The church that Thom and Nanette were married in Coloma, California.  The first discovery of gold in California was in the area of Coloma.  The sign near the church says, “Rev. Merritt-Chandler.”  Merritt and Chandler are two of Thom’s daughters.  This painting was released 10 years after Thom and Nanette first said, “I do.” At one time, Thom and his family lived less than five miles from this small country church.  Thom painted this piece in the early dusk so that evening worshipers could attend a nightly service.  Rumors have it that the real parishioners want to re-create the garden to look exactly like the way Thom painted it for this painting.  The actual church sits on a dry hillside.  Thom said, “After all, men build buildings, but only God’s love can build a church.”