The Best Wedding Vendors in Essex, IL

The Best Wedding Vendors in Essex, IL

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in Essex, IL

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Lueur Beauti Makeup 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Serves Essex, 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 dream to work with for my wedding day. Her communication was friendly and prompt, with sweet responses to all my questions and requests. Despite completely changing my hair and makeup from our trial, Rana made me feel beautiful on my big day. She was also incredibly flexible, accommodating last-minute requests for my mom's and sister's hair and makeup with no issue. Rana is so detail-oriented, listening carefully to exactly what I wanted and making sure I felt great on my wedding day. She customized everyone's look to their taste. I can't emphasize enough how accommodating Rana was throughout the whole process. She wants you to not just look good but feel amazing, and that radiance definitely shines through in her work. Rana is the best!
Rachelle M., 8 months ago
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JNA Visuals 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $5,850
  • Serves Essex, 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!

This is guaranteed to be longwinded because there aren't nearly enough words to explain how incredible Jayde is and how magical working with her was so if you're reading this, lock her in now and trust that you won't regret it because you're in amazing hands. For context, I was your quintessential type A bride with a very specific vision for my wedding. Given that, I was especially particular when it came time to pick our wedding photographer but from the moment we connected with Jayde, we knew she was the one. Beyond her professionalism and talent behind the lens, Jayde is kind, genuine, personable, patient, and caring, feeling like more of an old friend than your typical vendor. When we were torn on whether or not to do the first look, Jayde provided a high level of expertise and support, which led to us doing it and literally receiving photos that left us speechless. She also showed the highest level of enthusiasm for and dedication to capturing our day based on the vision described and literal 10 page mood board I created for her the week of our wedding, on top of the fact that she seamlessly captured photos of me and my husband on the skydeck, despite her personal fear of heights. During our initial conversations, I told Jayde that regardless of if I was looking at my photos six months post-wedding or 26 years later, that I wanted to be able to travel back in time and evoke the same emotions that we felt on our special day, and Jayde went way above my expectations, delivering breathtaking memories and stunning photos that we'll forever be grateful for. So all that said, if you're looking for someone who will ensure you're comfortable in front of the camera and will guide you flawlessly through the process of creating magazine worthy images that reflect the love shared between you and your partner, you NEED Jayde and I promise, you will not regret booking with her.
Lauren G., 4 months ago
GemHidden gem
Mayah Lee Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $5,600
  • Serves Essex, 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., 9 months ago
Ally Manzella Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $500
  • Serves Essex, 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
DAG IMAGES 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $6,500
  • Serves Essex, IL

I'm an intimate wedding and portrait photographer who provides authentic, inclusive, and vibrant images for diverse and non-traditional couples. very image is crafted with a focus on inclusivity and cultural relevance, preserving unique bonds and thoughtfully curated details. With a personal approach that goes beyond traditional poses, DAG IMAGES celebrates the essence of each client, creating vibrant, lasting memories. Whether it’s an intimate wedding, a brand event, or family portraits, DAG IMAGES is dedicated to capturing moments that truly resonate.

Awarded Best of Zola
DAG IMAGES was the perfect choice for our wedding photography. From the very start, their communication was clear and detailed, providing excellent direction to ensure we got the perfect shots. The quality of their work was truly exceptional - elegant, professional, and beautifully authentic. They made us feel completely at ease in front of the camera, giving great guidance on posing to capture all the special moments. The final photos are stunning and we are thrilled with the results. DAG IMAGES was incredibly professional throughout the entire process, delivering outstanding value. We highly recommend them to any couple looking for wedding photography they can treasure forever.
Llyleka, 5 months ago
One Fine Day Events 

5.0

  • Planner
  • Offers 6 services
  • Starts at $1,700
  • Serves Essex, IL

One Fine Day Events is a full service wedding planning and event management company based in Chicago, IL. We realize that no two events are alike and pride ourselves in providing a personalized approach to ensure your day is a true reflection of you.

Awarded Best of Zola
Gina was an absolute dream to work with! We hired her for 60 days out and wedding day and she was so on top of it! We knew going into wedding planning that we would want a wedding coordinator and we were so lucky and grateful to have found One Fine Day and luckily Gina was available our day too! We also had Gina help design/print the place cards and they were perfect and just what we needed! Any advice I give to couples is to hire a wedding coordinator and we will be referring people to Gina’s team as well to make their dreams come true!
Megan B., 5 months ago
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MGM Bartending 

4.6

  • Bar services & beverages
  • Starts at $100
  • Serves Essex, IL

MGM Bartending is the number one Google-rated wedding bartending service in Tampa and we are now in multiple markets nationwide. We are a premier mobile bartending service that adds a touch of style to any event or occasion. From significant corporate events to weddings and celebrations, our professional and highly skilled bartenders will dazzle your guests and take your event to the next level. Not only do we specialize in creatively crafted cocktails, innovative mixology, and superb bar service, but we also provide our clients with impeccable customer service and attention to detail that is unmatched in the bartending industry.

