The Best Wedding Vendors in Thornton, CA

The Best Wedding Vendors in Thornton, CA

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in Thornton, CA

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Mark Addington Events 
Rating: 5.0 (99 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • DJ
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Thornton, CA

I’m Mark Addington, owner, founder, emcee, DJ, public speaker, and most importantly…creative at heart. I started my DJ career over 20 years ago for fun and fell in love with it along the way. My goal is to make this choice a simple, informed and fun part of the wedding process. I’m here to communicate and plan pre-wedding so you and your guests can leave it all on the dancefloor the day of the wedding.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Wow, what can't I say about Mark and his incredible abilities! From the get go, Mark was so incredibly easy to work with and figure out every piece of logistics. We had spent many hours interviewing DJs and trying to find the match, and it was such an easy choice the moment we started talking with Mark. I did some live music during our reception our and Mark was so gracious enough to let me use some of his equipment and helped me making it all come together for a rocking, good time. Mark goes above and beyond his expected duties as a DJ. He pays attention to the crowd's energy, he is attentive throughout, he has intentionality that is felt in each interaction. We are so blessed to have worked with, Mark. If you are still reading this, then you need to just seal the deal with him because obviously he's the right one for the job.”
Tim Y., 4 months ago
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Hillarie Hughes Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (25 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,125
  • Serves Thornton, CA

HI, I’M HILLARIE HUGHES . I am a lifestyle/wedding photographer based out of Merced, CA. I’m 33 years old, a wife and a mother to four beautiful kids. It's safe to say that I'm a VERY busy mama! You can catch me with my kindle when I’m not editing, and being as active as I can be in my children's lives. Never in a million years did I think that people would love my photos as much as they do, but I am so grateful and so blessed! I am learning more and more every session that I have, and have been incredibly lucky to have such awesome clients (turned into forever friends!) that have been with me during this entire journey.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Hiring Hillarie was the best decision I could have made for my wedding. I had a wedding at a venue she had never been to, and was a little nervous about her not being familiar with the grounds. My nerves were silly because she absolutely killed it. She over delivers and is the sweetest calm in the chaos. I wish I could relive my wedding day over and over, including having her there. I am so happy I went with her.”
Catie L., 2 years ago
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DJ Sam Vada 
Rating: 5.0 (21 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • DJ
  • Starts at $900
  • Serves Thornton, CA

DJ Sam Vada offers a dynamic and engaging experience for your event, ensuring that his DJ services not only meet but exceed expectations. He specializes in a variety of events, including birthdays, dances, parties, wedding receptions, graduation celebrations, and other noteworthy occasions. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of clear communication between himself and his clients. DJ Sam Vada utilizes high-quality equipment that is well-suited to fulfill the demands of any event.

“Sam was the DJ for our wedding and kept everyone on the dance floor the whole night! Thank you so much for being part of our special day.”
Delaney, a year ago
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The Century 
Rating: 4.9 (18 reviews)
Modesto, CA
  • Venue
  • Up to 250 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $9,000

TWO VENUES ONE TEAM: THE CENTURY + NINE3ONE We offer two full service wedding venues located in Modesto, Ca. With decades of experience in venue, food, and beverage services combined, we are ready to guide you down your planning journey from day one all the way to “I DO!”. The Century is a chic, urban venue built in the early 1900s with exposed brick walls, beautiful crystal chandeliers and gorgeous acacia wood floors. The Century has room for up to 250 guests for reception only, and up to 175 for a ceremony and a reception. Nine3One is a coworking facility located next door to The Century that opened 2019. Nine3One features 3 unique event spaces. The Alcove is the main event space that leads out into The Botanical Breezeway, a completely covered outdoor space that runs the length of the entire building. The Bouquet Bar is a small event space perfect for smaller parties and also makes a great space for cocktail hour. Nine3One has room for up to 70 guests when using all three spaces.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Designed for grand celebrations
  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Wheelchair accessible

