The Best Wedding Vendors in Essex, CT

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in Essex, CT

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat 
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
Essex, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 230 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor

We make our beautiful facilities, equipment, and catering staff available for weddings, reunions, meetings, and other events. We have four beautiful indoor/outdoor event spaces to choose from, all different and unique in their own way!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Space for a large guest list

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Not wheelchair accessible
I have loved coming to the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat museum since I was a child so when my husband and I got engaged, we knew we had to get married here. It was such a magical venue and was reasonably priced. They truly don't try to nickel-and-dime you like a lot of other wedding venues, they just want you to have a good experience. The bridal suite was a beautifully decorated air-conditioned train car. We also decided to add on a roundtrip steam train ride down to the CT river and a steamboat cruise as our cocktail hour (honestly didn't cost as much as you'd think...). Our reception was inside the hall and was perfectly air-conditioned and decorated. We did a buffet option and the food was good! If you decide to get married outside, just remember that it IS an active train yard so make sure your officiant has a microphone. Meredith and Tyler were very easy to work with while planning the event. I highly recommend getting married here. Oh, and your photos will look INSANE.
Kayla M., a year ago
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Mystic River Entertainment 
Rating: 5.0 (63 reviews)
  • DJ
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, CT

Uniquely crafted music and purposeful lighting can empower you to create the most incredible and memorable night. Let me help you make that happen. Mystic River Entertainment is a modern DJ entertainment and lighting company for wedding and private events.

Awarded Best of Zola
From start to finish, Jeff nailed it with our wedding music. We had some crazy requests and his expertise helped bring those visions to life. We wanted to give our guests a fun transition from cocktail hour to the reception so we came up with the idea of having a Mardi gras style parade. Jeff placed speakers along the path to allow this to happen. Our guests loved it! Throughout the night, he kept the dance floor engaged and kept the flow of our event running smoothly. We would recommend Jeff to anyone!!
Abby A., a year ago
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LA Page Makeup 
Rating: 5.0 (60 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 13
  • Starts at $500
  • Serves Essex, CT

Hi guys! I’m Lauren and I am the owner of LA Page Makeup. I’ve been providing makeup services to CT and New England for over 14 years and have found nothing lights up my world more than serving clients and giving them the confidence to shine! I have earned my beauty and theatrical makeup certificates, as well as certificates in lash lifting and tinting, brow lamination, and more. Continued education is so important to me! My favorite part of doing makeup is the look of awe my clients get when they look in the mirror. If I can help give you the confidence and self-love to shine, I’ve done my job right!

Awarded Best of Zola
Lauren was such a pleasure to work with! She was professional, friendly, and paid attention to details. The trial hair and makeup appointment was very helpful for getting an idea of what to expect, and the day-of looked even better! I did a simple/natural look, but I would recommend LA Page to anyone looking for a fun and friendly group of people!
Bridget F., 10 months ago
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Wood & Word Blooms, sola wood floral designs (faux not fresh) 
Rating: 5.0 (40 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Essex, CT
  • Offer

🌹 WE ARE NOT FRESH FLOWER FLORISTS. WE WORK WITH WOOD & FAUX FLOWERS. PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IN YOUR REPLY. 🌹 Wood & Word Blooms is run by a Jen Angle, former teacher of 20+ years and specializes in using hand-painted wood flowers along with a faux, dried and preserved florals (nothing fresh here) to bring your wedding vision to life not just for that one glorious day but forever. Besides designing for you, I also offer DIY Wood Flower Experiences to create your wedding florals alongside me in person or virtually and 1:1 sessions to help DIY brides learn to do it themselves.

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Wood & Word Blooms for our wedding florals was an easy process from start to finish. Their communication style was very straightforward, making it simple to order exactly what we wanted. The quality of their sola wood floral designs was excellent - my bouquet was a dream come true, with intricate details and a beautiful shape. They provided great example options to choose from, and the value was very good for the beautiful work they delivered. Just be sure to order with plenty of lead time, as their creations take time for production and shipping. Overall, we were thrilled with Wood & Word Blooms and highly recommend them for any couples planning their wedding flowers.
Lizz & M., a year ago
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Dawson Entertainment Production, LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (40 reviews)
  • DJ
  • Serves Essex, CT

Dawson Entertainment is a DJ, lighting and photo booth company founded by Jason Dawson (DJ JD) in 2007. With his background in nightlife event production as Music Director and resident DJ at Shrine Nightclub inside Foxwoods, Jason combines the high energy, smooth transition mixing style of a nightclub DJ with the refined experience and fun playlist of a wedding DJ to keep the dance floor rocking! All of our DJ's come from this background of skilled mixing. Combine that with fun additions like Mirror Photo Booth, Uplighting and Marquee Letters and you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable event!

