The Best Wedding Photographers in Essex, IA

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206 Wedding Photographers in Essex, IA

GemHidden gem
Emma’s Photo Co 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Essex, IA

Hi lovers! I’m Emma Roberts (She/Her/Hers), a wedding photographer based in Omaha, but I'm available anywhere your love takes you—especially the mountains. I work with those who value authenticity, creativity, and moment-minded photographs. I am the photographer for you if you value living in the moment, creating a wedding that honors your love—unapologetically breaking from tradition—and investing in photography to preserve your memories.

Awarded Best of Zola
Emma is lovely to work with! She made us feel so comfortable taking pictures and they turned out amazing! Very happy with our engagement and wedding photos which is so important because we will look back on them for years to come!
Kristin and B., 4 years ago
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The Talented Photographer - Award Winning Photography. 
Rating: 5.0 (81 reviews)
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $1,995
  • Serves Essex, IA
  • Offer

Hello! We are Christian and Ana. We have put together the best wedding photo & video team in America. Whether you are camera shy or not, you will get beautiful photos with us. That's why couples are raving about us: we get beautiful photos out of EVERY SINGLE WEDDING!

Awarded Best of Zola
We are absolutely thrilled with our experience with The Talented Photographer! Christian made the entire process smooth and stress-free with clear communication and organization that comes with his experience. We chose the Easy Package and our day was captured beautifully. Christopher was our photographer and was wonderful to work with. He was so detail-oriented, which truly made a difference in capturing every meaningful moment. The family and friends we’ve shared the album with are also so impressed. We are very happy we chose to go with The Talented Photographer!
Maura G., 2 years ago
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Haverlee Photography 
Rating: 4.8 (51 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Essex, IA

I’m Haverlee, (hay-verlee). Based in Iowa, I serve the Midwest, Western NC, Denver, and beyond. With over a decade of experience in the wedding industry, and well over 150 weddings photographed, it still surprises me how my love for this industry grows each year. This work is not about me, it's about the individuals in front of my lens. I can’t tell an honest story if I’m constantly interfering, directing, and manipulating moments. I want your photos to render cherished memories from your day with your people, not memories of your photographer. I’m there to tell the beautiful and imperfect story as it unfolds.

Awarded Best of Zola
When we first got engaged, Haverlee Photography was a no brainer, and she lived up to everything and more. Every picture from our engagement session, rehearsal dinner, and wedding day is stunning and I have the hardest time picking my favorites. Hands down, best decision on wedding vendors was picking Haverlee. On top of delivering beautiful photos we will cherish forever, Haverlee made everything so fun and easy. My husband said our engagement session was like a date night, and Haverlee had me feel so at ease and beautiful through every step of our wedding day. She is the kindest human who gets the perfect shots of all the small moments, which truly matter to us and feel like us. Haverlee will always be our go to photographer for all the special moments for our family, and you can't go wrong with choosing her to be a part of your special day.
Olivia W., 2 years ago
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Portraits By Sean 
Rating: 5.0 (47 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Essex, IA



I present fun, elegant, and exciting Wedding Photography for my clients. My style is photojournalistic; I feel it's the most effective way to tell a story. After all, there is so much happening on a wedding day. Between the ceremony, dancing, and endless extravaganzas, the most memorable moments will naturally occur.  My goal is to capture the emotions and memories of your day through my lens. These recollections are your forever keepsakes, a chapter of your life's story. Every image accounts for those who were by your side, delighted for you, and the next step in your journey. I appreciate you for giving me a few moments of your time.t

Awarded Best of Zola
Portraits By Sean was an exceptional choice for our wedding photography. They had great communication from start to finish, which made the planning process smooth and stress-free. They were extremely helpful in getting all the photos we wanted and more - Sean was very thorough, very prompt and very patient in capturing every moment. He arrived early and was extremely patient in making sure we got everything done that we wanted. We couldn't be happier with the quality of their work and the value they provided on our special day.
Corinne Z., 2 years ago
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Ledd Lens LLC, Photo and Film 
Rating: 5.0 (43 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,399
  • Serves Essex, IA

The company has done over 400 weddings for the last 5 years, so we use these experiences to provide quality services. We also provide discount for Military/Veterans and teachers. We have serviced 42 states so far. We offer both photo and video services. Quicker turnaround time compare to most companies. Our shooting style of is photojournalistic, natural & CINEMATIC. Our editing style is very easygoing & flexible. Our biggest markets are the following: FL, New England area, PA, IL, DMV area, Tri-State area, Southern CA, MI, OH, CO.