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
Awarded Best of Zola
“The Century was absolutely amazing! From start to finish, the communication and service we received was top-notch. Erica was our coordinator and she was absolutely amazing - she went above and beyond to make sure our dream wedding came true. The venue itself was stunning and so beautiful, it was the perfect backdrop for our special day. The quality of their work and the value we received was incredible. We are so grateful to the entire team at The Century for making our wedding day truly unforgettable!”
Madison S., 10 months ago
The Wedding Plan Co 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Planner
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Thornton, CA

At the heart of The Wedding Plan Co is a deep dedication to people, their stories, and the unforgettable moments that extend far past the wedding day. We approach every celebration with intention, presence, and thoughtful design, ensuring each event feels genuinely meaningful, deeply personal, and meticulously cared for. Whether guiding full-scale planning or seamless day-of coordination, we curate experiences that allow couples to remain fully present while we bring their vision to life.

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K.Y.G Luxery Beauty Agency 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $250
  • Serves Thornton, CA

K.Y.G Luxury Beauty offers professional on location hair and makeup. Our vision is to take the luxury experience of getting pampered at a salon, combined with the relationships and trust that celebrities have with their go-to glam squad, and create an unforgettable experience that is accessible to the everyday woman. We strive in bringing your vision to life because we understand how important your event is! We specialize in weddings, photoshoots, life events and special occasions.

Awarded Best of Zola
“What can I say about Karen apart from that she is absolutely incredible. I am from the UK and choosing a hair & makeup artist when you live in another continent was daunting, then I found Karen! Her communication is fantastic, she really listens to what you want to achieve on your wedding day and takes notes of what you do/don’t like. During the trial she gave me recommendations for the lead up to my day and she was open to any changes I wanted to make (such as adding cluster lashes and more curls to my hair). On the day, her calming presence in amongst the chaos made everything better, she helped me keep calm and relaxed. She even stepped in to help my mum with her hair, after my mum’s hairdryer exploded! I have never felt as beautiful as I did on my wedding day and I owe it to Karen. I would recommend her over and over again. So if you want someone with excellent communication, a calming and supportive presence and whose artistry is beautiful, then look no further than KYG!”
Chloe C., 9 days ago
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The Tipsy Hellcat LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Bar services & beverages
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Thornton, CA

The Tipsy Hellcat was born from my love of creating experiences that feel fun, personal, and totally on-vibe. I’m a mobile dry-hire bartender who specializes in crafting custom menus, thoughtful details, and bar setups that match your wedding’s unique style — whether you’re planning something elegant, alternative, whimsical, or bold. I’m passionate about making the process easy, stress-free, and exciting for couples. Your bar should feel like you, and I love helping bring that vision to life with creativity, warmth, and a little bit of Hellcat magic.

“I highly recommend Danie for Yosemite elopements/weddings. She was truly one of the best decisions we made for our day. From the very beginning she was attentive, communicative, and always kept me updated on everything. She really listened to what I wanted and somehow brought my vision to life exactly the way I imagined it. What honestly impressed me the most is that she managed to make everything look absolutely perfect despite all the weather chaos we had — rain, freezing cold, and even snow. Somehow she handled every single unexpected situation so calmly and professionally and made our day feel effortless and magical. She was genuinely my saving grace during our dream elopement, and I cannot recommend her enough”
Jenly, 5 months ago
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Florals For You (Sarah) 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Thornton, CA

Florals For You was created by a husband and wife duo who are wedding and event floral designers based in the central valley of California. We love telling modern-romantic love stories through florals and believe that planning your wedding florals should be lighthearted and fun!