Awarded Best of Zola
Jason was an amazing DJ and we would work with him again! He did the music for our wedding and the sound system for our ceremony. He was very organized, professional, skilled, and easygoing. He was poised and classy throughout the wedding, and was great at gauging the vibe/adjusting the music accordingly. He followed our recommendations exactly. Our guests were really impressed and so were we! We strongly recommend him to anyone looking for a classy, professional, but warm and kind DJ!
Alex T., 9 months ago
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The Barns at Wesleyan Hills 
Rating: 5.0 (36 reviews)
Middletown, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 225 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $25,000

The Barns At Wesleyan Hills is a historic wedding venue located in Middletown, CT. With glorious topiary and glistening ponds on the grounds, this one of kind barn offers beauty both inside and outside its walls. This venue accommodates one wedding per day, allowing couples to enjoy this spectacular location and the surrounding grounds at ease. Our award winning team of professional wedding planners, chefs, wedding coordinators and mixologists are here to help make planning and celebrating your wedding a breeze! Your guests will be in awe of the timeless one of kind beauty paired with award winning farm to table cuisine and the best hospitality in CT. We are ready to help tell your story and ensure you have the best wedding ever - we are just a call, text or email away!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a fun and festive vibe
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Unique barn setting

Venue considerations

  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Not for you if you're looking for a sleek and contemporary space
  • No on-premises lodging options
Awarded Best of Zola
The staff at the Barns were amazing. They helped with every step of the way. The food was delicious, the drinks were phenomenal. The venue is so beautiful. I’ve wanted to get married here for as long as I’ve known about them and my dreams came true. It was the most special day. You will not regret booking with them!
Emma A., a year ago
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The Pavilion on Crystal Lake 
Rating: 5.0 (36 reviews)
Middletown, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 210 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $20,000

The Pavilion on Crystal Lake is a lakefront wedding venue located in Middletown, CT. The charming property offers picturesque event spaces for both ceremonies and receptions, as well as other special occasions. Couples can celebrate their love and commitment to one another with guests in the venue’s beautiful barn that overlooks Crystal Lake. To alleviate wedding-related stress during the planning process, their award-winning team is happy to assist with details big and small.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Private area for the wedding party
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Wheelchair accessible

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • No on-premises lodging options
Awarded Best of Zola
The Pavilion on Crystal Lake was an absolute dream to work with for our wedding. From the moment we reached out, the team was incredibly accommodating, helpful, and responsive to all of our questions and requests. They made the planning process a breeze and were amazing in every part of helping to set up our special day. The venue itself offered so many beautiful and unique backdrops for our photos, from the lush gardens to the lakefront views. And the food - wow! Our guests raved about the mac and cheese bar and donut wall, and said it was the best wedding food they had ever tasted. We are so grateful to the Pavilion team for helping to make our wedding day truly unforgettable.
Erica D., 10 months ago
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Anne Fitzgerald Makeup Artistry 
Rating: 5.0 (32 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $700
  • Serves Essex, CT
  • Offer

Anne Fitzgerald is here to help you achieve what you envision for your wedding makeup look, collaborating with you in achieving glowing skin health, scheduling a bridal makeup trial, and being a calm, confident presence on your big day.

Awarded Best of Zola
Anne did a wonderful job with my makeup for my wedding day! I have never had my makeup professionally done so it was hard to know what to ask for, the trial helped so much with this! I was nervous about finding someone who would be able to work with redheads and Anne was able to perfectly match my skin tone and eyebrow color. Anne was such a calm presence the morning of the wedding. She was able to exactly capture my vision and I felt beautiful! Makeup held for the entire day and photographed amazingly. Anne is a true professional and I am so happy I hired her for my wedding.
Rebecca R., 2 years ago
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Everlasting Affairs, LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (28 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Essex, CT

Everlasting Affairs was born out of a driving passion for the event industry and the ability to mold our clients dreams into reality. Since our inception, we’ve committed ourselves to creating impactful and one of a kind experiences for our clients and their guests, no matter the size of the event. Our team strives to meet and exceed the needs of each and every one of our clients. This is because we understand the importance of working with (not just for) our clients in order to make their events unforgettable, forging memories that last long after the last guest leaves.

