You just cannot stop love. Love will conquer all. Never have those words rung more true than for Stephanie and Zach’s wedding at the Bellevue Hotel. After being postponed a full year because of the pandemic, and then having to pivot ten days before the wedding due to the historic flooding Philadelphia experienced from Hurricane Ida, Stephanie and Zachary finally said I Do at the Bellevue Hotel.
Getting Ready at the Bellevue Hotel
Originally, Steph and Zach had made plans to get married at the Fitler Club. Then, when the Schuykill River rose 17 feet, it was badly flooded. So the flurry of phone calls began. Steph’s mom had a contact in the mayor’s office who had an in at the Bellevue Hotel. 48 hours later, everything was set to move the wedding to a new location.
This had an oddly calming effect on Stephanie. When we arrived to begin capturing her wedding day, she said, “This time last week, I knew every piece of the plan for the day. Now, I’m just here to have an amazing day and marry Zach.” Maybe not verbatim, but close enough. Her stress levels were at a historic low. It was a really chill vibe in the room as we got started. So chill that Zach showed up! He needed a couple minutes with the hair stylist too. It was really sweet to see him and Steph together for a couple minutes before their fully-dressed first look. He gave her a huge hug, and it spoke volumes about their relationship.
Once he’d left, she carefully got into her incredible and intricately beaded wedding dress. We loved her offbeat style. And that dress was SO heavy! All the beading was stunning, and she looked like she stepped right off the red carpet.
With the dress on, we headed up to the 19th floor for their first look!
First Look on XIX
On the balcony of the 19th floor of the Bellevue Hotel, Zach waited outside for his best friend, fiance, and just-about-wife to come through the doors. It couldn’t have been a lovelier view when she came through the billowing curtains and tapped his shoulder. We loved how instantaneously the joy burst out of both of them into long kisses and huge smiles. Despite it all, they were finally together on their wedding day!
After family portraits and wedding party, it was time for these two to make it truly official. So we grabbed the elevator down to the 12th floor atrium for their wedding.
Their ceremony was short and sweet. Emphasis on the sweet. Zach’s vows were so touching and highlighted just how dear Stephanie is to him. She is his best friend and only love, and he was so grateful to be marrying her. Stephanie told Zach that she loves how he reminds her that she can’t always plan for everything. That sometimes the best things in life worth doing are just worth doing. They truly are the Yin to the others Yang.
They exchanged their rings in token of their pledge and wowed everyone with a fierce kiss before leaving as husband and wife.
Reception at the Bellevue Hotel
The beautiful Rose Garden room was perfectly set for Stephanie and Zachary to spend the night with their closest friends and family. Steph’s sisters tore up the dance floor all night. The best of which was an all girls belt out rendition of Lady Marmalade. The toasts honored the newlyweds and their unique traits, as well as the ones that they shared. The night at the Bellevue Hotel wasn’t complete though until we took the elevator down to get the iconic Broad Street shot at night. The lights were all on, and we were treated to a parade of souped up muscle cars cruising down Broad. Complete with a celebratory burnout. What a way to end. As we got back to the party, Zach said to us, “I love her so freaking much. She’s my dude, my bro, my homey, my wife!” You could feel the sincerity, and it warmed our hearts as we said goodnight and wished them all the best.