Awarded Best of Zola
“I am so glad that I found Sarah and Florals For You. From the very beginning Sarah was communicative and friendly, and I only had to send her inspo from my Pinterest board to make the vision come to life. The florals were everything I could have dreamed of - and everything was at a reasonable price and I didn't feel like things were marked up just for my wedding. I highly recommend using her!”
Melissa M., 2 months ago
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Alegria Ranch Turlock 
Rating: 4.5 (16 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
Turlock, CA
  • Venue
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $1,500

Nestled in the heart of Turlock’s picturesque dairy country, Alegria Ranch is a private, family-owned ranchette designed for celebrating life’s greatest milestones. Embodying its name—the Spanish word for joy—this charming destination brings warm hospitality and big country charm to every wedding, rehearsal dinner, shower, and special event. Couples enjoy total flexibility with options ranging from complete DIY setups to full-service event support with decor, catering, and on-site owner coordination. Alegria Ranch offers a magical, welcoming environment to create a truly personalized milestone celebration.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • No free parking
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
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Tooney White Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,490
  • Serves Thornton, CA

I'm Tooney! I was born and raised in the Philippines and now call Northern California home. I've been a photographer for over a decade, and one of my favorite parts of this work is making people feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I know being photographed doesn't come naturally to everyone, and I don't expect it to. I'll give you direction, fix the stray hair, straighten the outfit, and help you feel like yourself — so you can stop thinking about the camera and enjoy your wedding day.

Awarded Best of Zola
“HIRE TOONEY!! I grew up with a well renowned wedding photographer as my father, and so my pickiness was extremely high when it came to finding someone to photograph my own wedding. After searching for months and going through so many profiles, I stumbled upon Tooney through an Instagram of an Instagram. Her work is so effortless and tailored to the couples vision, it’s amazing. Not only does she have an incredible eye, but she is also one of the kindest people I have ever met. If you want someone to be there on your wedding day to bring the most wonderful vibe and also give you an incredible amount of confidence then Tooney is your photographer.”
Amelia F., a month ago
5 Daughters Design 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Florist
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Thornton, CA

5 Daughters Design says it all. We’re a family—a mom and dad and our five adult daughters—creating thoughtful, garden-inspired wedding flowers throughout Northern California and the Phoenix, Arizona area. We believe flowers are only part of the story. The most meaningful celebrations leave people feeling welcomed, connected, and cared for. Through trusted guidance and thoughtful collaboration, we make the floral planning process feel relaxed, joyful, and beautifully personal

“Lynda was an absolute dream to work with, and I truly cannot recommend 5 Daughters Design enough. From our very first conversation, Lynda was incredibly thoughtful, creative, and genuinely invested in bringing my wedding vision to life. Lynda designed all of our wedding florals and signage, and she was exceptionally hands-on throughout the entire planning process. We met several times over video call, where she took the time to walk through every detail imaginable, and even created mock-ups to help me visualize the overall look. She listened carefully to my design ideas, offered thoughtful recommendations, and made me feel completely confident that every element would come together beautifully for our wedding. One of the things that meant the most to me was Lynda’s willingness to incorporate sentimental flowers that was special to me and my family. That personal touch made the experience feel so much more meaningful. When I saw everything come together on our wedding day, I was absolutely blown away. The floral arrangements were stunning, the signage was beautifully designed, and every detail exceeded my expectations. Everything felt cohesive, elegant, and perfectly reflected the romantic, whimsical atmosphere we had envisioned. The flowers truly transformed our venue and played such a significant role in making our wedding day feel magical. Beyond her incredible talent, Lynda is kind, patient, responsive, and truly passionate about what she does. If you're looking for someone who will treat your wedding with the same care and attention as if it were her own, I wholeheartedly recommend 5 Daughters Design. I will forever be grateful for the beauty Lynda created and the unforgettable memories she helped make possible on our special day. Thank you, 5 Daughters Design!”
Celine M., 3 months ago
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Imagery by Carissa Dugoni 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Thornton, CA

I’m Carissa, a California-based wedding photographer specializing in true-to-color editing, candid documentary coverage, and natural, editorial-style portraits. My work focuses on real connection, emotional storytelling, and the in-between moments that define a wedding day. With more than a decade of experience, I photograph weddings with an intentional, relaxed approach that helps couples feel comfortable, authentic, and fully present. My husband, Tyler, joins me as our videographer, bringing the same warm, storytelling-driven style to every celebration.