Awarded Best of Zola
I can’t recommend Victoria enough! I reached out to her nearly two years ago with what I thought was a “laundry list” of questions, and I’ll be honest—I was skeptical at first about hiring a wedding planner. I wasn’t sure if it would be worth the investment. But Victoria immediately put my worries to rest with her detailed, thoughtful responses. From that very first interaction, I knew she was the right choice. I initially booked her vendor package, where she scheduled and coordinated all of our vendors, but eventually upgraded to include decor and other little details because, honestly, wedding planning can get overwhelming! Victoria was my rock throughout the entire process—especially in the week leading up to our big day. As someone who tends to overthink, having her there to guide me, reassure me, and manage the details was priceless. On our wedding day, everything went off without a hitch. Victoria’s attention to detail and calm presence ensured that the day was as perfect as we had imagined. My only regret? Not snapping a photo with her amidst all the excitement! If you’re considering a wedding planner, Victoria is worth every penny. She doesn’t just plan weddings—she creates an experience that allows you to truly enjoy your day without stress
Nana, 10 months ago
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Chad Whelan 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Documentary style
  • Starts at $2,200
  • Serves Essex, CT

Upbeat storytelling. Free-form and candid! I have been full-time in the wedding industry for over 20 years specializing in short form wedding films and classic full length documentary edits. I have a true journalistic shooting style which means I will never be directing you or posing shots. I want you to be as natural as possible around me and want those moments to reflect in your final edit. You will find my short form videos to be much more on the upbeat side than most without the extensive use of voice narration throughout the entire video.

Awarded Best of Zola
CHAD! We are so lucky to have had you as our videographer - fun and chill to be around, professional, and our teaser was delivered to us so quickly. We love that Chad's style is organic and natural and not of the "posing" nature - he truly captures moments without stopping what you're doing and that is what us two brides were looking for. Thank you, Chad for coming to our rescue when we needed you most, great communication, prompt responses, just overall gave us the attention and professionalism we were looking for. Looking forward to our short film delivery soon! K C
Christie C., 6 months ago
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Terrence Irving Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,500
  • Serves Essex, CT

Black Connecticut wedding photographer, purveyor of the artistically-engineered photography experience. That's a crafty way of saying, I'm a computer nerd who's pretty good at photography and believes in great service! Digital image gallery, print rights, and beautiful, physical prints included with every package. My work focuses on telling my couples’ wedding day love stories through the pictures I capture. Artwork is the goal, whether it’s a highly-stylized posed photo or a moment where a loved one is emoting.

Awarded Best of Zola
Terrence was an absolute joy to work with for our wedding photography. His easygoing and respectful communication style made us feel at ease through the entire process. On the big day, Terrence captured all those special moments with his creative eye and professional work - from the heartfelt exchanges at the altar to the entertaining dancefloor antics later that night. The final wedding album beautifully encapsulates the love and joy we felt. My mom couldn't stop raving about Terrence's incredible talent and tireless work ethic to document every important moment. We highly recommend Terrence Irving Photography for any couple looking to cherish the memories of their special day with stunning, creative photos that capture the essence of their love!
Amanda, 2 years ago
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Chelsea Rush Photography 
Rating: 4.9 (20 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,415
  • Serves Essex, CT

📸 Hi, I'm Chelsea, a wedding photographer with a love for capturing joy! With 6 years of professional experience (many more years as a hobbyist), my style mixes classic elegance with candid moments. I believe in creating a relaxed, fun environment, ensuring your special day is beautifully immortalized. Let's capture your love story! 💌

