The Best Wedding Vendors in Essex, CT

The Best Wedding Vendors in Essex, CT

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in Essex, CT

GemHidden gem
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat 

5.0

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., 10 months ago
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Mystic River Entertainment 

5.0

  • 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., 7 months ago
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LA Page Makeup 

5.0

  • 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
LA Page Makeup was an absolute delight to work with for our wedding day. From our very first interaction, the team was incredibly friendly, professional, and detailed in their communication, putting us at ease throughout the entire planning process. On the day of, our hair and makeup artists were so talented and truly made the getting ready period even more fun and special. They listened closely to our vision and executed it flawlessly, creating looks that were picture-perfect and long-lasting. Their attention to detail was impeccable, and we felt so cared for and beautiful thanks to their expertise. We cannot recommend LA Page Makeup highly enough - they helped make our wedding day dreams come true!
Ella B., a year ago
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Wood & Word Blooms, sola wood floral designs (faux not fresh) 

5.0

  • 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
Jen was AMAZING to work with! When it came to flowers for my wedding, I had NO IDEA what I wanted. She was very patient with me and helped talk me through my vision. She gave me flowers to pick from, talked about how big I wanted my bouquet and how much greenery I wanted, and then when I could find colors I liked in swatches, she color-matched the colors I wanted from an inspo pic I found online! She was very professional and patient with me, even when my plans changed or I needed to add to my order.  I am not the best at putting together a bouquet. I am also someone who likes control, especially when it came to planning my wedding. I was thankful that I was able to give Jen the reins, tell her what I wanted, and watch her make my dreams come true. When I first saw my flowers, I was speechless. She truly did make my floral dreams come true, and now I get to keep my bouquet for the rest of my life! A wooden flower bouquet from Jen is the way to go!
Kaylee, a year ago
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Dawson Entertainment Production, LLC 

5.0

  • 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., 4 months ago
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The Pavilion on Crystal Lake 

5.0

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
We had our wedding on May 10th, 2025. It was the best day of our lives. From start to finish the CT Wedding Group helped us all along the way with our planning and dialing in all the last minute details. They’re very professional but also understand the stresses of planning a wedding. They were supportive of all of our ideas, even if it didn’t all play out. Our DOC Shannon was a pleasure to work with and our guests loved the extra care and attention that the staff provided on our wedding day. Food was absolutely great and probably the most important detail of our wedding. Everyone was raving about the food and the whole venue experience. They even gave us one of each meal at the end of the night so we had a chance to enjoy what all our guests were having, even though we were very full from all the food earlier. It is a beautiful place to have a wedding and reception. Highly recommend to any couple looking for a beautiful, rustic venue with professionals to help with wedding planning. This bride was happy and stress free!
Sivhoung P., 9 months ago
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The Barns at Wesleyan Hills 

5.0

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
We had our wedding at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills on September 27th, 2025, and it was hands down the best day of our lives. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, we were so well taken care of—saying everything was perfect is truly an understatement. Our day-of coordinator, Sean, was absolutely incredible. He was thoughtful, attentive, and seemed to know exactly what we needed before we even did. His calm and caring presence made the day flow seamlessly, and we couldn’t have imagined doing it without him. The entire staff was beyond kind, professional, and genuinely invested in making our day special. The food was unbelievable, the atmosphere was an absolute dream, and every detail came together perfectly. The Barns team supported us every step of the way during the planning process, always finding time to answer questions and accommodate our needs. We are endlessly grateful to The Barns for helping us create a day that we will cherish in our hearts forever. If you’re considering this venue—don’t hesitate. It’s pure magic.
Samantha W., 4 months ago
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Anne Fitzgerald Makeup Artistry 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $500
  • 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., a year ago
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Terrence Irving Photography 

5.0

  • 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 Irving Photography was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding day. From the very beginning, he was reliable, easy to talk to, and provided consistent communication throughout the entire process. The quality of his work was incredible - the photos he captured were truly unique, beautiful, and so personal to us! On the day of the wedding, Terrence and Dale seamlessly blended in, laughing along with our jokes and ensuring that the photographs perfectly matched our personalities. We could not be happier with the memories they helped us preserve from our special day. Highly recommend Terrence Irving Photography to any couple looking for an incredible, stress-free photography experience.
Erica F., a year ago
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Everlasting Affairs, LLC 

