The Best Wedding Vendors in River Forest, IL

The Best Wedding Vendors in River Forest, IL

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in River Forest, IL

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Dancetrax Mobile Dj Entertainment 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Dancetrax is committed to creating the most beautiful & fun event possible for you and your guests. Along with providing Wedding DJ services, we are also event planners that help Brides & Grooms plan every facet of their wedding. Regarding music, we are open to your music choices and suggestions and we are very good at reading the crowd which always keeps the dancefloor packed. If you choose Dancetrax, your event will be what you expect... professional, beautiful, and most importantly fun.

Awarded Best of Zola
My wife and I found ourselves planning our wedding smack dab in the middle of several other family weddings over the past year. Each event we went to was an opportunity for us to critique details of the ceremony, reception, and design choices that were made. We often saw things that we borrowed for our own wedding, and just as often, identified things that were definitely not our style or that we would do differently. One thing we consistently noted, was that the reception could be made or broken by the music choices, sound quality, and general atmosphere created by the DJ. Todd was our first choice. He was quick to reply, always professional, and very accommodating with our many specific requests. It turns out, we hired Todd without even knowing that both of my wife’s sisters had hired him for their weddings 10 years before! Todd was great. He really made our day special. We kept saying that the one thing we cared most about was our guests having a great time. And each of them did. We had friends and family coming up to us all night saying that it was one of the most fun weddings they have been to. We attribute a huge part of that to Todd and Dance Trax. The music was fun and just the right volume. The sound quality wasn’t all distorted or washed out. And Todd did a great job of directing guests, coordinating around events like first dance, cake cutting, etc. I cannot recommend him enough.
Nelson, a year ago
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Lueur Beauti Makeup 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Rana is a highly trained Hair & Makeup Artist. Her love for art and makeup started at a very early age, and in 2006 her passion blossomed into a career. Since attending cosmetology school, Rana has worked on set with models and private clients, as well as brands like (Propel Fitness Water, Bare Minerals, Honest Beauty, Henri Bendel, Anthropologie, Michael Kors, Avia and Axe) & Celebrities (Zuleyka Rivera, Laurie Hernandez) Currently, she has moved to the Chicago area where she continues to strive in her field.

Awarded Best of Zola
Rana was a godsend for my wedding! She brought my vision to life and I felt the most beautiful I ever have felt in my life and that was all because of Rana! She is kind, patient, and is everything you want in a makeup/ hair stylist! She also did my maid or honors, moms, and mother in laws makeup and they loved it! She will not disappoint you and you will not regret working with her! Book her now!
Clare O., 8 months ago
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Primrose Chicago 

5.0

  • Florist
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Primrose Chicago is a florist serving weddings in Chicago, Illinois. This is a small family run business in the heart of the Southport Corridor. The shop is continually re-stocked with the freshest and most attractive flowers, offering couples a world of choice for their wedding day. Primrose Chicago offers those stepping down the aisle dedicated service to accompany their beautiful blooms. They work with couples to create custom floral designs that complement each big day’s decor scheme. Their consultation service allows couples to develop their arrangements with one of the team's florists.

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Leah and the Primrose team was the best!!! Leah was so passionate about bringing our vision to life and our floral design continues to receive constant compliments even weeks after the wedding! "Build you bouquet" day is such a unique, fun experience - our florals were truly hand picked for us which was so special! Leah and her team are friendly, communicative, flexible, creative, and organized! We could not be happier with our decision to work with Primrose!! Book Primrose, you will not regret it!!
Hannah C., 7 months ago
Mayah Lee Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $5,600
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Chicago Photographer focused on providing the best experience and creating your vision for you! I strive to provide my clients with a comfortable and fun experience during their sessions; capturing the authentic and candid moments. My focus is on you, always. Please opt to contact me on my site, thank you!