Awarded Best of Zola
Chelsea is AMAZING! We did our engagement shoot and wedding photos with Chelsea; my husband and I head over heels in love with how the photos came out. During all the time we spent with Chelsea, she made us feel so comfortable and natural. We loved how Chelsea let us be ourselves and captured all the beautiful candid moments of us together. She knows how to bring a good balance of candid photos and posed photos (which can sometimes feel awkward, but she made it so easy and fun!). She is insanely creative! We gave her some general direction of what photos we wanted and trusted that she could have fun and surprise us with the results. She more than delivered with this! Chelsea also is so impressive with her turnaround time for photos. Both our engagement shoot photos and wedding photos were returned to us so fast! Our wedding guests raved about the photos. We cannot wait to return to Chelsea in the future, and we wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in need of a photographer!
Rachel d., a year ago
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Smudge 
Rating: 5.0 (20 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 9
  • Starts at $700
  • Serves Essex, CT

My name is Amber, and I'm the owner of Smudge. I have been in the industry for 10 years working weddings, editorial, and film. Weddings have been a constant throughout my career and styling brides has been my favorite type of make-up. I love being a part of someone's special day and creating a look that makes them feel like the best version of themselves. In 2018 I started Smudge, a team of on-site hair and makeup artists based in South Eastern CT, specializing in weddings. We're an onsite team that serves all of Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts, and beyond. Booking minimum is per service. *Now booking 2026 and 2027*

Awarded Best of Zola
Amber and Kristy did a great job on the makeup and hair for myself and my bridesmaids, and makeup for my mom. They were fun, friendly, and informative, and everyone looked beautiful. They listened to my feedback from my trial, and everything came out even better on the day. I felt so beautiful all day, and never worried once about my hair or makeup staying in place, even through SO many tears (even when the wind decided to take my veil, it popped easily back into place)! And everything was so comfortable for how durable it proved to be - no drying products or pulling on my hair. Amber and Kristy's work is a great value, and they fit right in with my bridal party, making the start to the day that much more fun. My only critique was the timeline - I was working without a coordinator, so I trusted the professionals to lay out a timeline that they were comfortable with. Ultimately it just wasn't enough time, and despite my mother-in-law dropping out of the lineup (for unrelated reasons), my makeup still finished late. I understand this stuff happens, but I felt like the only one concerned about continuing to fall behind, and we would have had no issue getting started earlier if asked. So I would recommend some buffer in your timeline, particularly if you are DIYing it, but they did a great job!
Emily S., a month ago
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First and Last Productions LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (20 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Cinematic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Essex, CT

WHOLEHEARTED WEDDING FILMS -- I have filmed & produced over 350 weddings to date and enjoy capturing all of the beauty and magic of a wedding day. My style ranges from cinematic to classic to documentary so what I offer is a bit of everything for your viewing pleasure. Go to my website and read my reviews from my couples... it will tell you everything you need to know about me and my business. I look forward to possibly filming your big day!

Awarded Best of Zola
To know Julius is to appreciate his kindness and creative brilliance. When we began our wedding vendor search in 2021, I felt overwhelmed, but Julius came highly recommended. After seeing his work, we knew he had to be part of our special day. From our first conversation, he was responsive and made planning easier. On our wedding day, he captured every moment flawlessly, leaving a lasting impression on everyone. Post-wedding, he kept us updated on the video editing process, providing quick trailers and all the raw footage. Julius even sent us physical drives and a video moment book, making the experience feel personal and special. Reliving those moments has been a joy. If you’re considering a videographer, trust me: "do the video."
Melissa L., 2 years ago
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Evergreen Farms 
Rating: 5.0 (19 reviews)
Dayville, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,000

Are you envisioning a wedding surrounded by the warmth of a modern barn, the charm of rustic details, and the natural beauty of a 5-acre tree farm? Look no further than Evergreen Farms, nestled in the heart of Dayville, CT, the perfect canvas for your love story. Our venue seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern sophistication, providing a timeless backdrop for your celebration. Picture-perfect settings await as you explore our expansive tree farm, a serene escape for breathtaking photo opportunities. Elevate your celebration with customizable catering options starting as low as $20 per person, ensuring a delightful experience for you and your guests. We would LOVE to hear from you!! At Evergreen Farms, we're not just a venue; we're the beginning of your forever. Let us be the canvas for your love story.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Raw space for complete customization
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Allows pets