5.0

  • Planner
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $4,000
  • 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
We used Victoria and her team as the Day of Coordinator for my daughter's wedding on 8/30/2025 at the Fairmont Copley in Boston. We got so much more than just a DOC. She helped all along the way with planning, keeping us on task and was very receptive to emails. She was an incredible wealth of information. Most importantly, on the big day she took care of EVERYTHING so that I, as the MOB and wedding coordinator, did not have to do or think of ANYTHING. Victoria is professional, knowledgeable, responsible, trustworthy, and makes you feel fully at ease.I am so glad we hired her and could not recommend her more highly. She made it all easy and the day was spectacular.
Michele P., 5 months ago
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Chad Whelan 

5.0

  • Videographer
  • Documentary style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, CT

Upbeat storytelling. Free-form and candid! 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
From the moment we first reached out to Chad, we were impressed by his accommodating communication style and quick responses. He was truly dedicated and talented, capturing all the amazing moments of our special day, including using a drone to create an incredible video. Chad was attentive throughout, ensuring he didn't miss a single detail. The final product was a beautifully crafted video that we will cherish forever. We could not be happier with the value and quality of his work - you will not regret booking Chad for your wedding videography needs!
Nicholas G., 3 months ago
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Chelsea Rush Photography 

4.9

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,415
  • Serves Essex, CT

📸 Hi, I'm Chelsea, a wedding photographer with a love for capturing joy! With 5 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 was amazing to work with from start to finish! She did a phenomenal job with our engagement pictures and are wedding pictures. Her turn around for pictures was incredible & I got so many comments about how amazing her work was. She got all of my inspo pics & took so many candid dance floor shots that the guests loved! I would highly recommend Chelsea for your wedding!
Jen, 7 months ago
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Smudge 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 9
  • Starts at $700
  • Serves Essex, CT
  • Offer

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
The Smudge team did an incredible job with hair and makeup for our wedding day! Adrienne & Megan were professional, talented, and a joy to work with. They listened to our vision and brought it to life perfectly, making everyone in the bridal party feel stunning. The makeup and hairstyles lasted all day and were photographed beautifully too. Smudge’s attention to detail and calming presence made the morning stress-free. We highly recommend them for any wedding or special occasion!
Anya W., a year ago
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Evergreen Farms 

5.0

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!! To find out more information or to schedule a tour, you can email us at evergreenfarms22atgmaildotcom or submit an inquiry at wwwdotevergreenfarms22dotcom ! 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., 5 months ago
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Shakeup Makeup LLC 

5.0

  • 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
I can't recommend Marisa enough! I first met Marisa about a year ago while attending her fitness classes, and shortly after, I found out she did bridal hair and makeup. I immediately booked a trial, and fell in love with how it turned out! From that moment, I knew she was the one I wanted to do my wedding makeup! Marisa also brings such amazing energy to the process—she’s your biggest cheerleader and makes you feel like the best version of yourself, inside and out. She recently did makeup for me, my mom, and my bridal party for my wedding this fall, and I am still getting compliments! It was 85 degrees and humid that day, but everyone’s makeup stayed flawless from start to finish. If you want a makeup artist who will make you feel beautiful, confident, and like the most special version of yourself on your big day—Marisa is your girl!
Jen S., 3 months ago
GemHidden gem
AVENTZ Co. 

4.8

  • 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., 4 months ago
HairstylesCo. 

4.9

  • 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.

Meghan was an actual blessing on our wedding. We got married in Maine and I had previously found someone more local to do my hair. To say that initial test with the other person was disappointing would be a gross understatement. I have very thin hair and as such bought extensions. The other person said she couldn't use all of them, and the ones she did use pulled on my hair and scalp in such a painful way that I couldn't wear them for more than an hour or so and the style looked thin and fried. Enter Meghan. Given the exact same tools and accessories she worked actual magic. She gave me wedding hair better than I ever could've imagined or dreamed of. I asked for wild and witchy and romantic and she delivered tenfold. It was so comfortable and long-lasting and I got nothing but compliments on it and she did such a good job integrating the extensions that no one believed it wasn't my real hair. She gave recommendations for which extensions to get and what products to use to prep my hair and was all around amazing. She even helped my groom with his hair last minute on the day of and he looked fabulous too. Meghan was such a joy to be around and was so sweet and kind and helpful and talented that I wish I could get married again just to use her. She's a gem and I will recommend her to anyone who asks and everyone who doesn't ask.
Emily R., a year ago
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Evermore Beauty 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $375
  • 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
Eve and Megan were incredible to work with!! I HIGHLY recommend Evermore Beauty! From the start, Eve was responsive, organized, and knowledgeable. I don’t use a lot of makeup usually, and she gave me a look that felt glamorous AND natural. I never wanted to take it off after the trial and wedding, I loved it so much! And it stayed on all day without a single worry. Eve gave me a touch up kit that I never even had to use, which was a really sweet touch. My hair was also incredible thanks to the talented Megan! She gave me so much volume, which is hard to do with my hair, and I got so many compliments! Both Eve and Megan are not only talented, but also very kind and fun! You will not regret having Evermore Beauty be a part of your big day :)
Alyssa Z., a year ago
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Rudbeckia Florals 