Awarded Best of Zola
Maya Lee Photography was a delight to work with for our wedding photography. From the first email, Maya was responsive, friendly, and professional. She made the planning process smooth and stress-free with her prompt communication and organized approach. On our big day, Maya blended into the background while also guiding us to get great photos that captured the joy and love.. I wholeheartedly recommend Maya Lee Photography for any couple looking for a talented, personable wedding photographer who delivers exceptional work and service.
Justine H., 10 months ago
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JNA Visuals 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $5,850
  • Serves River Forest, IL

A Chicago-based wedding and elopement photographer that values genuine connection, authentic emotions, and getting to know my clients on a deep and personal level. I value capturing your moments and memories exactly how they happen, helping you to remember the feelings of intimacy, love, and warmth of marrying your person. PLEASE GO TO MY WEBSITE TO INQUIRE!

I don't even have the words to tell y'all how amazing Jayde is. We are SO grateful we reached out to Jayde back in 2022 for our engagement shoot and immediately knew we needed to hire her for our April 2024 wedding. From the very beginning, Jayde was super professional, patient, and on top of it, not to mention SO friendly and warm. She made me and my husband feel so special and comfortable in front of her camera, and our entire bridal party loved her too. She created a seamless timeline for the day that worked so well and she made sure we were on time all day. The photos truly speak for themselves. She has an amazing eye and we are obsessed with her editing style. She surprised us with over 100 (!!!) previews the next morning and they were INCREDIBLE - we were blown away and shocked that she could turn them around that quickly. We are so so so excited to see our full gallery soon. Don't hesitate to book Jayde - she's truly a gem in the Chicago wedding industry. We can't wait to find another reason to book her!
Natalia, a year ago
Ally Manzella Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $500
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Hi there! I am a Midwest Wedding Photographer, who truly loves capturing your love story. With a background in fashion editorial, I am trained to photograph a story. I would love the opportunity to capture your unique love journey. Please inquiry on my website for further details and faster responses. www.allysonmanzella.com

Awarded Best of Zola
Ally was absolutely amazing to work with! She not only is the sweetest human but does such an incredible job. She did our engagement photos and wedding, both were better than I could have imagined. I could not have asked for a better person to capture our big day! I would recommend Ally over and over!
Becca H., 7 months ago
GemHidden gem
Maura Black Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $2,200
  • Serves River Forest, IL

I’m Maura – Chicago based wedding photographer to the stars (that’s you!) and I am so pumped you’ve found my little corner of the interweb. Your wedding day is going to be beyond-your-wildest-dreams amazing and beyond that, totally unique. Sure, you’ll put on “The Dress”, exchange your “I do’s” and probably cry at some point (or at all points!) but your wedding day is 100% completely and utterly yours. I am here to help make this the best day of your life while creating heirloom art that tells your personal love story. I offer planning support and insider advice at every step of the journey to ensure nothin'-but-net on your Big Day.

Maura was our photographer for our engagement shoot, rehearsal dinner, and September 2024 wedding (that's how much we loved working with her) and let me tell you, working with Maura was an absolute dream. From the very beginning she put our minds at ease by answering all of our questions and making the process fun. She made us feel so relaxed and comfortable and went above and beyond every step of the way. For our wedding she helped us create the perfect timeline and showcased everything we wanted to. Our photos came out absolutely gorgeous and I can not recommend working with Maura enough.
Zachary Y., 2 months ago
Carnivale 

5.0

Chicago, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 350 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor

Since opening in 2005, Carnivale has established itself as one of the premier dining destinations in Chicago’s Fulton Market District / West Loop. Immerse yourself in the festive, eclectic, and global atmosphere that is inspired by the cuisine & culture of Mexico, South America, and Central America as well as our passion for travel, art, and design. Enjoy Latin fusion cuisine, exotic cocktails and genuine hospitality. With a lush interior and original artwork, the Carnivale experience makes every meal a celebration.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides catering services
  • Space for a large guest list
  • Dressing room available

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
Carnivale is an amazing place to have a wedding or special event. Molly is fantastic to work with and really goes out of the way to make their events unique and fun. The venue specializes in a uniquely fun experience with delicious food! We enjoy working with them and have done weddings and events all over the restaurant!
Mike O'Dea, 5 years ago
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Cocina Fusion 

5.0

  • Caterer
  • Starts at $10,000
  • Serves River Forest, IL

We are a full service Chicago catering company with over 15 years of experience, specializing in a wide array of culinary expressions. We service all types of events including weddings, social, corporate, and non-profits. We offer full dinner service, bar services, interactive dinner stations, late-night snacks, and brunch menus. We have an expansive selection of menus for you to choose from, including Latin & American Fusion, Traditional Mexican, Taco Bar, and Italian.

Cindy and her team were so amazing to work with and provided fantastic food. All of our guests keep telling us its some of the best wedding food they have ever had, and we agree. They were so kind and flexible and made sure we were fed too!
Amanda, 9 months ago
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Turntable Manners 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Starts at $1,295
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Turntable Manners was started by a group of passionate DJ's who collectively have many years of professional experience. Their passion for music and wanting to put quality DJ's in the forefront, has motivated them to start this new platform serving the greater Chicagoland.

Awarded Best of Zola
Our dance floor was never empty!!! Dj Wrek, Jason from Turntable manners was amazing! the whole process of planning our wedding reception with him as so easy and simple. The reception ran so smoothly because Jason was on the ball and once the dance floor was open it wasnt empty, he read the room, knew when to change to the next song and what was needed to keep it pumping. He also listened to our specific request for songs we had as must plays and the final song of the night was perfect and a core memory for us. We have gotten so many compliments about how great our wedding DJ was and how great the dancing was.
Kelsey and M., 7 months ago
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The Lytle House 

5.0

Chicago, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 80 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $3,000

The Lytle House is the perfect space to gather and celebrate with up to ​80 of your closest family + friends. Chairs, tables, good lighting, multiple backdrops within the space for ceremony or photos....we specifically designed the space in a way that makes it easy to plan a beautiful event with minimal effort. Focus on good food, good booze, and invite your favorite people to surround you as you celebrate your union.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Allows pets
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • No on-site bridal suite
Awarded Best of Zola
The Lytle House was the perfect venue for our intimate elopement celebration. From the beginning, their communication was efficient and informative, ensuring we understood the timeline and logistics. The space itself was earthy, spacious, and intimate - exactly what we were looking for to host our 6 guests. We brought in our own officiant and photographer, and Michelle and Robyn at The Lytle House provided a clean, beautiful space that allowed our special day to flow smoothly. We couldn't have asked for a better experience, and highly recommend this venue for couples looking for a relaxed setting for their wedding.
Danielle S., 7 days ago
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Fairlie 

4.6

CHICAGO, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 350 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $5,500

Fairlie in Chicago’s West Loop combines industrial chic with contemporary elegance. The venue’s spacious layout, high ceilings, and exposed brick create a modern yet warm atmosphere. Guests appreciate the customizable lighting and sound system, ensuring every moment is perfectly highlighted. The professional staff and comprehensive event planning services make the wedding experience seamless and stress-free. Fairlie’s urban aesthetic and flexible space make it a top choice for couples looking to celebrate in style.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Raw space for complete customization
  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Dressing room available

Venue considerations

  • Does not provide event staff
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Awarded Best of Zola
We absolutely loved having our wedding day at Fairlie and would have it there 100 times again. The beauty of this space is that you can really make it yours with whatever decor you choose to bring in. Alexis and Alex at Fairlie are incredibly easy to work with, super laid back, and are just as excited about your big day as you are. The romantic vibes that we got in this space at golden hour just elevated our wedding that much more, and the exposed brick really made this a unique venue for our city wedding. The curtains allow for an easy way to flip the space and also are just beautiful paired with the tall ceilings. Our guests loved how big the bar was because they felt there was never too long of a wait for a drink. So many good things to say — we love Fairlie so much!!!!
Joann B., 8 months ago
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Sea Circus Weddings 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $6,000
  • Serves River Forest, IL

I’m Reyna, the heart behind Sea Circus Weddings. With over 12 years of experience as a wedding photographer, my passion for wedding photography is inspired by my grandparents’ enduring love; their wedding photos are cherished pieces that guide my work. I strive to create heirloom, film-inspired images that celebrate genuine emotions and joyful moments. I live in a charming Tudor house with my husband, our two little girls, and our cat, Goose. In my free time, I enjoy camping, cooking, and getting lost in a good book.