Venue considerations

  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
Awarded Best of Zola
Evergreen Farms was an amazing place to host our wedding weekend. Not only is the venue rustic, up and coming, and classic, the owners Jess and Mike are there for you from ever before you book with them, throughout the whole planning process, and during your wedding day. For us, their help on our wedding day went above and beyond. Our wedding day was filled with severe thunderstorm warnings and during our reception as it was down pouring, Jess and Mike were outside preventing flooding with shopvacs and sandbags so our caterers could enter and leave safely. All of this happened behind the scenes. What drew us for the venue from the beginning was the ability to have the venue for the whole weekend - afternoon on Friday through early Sunday morning. We were able to host our rehearsal dinner, set up early on Friday and then breakdown our items on Sunday morning which eased up our stress quite a bit. Our guests were in awe of the beauty of the venue. My husband and I couldn’t recommend Evergreen Farms more for your special day.
Natalie C., 10 months ago
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Shakeup Makeup LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (19 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 1
  • Serves Essex, CT

Bridal beauty with your bridal bestie, that's me! Your wedding day is ALL about feeling gorgeous, confident, and totally YOU—and I’m here to make sure of it! From the moment we start getting ready, I’m not just your bridal makeup artist—I’m your hype girl, personal beauty expert, and biggest cheerleader! Whether you need someone to keep the energy high, make sure you feel amazing before your first look, or bring all the positive vibes to your bridal party, I’ve got you covered.

Awarded Best of Zola
Marisa was the absolute best! I felt so beautiful on my big day! She is so positive and upbeat and helped me feel so relaxed on such an overwhelming day. Thank you Marisa for everything!
Kelsey, 2 years ago
HairstylesCo. 
Rating: 4.7 (19 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $150
  • Serves Essex, CT

One can hardly describe the magic of a wedding morning. The soft hum of anticipation, the laughter tucked between moments, and the memories that will linger long after. Together with your stylist, your look is planned in careful detail, harmonizing with your dress, your vision, and the vibe you are creating. On the day, we arrive prepared with artistry and expertise, letting the morning unfold effortlessly. Every look is created to feel timeless in photographs, yet as natural as it is refined.

Meg's work speaks for itself - she is so talented at what she does! She was amazing to work with from the first time I reached out to her to the big day. I sent over some ideas prior to my hair trial and after sharing a picture of my dress, she helped me pick the perfect style to match it. It made the trail so easy and minimal changes had to be made to achieve the perfect look. On the big day, she was on time, professional, and so much fun to work with. My hair tends to get frizzy very easily when it's down (in this case half down), but she made sure it stayed looking amazing all night long, despite lots of dancing and even some rain in the evening. I cannot say enough good things about her! She's so talented and made me feel so beautiful on my wedding day. I highly recommend her to everyone and anyone looking for a hairstylist for their wedding!
Kat B., 2 years ago
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Rudbeckia Florals 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, CT

There’s a reason we’re drawn to flowers. It’s the same reason we’re drawn to the mountains, the sea and everything in between. Hi! I'm Rebecca, owner of Rudbeckia Florals. With a lifelong admiration for nature, Rudbeckia florals is an ode to this. Designs give into the will of each stem and petal to create arrangements lead by shape and texture.

Awarded Best of Zola
We are so glad that we hired Rudbeckia Florals for our wedding! Rebecca was able to quickly capture our initial vision in a creative mood board, which made it easy for us to provide feedback. We were really impressed with how she seamlessly worked with our wedding planner and other vendors to ensure her florals and the flowers in rented items (e.g. arch and pillars) were cohesive in color and style. All of the florals Rebecca created were so beautiful and several of our guests stated that they were the best they have ever seen. I would highly recommend her for any future events!!!
A&R B., 2 years ago
AVENTZ Co. 
Rating: 4.8 (17 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $2,700
  • Serves Essex, CT

AVENTZ Co. - curating eclectic, eccentric, and elegant event experiences for all, while celebrating individuality and creativity. Abby your planner has over 10 years in the event industry and has worked in every aspect of the event industry before becoming an event specialist. At AVENTZ Co., we genuinely care about you, your event, and your guests. Our goal is to ensure that your special day is not only fun and memorable but also safe and stress-free.

