Climbing Bines Hop Farm

Welcome Reception

Climbing Bines Hop Farm & Brewery

Wedding Ceremony

Wedding Reception

Mustang Pub & Grill

After Party

Farewell Brunch

Fall

Our Wedding

Welcome to our travel page! Below, you'll find our suggested hotels for wedding weekend. No hotel blocks will be reserved for the wedding. Please feel free to explore these and any other options that would work best for your stay! In addition to these listings, we encourage guests to look at AirBnb and VRBO for alternate accommodations. Please keep in mind while booking that our wedding falls on a holiday weekend that is very popular for tourism in Geneva. While this means you'll be able to enjoy the best of the Finger Lakes during your stay if you choose, it also means that hotels will book quickly. To ensure you are able to secure accommodations, please be sure to book your stay far in advance. A casual after party will take place in Penn Yan directly following the wedding reception at the Mustang Pub &amp; Grill. If you anticipate wanting to attend, we suggest staying at one of the Penn Yan listings! Happy traveling! We can't wait to see you.

The Microtel by Wyndham s is a 12 minute drive from Climbing Bines, our reception venue. The hotel is also a 2 minute walk from our casual after party, which will take place following the reception, details TBA. This hotel is an ideal option for guests who would like to stay close to the reception and party with us after the reception ends!

Microtel by Wyndham Penn Yan Finger Lakes Region

The Best Western Plus is a 12 minute drive from Climbing Bines, our reception venue. The hotel is also within a 5 minute drive of our casual after party, which will take place following the reception, details TBA. This hotel is an ideal option for guests who would like to stay close to the reception and party with us after the reception ends!

Best Western Plus Vineyard Inn & Suites

Travel

Photos taken by Annie Deering at Annie Creates Studios | May 2024

Engagement Photos

Ethan and Rebecca met in the fall of 2019 in their undergraduate studio voice class taught by Margaret Chalker. Rebecca recalls Ethan’s first studio performance well. She says she always knew his voice was going to be the real deal. They were friendly for a few years, attending each other's recitals and offering support and vocal advice. In the fall of 2021, while planning her graduation recital, Rebecca decided she wanted the entire Chalker studio to join her for the last number, “Make Our Garden Grow” from “Candide.” She had a special request for Ethan, whom she asked to sing the leading tenor (Yes, you read that right! Ethan used to be a Tenor, and Rebecca never lets him forget it.) in the duet. He graciously accepted — Rebecca was SO excited to finally get to sing with him. When the spring semester rolled around, Rebecca’s recital preparations were in full swing. They found themselves in a few classes together and began rehearsing for Candide. A few weeks into the semester, Ethan broke his ankle. Because their schedules were lined up so well, Rebecca offered to drive Ethan to and from classes so he didn’t have to crutch his way through the Potsdam snow and ice every day. This also gave her extra time to bug him about learning his music for her recital (LOL). Before they knew it, small talk and rehearsing turned into Ethan tagging along for after-class Taco Bell runs and errands, doing homework together, and hanging out with Rebecca’s roommates, joining them for wine nights, errands, and nights out very often. The pair went on their first “real” date on March 13th, 2022. They spent the day shopping for an outfit for Ethan to wear to Rebecca’s recital and stopped at Spanky’s diner on the way home. Rebecca likes to say that their first date actually happened much earlier than that, on the night they went to Taco Bell for a study break, blasted Taylor Swift in the parking lot, and shared laughs over burritos and freezes. This became a fun tradition that the couple has enjoyed countless times since, but Ethan insists that “Taco Bell can NOT be a first date.” At the end of March, Ethan wasn’t on crutches anymore, but Rebecca was still driving him to class most days. The spring opera was coming up and Rebecca’s family was visiting to see the show. Rebecca jokingly warned Ethan to keep his distance after the show unless he wanted to be introduced to her family as her “friend from class,” to which he responded, “Well, maybe you could introduce me as your boyfriend,” which is exactly what she did. That conversation on March 22nd, 2022 marked the beginning of their relationship. The next year together saw lots of medium to (very) long distance, several moves together, two graduations, lots of jobs, countless weekend trips, a few auditions and competitions, a senior recital, and a whole lot of love. The couple traveled to Chicago, New York City, Albany, Vermont, Boston, and a few places in between. They spent hours on FaceTime dates, made nonsensical travel plans in order to see each others’ families, and planned thoughtful surprises for each other between visits. After Ethan’s graduation from Crane in the summer of 2023, it was a busy few months with much in store for the two. First, Ethan moved back home from college. Then, Rebecca moved from her apartment in Oneida to the Wagner household in Geneva. At the same time, they were preparing for their six week trip to Novafeltria, Italy to sing with La Musica Lirica. Ethan sang the title role in Don Giovanni, and Rebecca sang the leading soprano in Falstaff, Alice Ford. They also sang in concerts and masterclasses, participated in acting workshops, and, of course, took in the beauty of the Italian countryside while on the trip. Ethan knew that he wanted to propose to Rebecca in Italy, so he spent the month before they left and the first few weeks of the trip planning the big moment. It wasn’t easy to sneak the ring to another country with Rebecca's meticulous packing (and repacking) rituals. Once the ring had safely arrived in Italy, Ethan set his plan in motion. Over the first 3 weeks of the program, he scouted out locations for the proposal, organized friends to help take pictures, and planned out every detail. The big day started at 3:30am. Ethan and Rebecca woke up and prepared to go on a sunrise hike. Anyone who knows Rebecca knows she is NOT a morning person, which made it very difficult to get her excited for a 3:30am wake up call. In fact, Rebecca nearly decided she would rather sleep than hike, and it took a great deal of convincing from Ethan to get her up. He even tried to entice her by saying, “If you get up now maybe you’ll even have time to paint your nails while I’m in the shower! You can use that new set you’ve been wanting to use.” She responded with “Fine, but I don’t think I’m going to do my nails.” After Ethan told her she should reallllllly do them anyway, Rebecca had a little clue to what was going on and perked up a little more. They left for the hike at 5am, and arrived just in time for a 5:37 sunrise in Talemello, Italy. A couple of friends were waiting there, hiding behind cars and walls to take pictures of the moment. As the sun rose over the Italian countryside, they beautifully captured the moment when Ethan asked Rebecca to marry him. She said yes, and they shared a hug and a kiss. They excitedly called friends and family members from their lookout point. Since it was so early in the United States, many of them were still awake! Rebecca and Ethan were so excited to come home and share their happiness with their friends and family, and now, they&nbsp;can’t wait for you to join them on their big day! They are filled with joy and excitement thinking about the life they will build together.

