The Grand Belle at The Bellevue Hotel | Philadelphia Wedding Venue Spotlight

Posted on March 12, 2026March 12, 2026 by anewpacew_wedding

about the Grand Belle

The Grand Belle is one of the newest venues by Cescaphe, located inside the iconic Bellevue Hotel in the heart of Philadelphia. The historic ballroom has been beautifully restored to highlight its grand architecture, featuring soaring ceilings, ornate details, and stunning chandeliers that create an unforgettable setting for an elegant wedding day. After hosting its first wedding in April 2024, The Grand Belle quickly became one of the city’s most sought after celebration spaces.

At New Pace Weddings, we love capturing celebrations at The Grand Belle. Our team understands how to highlight the venue’s architectural beauty, natural light, and timeless atmosphere throughout the day. From portraits beneath the chandeliers to the energy of the dance floor, every moment is documented with care so couples can relive their celebration for years to come.

While we’d love to capture every unforgettable moment of your wedding day, we’re just the photographers and videographers! If you are interested in hosting your wedding at The Grand Belle, you will need to reach out to Cescaphe directly to reserve this stunning venue.

For more details to book this venue, visit: Cescaphe.

Address: 200 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Phone Number: (215) 238-5750

The Grand Belle is located inside The Bellevue Hotel

history of the bellevue

The Bellevue has been a landmark in Philadelphia for more than a century. Originally opened in the early 1900s, the building quickly became a centerpiece along the city’s Avenue of the Arts and a destination for elegant gatherings, performances, and social events.

Inside the historic building is The Grand Belle at The Bellevue, a ballroom that reflects the grandeur and architectural style of the Gilded Age when it was first designed. With its ornate details and impressive scale, the space has hosted countless celebrations and notable events throughout Philadelphia’s history.

Today, the ballroom has been beautifully restored and is now part of the collection of venues by Cescaphe, continuing the building’s legacy as a place for unforgettable celebrations while preserving the elegance that has defined it for generations.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THE Grand Belle

HISTORICAL BALLROOM ELEGANCE

One of the most striking features of The Grand Belle is its breathtaking historic ballroom. The space reflects the grandeur of the Gilded Age, with intricate architectural details, dramatic ceilings, and sparkling chandeliers that create an unforgettable atmosphere for a wedding celebration. The scale and elegance of the room make every moment feel elevated, from the ceremony to the final dance of the night.

ICONIC PHILADELPHIA LOCATION

Located inside The Bellevue Hotel along Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, the venue places couples in the heart of the city. The surrounding area offers incredible opportunities for portraits, with nearby landmarks, classic city architecture, and vibrant streets just steps away.

A SPACE DESIGNED FOR GRAND CELEBRATIONS

The Grand Belle was built to host large scale events, and it shows in the layout and flow of the ballroom. The spacious dance floor, elevated stage, and dramatic design create an incredible setting for receptions. The ballroom can accommodate up to 500 guests seated with a dance floor or up to 1,500 guests for a cocktail style celebration, making it one of the most impressive event spaces in Philadelphia. Whether it is the couple’s grand entrance, heartfelt speeches, or a packed dance floor, the room naturally amplifies the energy of the celebration.

INCREDIBLE LIGHT AND DETAILS

As photographers and videographers, we love how the ballroom’s design enhances wedding imagery. The chandeliers, ornate molding, and warm interior lighting create depth and dimension in photos and video throughout the day. Every corner of the space offers an elegant backdrop that feels timeless and distinctly Philadelphia.

CESCAPHE CATERING AT THE Grand Belle

Cescaphe has built a strong reputation in Philadelphia for delivering exceptional wedding and event experiences. Their team is known for thoughtful service, beautifully presented cuisine, and a commitment to making every celebration feel elevated and seamless.

We are also proud to be part of Cescaphe’s concierge program. Having the opportunity to work closely with their team and capture weddings at venues like The Grand Belle is truly an honor, and we are always excited to document the incredible events they bring to life.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE Grand Belle

YOUR WEDDING AT THE grand belle

With its grand architecture and historic elegance, The Grand Belle at The Bellevue offers an unforgettable setting for a wedding celebration. If you would like to learn more about our photo and video services and how we can capture your day at this stunning venue, contact us today!

Unique Engagement Session Ideas Beyond the Traditional

Posted on March 1, 2026March 12, 2026 by anewpacew_wedding

Most couples imagine engagement photos as golden hour in an open field, with soft light, sweeping landscapes, and timeless poses, but your love story doesn’t have to fit the standard mold. While that look is undeniably beautiful and one we truly love, it isn’t the only way to capture your love.

Your engagement session should feel like you. It should reflect the places you naturally gravitate toward, the spots that hold special memories, and the environments where you feel most relaxed and connected. For many couples, that might not be a random field—it could be a favorite bar, the coffee shop you visit every Saturday morning, or the restaurant where you had your first date.

If you’re looking for engagement session ideas that feel personal, fun, and a little outside the box, here are a few creative locations to consider.

Bars & Breweries

There is something about clinking glasses and leaning across a table that creates instant connection. A favorite bar or brewery offers built-in ambiance and natural interaction, allowing couples to focus less on posing and more on simply being together.

Whether it is an intimate cocktail lounge or a lively local spot, this type of session feels effortless and playful. It captures the way couples actually spend time together on a night out—relaxed, connected, and completely themselves.

For Jordana and Joe, that place was The Rabbit Hole in Conshohocken. The town itself holds special meaning for them, as it is where they first met. Choosing a bar in a location tied to their story made the session feel even more personal while capturing the kind of moments they would normally share on a night out together.

Restaurants

A favorite restaurant can add both depth and storytelling to engagement photos. An upscale dining room can feel editorial and refined, while a tucked-away neighborhood spot can feel warm and nostalgic. Either way, the location becomes more than just a backdrop—it becomes part of the couple’s story.

For Priscilla and Gavin, it was La Chinesca in Philadelphia. The restaurant holds extra special meaning for them, as it is where they shared their first date and visited together again before getting engaged. Their session captured the personal significance of the space while highlighting authentic moments between them.

For couples who want to add a playful twist, Lexus and Sam’s session began at Tavola Restaurant, where they had their first date, and ended at Taco Bell—a spot that has become their go-to for late-night cravings.

Cozy Cafés & Coffee Shops

For couples who love slow mornings and shared rituals, a café session feels intimate and timeless. Natural light, coffee in hand, and quiet moments together create images that feel relaxed and genuine.

Alyssa and Dennis chose The Bookery in Havertown, a charming combination bookstore and coffee shop. The space offered cozy corners and thoughtful details, allowing their session to reflect the calm, meaningful moments they share together.

Movie Theaters

For couples who bond over movies, incorporating that into an engagement session creates a nostalgic and memorable experience. Movie theaters offer unique lighting, playful moments in the aisles, and the perfect backdrop for couples who love cinema.

Alyssa and Andrew chose AMC for their session, creating fun and candid moments that perfectly reflected their shared love of film.

Wineries & Vineyards

For couples who enjoy wine tastings or vineyard visits, a winery engagement session offers romance, elegance, and natural beauty. Rows of vines, rustic barrels, and golden sunlight create a stunning backdrop, while the relaxed environment encourages genuine interaction.

Erin and Anthony chose William Heritage Winery, a place they often visit as members. The vineyard offered a variety of beautiful backdrops—and they were even able to bring their pup along.

Zoos and Wildlife Spaces

For couples who love animals and wildlife, a zoo or nature-focused location can make for a truly unique engagement session. These environments offer lush greenery, interesting architecture, and plenty of opportunities for playful, candid moments throughout the space.

For Julia and Liam, choosing the zoo felt like a natural extension of their relationship. Their shared love of animals and wildlife made it the perfect backdrop for their engagement photos, and it felt especially fitting since they will also be celebrating their wedding at Adventure Aquarium.

Let Us Capture Your Love

The best engagement sessions are not about what is trending—they are about what feels natural. When couples choose a location that reflects their relationship, they tend to feel more comfortable, their interactions become more genuine, and the experience feels more like a date than a photoshoot.

Beyond the photos themselves, an engagement session is also an opportunity to connect with your photographer before the wedding day. Couples get a feel for the guidance, prompts for natural movement, and the way those in-between moments are captured. By the time the wedding day arrives, they feel confident, comfortable, and fully at ease in front of the camera.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at some of our other engagement sessions and feel free to get in touch with us today to learn more.

Julia & Henry | Cescaphe Ballroom

Posted on February 13, 2026March 16, 2026 by anewpacew_wedding

Wedding Content Creation vs. Videography

Posted on February 10, 2026February 16, 2026 by anewpacew_wedding

Your wedding day is full of unforgettable moments—the quiet glances, the big laughs, the energy of everyone you love in one room. Capturing it all can happen in different ways, and the rise of content creation has added a new option alongside traditional wedding videography.

Understanding the differences between content creation and a wedding film can help you decide how best to preserve the memories of your day—whether you want shareable highlights, a timeless cinematic story, or both.

Content Creation

Content creation is all about capturing the day as it unfolds and delivering fun, dynamic, and shareable moments almost immediately.

