The Best Wedding Vendors in Essex, IL

The Best Wedding Vendors in Essex, IL

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in Essex, IL

Cristal Wilson MUA 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 7
  • Starts at $250
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Working in the wedding industry for over 12 years as a bridal makeup artist I specialize in Natural & Soft Glam wedding makeup thus being preferred by brides looking for classy, timeless and natural looks and being awarded multiple certificates and awards throughout the years.

Awarded Best of Zola
I cannot express enough how incredible my experience was with Cristal as my hair and makeup artist for my wedding. From the very first interaction, she was amazing at communicating and made me feel completely at ease. I gave her free rein on my makeup, with only the guidelines of creating a romantic look that would highlight my features, and she absolutely nailed it. I shared a few pictures of my dress with her, and she not only helped me decide on the perfect hairstyle but also executed it flawlessly. The entire process felt so natural and enjoyable, almost as if we had been friends for a long time. On my wedding day, she truly felt like part of the family, and her presence added so much warmth and joy to the occasion. If you're looking for a talented, kind, and genuinely caring hair and makeup artist, look no further than Cristal. She has a remarkable gift for making you look and feel your absolute best on your special day. Thank you, Cristal, for making my wedding day so magical and memorable!
Alyssa & J., a year ago
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Tipsy Designs 

5.0

  • Florist
  • Starts at $850
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

I discovered wood flowers when I was planning my wedding in 2020. From that point I fell in love and Tipsy Designs blossomed! Since then, we have done several weddings, even was hired by the football hall of fame in Canton Ohio in August 2023.

Awarded Best of Zola
I ordered my Wedding bouquets and boutonnières from Tipsy Designs before her business even had a name. She had done a friend of mines Wedding and I was in awe of how stunning and flawless they looked. Her communication was also on point. Which planning a Wedding made me feel at ease. I HIGHLY recommend Tipsy Designs for any event and even a nice table centerpiece for your home.
Gwendolyn S., 2 years ago
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Celaska Childers Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $999
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Hey Ya'll, I am Celaska!! I am a wedding photographer based in North East Texas, but I love to travel. I have 4 years of shooting experience and I love to keep growing. My images are timeless, intimate, and most of all authentic. I want your images to be memories you can look back on and remember vividly. I am now offering videography and would love to help you cover the entirety of your special day! Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Together, let's capture your special day with images you cherish forever!!

Celaska went above and beyond for us! Took the best pictures I’ve ever seen! She is definitely our new favorite photographer. The quality, the kindness, she was on point! Definitely recommend to anyone
Lynleigh C., a year ago
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Salt and Ivy Films 

4.6

  • Videographer
  • Storytelling style
  • Starts at $2,400
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

SWFL husband and wife team who love capturing videography + photography for weddings and elopements! Salt and Ivy is our small business local to the Fort Myers area, and have been able to provide service for the last 10+ years. We provide quality, timeless, breathtaking footage and film for all the amazing bride and grooms whom give us the opportunity to do so. We happily capture elopements, Weddings, Vow Renewals, and Proposal/Engagements!

Salt and Ivy Films were the perfect choice for our wedding videography. From our first interaction, their communication was prompt, friendly, thorough, and thoughtful - they made the entire process efficient and stress-free. The quality of their work was excellent, with a cinematic, powerful, and beautifully moving final product that captured all the special moments of our day. They even helped support me by assisting with my dress and accessories when we were hiking for some scenic shots. As true professionals, Salt and Ivy Films exceeded our expectations and we would highly recommend them to any couple planning their wedding.
Dhinna M., 10 months ago
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Enchanted Illusions Photo + Film 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,200
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Hello! I'm Amelia with Enchanted Illusions Photo+Film! Thank you for coming to my Zola page and checking out some of our work! We are team dedicated to telling your fairytale story from the engagement all the way up to the "I Do's" we want to be able to document every moment throughout. We dedicate ourselves on our attention to detail, organization and our fun-loving attitudes! By the end of the wedding day we won't just be your creative team, but your best friends! I can't wait to chat!

Awarded Best of Zola
Amelia was absolutely amazing and professional! Had an incendent happen and she was so amazing! I loved my photos!
Elissia, a year ago
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Dani Marie Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

I’m a Wisconsin-based (and travel-ready!) wedding & family photographer capturing real, raw, joy-filled moments. My style is natural, romantic, and authentic—focused on telling your unique love story through timeless imagery. Let’s create something beautiful together!

Awarded Best of Zola
Finding Dani for my wedding was SUCH a blessing! As someone who does NOT like their picture taken, she made me feel at ease, comfortable, CONFIDENT, and so beautiful! Our photos are full of smiles and laughter because she loves what she does, and she's GREAT at it. I couldn't be happier with Dani, and I REALLY encourage you to reach out and chat with her.
Hannah N., a year ago
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Celtic Roses Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees
  • Offer

Celtic Roses Photography is the culmination of a long-held dream shared between my mother and me. Together, we envisioned owning a business that would not only fulfill our entrepreneurial aspirations but also allow me to further pursue my passion for photography. Located in the heart of Monroe, Wisconsin, Celtic Roses Photography specializes in a diverse array of photography services, ranging from weddings and engagements to family portraits and senior sessions. Our guiding principle is to capture the very essence of life's most precious moments, ensuring that each image we create tells a compelling and unique story.

Awarded Best of Zola
We hired Madison to be our second shooter at our wedding and we are so glad that we did! We are in LOVE with the gallery that we got back and appreciate that she was able to capture different angles/poses/moments than our primary shooter throughout the day! So now, we have so many beautiful photos from our big day to look back on from two different perspectives! Not to mention, she was just in general a great addition to our day - from calming nerves to making sure everything went smoothly! We definitely recommend working with Madison!
Taylor S., 6 months ago
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Kyra Lee Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Authentic moments are what set our hearts on fire! We strive to capture you exactly as you are and bring out your personality. Think of us as your best friends that you haven't gotten to meet yet - we are known for dancing with our couples at receptions, snuggling babies to get a few solo pictures of the parents, and becoming lifelong friends with our seniors. We cannot wait to meet you!

Awarded Best of Zola
Kyra was the BEST choice to capture our big day!!! She was a joy to be around - making my partner and I laugh and feel comfortable. We even have guests comment on how awesome she was! Her work is incredible. We loved our engagement photos and the ones from our wedding SO much, we gave her an idea of what we liked and she DELIVERED! We event received sneak peak photos just a few days after our wedding! She is incredibly LGBTQ friendly and conscious which meant the world to us.
Allie S., 10 months ago
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Eugene Svirhun Photo 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

I started photography in 2017 and after being a part of many weddings, engagements, and family sessions, I still love what I do and I am deeply dedicated to serving my clients. I consider myself a storyteller and love capturing the little details, the half-smiles, and the simple motions. For me, it is about seeing the real, the lovely, and the messy moments, the everyday magic that tells the stories of our lives. Each wedding and session has its own unique story to tell and I challenge myself to capture those stories through my camera as best as I can and would be honored to capture yours too!

Awarded Best of Zola
We love our photos that Eugene captured on our wedding! Me and my husband have been looking at them constantly after our wedding and love every single one. We are blown away by how beautifully he captured us, our family and friends on our wedding day. There are a lot of moments where we didn't even know were happening but Eugene did a great job photographing those too. Thank you
Maria A., 7 months ago
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New Vintage Strings 

5.0

  • Ceremony only
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

New Vintage Strings is a distinctive ensemble of classically trained string players and music educators. NVS was officially founded in 2018, but our musicians have been playing together for much longer, as principal players of the Fox Valley Orchestra. All of our musicians are very close friends; and that bond energizes and elevates our performance. Husband & wife team, Jeremy & Emily, have been making music together since meeting at the NIU School of Music in the early 2000s. Their love for their craft continues to grow with every performance opportunity together.

Awarded Best of Zola
Jeremy and the New Vintage Strings quartet were incredible. Jeremy facilitated the communication for the quartet, was prompt, thorough, and extremely helpful from start to finish with all aspects. The New Vintage Strings quartet played the ceremony and cocktail hour for our wedding on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, and were a massive hit for all who attended. Their resources were user-friendly, and their repertoire was expansive. The New Vintage Strings quartet were also willing to find the sheet music for a song that was not on their list of songs. It was an absolute pleasure to work with New Vintage Strings and relatively cost-friendly given how expensive live music can be, particularly for weddings. I highly recommend having New Vintage Strings play your wedding or event where music may be appropriate. A massive thank you to Jeremy and the rest of the New Vintage Strings quartet for their lovely performance and making our wedding even more spectacular!
Matt N., a year ago
Moss & Elder 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $4,500
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Heya! My name is Ali Gidley! Owner & Photographer of Moss & Elder, We're a full-service Photo team passionate about bringing our unique perspective to capture all the raw emotion and love between you and your loved ones. Imagine looking back on your photos and remembering exactly how you felt at that moment. To truly relive that day. Intimate, fun, and full of love We strive to give you memories that will last a lifetime, to help you slow down and soak in every moment as well! It's an honor and a privilege to be the one to provide such a meaningful service to you.

Awarded Best of Zola
Ali is amazing! She photographed our wedding in early September and was a pleasure to work with through the whole process from initial meeting to finalizing details, and finally, Wedding Day! She is so professional and kind. She made us feel at ease, kept us on schedule, and helped facilitate some truly beautiful moments. Our sneaks are better than I could have ever imagined. I was looking for a photographer who maintains real color in their photos and Ali knocked it out of the park. I recommend Ali to anyone seeking a photographer!
Carly M., 10 months ago
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Captured by Allison LLC 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

My name's Allison and I am a photographer for the madly in love, imperfect couples that want their joy-filled wedding days to be captured on camera. Working to pursue my degree in my Masters of Occupational Therapy, I spend all my free time behind a camera shooting the love and beauty of those I meet. A lover of Jesus, chocolate freak, and an Enneagram 2, I am SO excited you're here and interested in a photographer!

LOVED working with Allison for my wedding! She's great professionally but also is there to be your friend and biggest cheerleader for your big day. Allison went above and beyond to make our wedding day wonderful even months in advance. She is on time, and always punctual. Allison is reasonably priced and helps you capture beautiful lasting memories. I love our photos from our wedding in June and cannot recommend her enough. One of the best central Indiana photographers by far. When you book Allison you not only gain an amazing photographer but a lifetime friend.
Eliana + J., 4 years ago
Shipwrecked Creative 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Hey there, I'm Chris! I'm not your average wedding photographer—I'm here to make sure your images make your heart skip a beat even years down the line. My goal? To capture your big day in a way that fills you with all the feels, every time you look at those photos. I'm all about having a blast and creating memories that will make you smile from ear to ear. Weddings are all about love, laughter, and those precious moments that take your breath away. And guess what? I'm on a mission to freeze those incredible, candid instants so you can relive them over and over again.

Awarded Best of Zola
Chris and Tyler were simply amazing to work with for our wedding photography. Extremely down to earth guys with a passion and knowledge for what they do, you’ll know you’ve made the perfect decision right off the bat. Won’t miss a beat on any requests you may have in mind either. Their ears, communication and light-hearted energy helped progress our plans with ease while capturing every piece of our big day, and all without an ounce of stress. Thanks for keeping us punctual fellas! Lol They were genuinely a pleasure to work with and I would recommend them to any friend searching. We gave Chris creative reign for styling and I was quite impressed (hard critic) with the engagement photos all the way through our outpouring love, forever captured, in his work on the best day of my life so far. Stop scrolling endless vendor options and check another to-do off your list; these guys are the real deal. Let the excitement build to your first reveal and relax, they’ve got this.
Alexis G., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Tara Beth Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $6,000
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Tara Beth Photography is a place of inclusion, empathy, intimacy, and care. From the first email, I take care with my clients. Considering them all unique, and with that, their stories being unique. We talk about how you want to be captured, how your love should be captured. We go over insecurities, love stories, and anything else that may come up during our Zoom calls. I don't want to be just someone you hire. I want to be considered someone you trust, and enjoy to have around!

Awarded Best of Zola
My wife and I had the pleasure of working with Tara Beth for our wedding in December 2022. We started following her instagram years prior and fell in love with how she captured every moment, from the guests to the couple. Not only were her photos amazing, but being a part of the LGBTQ community can feel daunting at times when reaching out to vendors, specifically for same-sex weddings. We had a few tough experiences with other vendors in regards to being a same-sex couple, but Tara Beth, as she is a part of the community, made it easy to feel comfortable and accepting. We contacted her and were met with a quick response. From the start, we knew she was the one. Her vibe and passion for love sold us! My wife and I were very nervous to take photos, but Tara Beth reassured us that she would walk us through everything - and she did just that. She talked us through our first look and it was an amazing experience. She also guided our party and family photos, which was super helpful as we were able to get our photos done ahead of schedule! We appreciate everything Tara Beth did for our special day and would recommend her 100 times over!
Natalie Montano N., a year ago
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Lily in Bloom 

5.0

  • Florist
  • Starts at $500
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Hi! Thanks for stopping by. My name is Tori Bennett and I am the owner of Lily in Bloom. I opened this business in the beginning of 2022 to support my growing family. I had just recently given birth to my daughter and I wanted to be able to stay home with her. So, I quit my job and opened a business working with something I absolutely love: FLOWERS! They can play such a key role and have so much impact in people’s most important days. I love that I have the opportunity to play a part in that!

Awarded Best of Zola
Lily in Bloom Floral was absolutely amazing to work with for my wedding flowers! From the very beginning, Tori was so kind, personable, and genuinely invested in making the vision come to life. All I had to do was send her my inspiration, and she completely nailed it, adding beautiful touches like remembrance charms to my bouquet that made it even more special. Tori's flexibility was unmatched—she was always willing to adjust anything I needed, and she handled everything with such grace. She delivered everything on time and with so much care, which made my wedding day stress-free. On top of all that, her pricing was incredible for the quality and service she provided. It was top notch! If you're looking for someone who’s talented, thoughtful, and a joy to work with, I wholeheartedly recommend Tori at Lily in Bloom Floral! She made my wedding dreams come true!
Isabelle A., 6 months ago
GemHidden gem
Taylor Faith Photo Co. 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $3,300
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Hi! I'm Taylor a Georgia based Wedding photographer, mommy, and cheesecake lover. Obsessed with: Family, Naps, and good books. I’ve been keeping it real since 1997. I started my business when I was just 17 years old. Since then I have turned that small hobby into a full time career photographing beautiful couples love stories. Throughout my 8 years in business, I have been lucky enough to photograph over 200 weddings throughout Georgia and the other southern states.

Awarded Best of Zola
Taylor was awesome to work with. The vendors I work with never send me galleries. She made sure to get tons of photos of my cake and desserts. I still use the photos on my Instagram!
Kelly m cakes, a year ago
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ap FILM & PHOTO 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Starts at $2,600
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

I’m Ashlee - owner of ap FILM & PHOTO and I’m so glad you found me! Based out of Cedar Rapids (born, raised and stayed) but I’m down to go anywhere our hearts desire. My photography style is joyous, candid and it looks moody and bright all at the same time. If that’s what you’re after - let’s get started!

Awarded Best of Zola
Ashlee is the best to work with. I can’t wait to see the rest of my album, I’m already giddy with the sneak peak! She was absolutely everything I wanted in a photographer and more. My husband wasn’t wanting pictures, but during the wedding and afterwards, he was so grateful we had Ashlee capture it. Her style was what I was dreaming of, and if you’re worried about posing, she helps coach your poses. Our wedding was a fantastic day, and she’s one of the reasons it was.
Katie W., a year ago
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MMH Media 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,400
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Hi there! I'm Madeline, a born + bred Hoosier who has travelled the world but chose to settle down in Indiana’s cozy corner of the Midwest. With 3 kitties, a baby on the way and an amazing husband, life stays interesting for sure! Having captured nearly 100 weddings, it's pretty obvious that I love love. I cherish each + every detail of your love story. I am dedicated to creating images you can look back on (whether it’s after 5 years or 50) to relive in beautiful, cozy nostalgia. Reach out so we can chat your wedding day details, timeline and all the things to capture your day perfectly! -Madeline

Awarded Best of Zola
Madeline and her team are great to work with professionally and personally! Madeline has become a great friend of mine and my other workers through the wedding seasons. The couple's love her work and her bright and spunky personality. Booking with MMH media would be the greatest decision of your wedding planning process!
Erika Leak, 3 years ago
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Who Knew Entertainment 

5.0

  • Band or Ensemble
  • Starts at $800
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Who Knew Entertainment is proud to be the Midwest's Premier AWARD WINNING, ALL LIVE music entertainment, providing all genres of 100% LIVE music for all styles of events since 2007. WK features unique and diverse combinations of award winning, multi-talented musicians from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. From soloists, duos, 3 piece bands up to 12+ musicians, there is NO event too big or too small for WK! We have been honored to play for hundreds of weddings, private events, corporate parties, clubs, even consulates, as well as being signed to a SONY Subsidiary, and being selected by producers for some of the TOP Talent shows.

From the moment we started working with Who Knew Entertainment, we knew we were in good hands. Their communication style was personable, genuine, and attentive - they really took the time to understand our vision and preferences for the music and entertainment at our wedding. The quality of their work was truly professional and they are so talented, elevating the entire celebration with their versatile set list and high-energy performance. They worked closely with me on selecting the perfect songs for our big day, always open to whatever I was feeling. Who Knew Entertainment played a huge role in making our wedding day truly special and unforgettable.
Danielle S., 3 months ago
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Kari Bjorn Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $4,900
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Hey! I am an Icelandic-born wedding photographer in Brooklyn, NY. My focus is on vibrant images and sincere storytelling — creating images that take you back to how it felt in the moment! Based in Brooklyn, available throughout the US.