Our Story 

Photo Timeline

If you're looking at this page, you know enough about us...

Rebecca Matte

...but keep reading to learn about our totally awesome wedding party! 

Ethan Wagner

Mary Kate was born and raised in Rome, NY, and has been best friends with Rebecca since they were just two asthmatics on the middle school cross country team. Librarian by day and knitting aficionado by night, you can usually find her morally supporting her friends’ dance moves, but don’t let her fool you—she has a Bachelor’s degree from UVM in dropping it low (read: abstract contemporary dance). She is a master designated driver and always carries snacks and earplugs in her purse. Ask her how many library cards she has on her right now! 

Mary Kate Kennedy

Meet Nick Wagner, the groom's older brother and best man. A proud RIT alum, Nick works in a medical lab and is a master of many talents, from baking the perfect baguettes and cookies to forging metal masterpieces. When he's not working or creating in the kitchen, he’s tackling a home renovation project or heading out on a hike. Since meeting Rebecca, the two often spending hours on the phone chatting about books, baking, and life’s little adventures. He's also been the couple's reliable moving partner, helping them settle into new places four times in just three years! And let’s not forget his furry companion, Marmalade, who’s always by his side entertaining Ethan and Rebecca during every phone call by causing chaos at every turn. Nick is thrilled to be Ethan's Best Man and welcome Rebecca into the family!

Nicholas Wagner

Steven is Ethan's cousin on the NYC-Jewish side and lifelong video game-companion. The pair has been thick as thieves ever since they first argued over whose Papa Jeff Wagner really is (they eventually worked out the confusion). Over the years, they have stayed close as they've both pursued their loves of music; they've sang the very occasional duet, but mostly stuck to FaceTime catch-ups. Steven is so happy for Ethan and Rebecca and is honored to be helping out in welcoming a new member to the family!

Steven Wagner

Amanda is from Nesconset, New York. She attended college at the Crane School of Music with Rebecca and Ethan, and lived with Rebecca during her junior and senior year. Amanda met both Rebecca and Ethan through voice studio class! 