Awarded Best of Zola
We absolutely LOVED working with MGM for our wedding and our guests enjoyed Brian so much! They were both very prompt with their responses and professional which made our wedding planning so much easier. Thank you both for all of your help throughout the entire process and going above and beyond to make our wedding special. We will definitely recommend and keep you both in mind for future events.
Kimberly R., a year ago
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Turntable Manners 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Starts at $1,295
  • Serves Essex, 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., 6 months ago
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Ozan Ulucan Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Essex, IL
  • Offer

I am a professional wedding photographer, dedicated to capturing the beauty and emotion of your special day. I offer a variety of packages to fit any budget, and work closely with couples to understand their unique vision. I use a blend of film and digital photography for a timeless and romantic look. I understand that every wedding is unique and that each couple has their own personal style. That's why I take the time to get to know you and your partner. I am passionate about my work and committed to providing the highest level of service. Contact me for a consultation and let's create beautiful memories together.

Ozan Ulucan Photography was a fantastic choice for our wedding photography. From the moment we first spoke with Ozan, his communication was comprehensive, outgoing and clear. It was evident he has a creative, artistic eye that would capture our day in a unique way. On the wedding day, Ozan arrived early and hit the ground running, snapping photos right away and keeping up the energy and pace throughout the entire event. His experience shone through as he was comfortable facilitating numerous group photos and offering great suggestions on positioning. Ozan also scoped out the venue ahead of time and brought us to multiple spots for one-of-a-kind photos we hadn't even thought of taking on our own. The final edited photos were delivered quickly after the wedding, and the quality was truly professional and a cut above the rest. We received so many photos organized by different times during the wedding including getting ready, ceremony, portraits, family portraits, reception, night, and details including photos of our venue, flowers, and place settings. We are thrilled with the memories Ozan was able to create for us through his exceptional work.
Kim and F., 5 months ago
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Lauren Perrin Photo 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, IL
  • Offer

Hey there, I’m Lauren! I’m a wedding and boudoir photographer based in Grand Rapids, MI. I believe your photos should feel like you—natural, honest, and full of emotion. No stiff posing here—just real, unscripted moments that tell your story. I’ll help you feel confident and comfortable, whether it's your wedding day, a boudoir session, or a just-because adventure. Outside of photography, I’m usually hiking, doing Jiu-Jitsu, or traveling with my wife. Let’s create something timeless and unforgettable together!

We all know that hiring vendors for your wedding is stressful, but Lauren was stress free and my BEST choice! She communicated with me throughout the entire planning process and helped me iron out all the details surrounding the big day. As someone who didn’t use a wedding planner, this was huge for me because I had no idea what I was doing. Lauren helped me through this by providing some timeline templates, and answered any questions that came up (even if it didn’t relate directly to photography). Aside from planning, I knew I had made the right choice when we shot our engagement photos. Obviously the final product is why you hire a photographer, but Lauren provided high quality photos AND a great experience! My husband does not like his photo taken and will usually morph into a toddler who throws tantrums when asked to stand in front of a camera for too long - but not with Lauren. We had so much fun shooting with her, she really made it an awesome experience and my husband actually enjoyed himself! For our wedding day we had exactly the same experience, just on a much larger scale. We had a few last minute changes to the plan, and Lauren made sure that for every sacrifice that was made, that there was no detail or photo opportunity missed. She even spent 20 minutes in a broom closet with my mom and I to try to get my bustle buttoned before the dances. Everyone who interacted with Lauren on that day had nothing but great things to say about their experience working with her, and she was absolutely my favorite vendor on my wedding day. Our photos were sent to us before the date they were promised by and they are absolutely PERFECT. We will cherish these photos for the rest of our lives! Lauren is phenomenal at what she does, but more than that she is an amazing person. I truly feel like I’ve gained a friend by working with her and I will never use another photographer to capture my memories. I’m so lucky to have found her, and if you get the opportunity to do so I would 1,000,000% recommend it!
Tina W., 7 days ago
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Caleb Lee Productions 

5.0

  • Videographer
  • Storytelling style
  • Starts at $1,200
  • Serves Essex, IL

Caleb Lee Productions is a family-owned wedding videography company operating out of Bartlett, IL. We are a husband-and-wife duo that is devoted to creating custom life event films. We look forward to capturing the uniqueness of your love story, with every detail and moment accounted for. Combining Caleb's passion for filmmaking with Brittany's strengths as a coordinator we aim to give you a seamless videography experience and an elegant final piece.