“Ethereal, candid, jovial, refined are some of the buzzwords that the images of our oak tree & hanging lights, spring evening, 100 person ranch wedding brings to mind. Carissa made sure to get an idea of our and our family's priorities and vision for our wedding day photography months in advance. As the day approached she nailed down specifics of timing and herding those dear to us to capture everything we wanted! She has an eye for catching family dynamics, sweet background moments, and her whole team is quick to drop to the floor to get the perfect golden hour angle, play with long exposure, or get some kids laughing! They coordinated wonderfully with our other vendors throughout the day on things like equipment positioning and audio capture. We knew we would love any photos of us as a couple on the happiest day of our lives, but the width of their professional and personal vision for the whole picture is what truly captured our hearts. Thank you Dugonis for loving on us!”
Stina D., a year ago
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Averi Ramos Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Thornton, CA

Growing up on our ranch I was surrounded by beautiful sights and sounds, hearing horses knickering as they unloaded out of the trailer as if saying “good morning, lets get to work.” Huge oak trees creaking in the wind. Thunder storms cracking over head while driving 200 head of wild steers to winter pasture. Sunrises filtered with dust, as convoys of horse trailers bumped along dirt roads. I wanted to document and share these experiences and thats what lead me to photography. For the past 15 years I have documented 100's of weddings. It truly is the only thing you have left after the wedding and I take that so seriously.

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Azeem Ward Saxophonist | Flutist 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Solo performer
  • Starts at $600
  • Serves Thornton, CA

Northern California-based flutist and saxophonist Azeem Ward specializes in creating elegant, memorable musical experiences for weddings and private events. His versatile repertoire spans contemporary favorites, jazz standards, timeless classics, and modern love songs, allowing him to create a personalized soundtrack for every celebration. A lifelong musician who began playing at age ten, Azeem has performed throughout the United States and internationally in the United Kingdom, Italy, Hungary, South Korea, and the Philippines. Known for his professionalism, adaptability, and warm presence, he works closely with couples to create an elevated atmosphere that feels personal and unforgettable for them and their guests.

“We found Azeem one night while scrolling Tiktok and knew we just had to book him for our wedding this past week! After the initial call and booking, we knew that Azeem would be able to create a fun and memorable atmosphere for us and our guests! Although he has an expansive repertoire of music that he has played at past events, Azeem is able to learn any song. We got to hear all of our favorite songs during our cocktail hour. We even requested for certain songs to be played while we were both present and Azeem made sure of it! I couldn't be happier with Azeem's communication and professionalism throughout the planning process. We would recommend him to anyone looking to add a classy but energetic and engaging experience to their event!”
Khiethy, 10 days ago
Queen Judy weddings 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 7 services
  • Serves Thornton, CA
  • Offer

With over 20 years of experience in the wedding industry, we are passionate about creating unforgettable wedding experiences for our brides. Our goal is to make your special day even more beautiful and seamless than you ever imagined. From the smallest details to the biggest moments, our team is dedicated to helping with all of your wedding day needs and ensuring everything runs perfectly from start to finish.

“Judy checked in with me the day before the wedding to see if I needed anything, which I appreciated. On the wedding day, she made sure I had water since it was very hot, and she checked in a few times to see if I needed anything. I also noticed how she interacted with the couple, and it was clear they really liked her. It’s always nice working with someone who helps keep the day moving and supports the couple throughout.”
Heather, a year ago
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Party Kings Mobile Music & Entertainment 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • DJ
  • Serves Thornton, CA

