By Niurka Castaneda
Benjamin and I, Vaneesha Berry first crossed paths in 2014. We were friends, but not the romantic kind. I was always the bolder one, which, truth be told, made him a bit uncomfortable. So, he kept his distance. Life moved on, and after graduation, he joined the Navy, and we lost touch for a while.
Years later, in 2017, Facebook brought us back into each other’s lives. He was 23, I was 22, and the connection we had as teenagers rekindled effortlessly. Our friendship grew stronger, despite the miles and the years that had passed. Benjamin was a steadfast military man with firm opinions, but over time, his perspective softened, revealing a creative side I hadn’t seen before.
Then, life delivered an unexpected challenge. At the height of his Navy career, Benjamin was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma. The discovery came after excruciating pain revealed that the cancer had spread to his spine, crushing two discs and impacting his hip and shoulder. His diagnosis ended his military career and brought him back to Georgia for treatment.
Through every treatment, surgery, and difficult moment, I stood by his side. We married three years after his diagnosis, once he regained the ability to walk down the aisle. This September marks our seventh wedding anniversary—a milestone that reflects the resilience and love we’ve shared.
During his recovery, Benjamin discovered a passion for cinematography, which inspired me to explore the craft as well. I enrolled at Southern Crescent Technical College, where I found my own creative calling. That journey led to an internship at Cinema Greens, where I’ve spent the past three years working as a creative designer.
My role involves bringing unique visions to life, whether for weddings, events, or film sets. One of my career highlights was contributing to the greenery designs for the movie Passengers. From crafting custom terrariums to designing the iconic onboard tree, it was a thrilling experience. Though many projects remain confidential, I can share that I also worked on a stunning floral arrangement for the final episode of Atlanta.
With the film industry on pause, I’ve shifted my focus to weddings and formal events. Recently, I designed breathtaking teardrop-shaped floral arrangements inspired by tropical plants. The process of rigging these creations was both challenging and rewarding.
Documenting my journey on TikTok has been an unexpected joy. Sharing behind-the-scenes insights, from creating lifelike fake corn stalks to constructing intricate tree structures, has allowed me to connect with a broader audience. My background in horticulture and carpentry has been invaluable in these endeavors.
Benjamin and I have also found creative ways to collaborate. Now a writer, he crafts intricate D&D storylines, and I use my expertise in plants to bring his fantastical worlds to life. This shared passion led me to open my own plant shop and garden consultation business, helping others transform their backyards into urban tropical escapes.
Our journey hasn’t been without challenges, but it’s been filled with growth and discovery. From high school friends to life partners and creative collaborators, Benjamin and I have built a life rooted in resilience and mutual encouragement. Together, we continue to inspire each other to chase our dreams, no matter what life throws our way.
