Tying the Knot at Historic Ashland
This spring, Megan Scheffey and Mark Risser will say their “I dos” and dance the night away as the very first couple to be wed at Historic Ashland. “As soon as we drove onto the property, I fell in love,” Scheffey said. Love is exactly the feeling that general manager Leah Nadu hopes couples will experience at Ashland.
Central PA’s newest wedding and event venue is a family-owned business and a true labor of love, no pun intended. When the Nadu family, parents Patti and Jeff, and Leah’s younger brother, Quinn, started searching for Quinn’s wedding venue, they realized that they could use their unique talents to create their own. Patti is a licensed Realtor with a background in design and decorating and Jeff owns a building company.
Leah explains that they searched for a property that was “really cool and classic with history behind it.” When they saw the property now known as Historic Ashland, they all had a vision of the original barn modernized without taking away its historic integrity. Although the property has now been completely restored, the historical relevance of the property is very important to the family and is how the new venue derived its name.
Leah insists that while the property has a barn, there is nothing rustic about it. “It’s not a farm and it’s not a ranch. It’s a timeless space set on ten acres,” says Leah. Sitting on mature greenery and lush grounds, Ashland offers couples a private place to start their forever, including three buildings. Gorgeously decorated, the mansion circa-1906 is any bride’s dream come true, offering a gorgeous background for photos among timeless decor. The groom and his party can relax in the Clubhouse located in the original house, circa 1806. One of Leah’s priorities is to create a space in which the couple feels at home, so the mansion and the original house are both equipped to host the bridal and groom parties. Couples spend the day on site getting ready for their big day. Leah says, “I want you to feel like it’s your private property for the day and that you are hosting your guests.” Couples can choose from 4 outdoor ceremony spots across the property. The main building, where the reception occurs, is referred to as “the lodge.” The lodge also doubles as the couple’s rain plan to host their ceremony on its first floor. Climate controlled for use all year, the lodge dates back to 1806 and feels spacious and modern, thanks in part to the 42 ft. ceilings. The lodge’s charm also comes from the exposed beams and brick and stone fireplaces. The cumulative effect of which makes you feel like you are enjoying the charm and history of York County with a clean, modern twist.
Effortlessly beautiful now, renovating the property and starting the venue has been equal parts exhausting and truly rewarding for the Nadu family. Thankfully, Leah, who finished her MBA while starting her own business, does not shy away from a challenge. She thanks her work ethic and her desire to become friends with everyone who steps foot on her property for the early and tremendous success of the venue.
“Ultimately, I’m so humbled that people believed in us and our vision,” Nadu said with a smile.
Interior Photo by SMJ Photography