Awarded Best of Zola
I have always felt uncomfortable in front of a camera and because of this I was so nervous of how they would come out. Well let me tell you….they came out STUNNING. Mike and Joseph from Ledd made both of us feel so comfortable and actually made it enjoyable. They were so creative with ideas to get amazing shots, including a really cool long exposure to capture the nighttime sky. I couldn’t have asked for a better team or more beautiful photos.
Erin T., 8 months ago
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The Golden Hour Co. 
Rating: 5.0 (36 reviews)
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $1,995
  • Serves Essex, IA
  • Offer

At The Golden Hour Co., we specialize in wedding photography that embraces the warmth and romance of life's most cherished moments. Our approach is rooted in authenticity, ensuring that every laugh, tear, and tender glance is preserved with genuine emotion. We believe in creating a relaxed environment where you can be yourselves, allowing us to document your day as it naturally unfolds.

Awarded Best of Zola
They brought out the magic in every photo. My sister looked stunning, and the love between her and her husband shines through. I feel lucky to have these images of such a special day.
Caroline S., a year ago
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Heather Christine Photo + Film 
Rating: 5.0 (36 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, IA

Hiii! I'm Heather Schoolcraft - owner & CEO! I'm a small town gal from WV who LOVES traveling and pops of color. I've designed my entire company around creating authentic + magical love stories. On your wedding day, our goal is to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and to focus on the raw + real moments on your day. Don't settle for less because you have to; let ME help you get the photos + video that you've always dreamed of.

Awarded Best of Zola
There is no one else on this EARTH that I would’ve wanted to take our wedding photos. Heather and her team are some of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. She made me feel so confident! Heather took our engagement photos, my boudoir photos, and our wedding photos. I’m so grateful for her and her whole team. I’ve known Heather for years and she’s the most amazing person. She’s so genuine and caring. She loves all kinds of love. I highly recommend her!! She’ll do an amazing job of capturing the memories you’ll want to cherish forever.
Hannah B., 2 years ago
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Ali Cushing Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (36 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Essex, IA

Hey, hey my name is Ali. NY-based, but working nation-wide, I'm a wedding photographer who captures experiences, genuine love, authentic characters, and immortalizes precious memories. I focus on visualizing how it felt to live your wedding day, while also crafting editorializations simply for the sake of intentional, living art. I am adamant that everyone, of all genders and orientations, any ethnicity, culture, or faith, all shapes, ages, and abilities, are welcome and I’d be delighted to work with you.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we connected with Ali Cushing Photography, we knew we had found the perfect wedding photographer. Ali's communication was always timely, thorough, and friendly, putting us at ease throughout the entire planning process. Her work was truly amazing - she perfectly captured our vision and was able to fit so many beautiful, thoughtful, and personal photos into a short time frame without making us feel rushed. Ali was more than prepared on the day, even having extra bobby pins on hand to help bustle my dress. Her meticulous attention to detail ensured our wedding day timeline stayed perfectly on schedule. We are overjoyed with the final photos and cannot recommend Ali Cushing Photography highly enough.
Lexi K., 2 years ago
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Debra Aslanidis Photography 
Rating: 4.9 (32 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, IA
  • Offer

We’re Debra & Jeremy, a husband-and-wife wedding photography duo capturing love stories with heart, intention, and a whole lot of soul. Our approach blends documentary moments with gentle guidance, so your photos feel natural, emotional, and unmistakably you. From quiet, intimate glances to joyful, unscripted laughter, we focus on the moments you’ll feel just as much years from now. If you value connection, authenticity, and images that tell a story—not just pose for one—we might be the perfect fit.

Awarded Best of Zola
Debra Aslanidis Photography was a wonderful choice for our wedding photographer. From the beginning, their communication was thorough, on point, and professional. They were very attentive to details and their work was of the highest quality - fun and creative while still maintaining a polished, professional look. On the day of our wedding, they kept everything moving smoothly and made sure we had a great time. We appreciate everything Debra Aslanidis Photography did to make our special day so memorable, and we highly recommend them to any couple looking for an exceptional wedding photographer.
Chelsee L., 10 months ago
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Love Knot Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (28 reviews)
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Essex, IA

Hi, I’m Isaac. In my world, light is everything. The cool ambient hues at dawn, hinting at what the day may bring. Golden sun rays catching particles through a tree as friends gathers to celebrate. A Cotton candy sunset peppered by patio string-lights as a DJ plays my favorite song. We all have timeless memories logged in our minds. For me, they are based in a language of light. As a wedding photographer, this deep connection to special lighting helps me produce dynamic visual stories of romance, personality and beauty.