Awarded Best of Zola
Reyna at Sea Circus Weddings was SO wonderful to work with. She was easy going, early to our appointment, willing to go out of her way to make our photo shoot outstanding, and best of all, our pictures are out of this world! I highly recommend Sea Circus Weddings!
Lauri, 3 years ago
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Nikki Kate Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,500
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Hello, my name is Nikki, and I am a wedding and family photographer for the sentimental and nostalgic. I have been lucky enough to call this my career for over 12 years. I am driven by a passion for storytelling and documenting your life for you to keep forever. Rooted in the heart of Chicago, IL, I am always ready to pack my bags and travel wherever your story unfolds (frequently travel to CO and WI). Whether it's the heartfelt promises exchanged on your wedding day or the joyful pitter-patter of little feet during an intimate family session at home, I treasure the opportunity to document every chapter of your life.

Awarded Best of Zola
"I’ve followed along with Nikki & her photography skills since she first began her time behind a camera. Her technique, talent, & skill is so beautiful. I couldn’t have imagined anyone else being our photographer on our wedding day. Both my husband & I felt like models the entire day - Nikki makes you feel so comfortable and captures all the moments that slip by in such a blur that day. We cannot thank you enough, Nikki!"
Danielle, 4 years ago
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Alana Lindenfeld Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $7,300
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Six years of taking bright, colorful, fun wedding photos in the city has taught me how to deliver a complete gallery of your day told in an artistic, meaningful, and unobtrusive way--because I'm here to document your day, not to direct it. As much as I love taking photos (it's truly my favorite thing in the world!), I believe your wedding is about celebrating all your people being in the same place at the same time + kicking back and enjoying while I make sure all those memories are on camera.

Awarded Best of Zola
We couldn't be happier with our decision to hire Alana Lindenfeld as our wedding photographer. From the moment she arrived, she brought a sense of calm and professionalism that instantly put us at ease. Alana has a true gift for capturing the essence of the moment, and her work reflects an incredible eye for detail and a deep understanding of human emotion. Our wedding photos are nothing short of breathtaking. Alana managed to capture every precious moment with such beauty and clarity, from the quiet, intimate exchanges to the grand, joyful celebrations. Her ability to find and frame the perfect shot is simply remarkable. Beyond her technical skills, Alana was a joy to work with. She was unobtrusive yet always present, ensuring she didn't miss a single important moment. Her warm personality made the entire experience enjoyable, and her dedication to her craft is evident in every photo she took. We are endlessly grateful to Alana for giving us these priceless memories that we will cherish forever. If you're looking for a wedding photographer who is not only incredibly talented but also wonderful to work with, look no further than Alana Lindenfeld.
Brandon & C., 6 months ago
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Firehouse Chicago 

5.0

Chicago, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 102 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $6,000

Located on Chicago’s Northside in the beautiful Edgewater neighborhood, our pristine vintage firehouse, filled with rich wood, modern subway tile, and shiny tin ceilings, is the ideal venue for your next event! Our intimate venue comfortably accommodates up to 120 guests. Host your ceremony or cocktail hour in our lush, green garden space, and enjoy dinner in our vintage, rustic Engine Room. With our personal, hands-on approach, including pre-planning and day-of coordination, Firehouse Chicago is the ideal, charming space for your guests to celebrate any occasion!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a glamorous vibe
  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Has a dance floor for celebration

