The Lucy by Cescaphe

Wedding Day

Ceremony 

Cocktail Hour Followed by Reception 

Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City

After Party 

Fall

Our Wedding

It all began at the classiest of places, SantaCon December 2018 at Laurence Towers in Murray Hill, Manhattan…… Nat almost went to Dallas for the weekend for the Eagles Cowboys game, but he decided to stay because Santacon was one of his favorite parties of the year, and Nat can never miss a good party. Rachel had contemplated not attending the party due to having just had a long work week and finals for her doctoral classes, but eventually she decided to go with her friends. Being a classic Manhattan apartment, it wasn’t long until Nat & Rachel literally bumped into each other and they immediately struck up a conversation and exchanged numbers. Five days later, they went on their first date and the rest was history. Prior to NYC, Nat studied at UMass Amherst while Rachel studied at the University of Alabama. Nat then spent time working in Australia and wound up in NYC in November of 2016, just months after Rachel started graduate school at Columbia in May of 2016. Who knew that despite growing up 45 minutes apart with Philadelphia as their home city (and favorite sports teams), it would take improbable attendance at a NYC apartment party for Rachel and Nat to find each other. We’ll conclude our story with a couple of fun facts: Nat had told Rachel his name was Nate at first, and she called him Nate until the third date where he clarified that he only goes by Nate at loud parties when talking to strangers. They had also matched on JSwipe a couple months before meeting, but Rachel deleted the app mid conversation and they never met until that fateful day. Nat & Rachel cannot imagine their lives without each other and cannot wait to celebrate their love with friends and family in October 2023 in Philadelphia! Love, Nathaniel & Rachel

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

As we get closer to the wedding, we will be adding more specific travel, wedding, and Covid related questions here!

I have a question! 

Q + A

The Bride and Groom will be staying here and it’s a 2 minute walk from the venue! We have reserved a room block here for Saturday, October 21, 2023 to Monday, October 23, 2023! Please click on the website link to make a reservation through Paikoff-Siegel wedding room block. *IMPORTANT* The booking link will be active until the block has filled or the block cut-off date (09/21/2023). Please book ASAP to secure your room. Update as of 9/1/23: Bellevue is now sold out of standard King rooms available on Sunday night. The rooms with King beds that are available are upgraded room types (City View and Deluxe) so they are more expensive. If guests would like to request an early check in, please use the Modify Reservation link at the bottom of your reservation confirmation email. Please know, though, that it is very busy that weekend, and their ability to make early check ins happen depends on how many people check out that morning, what time they do so, and how fast the housekeeping staff can prepare rooms for new occupants. The Bellevue will do their best to accommodate the requests, but cannot guarantee check in before 4:00pm. WE ARE WORKING WITH THE BELLEVUE TO TRY TO SECURE EARLY CHECK IN FOR THOSE THAT ARE CHECKING IN ON 10/22/23, AS WELL AS SPACE/ROOM AT THE HOTEL FOR GUESTS TO CHANGE, etc. SHOULD EARLY CHECK IN NOT BE AVAILABLE.

The Bellevue Hotel - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of Friday, September 22, 2023, our hotel block at the DoubleTree is now full. We still have rooms available at the Bellevue! We have reserved a room block here for Saturday, October 21, 2023 to Monday, October 23, 2023 and it’s directly across the street from the venue! Please click on the website link to make a reservation through Paikoff-Siegel wedding room block.

DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City

This is the closest airport to the venue. Upon arrival, it is super easy to grab a cab or Uber/Lyft from Arrivals. The drive from the airport to Center City takes approximately 20 minutes (depending on time of day and traffic.) Alternatively, you can take the SEPTA train by catching the Airport Line (follow signs in the airport) to Suburban Station (16th and JFK Blvd.) Suburban is a 10 minute walk to the The Bellevue Hotel, The Doubletree Hotel, City Hall and most Center City hotels.

 Philadelphia International Airport 

Another great way to travel to Philadelphia is by train, especially for our New York friends and family! The Amtrak train drops you at 30th Street Station (30th and Market) which is a 10 minute drive or 25 minute brisk walk to Center City. To grab a taxi, head to the exit on 29th street and stand in the pick-up line out front.

Amtrak 

Travel & Accommodations 

An all time favorite restaurant of ours! Zahav is a must try but be sure to book in advance as reservations fill up quickly. Reservations are released 8 weeks to-the-day, at 11 am ET, in advance of the reservation date and opening one day at a time. For example, reservations for Tuesday, October 3rd will be released on Tuesday, August 8th at 11am ET.

Zahav 

A quick walk from our hotel block, Reading Terminal is a Philly staple! Check out this guide before you go: https://www.theinfatuation.com/philadelphia/guides/where-to-eat-in-reading-terminal-market

Reading Terminal Market

Our favorite brunch spot in Philly, Parc is located in the heart of Rittenhouse Square & has tons of delicious food options! 

Parc

Another favorite Philly spot, Talula’s Garden is both a delicious and beautiful restaurant to try!

Talula's Garden

A beautiful park to spend a morning or an afternoon! K’Far cafe, La Colombe & Mission Taqueria are just some of the food/drink options nearby!

Rittenhouse Square 

This science museum is mostly geared toward kids but it is great at any age and both Rachel and Nathaniel have fond memories of going here on school field trips! It’s also near the Barnes Foundation and the Rodin Museum, if you’re looking for more to do in the area.

The Franklin Institute 

Another school field trip spot for both Rachel & Nathaniel, as well as a Philly must see! If you’re hoping to get historical during your trip, the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center, and Independence Hall are all conveniently located on the same promenade.

Liberty Bell

Things to Do & Places to Eat 

Registry

We are closely monitoring COVID procedures and recommendations. We will notify our guests should The Lucy by Cescaphe and the city of Philadelphia have protocol updates for large events.