Awarded Best of Zola
Abby is a no brainer hire! Incredibly thoughtful, experienced, knowledgeable, intuitive, comprehensive, kind, and affordable! We were on a pretty tight budget so we hired Abby for her partial planning/day-of coordination and I can’t imagine what we would have done without her. I planned everything myself but as soon as she came on board, I felt so much comfort and relief knowing my wedding was in good hands and I could focus on other things. She is the definition of PRO. We had event staff bail the night before and she was able to find an amazing team of folks to fill their shoes! She ran our rehearsal like a well-oiled machine. She saw me dancing with my new husband with an empty drink in my hand and quickly swooped in to grab it; it’s the little things that tell you she’s putting you first on the most important day of your life. My entire wedding party adored her and even invited her out to the after party! If I could give her 50 stars I would. As my bridesmaids would say, QUEEN ABBY FOREVER. ️
Maddy F., 9 months ago
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Evermore Beauty 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $400
  • Serves Essex, CT

Evermore Beauty, based in Ellington, Connecticut, is a beauty service that provides on-site wedding day makeup and hair. The company is owned by Eve Grenon, who is a certified makeup artist and has been doing makeup professionally for over 13+years, specializing in bridal. She understands how it's one of the biggest days of your life which is why she specializes in bulletproof bridal makeup. Makeup that will last throughout all emotions and weather. She’s also teamed up with Megan O’Neill, who’s 18+ years behind the chair has provided amazing hair styling, intricate updos and long lasting curls for all types of hair types and weather!!

Awarded Best of Zola
They both did an amazing job with everyone's hair and makeup. I am so happy I chose them for my wedding!
Aislinn M., 2 years ago
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True Colors Productions 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Storytelling style
  • Starts at $4,250
  • Serves Essex, CT

My name is Taylor — I’m a husband, father, teacher, ocean lover, and videographer / editor based out of CT and Cape Cod. I’ve been passionate about photography for as long as I can remember, and deep down I’ve always felt that capturing moments was in some way my calling. A few years ago I began to realize that photographs — even the most compelling ones — are not able to tell an entire story. They provide a powerful glimpse, frozen in time, but even the best photographs are unable to preserve memories and emotions the way that films can.

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Taylor was an absolute dream from beginning to end. He was incredibly responsive, professional, and genuinely wonderful to work with throughout the entire process. From our first conversations, it was clear that he truly cared about understanding us, our relationship, and the vision we had for our wedding day. That level of thoughtfulness and intention made him stand out immediately. On the wedding day itself, Taylor went above and beyond. He was present for every important moment while somehow never feeling intrusive. His calm, kind energy made the entire day feel even more special. Knowing that he was there capturing all the little moments throughout the day really allowed us to live in the moment and not worry about making sure a memory was recorded. We initially chose Taylor based on the quality of his work online, but nothing could have prepared us for the videos we received. They are absolutely stunning!!! Watching them brings us right back to the emotions, energy, and joy of the day in a way that photos alone never could. His editing and storytelling are truly next-level — we were in tears at just the sneak peek video!! He truly captured the essence of our wedding day and all the important little details. The value Taylor provides is unmatched. Every penny was worth it, and we would make the same choice again without hesitation. Having these videos to relive such an important day is priceless, and we are endlessly grateful that we trusted Taylor to capture it all. We cannot recommend him highly enough!
Steph & M., 7 months ago
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Sterling Flower Farm 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Essex, CT

Whether you need flowers for a small elopement or an elaborate celebration, we want to make your wedding flowers as special and unique as your love. We hope you will choose to celebrate the environment when you celebrate your special day by choosing our Connecticut-grown flowers. I treat the flowers with preservatives to help them last for your special day, rendering them non-organic.

Awarded Best of Zola
I am so happy I chose Sterling Flower Farm for my wedding florals! Zoe and her team are truly excellent to work with. I had kind of a general idea of the vibe I was looking for and they really delivered!! My bouquet was amazing (see picture!). It was also important to me to work with a florist who uses sustainable practices. Zoe made this aspect of wedding planning a breeze. I couldn't be happier!
Molly M., 2 years ago
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Chocolate Rose Bakeshop 
Rating: 5.0 (12 reviews)
  • Cakes & desserts
  • Starts at $120
  • Serves Essex, CT

Welcome. When I first started my story, it started out with me as a young adult and starting my adventure down the road of cake artistry. Then I dug a little deeper and gave thought to what probably sparked my interest in cake decorating. Chocolate Rose Bakeshop is Griswold, CT’s fav Custom & Special Occasion Cakeshop. Our creations may look too good to eat, but they taste too good NOT to! At Chocolate Rose we take pride in creating cakes that not only look too good to eat but taste too good NOT to!

