In a city where history and hospitality go hand in hand, no one knows how to throw a proper Philly affair quite like Joe Volpe. A South Philly native with more than 30 years in the industry, Volpe is the founder and CEO of Cescaphe, the powerhouse behind some of the city’s most iconic weddings and events.
When Joe Volpe and Cescaphe stepped into The Bellevue, they saw the building’s bones and felt the magnitude of a century’s worth of monumental moments celebrated under its roof. They weren’t just renovating the hotel’s event spaces; they were reigniting the celebratory spirit of Philadelphia. The Grande Belle ballroom is once again a backdrop for love stories that only Philly could tell — soirées with spectacle, soul, and seriously good food.
Revelry runs through the city’s culture
For Joe Volpe, celebration has always started at the table. Sunday suppers around his grandmother’s house in South Philly were always an event unto themselves. It’s why he took his earliest inspiration from those regular family gatherings, and that over-the-top energy still echoes in the events he brings to life today. In this installment, Joe Volpe shares his philosophy on Philly Celebrations (hint: go big!), his go-to spots and how the city loves to party.
1 The BOK Building 
1901 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Once a vocational high school, BOK is now a creative hub that doubles as one of the coolest event backdrops in the city. Its rooftop bar, Bok Bar, is a summer must for casual-yet-epic gatherings, offering sweeping skyline views and an artsy, unpolished edge.
- 2 Fitler Club 24 S. 24th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
A sleek, members-only enclave in Center City, Fitler Club fuses modern design with hospitality that feels thoughtful and intimate. It’s a go-to for corporate events, weddings, and gatherings that want a refined yet current aesthetic.
- 3 The Curtis Atrium 601 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Inside the historic Curtis Publishing Building, the Atrium offers grandeur without pretension. Soaring ceilings, a sweeping marble staircase, and the famed Dream Garden mosaic (a hidden city treasure) make this a perfect pick for lovers of art, history, and timeless design.
- 4 The Horticulture Center at Fairmont Park 100 N Horticultural Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Located in West Fairmount Park, this glass-walled greenhouse brings the outdoors in—all year long. Lush and light-filled, it’s a favorite for nature lovers and those drawn to quieter, more organic settings. Pro tip: it’s even more special in the spring when all of the flowers are in bloom.
- 5 The Union League of Philadelphia 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S
A symbol of tradition and prestige, The Union League is pure Philadelphia heritage. With its Gilded Age architecture, marbled halls, and sense of grandeur, it sets the tone for formal occasions that feel rooted in history while still impressing today’s crowd.
- 6 Bellevue 200 South Broad St.
Philadelphia,
PA 19102
A Broad Street icon with more than a century of grandeur, The Bellevue has long been a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s social scene. “The Bellevue was always the top tier place. Very, very special. People got married at the Bellevue,” says Volpe. “So now that we're here, it's just really an amazing feeling… it’s not that hard to make it over the top.” With a portfolio of stunning venues under one roof—from the gilded Grand Ballroom to the light-drenched Rose Garden—it’s a space that feels both historic and alive. Elegant without being stuffy, it captures the essence of Philadelphia sophistication.
- 7 9th Street Italian Market S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA
One of Joe Volpe’s must-see stops, the 9th Street Italian Market captures the spirit of South Philly with its open-air charm, where generations of vendors offer fresh produce, old-school cuts, and global bites that turn every stroll into a flavorful experience.
- 8 Geno's Steaks 1219 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
A go-to on Joe Volpe’s list, Geno’s Steaks has been serving up Philly’s most iconic sandwich since 1966—thin-sliced ribeye, bubbling cheese, and late-night energy all packed into one unforgettable bite.
- 9 Water Works 640 Waterworks Drive Philadelphia, PA 19130
Perched along the Schuylkill River, Water Works offers postcard views and timeless neoclassical architecture. It’s one of Cescaphe’s crown jewels—and a personal favorite of Volpe’s. “When we do a wedding or an event, we’re giving it our all,” he says. With the river as a backdrop and Boathouse Row twinkling in the distance, it’s a romantic classic that never goes out of style.
- 1 The BOK Building 1901 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148 View On Map
Once a vocational high school, BOK is now a creative hub that doubles as one of the coolest event backdrops in the city. Its rooftop bar, Bok Bar, is a summer must for casual-yet-epic gatherings, offering sweeping skyline views and an artsy, unpolished edge.