Your wedding deserves more than someone who just plays music. At Party Kings Mobile Music & Entertainment, we combine experienced DJ & MC services with personalized planning to create a fun, seamless, and stress-free celebration. From your ceremony to the last dance, we’ll guide every announcement, transition, and special moment while keeping your guests entertained. With over a decade of experience, an exclusive online planning portal, and a commitment to one wedding per day, we’re dedicated to making your wedding unforgettable.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better DJ! His website and client portal made planning so easy, with song charts, planning tools, and a simple way to communicate exactly what we wanted. On our wedding day, he was so experienced that we never had to worry or repeat ourselves—he just knew what to do. He has such a calm, relaxed presence and worked seamlessly with all of our other vendors. He even took a few minutes to show our son and grandson some fun DJ techniques, which they absolutely loved. We had an amazing time and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a professional, talented, and easy-to-work-with DJ!”
Michelle W., 4 months ago
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B&C Music 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Band or Ensemble
  • Starts at $1,700
  • Serves Thornton, CA

B&C Music is a Stockton, California-based duo that delights in complementing weddings with memorable musical experiences. Specializing in acoustic and electric covers, Brooke and Chase Estes are known for their personable nature, skilled musicianship, and their passion for their craft.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Our experience with B&C Music for our wedding was overall perfect. They were easy to communicate with and they did an incredible job, setting the perfect vibe for our wedding. After asking us our song choices for the processional and if there were any other special songs they could learn for us, B&C were completely self-sufficient, which was a huge help for us during the planning process. They arrived early to set up, started playing as guests arrived, and provided beautiful music for our ceremony and cocktail hour. We booked them based on their Soundcloud samples, and they exceeded our expectations on the day. Our guests had so many nice things to say about their performance. My husband and I are so glad we found them, as B&C truly contributed to making our special day so memorable.”
Scarlett & J., 2 years ago
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Queen Beauty Judy 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 6
  • Starts at $150
  • Serves Thornton, CA
  • Offer

Judy founder Out of gallery Queen beauty has been helping women bring their inner beauty out for many years. It has been her life's passion working with brides and their party making that special day fabulous. She is talented in all fields when it comes to beauty. Glance at all the services she offers as your one stop shop at looking gorgeous.

“I had the pleasure of working with Judy as the makeup artist for a bride at a wedding I photographed. Judy's skill and professionalism were truly remarkable. She created a stunning look that perfectly complemented the bride’s style and the overall theme of the wedding. Her attention to detail and ability to enhance natural beauty made a significant impact on the photos. I highly recommend Judy for her exceptional work and artistry.”
Anita McLeod , 2 years ago
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JessShootMe 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Thornton, CA

I am a Central Valley-based photographer, but I am always available for travel outside the Central Valley. I focus on portraiture, wedding, and event photography. My mission is to work hard to deliver quality images and give my clients a comfortable, enjoyable experience full of smiles and laughter from the initial contact through the session and even after the final product is delivered.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Jess was beyond amazing and made our day so special. It was incredible how beautiful our pictures turned out and she captured everything I could have ever imagined and beyond. It was actually quite impressive looking through the wedding album after we received it because Jess seemed like she was everywhere all of the time. She captured every moment sometimes with different angles and I am so grateful to be able to relive our wedding day while looking through the photos. I thought I would regret not having a videographer but Jess truly captured everything from start to finish and that the day just comes back to life when I look through all of the photos. As she captured our wedding day she was soooo very patient with my husband and I, our family, and all our friends. Everyone spoke so highly of her after our wedding and really appreciated having a relaxed, caring, funny, kind, and professional photographer. She also helped me while getting ready and truly made it so I could fully enjoy my wedding. I also asked her to shoot my graduation photos and lets just say I don't think I will ever inquire for a different photographer. I am looking forward to continuing to have her capture precious moments in my life for as long as she continues photography. Thank you for being more than I could have ever hoped for and capturing some of the most memorable days in my life and making them so extremely special. You are the best Jess!!! 3”
Dani G., 2 years ago
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Desert Born Studios 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,200
  • Serves Thornton, CA

Desert Born Studios photographs elopements and intimate weddings for couples in Yosemite and Central California Couples who want something real, wild, and deeply meaningful. Based in the West and fueled by open landscapes, rock-and-roll energy, and honest connection, we document your day as it unfolds dust on your boots, wind in your hair, and all the emotion in between. If you’re ditching tradition and choosing an experience over a production, you’re in the right place.

“Sara photographed our wedding and absolutely nailed it. She was easy to work with, made everyone feel comfortable, and captured the day exactly how we'd hoped, moody and dreamy and perfect. The full gallery looked incredible and came back fast. If you're deciding on a wedding photographer, book her. You won't regret it. Highly recommend!”
John & K., 4 months ago
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Payton Ophelia Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $700
  • Serves Thornton, CA

Photography has always been more than just photos to me. It’s freezing the little moments that end up meaning the most years later getting to tell people stories is something I’ll never take for granted. Behind every session is a girl who still gets excited every single time someone trusts her to capture their memories and honestly that feeling never gets old.

“From our first conversation, Payton Ophelia Photography made us feel at ease with her straightforward communication and quick responses to every question we had. On our wedding day, she went above and beyond by stepping in to curl my bridesmaid's hair when we fell behind schedule, then somehow still captured stunning photos in a tight timeframe. Her images are crisp and vibrant, with gorgeous attention to detail in every shot. We honestly felt like we hired both a photographer and a hairstylist rolled into one. Payton's willingness to help with the little things while delivering such clean, polished work made our day feel special and stress-free. We can't recommend her enough.”
Patricia L., 5 months ago
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An Occasion 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Thornton, CA

With over 38 years in the event industry, Jennifer Valdez brings a lifetime of creativity, expertise, and heartfelt dedication to every celebration she designs. As the owner of An Occasion Events, Jennifer is a seasoned wedding planner, florist, and flower farmer who combines artistry with authenticity. Her floral designs are known for their natural, organic style, using locally grown blooms from her own flower farm and other local growers. At the heart of it all, Jennifer finds joy in transforming visions into lasting memories, crafting celebrations that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.

“We can’t say enough wonderful things about Jennifer! From the very first message, she was so punctual and responsive — always available to answer questions and help us think through details. As both our florist and day-of coordinator, she truly went above and beyond in every possible way. Because Jennifer was already familiar with our venue, she was able to take our ideas and adjust them perfectly to fit the space. She even helped us see possibilities we hadn’t considered, making everything look even better than we’d imagined! When a few unexpected issues came up on the day of, Jennifer was calm, professional, and quick to come up with a plan B that kept everything running smoothly — we barely even noticed there had been a hiccup. Her floral designs were stunning and matched our vision to perfection. Every arrangement was fresh, artfully done, and so thoughtfully placed. She also gave us excellent recommendations for other local vendors, which made the entire planning process so much easier. Most importantly, Jennifer and her team were an absolute joy to work with. They were kind, efficient, organized, and made the entire experience fun and stress-free. We are endlessly grateful for all that she did to make our wedding day so beautiful and seamless. If you’re looking for someone who is creative, reliable, and genuinely cares about making your day perfect — Jennifer is your person!”
Grace H., a year ago
University Plaza Waterfront Hotel 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
Stockton, CA
  • Venue
  • Up to 350 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $4,000

