Baumgardner Homestead

Rehearsal

Southern Market Lancaster

Welcome Gathering

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Sunday Hangout

Casual Brunch

Choose your own Lancaster Adventure

Our Wedding

Longtime friends to lifetime lovers

Our Story

Wedding Party

Celebrating the Baumgardner Homestead

This beautiful property where our wedding will take place has been in the Mellinger family for generations. As Nick's family prepares to pass it to new stewards in the coming year, our wedding is also a celebration of the land and the friends, family, and community that has kept it alive.

Back in the day

In the year 1878, Andrew Mehaffey built a house and barn opposite the little railroad station in what was known as the village of Baumgartner. Mehaffey had big plans. The house he built had twelve rooms, wide porches, and even a balcony facing the driveway. He thought the house would become a popular inn for folks wanting to escape the busy city of Lancaster. But Baumgardner was not the draw that Mehaffey envisioned and after two years the house and property was sold to Benjamin (BG) Mellinger in 1880.

BG Mellinger 

Nick's great, great grandpa BG ran the local post office and a small business out of the railroad station, shipping grain, leather, tobacco, flax and other crops from surrounding farms. Over the years the business expanded and so did the warehouse. When BG passed, his son Harvey took over the business and moved into the house and, along with his wife Clara, raised Mervin, Benjamin, Parke and Dorothy. Nick's grandpa, Parke Mellinger, started working for the family business right after high school, and took it over the from Harvey in the 1960's. Parke ran the business, which evolved to become a fuel oil company, until the 1990's. When Harvey died in 1968 he left the house to Parke and Ruth Mellinger, and in 1996 Ruth and Wayne, Nick and EmmaKate moved in with Parke. Nick and EmmaKate were the 5th generation Mellinger/Martin to live at Baumgardner.

Family and friends

Over the years many births, weddings and deaths occurred in the house and on the property. It was an active place. Gardens were grown. Butchering took place in the winter. Chickens, ducks and pigs were raised along with many children. Electricity and indoor plumbing replaced the gas lighting and outhouse. An electric stove replaced the old coal cookstove and upgrades continued through the years. During the years Parke and Ruth lived here many dozens of cookies were baked and sold at market to help fund Christmas presents and college tuitions. Quite a few were also eaten. When they were about 7 and 5 Nick and EmmaKate decided it was time to bake cookies on their own with no adult oversight. There was much banging and mixing and after quite a while loud cries of pain! Apparently fingers were burnt taking a batch out of the oven, the hot cookie sheet was dropped on the floor where Nick stepped on it with his bare feet. Mom entered the kitchen to much yelping and hopping. Batter everywhere and cookies on the counter, floor and ceiling. She helped Nick cool his feet under the kitchen faucet.

Baumgardner Today

Through the years, the business and house continued. From 2012 - 2015, the property became the home of Blue Rock Farm, an organic farm run by Caitlin and EmmaKate! Now, roses and peonies bloom that have existed for four generations. Our garden room that used to see butchering and washing has become our lovely hangout. The Baumgardner homestead has been a happy place to live and grow up enjoying stories of the generations before us. We are so excited to celebrate our love and this land together with you.

About Baumgardner

Welcome to Lancaster!

There is plenty to do and see while you're here. 

Lancaster City

First Friday, Downtown LancasterFriday, September 4 is First Friday, a monthly culture and arts event in Lancaster that features gallery openings, live music, street performers, and special events. You can also jump on a free trolley ride to experience the sights! First Friday is a great nearby event to do before or after our gathering event at Southern Market. More information at https://visitlancastercity.com/city-events/first-friday/.

Lancaster Central MarketCentral Market is one of the oldest continuously operating farmers’ markets in the country and is housed in a beautiful historic building. Stop in on Saturday for local vendors offering fresh produce, handmade goods, and baked treats. Note: closed on Sundays.

North Queen shopsThe 300 block of North Queen Street is a lively stretch of boutique shops, galleries, and food in downtown Lancaster. Check out Building Character, a collection of 80+ vendors in an old warehouse: https://buildingcharacter.biz/

West ArtOne of our favorite community spots in the city. Grab a coffee, enjoy the cool space, and take a walk at nearby Buchanan Park. https://www.westartlanc.com/

Pocket Books ShopA lovely local bookstore with great selection. They have two locations! https://www.pocketbooksshop.com/

Lancaster County

Sickman's MillA historic water mill along the Pequea Creek turned into an awesome outdoor venue. Bring a swimsuit &amp; towel if you want to rent a tube, or hang out on the beach at their restaurant and bar. https://www.sickmansmill.com/

Pine View DairyA local dairy with some of the best ice cream around! https://www.pineviewdairy.com/. Note: Closed on Sunday.

Lancaster County Central ParkA great park with lots of hiking, biking, and creek stomping options! https://co.lancaster.pa.us/244/Lancaster-County-Central-Park

Enola Low Grade Rail TrailAn awesome former railbed turned into a biking and walking path that ends at the Safe Harbor Trestle. https://susquehannagreenway.org/land-trails/enola-low-grade-rail-trail/

Trout Run Nature ReserveBeautiful hiking spot with a swimming hole: https://www.lancasterconservancy.org/preserves/trout-run/

Things to Do

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Lancaster

Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square

Lancaster Arts Hotel

The Hollinger House

Strasburg Village Inn

The Carriage House at Strasburg

Hotels

Registry

When is the deadline to RSVP?Please RSVP by July 15!

Can my children attend?Due to capacity, we ask that parents of non-infant children attend without their kids, unless otherwise noted on the invite. However, we know childcare &amp; travel is challenging and we don't want this to be a barrier, so if you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out! All children are welcome to attend the Friday or Sunday events.

What's the wedding dress code?Dressy casual, suitable for an outdoor event on grass and cement. We want you to be comfortable! The bride will be wearing comfortable sandals :)

What are parking instructions for Saturday wedding?We will share more information soon, stay tuned.

Is there a rain plan?Yes! In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved under the tent and the show will go in.

Are there nearby airports?Lancaster Airport is small but is serviced by a few airlines. Harrisburg International Airport is about 45 minutes from Lancaster. Philadelphia International Airport is about 1.5 hours away, but you can take a Lyft or Uber to 30th Street Station and then Amtrak to Lancaster. Let us know if you have any questions!

Do you have ideas of where I can stay?We added some ideas under the "Hotels" section, and there are also Airbnbs/VRBOs around Lancaster County. Reach out if you want more recommendations!