- 2 Fitler Club 24 S. 24th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 View On Map
A sleek, members-only enclave in Center City, Fitler Club fuses modern design with hospitality that feels thoughtful and intimate. It’s a go-to for corporate events, weddings, and gatherings that want a refined yet current aesthetic.
- 3 The Curtis Atrium 601 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 View On Map
Inside the historic Curtis Publishing Building, the Atrium offers grandeur without pretension. Soaring ceilings, a sweeping marble staircase, and the famed Dream Garden mosaic (a hidden city treasure) make this a perfect pick for lovers of art, history, and timeless design.
- 4 The Horticulture Center at Fairmont Park 100 N Horticultural Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131 View On Map
Located in West Fairmount Park, this glass-walled greenhouse brings the outdoors in—all year long. Lush and light-filled, it’s a favorite for nature lovers and those drawn to quieter, more organic settings. Pro tip: it’s even more special in the spring when all of the flowers are in bloom.
- 5 The Union League of Philadelphia 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S View On Map
A symbol of tradition and prestige, The Union League is pure Philadelphia heritage. With its Gilded Age architecture, marbled halls, and sense of grandeur, it sets the tone for formal occasions that feel rooted in history while still impressing today’s crowd.
- 6 Bellevue 200 South Broad St.
Philadelphia,
PA 19102 View On Map
A Broad Street icon with more than a century of grandeur, The Bellevue has long been a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s social scene. “The Bellevue was always the top tier place. Very, very special. People got married at the Bellevue,” says Volpe. “So now that we're here, it's just really an amazing feeling… it’s not that hard to make it over the top.” With a portfolio of stunning venues under one roof—from the gilded Grand Ballroom to the light-drenched Rose Garden—it’s a space that feels both historic and alive. Elegant without being stuffy, it captures the essence of Philadelphia sophistication.
- 7 9th Street Italian Market S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA View On Map
One of Joe Volpe’s must-see stops, the 9th Street Italian Market captures the spirit of South Philly with its open-air charm, where generations of vendors offer fresh produce, old-school cuts, and global bites that turn every stroll into a flavorful experience.
- 8 Geno's Steaks 1219 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 View On Map
A go-to on Joe Volpe’s list, Geno’s Steaks has been serving up Philly’s most iconic sandwich since 1966—thin-sliced ribeye, bubbling cheese, and late-night energy all packed into one unforgettable bite.
- 9 Water Works 640 Waterworks Drive Philadelphia, PA 19130 View On Map
Perched along the Schuylkill River, Water Works offers postcard views and timeless neoclassical architecture. It’s one of Cescaphe’s crown jewels—and a personal favorite of Volpe’s. “When we do a wedding or an event, we’re giving it our all,” he says. With the river as a backdrop and Boathouse Row twinkling in the distance, it’s a romantic classic that never goes out of style.
- 1 The BOK Building 1901 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Once a vocational high school, BOK is now a creative hub that doubles as one of the coolest event backdrops in the city. Its rooftop bar, Bok Bar, is a summer must for casual-yet-epic gatherings, offering sweeping skyline views and an artsy, unpolished edge.
- 2 Fitler Club 24 S. 24th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
A sleek, members-only enclave in Center City, Fitler Club fuses modern design with hospitality that feels thoughtful and intimate. It’s a go-to for corporate events, weddings, and gatherings that want a refined yet current aesthetic.
- 3 The Curtis Atrium 601 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Inside the historic Curtis Publishing Building, the Atrium offers grandeur without pretension. Soaring ceilings, a sweeping marble staircase, and the famed Dream Garden mosaic (a hidden city treasure) make this a perfect pick for lovers of art, history, and timeless design.
- 4 The Horticulture Center at Fairmont Park 100 N Horticultural Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Located in West Fairmount Park, this glass-walled greenhouse brings the outdoors in—all year long. Lush and light-filled, it’s a favorite for nature lovers and those drawn to quieter, more organic settings. Pro tip: it’s even more special in the spring when all of the flowers are in bloom.
- 5 The Union League of Philadelphia 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S
A symbol of tradition and prestige, The Union League is pure Philadelphia heritage. With its Gilded Age architecture, marbled halls, and sense of grandeur, it sets the tone for formal occasions that feel rooted in history while still impressing today’s crowd.
- 6 Bellevue 200 South Broad St.
