Tucked away in Buffalo, New York, Avanti Mansion has a history as rich as the weddings it now hosts. Once a symbol of Gilded Age splendor, it has transformed into one of Western New York’s most sought-after wedding venues. From an elegant summer escape for Buffalo’s elite to a place where modern love stories are crafted, Avanti Mansion’s journey is one of vision, resilience, and growth.
1892: The Birth of Bristol Woods
In 1892, businessman Pliny McNaughton, a well-known name in Buffalo’s business circles, purchased 20 acres of pristine woodland called Bristol Woods. Seeking an escape from the city’s hustle, McNaughton found solace in the vast stretch of land. This peaceful area was far removed from the industrial buzz of downtown Buffalo.
1895: Glen Isabel – A Summer Home for Buffalo’s Elite
Just three years later, McNaughton expanded his estate by acquiring additional land. He built a grand summer home he affectionately named Glen Isabel. Featuring grapevines, a 100-foot koi pond, acres of apple trees, and even their own personal train stop for easy access to get downtown. The estate quickly became a haven for the McNaughton family. It was a place where they could escape the pressures of city life and enjoy the natural beauty of Western New York.
1971: A Chapter Closes
Despite its grandeur, the estate passed through several owners, including the Hubbel family and the U.S. Sugar Company. By 1971, the property faced foreclosure and fell into abandonment. The once-grand estate, a relic of Buffalo’s golden era, was slowly being overtaken by nature.
1999: Humble Beginnings – A New Vision is Born
In 1999, Laurie Clark, a determined entrepreneur, founded Buffalo Road Catering Inc. She started in a small facility in Orchard Park. As her off-premise catering business grew, Laurie’s passion for food and event planning laid the foundation for her future endeavor.
2004: Taking a Bold Step – The Estate is Reborn
In 2004, Laurie took a bold step by purchasing the long-abandoned 27-acre estate. Most saw decay, but Laurie saw potential. Her vision was to restore the property to its former grandeur and create a unique venue. This vision gave birth to what we now know as Avanti Mansion.
2005: The Birth of Avanti Mansion – A New Era Begins
Laurie’s dream became reality, and the estate was reborn with a fitting name, Avanti, meaning “moving forward” in Italian. That year, the mansion hosted its first 13 weddings, each framed by the natural beauty and historic charm of the estate.
2010: Expanding for Love – The Amore Building is Born
Due to its growing popularity, Avanti Mansion needed more space. In 2010, the Amore Building was constructed, enabling year-round weddings. This expansion allowed more couples to create unforgettable memories, regardless of the season.
2016: Mansion Makeover – Wed & Breakfast is Launched
In 2016, the mansion underwent a full renovation. This restoration brought the launch of Wed & Breakfast, offering couples the opportunity to stay overnight. For the first time in decades, guests could spend the night in luxurious accommodations, extending their celebration.
2017: Joining the Elite – Leading Caterers of America
In 2017, Avanti Mansion joined the prestigious, invitation-only group, Leading Caterers of America. This accolade placed Avanti among the nation’s top 60 caterer’s, further cementing its reputation for excellent food, service, and events.
2018: 1,000 Weddings and Counting!
Avanti Mansion reached a major milestone in 2018, celebrating its 1,000th wedding. To commemorate the occasion, the team hosted a $20,000 wedding giveaway. This gesture reflected the venue’s community spirit and its commitment to celebrating love.
2019: Awards and a New Chapter
In 2019, Avanti Mansion was awarded New York State’s Wedding Venue of the Year and Buffalo’s Best Wedding Venue. Additionally, the Garden Venue was renovated, featuring a custom structure and expanded bar, perfect for outdoor summer ceremonies.
2020: A Year of Resilience
In 2020, the pandemic forced many venues to close, but Avanti Mansion persevered. Laurie Clark and her team adapted by staying connected with couples who had to postpone their weddings. Their resilience and unwavering commitment kept the dream alive during one of the most challenging years in recent memory.
2021: Amore Makeover – Continuing the Legacy
In 2021, the Amore building received a makeover, further enhancing its modern, luxurious appeal while maintaining the estate’s historic charm. The updates allowed the mansion to continue providing a timeless yet contemporary space for weddings.
2024: A 20-Year Celebration
This year marks 20 years of Avanti Mansion as a wedding venue. Recently voted Buffalo’s Best Wedding Venue again by the WNY community, Avanti continues to host love stories, just as it has for over a century. From its origins as Glen Isabel to its current status as a luxury venue, Avanti Mansion stands as a testament to resilience, vision, and love.