Amanda is thrilled to be Rebecca’s bridesmaid and to be by her side on her wedding day. She’s most excited to celebrate her two amazing friends and to dance all night with everyone!

Amanda DiBartolo

Brianna met Rebecca on their first day of undergrad in Margaret Chalker's studio class. After bonding on a NATS trip during their freshman year, Brianna, Rebecca, and Amanda became and inseparable trio through their time at Crane. They lived together for two years, and spent countless hours studying, cooking, and sewing SAI letters together. After Bri moved to Florida for grad school, their roomie sleepovers turned into FaceTime dates, text updates, and trips to go to each other's wedding events! Bri is excited to be  part of Ethan and Rebecca's big day.

Brianna Gerhardt

Kathleen is an EMT from Rome, New York. She has known Rebecca since they were orphans together in 2008 in a production of "Annie." Kathleen tried very hard not to make it obvious that she knew *exactly* when Rebecca was being proposed to. A fun fact about Kathleen is that the principal threatened to breathalyzer her at the Junior Prom because her moves were too sick. You can bet you will see her pop, lock, AND dropping it at the Wagner Wedding.

Kathleen Isherwood

Madelynn was born and raised in Rome, NY and met the beautiful bride in 5th grade when they both began music activities together. From that moment on Rebecca remained the soprano to Madelynn's alto all through middle and high school. The Sandy to her Rizzo, if you will. She is so excited to spend the day celebrating such a beautiful couple with all of her favorite people in one place. When you see her at the wedding, ask her about the time she traveled to Germany and Spain! 

Madelynn Maiolo

Ryanne is from a small town in upstate NY near Rebecca! She currently lives in NYC and is attending grad school at NYU! Rebecca and Ryanne have known each other for about 7 years, having done show choir festivals together since high school. In college, they started to become absolute besties when Rebecca joined A Sharp Arrangement and became Ryanne's mentee. It's been true bestie love ever since. Ethan and Ryanne met at Crane, geeking out about conducting together from time to time. She is SO pumped for this wedding, to be in her first bridal party ever, and to celebrate Rebecca and Ethan and their love. 

Ryanne Solinsky

Amber was born and raised in Merrick, NY. Amber met Rebecca in her first semester of college when they took the same music theory class! Amber is an elementary school teacher with a love of animals, video games, and music. Fun fact: Amber and Rebecca only got to live together in college for half a semester before the pandemic ruined their dreams and sent Amber home (this is actually not a fun fact at all, but a sad fact). Amber could not be happier that Rebecca and Ethan have found each other and are ready to live their happily ever after!

Amber Kempf

Mia is from Rockaway, Queens. She feels lucky to consider Ethan family. She's known him for almost a decade. They met when Mia started dating Steven (Best Man, the one with the beard). She met Rebecca through Ethan and feels like they've known each other forever! They've grown so close over the last few years, and Mia was even there when Rebecca bought her wedding dress! She is so excited to celebrate Ethan and Rebecca on their wedding day and to dance the night away! 

Mia Melchiorri

Rebecca met both Ethan and Rebecca in undergrad at Crane— they were in the same voice studio together! She is so happy that they have found each other, and is incredibly excited for their big day! 

Rebecca Spencer

Noah is from Albany, New York. He met Ethan and Rebecca during college at Crane. He and Ethan became fast friends, bonding over their love of video games, opera and Taco Bell. He’s very excited to see one of his best friends and greatest role models get married to someone just as amazing as he is. 

Noah Unser

Kayla is Rebecca's younger cousin. Her favorite memories with the couple are visiting Rebecca after she first moved to Boston and having a sleepover with Rebecca and Toast in their apartment, and helping Ethan record Rebecca's grad school pre-screens and getting to hear her sing opera music. In her free time, Kayla enjoys horseback riding and figure skating! She is so excited to be part of the wedding party, and can't wait for Rebecca and Ethan to get married!

Kayla Gicewicz

Reid is Rebecca's younger cousin and Kayla's older brother. Reid's favorite memory with Rebecca is when she babysat Kayla and him for a week when she was on summer vacation. They baked all kinds of treats together and had so much fun! Reid is very much looking forward to eating wedding cheesecake on wedding day. He has played 8 sports, so we predict that he'll be putting his endurance to work tearing up the dance floor all night! 