Awarded Best of Zola
A few things that stood out the most about Isaac were how responsive he was, how he was able to accommodate to our budget, and how he took pictures from angles and views that turned out great on the photos. As a couple with demanding careers, I much appreciated how quickly Isaac was with replying to emails. We had a pretty tight budget, and Isaac was able to offer us a package that landed pretty close to our budget and only had the items that we needed the most (mini engagement photoshoot for the website and wedding day). Our ask for him was to get some candid shots as we feel pretty awkward in front of the camera. I personally think that the wedding day pictures came out more naturally because of the setting being surrounded with friends and families, and Isaac and Sushen did a great job capturing the candid moments beautifully. Isaac even had an idea for me to pose by climbing up a wooden stair ladder for a shot that I honestly wasn't sure how it was going to turn out while doing it, but it ended up turning out beautiful and magazine-like in addition to other ones that he asked us to pose for. Isaac put together a behind the scenes video that also showed the reactions of guests to our photo place cards before we had entered the reception area, and this was lovely in that we got to see our guests' reactions that we weren't able to see.
Rafy, 2 years ago
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NATIONWIDE Spectacular Photographer - A Better DJ and Photographer -HAS PHOTOGRAPHERS IN YOUR AREA! 
Rating: 5.0 (28 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $599
  • Serves Essex, IA

Congratulations, you have the rare opportunity to have one of the very best wedding teams in the country at an amazing price for your big day. We have the budget friendly packages and prices to capture your wedding moments and memories that every couple wishes they had. We've been trusted for more than 27 years by over 17,000 couples nationwide, and we are very proud of our 100% 5 star rating. We also offer Expert wedding DJ-MC services in bundle packages. Our planning assistance ensures that your wedding is not only fun for all your guests, but also stress-free. Don’t wait—Call now before someone else books your date!

Awarded Best of Zola
We planned our wedding from all the way across the country (Florida to California) so we already had challenges. From the beginning, the price was great and the photos looked promising, so we decided to go for it and we are so glad we did! Turned out to be well worth it. Michael connected with us immediately, assured us he would make it happen and not to worry about a thing. We communicated over the phone and through email, he always answered every time I called, ready to listen and note my requests. The day of, the photographer Michael booked for us, Michaela Gardener drove hours to be there for our special day and even brought an assistant. She was willing to be hands on all day, treated my children like family and even stayed late to capture extra shots. Her experience shows from her work. Both the DJ and Photographer arrived early to set up and are experienced business owners. The photos are great quality and high resolution. They came out so beautiful, even with our imperfect family and little ones running around, she somehow made us look great. We are so satisfied and blown away by how the pictures turned out that every little thing that didn’t go as planned that day just melted away because the photos just perfectly captured our love and the great time our guests had. Wedding planning can be very stressful and chaotic and so I’m very glad we found someone to make this part of the wedding easy. All within our budget. Two less things we had to stress about and lucky we could trust Michael. Very happy with our experience
Sofia&Jonathan D., a month ago
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Cecilia Harvard Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves Essex, IA

Hello, I’m Cecilia, but you can call me Cece. I am so happy that you have found your way here. I offer my photography services nationwide, ready to capture your special day wherever this next chapter of your love story unfolds. With ten years of dedicated wedding photography experience and having captured over 250 weddings, I am fully equipped to confidently guide and beautifully tell your unique love story through my lens. Beyond simply photographing your wedding, I am here to assist with timelines and offer support throughout every step of this milestone, ensuring you feel confident and cared for well before the day itself arrives.

Awarded Best of Zola
We loved working with Cecilia Harvard Photography from start to finish. She responded to our questions quickly, which made the planning process so smooth. On our wedding day, Cecilia was incredibly involved and even danced with us to capture those candid moments we'll treasure forever. She made sure we got every shot we wanted and was genuinely sweet to be around. The sneak peeks of our photos already look absolutely stunning, and we can't wait to see the rest. We'd recommend Cecilia to any couple looking for a photographer who cares about their day as much as you do.
Shelby T., 3 months ago
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Pluvia Studios 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Essex, IA
  • Offer

Pluvia Studios is a wedding photography and videography company that is passionate about strong story-telling. We extract the best elements for our couples and curate an unforgettable viewing experience.

