Rehearsal Dinner

The Manor House Wedding & Event Venue

Wedding Day

To Our Guests:

Thank you for spending one of the most important days of our lives with us! We are eternally grateful and so lucky to be surrounded by so much love and support. This site has all the details you’ll need leading up to the wedding. Can't wait to celebrate with all of you soon! -Melanie Pate &amp; Cordell Houppert ♥

Our Wedding

A Tale of Modern Romance...

Cordell and Melanie "met" in a romantic tale as old as time (well, 2010): Instagram. Cordell sent Melanie a direct message on Instagram in July 2021 after seeing her pull out of a Stewart's gas station. Oh, the romance. After months of pursuit, the two eventually began going on dates. One of their favorite spots? Jeb's in Lowville. (For our out-of-staters, think L - OW [ouch] - VILLE). You might be wondering why "met" is in quotations. The story of these two lovebirds actually didn't begin here - well, not officially. Cordell and Melanie both camped at Happy Hollow Campground. Melanie and her family, living in North Carolina, visited New York every summer and practically lived in their camper at the campground for the season. You could find Cordell at the arcade, fishing pond, or swimming hole. Melanie was usually at the park or walking around with friends. Though the two rarely crossed paths at the time, their families have known each other for years. Cordell officially asked Melanie to be his girlfriend on October 26th, 2021. After six months of dating, in Melanie's spontaneity, she decided to move back to Charlotte, North Carolina. Cordell made a brave decision to move out of his hometown and into an apartment with her to continue their love story. Cordell proposed on November 16th, 2024. The two live outside of Lake Norman with their beloved sons: a lab named Clifford and a golden doodle named Fredrick.

Our Story

The Parents

James & Amy Pate

Todd & Robin Houppert

Meet Our Wedding Party!

If you know me, you know my older sister, Morgan, is one of my best friends. She's my travel companion, confidante, and the first person I turn to for everything. I can’t wait to share this special day with her, just as she’s shared so many memories with me over the years.

Morgan Pate

Landon is Melanie's younger brother. Although moving to North Carolina was daunting, I had an immediate friend in Landon. Between watching the Panthers always lose and our late-night pool hall outings, its safe to say that I found my best man. 

Landon Pate

Cassie is Cordell's amazing older sister! From the moment I met her, she welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like part of the family. I am so excited to gain another sister and have her stand by my side on our special day!

Cassie Kline

As my first ever friend and roommate, I will always appreciate Cody for including me in all of him and his friends activities - even if he might not have wanted to all the time. I have no doubt that he will always go up to bat for me. He is the epitome of what a big brother should be and I knew I wanted him by my side on my wedding day. 

Cody Houppert

Kayla has been my best friend since elementary school and has been by my side through everything. She recently got married and I was honored to stand by her side on her special day - now I'm grateful to have her by mine!

Kayla Smith

Ryan has been one of my best friends since childhood. I know he'll always be there to answer my calls, no matter where we are. Whether it be the infamous Christmastime Tug Hill adventures or homemade Queso football dates on Sundays, he is the definition of a true friend. 

Ryan Sprowl

Zoey is one of my closest friends and one of the most fun and lively people to be around! We originally met in middle school but lost touch and rekindled our friendship a couple of years ago when Cordell and I went to eat at her place of work (and Cordell's favorite restaurant), Midwood Smokehouse. I am so grateful for Zoey and couldn't think of a better choice for our day-of-coordinator!

Zoey Epps

Something Blue Crew

We’re thrilled to have the Bride’s ‘Something Blue Crew’ with us on our big day! While they won’t be standing at the altar, this special group will be wearing blue accessories to celebrate their unique role in supporting the bride, and we can’t wait to share this journey with them.

Jenna Steiner

Laurel Steiner

Trace McCall

Wedding Party

Engagement Photo Gallery

The Details

The Ceremony

Our ceremony will begin at 3:00pm, please arrive no more than 30 minutes in advance to grab a seat! <a href="https://manorhouse1.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Manor House</a> will stop seating guests 10 minutes prior to the ceremony beginning, so be sure to plan accordingly if you'd like to attend. Seating will be first come first serve.

The Reception

After the ceremony, please join us for a cocktail hour with light hors d'oeuvres, followed by a reception with dinner. Come hungry because Jim (owner of Crossroads Tavern, Melanie's dad) will be catering!

Q + A

Have additional questions that aren't answered above? Please feel free to reach out to us.

Details / Q&A

The Dress Code

Our dress code is <a href="https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-guest-attire-cheat-sheet" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">semi-formal</a>/garden party inspired. If you're anything like us, you might look at the dress code description and think: what the heck does that mean? If you're anything like the groom, you're probably either on the line of not caring what you look like or asking your significant other for advice on what to wear on the regular. And, if you're anything like the bride, you probably find yourself in your closet on the daily trying to piece together the "perfect" outfit. Good thing she works remote. Anyway, here is some inspiration: Think flowy dresses, jumpsuits, or linen button-downs with nice pants. Light, airy colors, florals, and breathable fabrics are encouraged as well.

Don't Stress! 

Please keep in mind this isn't a strict dress code and regardless of what you choose, we want you to feel comfortable and confident, so wear whatever works for you! We simply ask that you please refrain from outfits that are predominately white or overly casual attire.

Dress Code

Venue Details

The venue address is: 15580 NY-193, Pierrepont Manor, NY 13674. Our ceremony and reception will both be held at this location.

Out of State Travel

Traveling from out of state? We're so excited to have you! If you are planning to fly, the airports closest to the venue are: Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)Watertown International Airport (ART) We do not have specified hotel blocks but Watertown has many hotels available. We recommend the following: <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/artgigi-hilton-garden-inn-watertown-thousand-islands/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-GI-ARTGIGI&amp;y_source=1_MjA4MjIzOC03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hilton Garden Inn Watertown/Thousand Islands</a><a href="https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/watertown/artaa/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-EX-_-US-_-ARTAA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites Watertown-Thousand Islands</a> Each of these options are within 20 minutes from the venue.

For guests traveling out of state who haven't been here before, please keep in mind this is a very rural area. The ability to call an Uber or anything similar is very limited! Our venue will have plenty of parking available but feel free to carpool to help reduce clutter.

Accommodations 

This beach is less than a 15 minute drive from Pierrepont Manor, NY! Located on Lake Ontario.

Southwick Beach State Park

Sackets Harbor is a gorgeous location with various places to eat and fun shops.

Village of Sackets Harbor

Boldt Castle & Boldt Yacht House

The annual Jefferson County Fair runs from July 14th - 19th, 2026.

Jefferson County Fair

Northern NY is the best place to explore nature. Although we're bias and would say Lewis County is better, Jefferson County is closer to our venue. You can filter using the website link to see all parks and nature centers in the area.

Melanie & Cordell

Melanie & Cordell

M&C

Wedding Day

To Our Guests: