Francesca Volpe, daughter of Cescaphe founders Joe and Andrea Volpe, said “I do” to groom Colin McEvoy and rang in the new year with one of Philadelphia’s most memorable celebrations.
The newlyweds at Water Works.
When Francesca Volpe and Colin McEvoy got engaged in 2019, finding a venue to host the nuptials was a piece of cake. Since the bride’s parents, Joe and Andrea Volpe, are the founders of Cescaphe (and have spent more than 30 years fulfilling wedding dreams in Philadelphia), Francesca immediately knew the ideal spot. “Growing up in the industry, I knew I wanted to get married on the water, and Water Works was the perfect location,” she says. With a unique spin on cocktail hour (hosted before the ceremony instead of after), guests were amazed as soon as they arrived: Live immersive art was stretched across 80 feet—overlooking the historic Engine House. Following a “black carpet” entrance, the couple’s 250 family and friends enjoyed a chilled seafood fountain and an art gallery-inspired custom wall where each of the 16 specialty dishes being served were plated on clear glass—the colors of the food presented as “framed artwork.” Guests sipped apple cider hot toddies from an old-fashioned cart as they moved toward the ceremony under the Grand Pavilion. Wearing a fitted lace Stephen Yearick gown with a crystal-adorned bodice and scalloped edge train, Francesca was escorted down the aisle to Haley Reinhart’s rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” “I felt like a true princess walking down the candlelit, mirrored aisle with ivory wisteria trees above and my prince charming waiting for me under the grand arch,” remembers the bride. A “vintage winter meets New Year’s Eve” theme was executed inside the reception tent with woodland elements, lush greenery and accents of novelty florals. A custom-made living Champagne wall greeted partygoers with floating hands dressed in silver, satin opera gloves serving flutes of bubbly. In true Cescaphe fashion, a showstopping menu including filet mignon and lobster was presented before more excitement ensued with four fabulous musical appearances. “Throughout the reception, the guests were constantly being surprised with different acts—CTO Midtown Express, DJ Chelsea Marie, The Unexpected Boys and Kartune,” says Francesca. “I always imagined my wedding to be on New Year’s Eve and I wanted my guests to have a ton of fun with us!” As January 1 neared, the newlyweds prepared to ring in 2022 with large ticking clocks leading the countdown on a video screen. At midnight, gold confetti filled the entire room. Francesca says, “It is a moment we will cherish forever!”
A custom sign was created to hang over the newlyweds’ sweetheart table.
The List
Ceremony & Reception Water Works, cescaphe.com
Officiant Alissa Tongg, alisatonggcelebrant.com
Day of Wedding Coordinators Nikki McNelis, Cara Betensky, Vince Wisniewski and Franco Sarnese, Cescaphe, cescaphe.com; Erin Proud, Proud to Plan, proudtoplan.com
Bride’s Gown Stephen Yearick, Van Cleve Bridal, vanclevebridal.com
Bride’s Shoes Badgley Mischka, badgleymischka.com
Bride’s Veil Toni Federici, Van Cleve Bridal, vanclevebridal.com
Bride’s Stylist Nancy E. Ahlum, paperflowerwed.com
Bride’s Hair & Makeup Hair: Katy Booth; Makeup: Erin Dougherty, both from Capelli and Trucco, capelliandtrucco.com
Groom’s Tux Boyd’s Philadelphia, boyds.com
Rings Hers: DeSimone Jewelers, desimonejewelers.com; His: Hitched, tryhitched.com
Bridesmaids’ Dresses Jenny Yoo, Van Cleve Bridal, vanclevebridal.com
Groomsmen’s Tuxes Suit Shop, suitshop.com
Event Design & Florals Alaina Riehs, Beautiful Blooms, beautifulblooms.com
Event Design Tanti Lina, Papertini, papertini.com
Catering Cescaphe, cescaphe.com
Invitations Robyn Platoni, Chick Invitations, chickinvitations.com
Rentals Something Vintage, somethingvintagerentals.com; Party Rental Ltd., partyrentalltd.com; Vision Furniture Event Rentals, visionfurniture.com
Linens Total Table, totaltable.com
Lighting & Production Bobby Morganstein and Odie Jodozynski, Bobby Morganstein Productions, bobbymorgansteinevents.com
Live Art Klip Collective, klip.tv
Ice Lounge Peter Slavin, Ice Ice Philly, icesculpturephilly.com
Entertainment Ceremony: Brian Fitzy; Reception: Midtown Express; DJ Chelsea Marie; Unexpected Boys; Kartune, all managed by Carmen Tomasetti of CTO Artists, cto.com
Videographer CinemaCake Filmmakers, cinemacake.com
Cigar Roller Tony Santana, tonysantanacigarcompany.com
Favors Let Love Grow, Dearly Beloved, etsy.com
Transportation Cescaphe Trolley, cescaphetrolley.com
Getaway Car Rolls-Royce, Alibaba Limo, alibablimo.com
Photography by: Anastasia Romanova Photography