Unlike traditional videography, content creation focuses on short-form clips that are perfect for Instagram Reels, TikTok, Stories, and sharing with friends and family.

Small, flexible setups allow our team to move freely, blending seamlessly into your day.
Instead of one long film, content creation delivers short, polished clips of key moments—from getting ready to the last dance.
Packages can include delivery the same day or 48 hour delivery, so you can relive and share your wedding while the excitement is still fresh.
It’s perfect for couples who want social-ready content without the pressure of filming it themselves.
Content creation generally costs less than full videography because it focuses on short-form clips and a quicker editing turnaround.

Example: A short reel of your first look, your partner’s reaction, and candid moments with your bridal party—delivered within 48 hours of your wedding day and ready to share.

Videography

Wedding videography takes a storytelling-first approach, creating a cinematic film that preserves the emotion, energy, and details of your day from start to finish.

Videography isn’t just about recording moments—it’s about crafting a cohesive narrative that allows you to relive your wedding for decades.

Professional cameras, audio, and lighting ensure every moment is captured in high-quality detail.
Vows, speeches, and candid interactions are woven into a polished cinematic story.
Turnaround is longer, but the final product becomes a timeless keepsake.
Videographers invest hours into filming, sound design, and editing, which is reflected in the overall pricing and quality.

Example: A full wedding film might open with morning preparations, follow the ceremony, and move through the reception—capturing laughter, tears, dancing, and the energy of your loved ones in a meaningful, cinematic way.

Content Creation vs. Videography: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a simple breakdown of how the two compare:

Turnaround Time

Content Creation: Same day or within 48 hours
Videography: Approximately 90 days

Final Deliverables

Content Creation: Short clips + reels + behind-the-scenes moments
Videography: Highlight film, full wedding film, ceremony + speeches (depending on package)

Style

Content Creation: Candid, fast-paced, social-first
Videography: Cinematic, emotional, storytelling-driven

Format

Content Creation: Often vertical (perfect for Reels and TikTok)
Videography: Typically horizontal, cinematic framing

Audio

Content Creation: Natural audio moments, usually not mic’d
Videography: Professionally recorded vows, speeches, and key moments

Best For

Content Creation: Sharing immediately + reliving the vibe
Videography: Preserving the full story and emotion long-term

What Couples Typically Receive With Content Creation

While deliverables can vary, wedding content creation often includes:

Getting ready clips
Dress, rings, florals, and detail shots
First look reactions
Ceremony highlights
Cocktail hour moments
Reception entrances, first dances, and dancing clips
Behind-the-scenes candid moments with friends and family
Social media-ready reels or montage edits

Many couples love having a collection of raw moments and short edits that feel natural, personal, and easy to share.

Which Option Is Best for You?

Both options are valuable—it just depends on what matters most to you.

Content Creation Is Perfect for Couples Who…

want quick highlights to post right away
love Instagram and TikTok
want behind-the-scenes memories
want candid moments without asking friends to film everything
want something fun, modern, and shareable

Videography Is Perfect for Couples Who…

want vows and speeches preserved forever
want a cinematic storytelling film
care about professional sound and audio quality
want a polished keepsake to rewatch for years
want to relive the entire feeling of the day

Bundles: The Best of Both Worlds

Many couples choose to combine wedding content creation and full wedding videography through our bundle packages. This gives you the best of both worlds:

Fast, shareable highlights to post and relive immediately
A full cinematic wedding film to treasure for decades
A seamless experience with one team capturing your day from every angle

Bundling both services is also one of the best ways to maximize coverage while keeping everything consistent in style, communication, and workflow.

Can You Have Both Without It Feeling Overwhelming?

Yes—and it can actually make your coverage stronger.

When content creation and videography are handled by separate companies, it can sometimes feel crowded or disorganized. But when everything is captured by one coordinated team, it creates a smoother experience and ensures no moments are missed.

At New Pace Weddings, we work intentionally to keep your day feeling relaxed, natural, and present—while still capturing everything beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does content creation replace wedding videography?

Not exactly. Content creation is amazing for quick highlights and behind-the-scenes moments, but videography is still the best option for capturing your wedding day in a cinematic, storytelling way.

Do content creators use iPhones?

Often, yes—and that’s part of what makes content creation so flexible. iPhone footage is perfect for social media and allows for quick turnaround. Some teams also incorporate small cameras depending on the package.

Will I get my ceremony or speeches with content creation?

Content creation typically focuses on highlight moments rather than full-length ceremony or speeches. If preserving full vows and speeches is important to you, videography is the better option.

How quickly will we receive our content?

Content creation is usually delivered the same day or within 48 hours, depending on the package. Videography takes longer due to the editing process.