Awarded Best of Zola
We were thrilled to have Kari as our backyard wedding photographer after we had to postpone due to the pandemic and our photographer cancelled on us. We were really impressed with his portfolio when we booked him and he exceeded all of our expectations and delivered our pictures in just over a week. Kari was super responsive, we ran into a few issues right before and worked with our changed schedule without notice. Thanks again!
Ursula M., 4 years ago
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AqeelToberia Photography LLC 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Aqeel is a photographer from NJ specializing in Weddings/Engagements, Maternity, Headshots, Fashion, and Portraits. Aqeel has shot nearly 50 weddings and has worked as a freelance photographer for several studios in the tri-state region.

Awarded Best of Zola
Aqeel was beyond professional, he was a pleasure to work with and the photos we got back were amazing. We used him both for our gender reveal/pregnancy announcement as well as our baby shower and the work was amazing for both.
Effi + W., 2 years ago
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Wendy Thibodeau Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,900
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Hii! I am Wendy! I love storytelling and my heart loves endlessly. No two stories are alike and we all have something to learn from each other. I have been on this journey as a wedding photographer for over a decade. I have been taken to so many places that I would have never been to if it weren't for my wonderful clients. I have shared the most beautiful, important and heartfelt moments with my couples, their friends and their families.

Awarded Best of Zola
I wish I could fully put into words what Wendy did for my husband and I, but what I can say is how AMAZING her and her photos were and how much attention to detail she paid. I constantly look at our photos in awe. she is the best photographer I could’ve ever asked for and I will CONSTANTLY recommend her and go back to her. she is the best, best, best!!!!
Mattie M., a year ago
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Saint Rose Florist 

5.0

  • Florist
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Hi there my name is Jennifer, I'm a florist who has a home studio in Southwest MI But I travel throughout the state. I love working with brides to help bring their vision to life and I would love the opportunity to do the same for you!

Awarded Best of Zola
Jennifer did an absolutely stunning job with my bouquet, bridesmaid’s bouquets, boutonnières, and corsages! She took so much care and detail into it. I highly recommend her!
Kirsten P., a year ago
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Jason Whitmore 

5.0

  • Solo performer
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

I've been playing sax professionally in all genres of music since age 18 and focused on playing club/dance music with DJs since the mid 2000s. I've performed in clubs and events all over the country. I will add a unique level of performance to your DJ's set that you and your guests will remember for a lifetime.

Our guests are still talking about the amazing entertainment from our wedding, and thanks to Jason we had everyone on the dance floor all night long! He is truly talented, professional and brought the party- we couldn’t imagine having an event without him and DJ Misha again.
Sophie M., 6 months ago
GemHidden gem
Christopher Ginn Studios 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

I bought my first DSLR camera in 2004 when my now wife, Tracey, and I were taking a cruise to Alaska. For a monumental trip like this, I HAD to get an amazing camera. Those 8.2 megapixels with nine four points had me in LOVE. Ever since then, the ability of a photograph to be able to freeze time; freeze an emotion; freeze a memory has kept me addicted. Whether it’s getting a great angle, finding light that tells the story, or capturing the true personality of someone; it all brings a smile to my face and hopefully yours!

Awarded Best of Zola
Christopher Ginn Studios was a pleasure to work with for our wedding photography. From our initial inquiry, their communication was quick, simple, and eager to help us plan the perfect photography coverage for our special day. On the wedding day, their detailed schedule and professional approach ensured everything ran smoothly, allowing us to fully enjoy the moment. The photos they captured beautifully showcase the personalities of my husband, our friends, and our family - we are thrilled with the results. I would highly recommend Christopher Ginn Studios to any couple looking for an experienced, responsive, and talented wedding photography team.
Jenna, 3 months ago
GemHidden gem
Willow and Waylon Events 

5.0

  • Planner
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $1,995
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Willow and Waylon Events is a wedding planning/coordination company. Katie Jensen, owner and nuptial specialist, strives to curate exquisite events with a flawless flow. Katie works to take care of the details, allowing you to relax and focus on creating memories with your loved ones. Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or an extravagant affair, she can assist with weddings of all sizes.