Thank you for considering the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel for your special day! We’re thrilled you're exploring our stunning venue. Imagine exchanging vows in our elegant ballroom, overlooking the sparkling waterfront. Our prime location, steps away from Stockton Arena, Banner Island Ballpark, and the Civic Auditorium, offers endless possibilities for pre- and post-wedding festivities. Let us help you create a wedding that reflects your unique style.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Caters to out-of-town guests
  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
“We only had 7 months to plan and wanted to stick within a budget. but have something beautiful. University Plaza Waterfront Hotel offered just the right pricing with a stunning courtyard, dining area, and spacious ballroom. There were a few mishaps but Renee and her staff took care of us and ensured that our needs were met. We set several appointments throughout this time frame and Renee worked with us to keep these appointments running smoothly, worked well with staff and other vendors to make sure our day was special as could be. Renee responded to my emails promptly and helped me plan the reception program, floor plan of the ballroom, answered my 101 questions and so much more. Renee and the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel staff had our best interest in consideration from pricing, to decorating, to our guests, and all the things in between. I truly enjoyed that there were plenty of rooms for my big guest list from so many different countries and states. Everybody had enough space to enjoy themselves, the kids played all around in the courtyard, safety was good, and the sunset was just great. The Univeristy Plaza Waterfront felt like our home. We are so thrilled and pleased that we chose to have our wedding at this venue, because although it was hectic(as any wedding would be) at times it was an absolute blast!”
Victoria, 2 years ago
Natalie Renee Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $6,000
  • Serves Thornton, CA

Northern California wedding photographer inspired by real moments between people who love each other and dreamy lighting. There is nothing I love more than capturing emotion and details in all the magical moments. I want to deliver photos filled with emotion, fun, and laughter. I bring lots of love and energy with me to make you feel comfortable so you can have fun in front of the camera. I work to build a true friendship with you to create trust which aids in gorgeous photos.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Natalie understood my vision and ran with it. From the beginning I could tell she was professional, fun, and great at her job. We had a super colorful wedding (groom wore a floral blue suit) and she was just as excited about our plans as we were. She was also open to feedback on editing style (I really wanted high contrast), but honestly both our engagement photos and wedding photos were/ are everything. She worked great with our dog, captured our individual personalitlies and worked great with the group. I wish I could get married again just so we could see what kind of photos she gets from that wedding as well. 10/10 do recommend.”
Sareesha, 3 months ago
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Kevin Layton Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,125
  • Serves Thornton, CA

I thoroughly enjoy working with passionate, easy going, and family oriented clients. My clients are more than just clients to me. I truly care about them more then just clients. I consider them o be friends who I am emotionally connected with. I want them to be happy with their product just as much as my customer service. I aim to treat them the way I would want to be treated and going above and beyond to make that happen is what I do. Please don't hire me because I may be less expensive than someone else. Hire me because you like my style and because you know I care about you, We all have to make a living, but money isn't everything.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Kevin did a wonderful job with our wedding photos! The pictures turned out great and helped to capture our special day.”
Brooke S., 7 months ago
GemHidden gem
Shannon Bryn Photo LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Thornton, CA

My name is Shannon Van Groningen, as a California and destination wedding photographer, I specialize in bright, timeless, and true-to-color wedding photography that ensures every detail and emotion is beautifully preserved. From the iconic landscapes of California's Bay Area, South Lake Tahoe, and Southern California to luxurious destinations across the U.S., I’m here to document your love story in a way that feels natural and timeless.

“Shannon took our engagement and wedding photos, and we are absolutely in love with them!! Her ability to capture candid emotions while also giving direction to us while taking photos was awesome. My husband and I always worry about being stiff or awkward in photos, and Shannon did an excellent job at making us comfortable in front of the camera- dare I say it was even fun!! Our pictures turned out gorgeous and I get messages from family members every day telling me how beautiful they are. Thank you SO much Shannon :)”
Emily, a year ago
Cakewalk Heirloom Baking Co 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Cakes & desserts
  • Starts at $16
  • Serves Thornton, CA

Cakewalk Heirloom Baking Company is a cake, pastry, and culinary maison devoted to the art of intentionally crafted experience. We bring together sculptural cakes, curated culinary expressions of season, and a café inspired by interwoven global experiences and culinary exploration across rich and varied cultures—each shaped through ingredient integrity, precision, and a quiet attention to flavor, balance, and sensory detail. Our work is guided by organically grown ingredients, seasonality, and intentional flavor composition, where culinary craftsmanship becomes a language of experience, form, and expression—beautifully composed and thoughtfully presented.

