of my uncles. Dad would be the one home when we were out of school. The other neighborhood kids would always come over because he would come outside and play with us. He also did the cooking, a tradition my husband has continued, and I’m happy to let him! Mom taught me the love of gardening, a trait definitely handed down from my grandmother.

I love exploring Europe - Ireland, Scotland and Croatia, to be exact. My husband’s family immigrated from Ireland; we have been back at least 20 times because we love the beautiful country and its wonderful people. My grandfather came to America from Croatia (then Austria) in 1905 by himself. I had to finally see the little village he called home. It was beautiful as was the whole country with a coastline rivaling Greece and Italy.

I have always known what I wanted to do - be a teacher because teachers got summers off. WRONG! Teachers work just as hard during the summer as during the school year, taking many hours of classes, seminars, and workshops. I loved my job teaching in Albion, my hometown, because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. Over my 30 year career, I hope I did.

We’ve loved welcoming Kylie as one of the newer members of our team. She provides expert assistance in helping guests find the treasures they seek inside the Retail Shop and tending to our plant babies in the Garden Center. We’ve all enjoyed having Kylie’s sweet, kind spirit as part of The Millhaven!

This is not Kenny. But Kenny does not enjoy being in front of the camera and we respect that. To know Kenny is to understand that he has a servant’s heart and the passion and dedication to get the job done. We are endlessly grateful for his commitment in helping to transform The Millhaven.