Awarded Best of Zola
From start to finish, JayDee and his team at Pluvia Studios were nothing short of exceptional! JayDee's attentive and thorough communication made navigating my sister's wedding preparations an absolute breeze. On the big day, he ensured our entire group felt completely relaxed and genuinely at ease, a testament to his clear vision and the team's seamless execution. The moment we received the notification that our photos and videos were ready, our excitement was palpable. Viewing them filled us with tears of joy and overwhelming love, as each beautifully captured memory transported us right back to the wedding day. I wholeheartedly recommend JayDee and Pluvia Studios to anyone seeking top-quality photography and videography to capture their most cherished moments.
Brianica D., a year ago
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Angela Mallett Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (23 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Essex, IA

Angela is a Destination wedding photographer capturing timeless memories for over 10 years. She loves providing couples with candid images that they can look back on for a lifetime. Her passion is to connect and tell couples’ love stories through the beauty and emotion of the moments captured.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we spoke with Angela, we knew we wanted her to be our photographer. She is incredibly friendly and responsive! We recently had our engagement shoot in NYC and she exceeded our expectations. Our pictures came out better than we could’ve imagined and she was such a joy to work with. Talking to her felt like talking to an old friend. We are so happy we found Angela and CANNOT wait for next year when she captures our wedding day! I’d hire her for any and all photo shoots if I could!
Melanie R., 10 months ago
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Ashley Cynthia Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (23 reviews)
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $5,500
  • Serves Essex, IA

* PLEASE INQUIRE ON WEBSITE* HEY! I'M ASHLEY! Aka, Your Professional third wheel! I am so happy you dropped by! I am a uber bubbly, warm hearted, person who loves to order 3 drinks at Dutch Bros and say its for other people but really its just for me. When I am not spending my lifes savings at Dutch Bros, I am professionally following peeps in love and photographing their stories. I am a lover of true crime and murder podcasts! (But I mean who isnt! I just cant help it!) FUN FACT: I speak switzerdütsch, aka a German slang. My mom is originally from Switzerland and my dad from Jamaica, so you know I am always hungry for adventures!

Awarded Best of Zola
Hiring Ashley was easily one of the best decisions we made for our wedding. She’s bubbly, kind, and makes you feel like you’ve been friends forever. The day of our wedding went by so fast, but every single image she captured brings me back in an instant. She not only captured our love story, but captured our friends and family beautifully. Every silly moment, tender exchange and happy tear was published in our gallery — and for that, I am forever grateful. THANK YOU Ashley & Meredith, our wedding day was all the more special with your talent!
Alyssa K., 2 years ago
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Oury Memories 
Rating: 4.8 (23 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,200
  • Serves Essex, IA

I have been a photographer for 8 years. Throughout my time as a photographer I’ve captured clothing, models, and memories. I shifted from corporate shootings to families and weddings because it gave me this warm fuzzy feeling when I edited my couples and families photos. Don’t be afraid to reach out to me and ask about my photography style, my editing style, or my favorite restaurant! I highly recommend scheduling a free consulting session!

Awarded Best of Zola
Grace was a pleasure to work with during the wedding planning process. She was timely in her responses and upfront with pricing. On the day of the wedding, it felt like we were herding cats, but she remained professional and efficient. Even though we were running behind schedule with getting dressed, she managed to squeeze in a few dress shots and some first look photos. Grace remained patient even as some of our friends and family showed up late for photos! As we moved between locations, she made sure I was holding my dress in a way so that I wouldn’t fall on my face. She also helped my MOH bustle my dress after the ceremony (again, so I wouldn’t fall on my face). Grace was always cognizant of the lighting on location, and how it would affect photos. Her assistant, Joey, was lovely and accommodating as well. All in all, a wonderful experience!
Tina Y., 2 years ago
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Amative Creative | Virginia, Georgia, Colorado, & Destination Wedding Photographer & Videographer 
Rating: 4.9 (19 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,600
  • Serves Essex, IA
  • Offer

Hello there! I'm Andrea, owner of Amative Creative, and every weekend we're so blessed to be able to tell the love stories of so many amazing couples. Like many others in this industry might say, we simply adore weddings. But what makes us a little different is our entire brand is centered around telling love stories specifically curated to reflect your vision and aesthetic. "Amative" means to be prone to love, so as you can see, we want nothing more than to tell your love story! But what makes us truly unique is that we understand every love story looks different. And we personalize every aspect of how we document your wedding day!