Awarded Best of Zola
We chose a red velvet cake with chocolate mousse filling and a vanilla frosting. 3 tier and very simple. When I say this was the best cake I’ve ever had… I have the top tier in our freezer and it is taking everything out of me to not take it out a week after the wedding and eat it…. All the guests enjoyed it and we are still hearing about it
Shannon P., 2 months ago
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Poquonnock Plains Urban Farm 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Serves Essex, CT

Hello! I’m MaryAnn, the designer and founder of Poquonnock Plains Urban Farm. I create seasonal, artful wedding florals for couples who care about beauty, intention, and a deeply personal design experience. Working together, my goal is to make the floral design process feel effortless, joyful, and inspiring. I take the time to understand your style, your priorities, and the story you want your wedding day to tell. Whether it’s an intimate celebration or a grand estate wedding, I approach every detail with creativity, care, and a commitment to excellence.

Awarded Best of Zola
Maryann was incredible to work with. My husband and I put our wedding together in a month and Maryann could not have made the experience more stress free. I am a Capricorn, incredibly controlling when it comes to planning and Maryann made me so comfortable I told her to take the reins. I gave her my vision and it was as though she crawled into my head and executed everything perfectly. Our beach ceremony was followed by our reception at Ocean House where bud vases of her wildflowers danced beautifully down the center of the table with votives and wild greenery. My wildflower, beach wedding would not have been what it was without her. I recommend Maryann for any event. Her positivity radiates through her skill and she adds color to any event!
Sara A., a year ago
Tianna Hauser Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Essex, CT

Hi! I'm Tianna, a New England wedding and destination photographer based in Connecticut. My faith is the foundation of everything apart of me. My family, friends, and my business. I wouldn’t be where I am today without God, & I pray that my clients can see the goodness of the Lord through every stage of working with me! My style reflects my photography: a mix of cottage core & country. Outside of photography, l'm a wife, mama, homebody at heart, and a lover of hot cocoa, fresh sourdough, thrifted finds, intentional living, garden shops, & cozy nights in. Inspired by old love letters, barefoot adventures, and celebrating in the in between!

Awarded Best of Zola
If you’re looking for a photographer who is not only incredibly talented but also one of the sweetest, kindest people you’ll ever meet, Tianna is your girl!! From the moment we booked with her through our engagement session, wedding day, and even after the wedding, she has truly cared about us every step of the way. She is so communicative, easy to work with, and genuinely wants your photos to be everything you’ve dreamed of. She’ll go above and beyond to make it happen. Tianna has such an eye for photography and knows exactly how to pose you so everything looks natural and beautiful, even if you’re awkward in front of the camera. :) She photographed both our engagement session and our wedding, and I honestly couldn’t be happier with our experience. On our wedding day, she did so much more than just take photos; she jumped in to help with anything we needed, even things that weren’t part of her job. Having someone like that by your side on such an important day is priceless. I love, love, love Tianna, and I already know she’ll be the one capturing all of our future milestones. I can’t recommend her enough!
Sam, 5 days ago
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Cori Alexandra Hair and Makeup Artistry 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Serves Essex, CT

Hi! I’m Cori, a bridal hair & makeup artist with over 11 yrs of experience in the bridal industry. I believe wedding day beauty is about more than how you look; it’s about how you feel in one of the most meaningful moments of your life. My goal is to create an experience where you feel confident, supported, & completely yourself. I work closely with you to design a look that feels timeless and elevated while still feeling authentic to who you are. Trials are held in my private studio where we take the time to refine every detail and ensure you feel fully confident in your vision. Above all, it is an honor to be part of such a special day.