“We began our wedding planning journey in February and reached out to Cakewalk. Little did we know, they are the whole package. We initially wanted to discuss breakfast catering options, but once we received highly detailed emails from Jennifer about her services we then decided to move forward with planning/catering/floral/furniture/signage/wedding cake/tastings/wine pairings and so much more. Cakewalk provided the perfect nature design/coordination, organic farm to table catering and custom cake design with dessert services for our special day. Jennifer is an absolute gem. She connected with us via phone and email multiple times leading up to the big day to plan a truly amazing wedding day. She asked us for our pinterest board, and she really listened to our ideas and concerns. Her emails were very detailed and consisted of multiple design boards. She was very organized and provided us with a comprehensive planning timeline. Jennifer incorporated two new entrees for our dinner service that were not in their original menu selection. During the tasting, she offered the highest degree of service. She also provided the wine pairings for each dish! Jennifer coordinated with all our vendors. She planned a day of coronation timeline that was perfectly executed and was flexible with any changes. She really has a caring eye for detail and made our dream wedding a reality! Our wedding party was intimate with 20 guests and Jennifer and her team really made everyone feel like royalty. We really don't know how we could have done any of this without her. 100/100 the best day of our lives.”
Kim & F., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Bowen Weddings 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 2 services
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Thornton, CA

Hi! I’m Breahna, owner of Bowen Weddings. 🤍I specialize in day-of coordination so you can enjoy your wedding while I handle the details. From managing your timeline and vendors to solving last-minute issues, I’m there to keep everything running smoothly. I believe every couple deserves to be fully present on their wedding day, and my goal is to make that happen. Organized, reliable, and supportive, I’m here to help bring your vision to life with confidence and care.

“Hiring Bowen Weddings was the best decision we made throughout the entire planning process. Their communication style was clear, responsive, reassuring, consistent, supportive and proactive, which put our minds at ease every step of the way. The quality of their work was high-level, thoughtful, and reliable, with flawless execution. Bowen Weddings handled every detail with such care and precision before we even had to ask, and kept everything running seamlessly behind the scenes. From coordinating vendors to managing the timeline, everything ran smoothly without us having to worry about a thing. Because of their exceptional service, we were able to truly relax and enjoy every moment of our wedding day. We would recommend Bowen Weddings to any couple looking for a truly stress-free and beautifully executed wedding.”
Sierra C., 9 months ago
New
Sugar Bakes & Cakes 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Cakes & desserts
  • Serves Thornton, CA

Specializing in artisanal cakes and decanted desserts, creating memorable wedding cakes and beautiful custom cakes for all celebrations, alongside a collection of American and European inspired desserts. Each order is thoughtfully created with flavors, aesthetic, and finer details to bring your vision to life.

“I manage a wedding venue in Oakdale, CA and Maykayla is on our preferred vendor list. Not only is her work outstanding , her communication with us as a venue and our clients is amazing. She communicates with the bride and groom on tasting and style but also communicates with us as a venue what time we would like delivery. She takes her time and is very attentive to detail to make sure everything is perfect. We love having her out at Quincy Lake Farms.”
Jo H., 9 days ago
Quick responder
Madebyjackie 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $150
  • Serves Thornton, CA

Hello! My name is Jackie & I’m the owner of Madebyjackie. I’m a licensed Cosmetologist who specializes in Hair/Makeup for weddings & special occasions. I can’t wait to meet you and be a part of your special day!

“My grandmother’s hair is incredibly tough to work with, but Jackie truly proved she is a master of her craft. She has an amazing skillset and turned a difficult situation into a beautiful result. My grandma just couldn't stop talking about how glamorous she felt! Jackie is a true professional, and OfficialMadeByJackie is exactly who you need for your hair and makeup! Thank you Jackie, for making my Grandma feel so beautiful!”
Carlos R., 4 months ago

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