Awarded Best of Zola
Amative Creative did our wedding and the preview pictures are PERFECT. I am so happy I booked them! The vibe is everything I wanted, and they were super responsive the entire time!! 1000000% recommend!
Jayla G., 2 years ago
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Mae Krell Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $10,000
  • Serves Essex, IA

Hi! My name is Mae, and I live in Brooklyn with my girlfriend, our two dogs Apollo and Bia, her cat Gigi and my lizard, Basil! I’ve always been passionate about capturing moments as authentically and magically as possible, and as i’ve settled more into this career path, I love that i’ve landed in a place where I have the privilege to capture and preserve people’s love stories. Weddings and elopements are so distinctly and uniquely human, and it’s truly the biggest honor to be trusted to document them.

Awarded Best of Zola
Mae Krell Photo was the perfect choice for our wedding photography. From the very first interaction, they were communicative, professional, and made us feel so comfortable and at ease. As a queer couple where one of us is plus-size, we were nervous about being in front of the camera, but Mae put us right at ease. The photos they captured are absolutely beautiful - they have such an artistic eye and really highlighted the love and joy of our special day. We had never had professional photos taken before, but Mae made the entire experience comfortable and affordable. We would highly recommend Mae Krell Photo to any couple looking for gorgeous, personalized wedding photography.
Jo D., 2 years ago
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Eric Turner Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (12 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Essex, IA

Hey there! I'm Eric, an outdoor-loving, laid-back wedding photographer based in the Midwest who lives for capturing those real, unfiltered moments that make each love story unique. When I'm not behind the camera, you'll probably find me hiking trails or discovering new local breweries. My approach blends documentary-style storytelling with a touch of editorial flair—meaning I'll capture both those candid laughs during toasts and those naturally romantic moments during golden hour. The best photos happen when couples feel completely at ease and free to be themselves.

Awarded Best of Zola
Eric was such a joy to work with. His creativity and eye for detail made our photos absolutely stunning. He has a way of making the whole experience feel natural and fun, putting us completely at ease in front of the camera. He captured our connection in such an authentic way. Nothing felt forced, just real moments full of love. We would absolutely work with Eric again in a heartbeat.
Kayla, 2 years ago
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Willow + Rove Creative 
Rating: 5.0 (12 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,900
  • Serves Essex, IA

At Willow + Rove Creative, based in Knoxville, Tennessee, we specialize in light and airy, documentary-style wedding photography that beautifully tells your love story. With a passion for capturing genuine moments, we create timeless images that reflect each couple’s unique essence. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, we ensure your personality shines through. We love to travel to stunning locations, including the Smoky Mountains, to craft unforgettable memories. Let us capture the joy of your special day in a way that feels authentic and true to you.

Awarded Best of Zola
We worked with Ashlyn for our wedding vow renewal and she was able to capture every idea that came to my head! She was all in and awesome to work with! Very easy going and easy to communicate with also! So happy we went with Willow & Rove to capture something so special to us!
Susy H., 2 years ago
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Birchfields 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,700
  • Serves Essex, IA

Hi! My name is Steve. I do visual storytelling. I’m married with three kids and in my spare time I record music and build things. I've been filming and photographing weddings since 2009. I love travel and getting to know unique couples.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we reached out to Birchfields, their communication was quick, thorough, and sincere. Their attention to detail and ability to make us feel completely comfortable in front of the camera resulted in exceptional photographs that captured every special moment of our wedding day. Birchfields truly went above and beyond, taking unique angles and perspectives that allowed us to relive the entire day through their stunning imagery. When it’s hard to figure out which photo you want to print out and hang on the wall, you know you picked the right photographer! We could not be happier with the final product and would highly recommend Steve to any couple looking for a talented, professional, and personable wedding photographer.
Jeneca G., 2 years ago
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Captured By KP 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $1,200
  • Serves Essex, IA
  • Offer

My passion for wedding photography stems from my love of storytelling. Weddings are filled with moments of joy, laughter, and love, and I believe in honoring every genuine connection and fleeting glance that happens throughout the day. Capturing the essence of bespoke weddings , master of transforming moments into timeless, breathtaking art. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling delivers evocative, stunning imagery of art. Being in Business for about a decade with over 300+ Wedding shot across the country.