Can we request specific clips or trends?

Absolutely. Many couples request specific moments, angles, or even certain trending styles, and content creation is perfect for that.

Which One Should You Choose?

It comes down to how you want to remember your day:

Do you want bite-sized reels delivered immediately, perfect for social media or sharing with friends and family?

Do you want a full-length cinematic film to treasure for years?

Or do you want both—through a bundle package that captures your day in every way?

At New Pace Weddings, we focus on capturing your wedding day the way it feels—whether through quick, shareable content, a timeless cinematic film, or a combination of both. No matter what you choose, we preserve not just what happened, but how it felt to be there.

Explore our portfolio to see more, and get in touch to inquire about how we can capture your day!

Louis & Raymond | The Switch House

Posted on February 7, 2026March 5, 2026 by anewpacew_wedding

Mollie & Patrick | Crystal Tea Room

Posted on February 6, 2026March 4, 2026 by anewpacew_wedding

Alexis & Scott’s New Year’s Eve Wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia

Posted on February 5, 2026February 5, 2026 by anewpacew_wedding

Ringing in the New Year surrounded by love, laughter, and timeless elegance, Alexis and Scott’s wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia was truly iconic. With around 200 guests in attendance, their black-tie celebration perfectly blended classic sophistication with the excitement of New Year’s Eve, creating a night that everyone will remember.

Where Their Story Began

Alexis and Scott’s story began in New York City during the summer of 2016. Alexis was visiting friends for a birthday celebration, and Scott was completing an internship in the city. A late-night slice of pizza and a chance encounter outside a bar sparked a friendship that would span years. Later that fall, both served as social chairs for their college lacrosse teams, organizing events and repeatedly crossing paths. After years of friendship and shared experiences, Scott finally asked Alexis on their first real date, and they had been inseparable ever since!

The Wedding Day

Getting Ready

Alexis spent the morning at their Philadelphia apartment surrounded by her eight bridesmaids, two flower girls, and close family. The energy was joyful and relaxed with champagne toasts, laughter, and plenty of candid moments. As her hair and makeup team helped her feel radiant and confident, the final details came together and set the tone for the celebration ahead.

Scott prepared at the Union League alongside his seven groomsmen, sharing lighthearted moments and building excitement as they got ready for the day. One of the most meaningful moments before the ceremony was his first look with his mom, a quiet and emotional pause that perfectly captured their bond before he saw Alexis for the first time.

First Looks

Alexis shared a sweet first look with her dad, filled with happy tears, tight hugs, and the kind of pride only a father can show. A few moments later, she met Scott in the library at The Union League for their first look, giving them a quiet moment to soak in the significance of the day together.

Portraits

Afterward, we took portraits of Alexis and Scott in The Union League’s stunning library, where the warm, classic details of the space perfectly framed their connection. From there, we headed onto Broad Street for additional portraits, before returning inside for wedding party photos back in the library. The mix of timeless indoor elegance and vibrant city streets made for some truly beautiful portraits.

Ceremony

Held at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, Alexis and Scott’s ceremony reflected the meaning and intention behind their marriage. The involvement of friends and family, including readings from Alexis’s aunt and grandmother, made the moment feel especially personal.

Cocktail Hour

Guests were welcomed into cocktail hour in the Union League’s Lincoln Room, where the celebration began with an atmosphere of classic sophistication and festive anticipation. Before guests arrived, we captured Alexis and Scott sharing a few quiet moments alone in the reception space, along with photographs of the thoughtfully designed room and its details — a calm pause before the night truly unfolded.

Reception & New Year’s Eve Celebration

Following cocktail hour, guests moved into the Union League’s ballroom for the reception. Cream linens, gold chairs, and flickering candlelight created a warm and inviting setting. The black-tie dress code paired with metallic accents gave the evening a subtle Gatsby-inspired feel, perfectly in tune with the excitement of New Year’s Eve.

Alexis and Scott kicked off the night with their first dance as a married couple, surrounded by the people they love most. From there, the parent dances and heartfelt speeches followed, bringing in all the emotion before the celebration really took off. As midnight approached, Alexis changed into a sparkling mini dress, with Scott by her side, ready to ring in the New Year together. Champagne glasses were raised, dancing kept the good vibes going, and cheers echoed through the Union League as 2026 officially began!

A night to remember

Alexis and Scott’s New Year’s Eve wedding was a perfect blend of timeless elegance, festive celebration, and personal, heartfelt moments. From the city’s historic grandeur to the warmth of friends and family, every detail came together to create a magical start to their forever.

Planning a classic Philadelphia wedding of your own? We’d love to help tell your story. Get in touch with us to learn more about our photography and videography services!