Reid Gicewicz

Toast Wagner is thrilled that his parents are going to be together fur-ever! Toast is a chonky boi from Geneva, NY. Toast adopted the Wagner family in 2017 when he wandered onto their property and stole their hearts. Toast attended the Crane School of Music for a year to study meow-sic purr-formance, which is where he met Rebecca. Rebecca later cat-napped him and enrolled him at Boston Conservatory, where he got a meowsters’ degree just like his Mom. Toast and Rebecca had a great time living in Boston together, but they were both thrilled when Ethan moved in and their family could be together again! Toast has been diligently keeping the books for his parents wedding, attending finance meetings and budgeting very carefully. He hopes everyone has a great time at the wedding!

Mr. Toast “Toater Boater” Wagner

Meet the Wedding Party! 

Experience a taste of life on a 19th-century farm estate when you visit Rose Hill Mansion. Built in 1839, the elegant Greek Revival house was the center of a busy and productive farm by mid-century. The house and surrounding grounds are open seasonally for guided tours, which focus on the Swan family, who lived there from 1850 to 1890. Enjoy the magnificent view of Seneca Lake from the front porch and the vista of nearby farmlands. The Carriage House Gift Shop features a selection of locally produced food products, historically-themed gifts and handcrafted items. Rose Hill is owned and operated by Historic Geneva. Open May 1 to October 31. Closed Mondays and July 4.

Rose Hill Mansion

Looking for something different in your wine tasting experience? Join us at Three Brothers Wineries and Estates, where 35 acres of passion, pleasure, and adventure awaits you! Maximize your escape from the grind with one stop- three unique wineries and one fabulous brewery and tasting room on the property, all within walking distance of each other. From fine Estate Rieslings to our fun, blended sweet wines, you are sure to find something to please!

Three Brothers Wineries and Estates

Seneca Lake State Park overlooks blue water, creating a relaxing experience for swimmers and picnickers. Children will be especially delighted with our Sprayground and Playground facilities. The Sprayground is the first of its kind built in the New York State Parks system with over 100 water jets that spontaneously spray water. Neighboring the Sprayground is one of three playgrounds with equipment for children ages 2-12. This park also offers 2 excellent marinas, with a total of 132 electric slips and 84 non-electric slips. Transient slips available at both marinas. There is&nbsp;no camping permitted in Seneca Lake State Park.

Seneca Lake State Park

Explore the stories of Geneva’s people and places, ordinary and extraordinary, at the Geneva History Museum. Here, Historic Geneva tells the story of the growth and development of this small Finger Lakes city over 300 years. Located in a historic house, the museum features a children’s discovery room, gift shop, research room, and local history exhibits that explore community history from the time of the native Seneca through the tumult of the 20th century to the present. Also available are printed walking guides to historic parts of the city and significant buildings in town. The Geneva History Museum is owned and operated by Historic Geneva.

Geneva History Museum

The Finger Lakes Welcome Center is situated on the northern end of Seneca Lake, Geneva NY. The State's tourism industry is at the core of the Welcome Center, with multiple interactive ILNY kiosks positioned throughout, allowing visitors to test their knowledge of the region or design a trip itinerary. Have a Question - speak with a knowledgeable Tourism Ambassador or staff members for assistance in addition to offering NYS travel guides. The Taste NY Market at the Welcome Center offers hot and cold lunch options all made from fresh ingredients and products grown and produced by local farmers. The Market also offers New York State-made wine, beer, and cider, grab-and-go snacks and gifts. Other Amenities: Restrooms, ATM, Free Wi-Fi Inside seating, Lakeside patio seating State of the art Playground Free Electric Car Charging Stations

Finger Lakes Welcome Center

Benvenuto!&nbsp;Come join us&nbsp;- as we take you to Sicliy on Seneca!&nbsp;Take a seat in our beautiful ristorante and enjoy a glass of wine, dine on arancini and other popular sicilian street food.&nbsp;Relish in your meal of flavorful seafood, tender chicken, succulent hand carved steaks, and world class service! All located in beautiful downtown Geneva, NY,&nbsp;the heart of the Finger Lakes region!​

Bella's Restaurant 

Enjoy classic Indian cuisines. Choose from varieties of traditional bread, curries, desserts, and more!