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Additional event staff required
  • No venue-provided food services
We are SO glad we chose Firehouse Chicago for our wedding in Sept 2024. It was truly the most beautiful, special day, and so much more than we ever imagined. The Firehouse was the perfect backdrop for our day. We chose to rent the upstairs room to get ready morning of, took all of our pictures onsite, had our ceremony in the garden, and dinner/reception in the engine room. The gorgeous greenery, subway tiles, natural light, and overall gorgeous aesthetic was perfect for us to relax and enjoy our day, and was truly picturesque from every angle for photos. Their attention to detail in curating this beautiful space is truly remarkable. Beyond its idyllic setting, one of the biggest perks of Firehouse Chicago, is the staff, and the wedding coordination that is included (you don't need to hire a separate day-of or month-of coordinator for this venue!). We got the pleasure of working closely with Teddy and Sarah and we really appreciated their calm reassuring demeanor throughout the wedding planning process, and their delicate touch knowing how important this day was for us and know overwhelming wedding planning can be. They truly helped take some of the stress and worry out of the planning process from start to finish. They ensured every little detail went off without a hitch from start to finish. They were so helpful in initial planning, month-of coordinating, day-of execution, and responding to all of my questions along the way. The rest of the Firehouse Staff was incredible day-of, and made sure everything ran smoothly. They kept us to our timeline, checked in with us frequently throughout the day, calmed my nerves as I waited to walk down the aisle, helped hype us up and build our confidence for our fire pole entrance, and even ensured we had some quiet time to ourselves after the ceremony to let things sink in and enjoy our moment. Their staff is truly the best- we were so fortunate we chose them for our big day.
Rachel M., 7 months ago
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Megan Saul Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,200
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. What started as a childhood passion grew into a lifelong pursuit of storytelling through images. I’m based in both Union, Illinois, and Florida, which allows me to capture weddings in a variety of beautiful settings. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m gardening, traveling, or spending time with my partner, Kenny, and our three pets. My work has been featured in many publications, but what truly drives me is creating honest, meaningful imagery for my couples—photos that will live on as part of their legacy.

Megan is amazing. She is a true artist. I have worked with her in various spaces, one in particular that a lot of photographers struggle with because of the lighting, and Megan came back with some of the best, most beautiful, moodiest (chef's kiss) photos I have seen.
Elizabeth, 5 years ago
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Who Knew Entertainment 

5.0

  • Band or Ensemble
  • Starts at $800
  • Serves River Forest, IL

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., 22 days ago
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Layne Dixon Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Hi! I'm so glad you're here. I'm a Chicago-based wedding photographer here to help you tell your love story. Through humor, support and documentary storytelling I'm there to capture your day in an authentic way that reflects who you both are, how you love, and how your community shows up for you. Stylistically, I consider myself a docu-storyteller with a flair for art-forward portraits. With a background in film and digital, I like to incorporate the classic, the dramatic and the real.

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Layne to capture our wedding was a dream. Her work is stunning, but what we appreciated the most are those tiny, tender moments that she finds and captures beautifully. Looking back at the photos, we are really brought straight back into those moments. Layne has a truly special gift and we highly recommend her.
Allie T., a year ago
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Bisoux Event Co. 

5.0

  • Planner
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves River Forest, IL

We were born from lessons learned by tackling the most important wedding to date; my own. A planner to my core, I never considered the need for assistance when planning and executing my wedding. And while I threw a truly great party, it came at the expense of me enjoying my own wedding. I took away from the experience the hard truth that just because I could, didn’t mean I should, and have turned that into something that I truly love; watching other couples bask in their moment, stress-free. We offer a variety of wedding and honeymoon services with the simple mission of creating beautiful, unique events that feel as good as they look.

Awarded Best of Zola
Lisa was an absolute dream to work with. From the initial planning, to coordinating all of our vendors, and then of course the day-of timeline, flow, and impromptu problem solving. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be a nervous wreck on your wedding day. Leading up to our big day I was cool as a cucumber so I truly didn’t think I would be, but the anticipation had my anxiety at an all time high. Lisa gracefully reassured me every step of the way. She will do it all for you. She will ensure that every last, tiny detail is perfect. But perhaps even more importantly, she has the warmth of an old friend. I can’t recommend Bisoux Event Co. enough. She made our wedding day incredibly special and for that, I’m so grateful.
Megan N., 5 months ago
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Crystal-Eyez Makeup & Hair 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 10
  • Starts at $600
  • Serves River Forest, IL

The Crystal-Eyez Makeup & Beauty Lounge is a multi-award-winning upscale Salon & Spa conveniently located in the south loop area of Chicago. We are your perfect one-stop beauty destination for your professional beauty services.