Awarded Best of Zola
King is seriously a dream to work with! From the first time we talked, we just knew they were the right choice. He’s so down-to-earth and made us feel totally at ease, which was huge because neither of us are super comfortable in front of a camera. He helped us with posing when we needed it (thank you for making us look like we knew what we were doing!), but also just let us be ourselves, which resulted in the most natural, beautiful photos. He totally captured the vibe of our day, especially the reception. The energy, the laughter, the dancing—everything was perfectly documented. We couldn’t have asked for better photos that really tell the story of our celebration. We’re beyond happy with how everything turned out!
Jasmine W., a year ago
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Celestial Waves Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,200
  • Serves Essex, IA

Celestial Waves Photography, based in Wilmington, NC, is led by a paramedic with a passion for capturing life’s most cherished moments. We offer affordable, high-quality, and inclusive photography, specializing in family sessions, portraits, events, and weddings. With over five years of experience, we bring a unique perspective and care to every shoot. Let us help you turn your moments into timeless memories—book your session today!

Awarded Best of Zola
Seth is the best you’re going to get!! He did my high school graduation photos and perfectly captured the idea I had in my head. I reached out a couple months later for a cool feel good idea that he was totally down for! Seth is amazing, he lets your idea come to life, he never pushes, and only corrects when he knows he needs something photography wise. He’s great for those who know what they want and need a collaborative partner for it!!
Ella, 8 months ago
GemHidden gem
Melissa Cervantes Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Essex, IA

I have 12 years of photography experience, 9 years in the industry and have shot more than 200 weddings. Safe to say, this IS my passion. Couples and wedding photography can be SO stressful--the pressure to look and be a certain way or follow trends is INTENSE. Wedding stress is real and I am anti it all the way. For my couples, they're job is just to show up and have fun. I will do ALL the rest!

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we first spoke with Melissa, we knew we had found the perfect wedding photographer. Her communication was prompt, thorough, and reliable, and she was such a friendly and calming presence throughout the entire process. Aside from capturing incredible photos that truly encapsulate the magic of our special day, Melissa went above and beyond the call of duty - she even helped us find an amazing DJ and assisted me with a last-minute wedding dress mishap! Working with Melissa was an absolute no-brainer, and she was by far the most stand-out vendor we had the pleasure of working with. The photos she delivered speak for themselves, and we are forever grateful for the fun, joyful, and professional way she contributed to making our wedding day so incredibly special.
Taylor C., 2 years ago
Peridot and Lace 
Rating: 4.9 (9 reviews)
  • Classic style
  • Serves Essex, IA

With experience of over 200 weddings, Peridot & Lace is a wedding photography and videography team located in Central IA with. We have a team of 7 photographers and videographers ready to capture your most special day. From getting ready, to detail photos, ceremony, couple photos, reception and everything else a wedding entails - we truly love what we do and are so passionate about creating your photos and videos perfect to your day.

Awarded Best of Zola
Blake and I were so grateful we chose Peridot & Lace for our wedding photo and video team. Their staff is so on top of communication! They asked us all the photo/timeline questions we didn’t even know to ask, to best prepare months in advance for our wedding day. And were also quick to respond to any last minute requests/questions as the wedding day came closer. We worked with Kirsten for our engagement photos and on our wedding day- could not say enough kind words. She was detail oriented and had the best energy to keep us feeling relaxed and comfortable behind the camera. We were able to fully enjoy our wedding day with full confidence that the P&L team would get all the shots we wanted. We have hundreds of beautiful photos and great video coverage that perfectly captured us and the emotions of our wedding day. So glad we decided to include video in our package. Editing was super timely with getting sneak peaks the day after, as well as getting full photos and videos digitally not long after that. Would recommend P&L to any couples.
Haley, 2 months ago
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Captured By Chels 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,200
  • Serves Essex, IA

I’m a photographer at heart! Whilst being a nanny for over 10 years, photography always took a back seat until I got married myself in 2024 and realized I wanted everyone to be able to afford beautiful photos to be able to remember their special day for years to come!

Awarded Best of Zola
Chelsey was honestly the best choice we could’ve made for our wedding. She’s super sweet, easy to work with, and made us feel really comfortable the whole time, which helped a lot because we’re not used to being in front of the camera. She also went above and beyond in ways we didn’t expect, she helped fix my hair when my hair tie broke and even adjusted my dress when a button came off. I’d 100% recommend her to anyone looking for a wedding photographer!
Lara M., 5 months ago