5.0

  • Florist
  • Starts at $1,500
  • 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
Rudbeckia Florals is a fantastic wedding florist that I've had the pleasure of working with as a photographer. The quality of their work is simply stunning - their floral designs are beautiful, unique, and truly timeless. I would highly recommend Rudbeckia Florals to any couple looking for an exceptional wedding florist!
Leah’s Lens P., a year ago
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First and Last Productions LLC 

5.0

  • 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
An absolutely wonderful videographer! Julius was so amazing to work with before, during, and after our big day. He was efficient, prompt, and a joy to work with. He and his assistant videographer Colby worked tirelessly to get the footage of our big day and they did so in a way that we always felt comfortable. I was nervous I would be hyper aware of the cameras, but I wasn’t at all. We received our videos and they are BEAUTIFUL. He truly is an artist. It can be a scary thing to choose a company to handle such an important task, but rest assured, if you choose first and last productions, you’ll be in good hands.
Andrea Marrero H., a year ago
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True Colors Productions 

5.0

  • 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., 2 months ago
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Sterling Flower Farm 

5.0

  • 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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Poquonnock Plains Urban Farm 

5.0

  • Florist
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Essex, CT

PQ Farm Flowers creates romantic, whimsical, and lush designs, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and locally grown, seasonal flowers. My designs often have a natural, garden-style feel that is free-flowing and organic. I aim for designs that look "gathered from nature, not overly structured." I collaborate with couples to create a unique vision, suited for an elegant classic garden style, minimalist, coastal, or even moody styles. The overarching vibe is personal, meaningful, and aesthetically beautiful.

Awarded Best of Zola
MaryAnn is the most pleasant human being on earth to work with. Her whimsical style to her homegrown blooms brought the sweetest pop of zest to our wedding day. She is so helpful to plan ideas to make your vision truly come to life and turn out better than expected. My wedding was perfect in every way, I can only pray our marriage blooms as beautiful as these florals!
Rebecca C., 8 months ago
Quick responder
Pachaug Cottages 

5.0

Griswold, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 130 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000

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., 3 months ago
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Chocolate Rose Bakeshop 

5.0

  • 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
Chocolate Rose Bakeshop was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From our very first interaction, their team was professional and personable, making the cake ordering process seamless. The final product was truly amazing - they captured the exact vision I had in mind and executed it with incredible detail. The wedding cake they created was the centerpiece of our reception and received endless compliments from our guests on both the beautiful design and delicious taste. Chocolate Rose Bakeshop went above and beyond to ensure our special day was perfect, and I would highly recommend them to any couple looking for a talented, reliable, and passionate bakery to bring their wedding cake dreams to life.
Courtney, a year ago
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ALM Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,250
  • 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 photography 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
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Kelli's Kitchen 

5.0

  • 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
GemHidden gem
Brianna Ritoli Photography LLC 

5.0

  • 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
Do you need a wedding photographer and you've already flipped through 7,562 other photographers? Look no further. Brianna is the real deal. 1. She is a great communicator. 2. She is transparent with her pricing. 3. She responds to questions and emails in a timely manner. 4. She is attentive day of and stays on task and on time. 5. She sticks to what you ask of her, you want lots of candids or posed shots? Family portraits? Recreations of old family wedding portraits? She has got you covered. 6. She will give you direction of what to do with your body. 7. The photos come out Amazing! If you like her style, do not hesitate to book her. She will not do you dirty. It's amazing what she sees behind the lens, seeing the photos after those moments you feel awkward in front of the camera come out as masterpieces. This is what you keep after the day is over, it goes by so fast but the photos help to keep that day alive forever. *pro tip, book her for your engagement shoot too,it really helps to feel comfortable day of and you get a glimpse of how your photos might look and it gets you excited for wedding photos. 10/10. Thank you Brianna!
Darcey H., 7 months ago
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Cori Alexandra Hair and Makeup Artistry 

5.0

  • 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 was absolutely fantastic to work with and did an incredible job on mine and my bridesmaids/ mother’s hair on my wedding day. I remember she handed me the mirror and I instantly started crying. She was so sweet and easy to communicate with. Don’t hesitate to use Cori!
Olivia F., 15 days ago

Essex, CT reception venues by style

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