Awarded Best of Zola
I really appreciated the full-service attention to detail from each stylist who came to do hair and makeup for my bridal party and me. Bisi was very careful to style exactly how I wanted for my big day and I felt absolutely beautiful. Each of the other stylists helped to make my bridesmaids look stunning!
Moriah J., 9 months ago
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An Enchanted Evening 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Serves River Forest, IL

An Enchanted Evening is a full time wedding entertainment company serving the Chicago area. We offer DJ/MC services, photo booth and lighting services. We have been in the wedding industry for over 20 years and have performed at over 6,000 weddings. We do 300 weddings each year and have 12 experienced DJs who serve as MCs and lead announcements and activities throughout the reception. Our DJ package is all-inclusive and Weddings are not time-limited, so your guests can dance all through the night. Our package also includes professional sound equipment with on-site backup equipment and an on-call back up DJ in case anything should go wrong.

Awarded Best of Zola
Like my title says, lifesavers! I had a really bad experience with my prior DJ that we had booked, and we had to terminate that contract 10 days before the wedding. That also meant we only had 10 days to find a new DJ! This company was the best, and we had an in-person consultation in Mike who helped match us with a great DJ. Calvin reached out to us, and we met in person to go over every little detail for the wedding day. It was a lengthy meeting, which was awesome, because he was asking us great questions and made sure we all had all of our ducks in a row. He kept in constant communication with us and our other vendors, and he made sure to check in with us throughout our wedding day. Calvin followed every little note we gave him prior to the day to a T. The dance floor was full all night long, and we received many compliments! We're so happy we found An Enchanted Evening, and Calvin truly helped us have the most magical wedding!
Vicki R., 6 days ago
GemHidden gem
The Dj Firm 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Let me start out by saying that I love DJ Firm with all my heart and soul. I truly have a passion for this company and making every event special in its own way. I was influenced by DJ culture early and my dad gave me opportunities to mix records at the early age of 8. I played my first party when I was 13 at a middle school called Heaven in Evanston, IL. My goal, along with my values is to always ensure that The DJ Firm provides the best talent and service an entertainment company has to offer. We have a great group of individuals and I can wait for you to meet them and me. Let’s connect.

While our venue has not worked with The DJ Firm yet, we have recently added them to our list of recommended DJs to share with our clients. As we were doing some background research, we were truly impressed by the number of positive and excellent reviews we have read, on top of a very well designed and easy-to-navigate website. After a very productive conversation with Eric, we can confidently say that The DJ Firm meets everything you are looking for when searching for a great DJ company: talented DJs who know exactly how to entertain your guests, professionalism, and transparency. We look forward to working with them soon!
The Newberry Library, 5 years ago
GemHidden gem
Alaura Creative 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $3,900
  • Serves River Forest, IL

My name is Alaura, and I am a Chicago-based photographer with a love of great art, true stories, and old-school glamour. I believe in romanticizing everyday life for the joy of it. For me, that means fine teacups on a Wednesday, bouquets for no reason, and a home full of antiques. This also translates to my photography style!

Working with Alaura was nothing short of perfect! Our pictures turned out better than we could have ever hoped for. We felt so comfortable with her for our solo shots and our families have raved about how well she integrated into our small, intmate day. It was the best day of my life and our pictures I think display that so well.
Olivia T., 3 years ago
ES photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,400
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Hi, I’m Kate (Ekaterina), a Chicago-based photographer with a love for storytelling. Years ago, I made the brave move to the USA on my own, sparking my adventurous spirit. I adore traveling, hiking, and find endless inspiration in the peaceful beauty of Washington and Oregon. I’m drawn to simple joys—minimalist design, nature, and heartfelt moments between people. My passion is capturing love stories in a way that feels authentic and timeless. From big laughs to quiet glances, I focus on the connection that makes your story unique. Let’s create beautiful, meaningful photos you’ll cherish forever!

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we booked ES Photography for our wedding, we knew we were in good hands. Her communication was consistently professional and responsive, and She was determined to understand our vision and preferences. The quality and creativity of their work exceeded our expectations - She was attentive to every detail and captured beautiful, natural moments that we will cherish forever. Ekaterina made us feel completely relaxed throughout the session and her skilled eye ensured we have stunning photos that perfectly encapsulate the joy and beauty of our special day.
Gracie H., 4 months ago
Golden Hours 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Serves River Forest, IL

What makes us tick? How rad and unique our clients are. We flex our creativity in hopes of creating work as diverse as you are. Most of your day doesn't need our direction - it is perfect the way it is. When we do see the perfect lighting, or a gorgeous setting, you better believe we will suggest it.