Philadelphia,
PA 19102
A Broad Street icon with more than a century of grandeur, The Bellevue has long been a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s social scene. “The Bellevue was always the top tier place. Very, very special. People got married at the Bellevue,” says Volpe. “So now that we're here, it's just really an amazing feeling… it’s not that hard to make it over the top.” With a portfolio of stunning venues under one roof—from the gilded Grand Ballroom to the light-drenched Rose Garden—it’s a space that feels both historic and alive. Elegant without being stuffy, it captures the essence of Philadelphia sophistication.
- 7 9th Street Italian Market S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA
One of Joe Volpe’s must-see stops, the 9th Street Italian Market captures the spirit of South Philly with its open-air charm, where generations of vendors offer fresh produce, old-school cuts, and global bites that turn every stroll into a flavorful experience.
- 8 Geno's Steaks 1219 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
A go-to on Joe Volpe’s list, Geno’s Steaks has been serving up Philly’s most iconic sandwich since 1966—thin-sliced ribeye, bubbling cheese, and late-night energy all packed into one unforgettable bite.
- 9 Water Works 640 Waterworks Drive Philadelphia, PA 19130
Perched along the Schuylkill River, Water Works offers postcard views and timeless neoclassical architecture. It’s one of Cescaphe’s crown jewels—and a personal favorite of Volpe’s. “When we do a wedding or an event, we’re giving it our all,” he says. With the river as a backdrop and Boathouse Row twinkling in the distance, it’s a romantic classic that never goes out of style.
- 1 The BOK Building 1901 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Once a vocational high school, BOK is now a creative hub that doubles as one of the coolest event backdrops in the city. Its rooftop bar, Bok Bar, is a summer must for casual-yet-epic gatherings, offering sweeping skyline views and an artsy, unpolished edge.
- 2 Fitler Club 24 S. 24th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
A sleek, members-only enclave in Center City, Fitler Club fuses modern design with hospitality that feels thoughtful and intimate. It’s a go-to for corporate events, weddings, and gatherings that want a refined yet current aesthetic.
- 3 The Curtis Atrium 601 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Inside the historic Curtis Publishing Building, the Atrium offers grandeur without pretension. Soaring ceilings, a sweeping marble staircase, and the famed Dream Garden mosaic (a hidden city treasure) make this a perfect pick for lovers of art, history, and timeless design.
- 4 The Horticulture Center at Fairmont Park 100 N Horticultural Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Located in West Fairmount Park, this glass-walled greenhouse brings the outdoors in—all year long. Lush and light-filled, it’s a favorite for nature lovers and those drawn to quieter, more organic settings. Pro tip: it’s even more special in the spring when all of the flowers are in bloom.
- 5 The Union League of Philadelphia 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S
A symbol of tradition and prestige, The Union League is pure Philadelphia heritage. With its Gilded Age architecture, marbled halls, and sense of grandeur, it sets the tone for formal occasions that feel rooted in history while still impressing today’s crowd.
- 6 Bellevue 200 South Broad St.
Philadelphia,
PA 19102
A Broad Street icon with more than a century of grandeur, The Bellevue has long been a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s social scene. “The Bellevue was always the top tier place. Very, very special. People got married at the Bellevue,” says Volpe. “So now that we're here, it's just really an amazing feeling… it’s not that hard to make it over the top.” With a portfolio of stunning venues under one roof—from the gilded Grand Ballroom to the light-drenched Rose Garden—it’s a space that feels both historic and alive. Elegant without being stuffy, it captures the essence of Philadelphia sophistication.
- 7 9th Street Italian Market S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA
One of Joe Volpe’s must-see stops, the 9th Street Italian Market captures the spirit of South Philly with its open-air charm, where generations of vendors offer fresh produce, old-school cuts, and global bites that turn every stroll into a flavorful experience.
- 8 Geno's Steaks 1219 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
A go-to on Joe Volpe’s list, Geno’s Steaks has been serving up Philly’s most iconic sandwich since 1966—thin-sliced ribeye, bubbling cheese, and late-night energy all packed into one unforgettable bite.
- 9 Water Works 640 Waterworks Drive Philadelphia, PA 19130
Perched along the Schuylkill River, Water Works offers postcard views and timeless neoclassical architecture. It’s one of Cescaphe’s crown jewels—and a personal favorite of Volpe’s. “When we do a wedding or an event, we’re giving it our all,” he says. With the river as a backdrop and Boathouse Row twinkling in the distance, it’s a romantic classic that never goes out of style.