Cori is such a talented artist. She worked on my bridal hair and my bridesmaids hair for my wedding. She listened to what I wanted and made sure it was exactly it before leaving. She offered a trial too which was so helpful to have! She is so fun and bubbly and a great addition to our getting ready party!
Kimberly, 5 months ago
Quick responder
Pachaug Cottages 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
Griswold, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 130 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $5,275

Pachaug Cottages hosts a lakeside 40x60ft heavy timber frame pavilion and seasonal cottages to host your wedding! Conveniently located near the Rhode Island / Connecticut border on Pachaug Pond, the property is within driving range of several international airports (Providence, Hartford, Boston). Contact us today to book a tour!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Private area for the wedding party
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • No venue-provided food services
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Awarded Best of Zola
Pachaug Cottages was the perfect venue for our wedding. From our first interaction, the owners, Jeff and Karin, were helpful, and friendly, going out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed. The property itself is truly beautiful, with serene lake views and a ton of beautiful places for photos. Every detail from ample parking to a specific area for catering and a designated bar has been thought of so there’s less to stress about on the big day. This family-owned establishment is unparalleled, and we highly recommend Pachaug Cottages for anyone's wedding, family reunion, or other event.
Katy S., 8 months ago
Quick responder
ALM Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Essex, CT

Hi, I'm Tony, owner of ALM Photography.. I'm a seasoned photographer with over 12 years of wedding experience specializing in true to life, unfiltered wedding photography. With more than 25 years of dedication as an emergency room nurse, I bring a unique perspective and a keen eye for detail to every shot. I photograph weddings with a balance of photojournalistic storytelling and editorial refinement- most of the day is captured as it naturally unfolds with real moments and real emotion-while portraits and key moments are gently guided to create timeless, magazine-worthy images.

Awarded Best of Zola
We got married at the Publick House in Sturbridge, MA in June 2024, and we had such a great experience! The place is made up of a few buildings- my (now) husband was getting ready in one building and I in another. Tony was great with communication; he kept me posted about when he was on his way, when he got to my husband's room, and when he was coming to my room. He was also quick to send sneak peak pics! We told him we didn't like posed pictures, we only wanted a few with our family and wedding party, and then to take the rest of us just being us. The pictures were great! We got the posed photos we wanted, and he was great about my idea of the wedding party being chased by a blow-up dinosaur (seriously)! The rest of the photos were wonderful, just all of us having a good time; he captured them so well! He was very professional and he made the time doing the posed pictures fun. I would DEFINITELY recommend Tony for your event!
Cyndi J., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Kelli's Kitchen 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Caterer
  • Starts at $85
  • Serves Essex, CT

It is our mission at Kelli’s Kitchen to provide you with a wow factor through the elegance of our food, and the excellence of our service. Kelli has been cooking for over 20 years teaching her homeschooled children and their friends how to cook a wide array of culinary delights, from simple, tasteful appetizers to mouthwatering entrees. In that time, Kelli found her joy and artistic ability through food. That same creativity and hospitality is emanated through our food and staff to create a personalized, unforgettable experience at your event.

Awarded Best of Zola
We had Kelli’s cater our 150 person wedding. The execution by the staff was exceptional. Her food presentation is beautiful, and the taste is even better. Kelly’s industry experience was a huge plus as she was able to think of the important things for our big day. Our guests raved about the food and their experience. We have even attended two other weddings where Kelli has catered and have seen consistency, continued creativity, and have truly enjoyed how personable and professional the entire staff is.
Amy B., 2 years ago
Brianna Ritoli Photography LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Essex, CT

I was born and raised in the smallest little state, Rhode Island! With that comes a huge appreciation for the coast and a realization that magic can be found in even the smallest of details. Growing up in a small town where time seems to go by slower helped me learn the value of genuine connections which have now become apart of who I am.

Awarded Best of Zola
Brianna Ritoli Photography LLC was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From the very first interaction, Brianna was proactive, helpful, and extremely professional. She took the time to understand our vision and let us enjoy our special day while seamlessly capturing the essence of it all. The quality of her work was simply beautiful and fun. The photos came out awesome and we had so much fun with her as our photographer. Brianna's approach of taking our lead and letting us be present on our wedding day was invaluable, and we are thrilled with the memories she was able to preserve for us. We cannot recommend Brianna and her team highly enough!
Mishaune B., a year ago

Essex, CT reception venues by style

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