I have had the pleasure of work with Dana and her team on many occasions. She has been my go-to photographer for years and has shot everything from my wedding, family photos, and headshots. Not only is Dana supremely talented (as you can see from her portfolio) she is a true delight to work with. I am not always comfortable in front of the camera and Dana (and her entire team) are so talented at making sure everyone feels comfortable, confident, and are having fun! I couldn’t believe how quickly Dana got me my preview photos after my wedding, it was so exciting to relive the day and be able to share the photos with family and friends. I could not recommend Dana and her team enough!
Caitlyn G., 5 months ago
Quick responder
Dj Persist 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves River Forest, IL

DJ Persist has been involved in the music industry since the age of 17 and has been doing what he loves for the past 18 years. He had held several nightclub residencies in the city of Chicago, an experience that enhances his performance at weddings. Today, DJ Persist has expanded his services to include A/V and Photo Booth services to become a well-known, award winning company. DJ Persist strives to give you the best in customer service by listening to your needs to provide for you an unforgettable event!

DJ Persist is truly the best! I’ve been fortunate to know him since high school, and I’ve followed his music throughout college. He was the first DJ I saw seamlessly blend Arabic and Spanish music at a Mexican-Palestinian wedding, and it was amazing! When my wedding day finally arrived, I was thrilled to reach out to him and book his services. His expertise in mixing all genres of music is unmatched, and the compliments from our guests were non-stop throughout the night. He also has a fantastic, organized portal that makes planning your wedding a breeze, and he is incredibly responsive through emails if you need anything. Thank you so much, DJ Persist!
Narmin & S., 4 months ago
GemHidden gem
Sam Schultz Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Hey there! I’m a weddings and couples photographer based in Chicago, IL with my partner Emily and my rescue dog Daxter. I’m here to document joy and celebrate all the meaningful moments with the kickass people that find me.

I cannot say enough good things about Sam, truly. We hired him shortly after getting engaged and were fortunate enough to have engagement photos and our wedding with him. My husband and I are both creatives and have worked in media so photo was extremely important to us. If you want true to color and documentary style photos then look no further. Not only does he stylistically do a remarkable job but it felt like we were just hanging out with a bestie all day. Let this be your sign to hire Sam. It’ll be one of the best decisions you make for your wedding day.
Courtney R., a month ago
GemHidden gem
The Original Rainbow Cone 

5.0

  • Cakes & desserts
  • Starts at $1,350
  • Serves River Forest, IL

The Original Rainbow Cone has been a staple in Chicago for over 95 years! We serve our signature combination of Chocolate, Strawberry, Palmer House, Pistachio and Orange Sherbet sliced and stacked on a cone. We also offer other flavors upon request. We offer on-site catering with our trucks for outdoor events, and our pop up ice cream social service for indoor events!

Rainbow cone did a spectacular job providing dessert for our wedding. Everything arrived on time and was as great as it is at their Western Avenue location. John was great to work with and planning was very simple and easy. We would recommend them to anyone getting married in Chicagoland.
John, 3 years ago
Quick responder
Brave Beauty Makeup Artistry 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 1
  • Starts at $100
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Hi, I’m Kels, a makeup artist from Sydney, Australia, who found her way to Chicago for love. Now I live here with my husband, Miles, and our sweet pup, Bonsai. When I’m not creating glowing bridal looks, you’ll find me baking sourdough or belting out a karaoke ballad. I’m deeply passionate about helping brides feel like their most radiant, authentic selves on their wedding day. There’s nothing more special than walking toward your person, glowing with confidence and calm.

Kelsey was a joy to work with. She look time to listen to what makes me feel beautiful, we talked through my inspiration photos and she made the look fit me perfectly! I love her attention to detail and how comfortable she made me feel. I will definitely book her for other formal events!
Helen, 8 days ago

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