Our wedding day was absolutely magical and we owe it all to Katie from Willow and Waylon Events. From the moment we met Katie, her commitment to perfection and attention to detail shone through every step of the way which spoke to my very type A personality. She truly made the whole experience stress-free by keeping us on a timeline, keeping track of all of our vendors and given that we both have very hectic work schedules on top of moving out of state prior to the wedding, she dealt with all of the vendors for us. Not to mention when one coordinator from one of our vendors was not meeting her standards, she took to initiative to rectify the situation by contacting the company and changing coordinators for us to ensure we had the best possible experience. She was with us every step of the way with multiple regular check-ins over the year of planning and was by my side through the wedding day as a calming presence to keep everyone on track. She was always available via zoom, phone or text. She thought of things we didn't know we needed to think about and helped to suggest vendors when we didn't know who to choose in our price point. Above all, she is such a kind and thoughtful human being and in general, lovely to work with. I can't give Katie and her company higher praise, I would not have been able to get through planning our wedding and wedding day without her.
Khira B., a year ago
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The Brown Sugar Experience 

5.0

  • Planner
  • Offers 7 services
  • Starts at $170
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

The Brown Sugar Experience is where love stories meet celebration in the most soulful way. I’m Nae, a nationwide wedding and event planner who believes your big day should feel like you—intentional, beautiful, and rooted in joy. From intimate “I do’s” to big family-filled receptions, I help couples plan weddings that reflect who they are and what they love, without all the stress. Planning should feel exciting, not overwhelming—so I bring structure, style, and heart to every step of the process.

I don’t even know where to begin. From the very first call, we felt like we were in the hands of family—not just a planner. Nae listened to every little detail, calmed our nerves, and made magic happen. Our wedding wasn’t just beautiful—it felt like us. If you want a planner who understands culture, vibes, and connection, stop scrolling. You just found her.
Danielle & J., 24 days ago
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Where We Wandered 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

At Where We Wandered, we use our photography to enable you to revisit life's most precious moments, see the faces of those no longer with us, and relive those moments that define your life with the people who made it possible.

Ron at Where We Wandered was a fantastic wedding photographer for our big day. He was incredibly communicative throughout the process, always responding promptly to our questions and checking in to make sure we were happy with the plans. On the wedding day, Ron's attention to detail and creative eye were on full display - the final photos were truly impressive in their quality and captured all the special moments we wanted to remember. Ron listened closely to understand our vision and worked tirelessly to bring it to life. We couldn't be happier with the beautiful photos that will allow us to relive our wedding day for years to come. Ron is simply the best wedding photographer we could have asked for!
Nicolette F., a month ago
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Antidote Productions LLC 

5.0

  • Planner
  • Offers 7 services
  • Starts at $100
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees
  • Offer

Bringing unforgettable celebrations to life since 2021, Antidote Productions specializes in destination weddings along the breathtaking coasts of Washington and Oregon. Based in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, we design extraordinary events across Washington, Oregon, California, and Arizona—each one tailored to reflect the unique theme and vision of every couple we serve. Whether set indoors or beneath a stunning marquee tent, our weddings are bold, beautiful, and over the top!

Planning a wedding from England felt daunting, but Antidote Productions made it effortless. Every detail was handled with such professionalism and heart—even with the distance, I always felt supported. When I arrived, everything exceeded my expectations. From florals to timeline, it was full-service perfection. I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful, stress-free day. Mike and Kim were the most kind, warm, and genuine hosts I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
Megan, 2 months ago
Quick responder
Hevesi Journal 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,850
  • Serves Essex, IL for additional fees

Welcome to our creative world! We are David and Katie, a photo and video dynamic duo from the peach state. But, we are more than just visual storytellers. We want to get to know you and build a friendship that extends beyond our lens. Our goal is to capture genuine memories that you'll cherish for years to come.

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Hevesi Journal was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Their communication style was reassuring, empathetic, flexible, and understanding throughout the entire process. The quality of Katie's work was truly unique, lovely, and creative - they captured all the important moments and understood the vibe of our wedding day perfectly. Katie even traveled all the way from Georgia to Vermont to join us, which we really appreciated. We are thrilled with how the photos came out. Katie has a unique style that we adored from the start. We aren't people who really love having our pictures taken and Katie was understanding of that, while also making sure we got what we wanted (even though we might not have understood that ourselves.) We highly recommend Katie to any couple seeking a talented, personable photographer for their big day.
Luke H., 9 months ago

Essex, IL reception venues by style

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