Awarded Best of Zola
Caleb Lee Productions provided exceptional videography services for our wedding. Their communication style was quick, to the point, and thorough, which helped keep us informed and on track throughout the process. The quality of their work and value was outstanding - they were attentive, hardworking, and detail-oriented, capturing all the important moments of our special day. For example, when the bride became ill and the schedule had to change unexpectedly, they were able to quickly adapt and get all the necessary shots without disrupting the flow of the event. We were extremely pleased with Caleb Lee Productions and would highly recommend their services to any couple planning their wedding.
Alex D., 5 months ago
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Birch Fields 

5.0

  • Videographer
  • Storytelling style
  • Starts at $5,600
  • Serves Essex, IL
  • Offer

Being in the wedding film industry over sixteen years, I'm eager to help couples bring their dreams to life. I have no hesitation traveling the distance for those who feel I'm the perfect fit for their wedding. My work resonates for who it's made for- and I keep that audience in mind.

Awarded Best of Zola
Steven was incredible from initial contact to follow-up after the event. He works with you to choose a package that fits your videography needs and budget. He is down-to-earth and makes you feel like he and his team are just old friends hanging out with you throughout the day. His videography style and music choices drew us to him in the first place, and he did not disappoint. He captured every magical detail, and we're so thankful to have chosen Birchfields.
Domonique N., a year ago
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T.B.M. Productions 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Starts at $1,200
  • Serves Essex, IL

T.B.M. Productions is six-time award winning, full service DJ company owned by Tracy & Buddy Mueller. We feel that we can offer a different perspective to our clients since we've been in their shoes. We realize that no two events are the same, so we work with you to customize a playlist for your special day. We put you first and listen to what you want, as well as what you don't want. We want to share in the vision of your wedding day and work to exceed your expectations. We do everything from large weddings to small intimate gatherings and everything in between.

Awarded Best of Zola
Tracy and Buddy were AMAZING!!! Music kept everyone on the dance floor and they helped everything go smoothly!!
Aubry H., 6 months ago
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Alana Lindenfeld Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $7,300
  • Serves Essex, 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., 5 months ago
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Anna Elisabeth Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, IL
  • Offer

As a documentary-style photographer, I truly believe that the essence of life is captured in the unscripted, candid moments that often go unnoticed-- Each click of my camera is more than just a snapshot; it’s an opportunity to freeze time and preserve the love, joy, and uniqueness of your moments for generations to come.

Awarded Best of Zola
Anna is absolutely incredible and such a pleasure to work with. She really knows how to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Her work is absolutely phenomenal as well. I have never been so pleased with a photographer before! Her editing is beautiful and she really can just capture emotions in her photos. Her photography became my favorite aspect of my wedding. She did not only our wedding photos, but a few other shoots as well, including our engagement photos. She is honestly the only person I would trust/recommend to capture your sweet wedding memories. I honestly don’t have enough words to describe how much I cherish the photos that she has taken for the special moment in our lives.
Emma Meadows , a year ago
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Meg Slattery Photography 

5.0

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

Hey! I’m Meg, a Colorado-based wedding and elopement photographer. I am passionate about two things: building authentic relationships and creating a space for you to come as you are. 🫶 Think of me as your friendly neighborhood photographer whose been at the game for over 7 years – we’ll laugh, enjoy the present moment, and dive into your unique love story.

Awarded Best of Zola
Meg was absolutely the best on our wedding day! She was so organized through the whole wedding planning process and was great when it came to giving creative ideas in places where I felt I lacked. She was so easy to get along with and did everything in her power to make our day run smoothly! We got our wedding pictures back so soon and they were phenomenal to look back through and remember our day exactly how we felt. She captured all the love & emotions and little details from us, our wedding party, family, and friends. I couldn't have asked for anyone better!
Kierstyn F., a year ago
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Layne Dixon Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Essex, 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
Layne was an extraordinary photographer for my wedding day! Not only did she capture stunning smiles, but she also expertly captured emotions and precious, once-in-a-lifetime moments and details. From getting ready with my sisters to my husband's unforgettable first glance at me, Layne's photographs allow me to endlessly relive that magical day. Additionally, her contagious energy and infectious joy brought much-needed positivity to an otherwise hectic and stressful morning. From start to finish, Layne displayed impeccable communication skills, making the entire process effortless. Without a doubt, I highly recommend her as a photographer who truly knows her craft.
Anna A., a year ago
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Up dos by Mel 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $100
  • Serves Essex, IL

Hello! My name is Melissa I am a bridal stylist. I have been doing hair for 10 years now and I’m in love with bridal styling. I am a traveling stylist so will go where ever needed day of. I look forward to talking and meeting you!

Awarded Best of Zola
Mel is my go-to for anytime I need my hair to look amazing! She made me feel so beautiful on my wedding day and I couldn’t even believe how well it turned out. I got countless compliments from everyone about how stunning it was. She is so easy to work with and will make sure no one leaves without feeling their best! You will not regret booking with Mel!
Sophia, 8 months ago
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Crystal-Eyez Makeup & Hair 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 10
  • Starts at $600
  • Serves Essex, 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., 8 months ago
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CampBride 

4.9

  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 15
  • Serves Essex, IL

CampBride, an onsite hair and makeup agency, provides highly skilled artists for luxury weddings. Kasha Bonnell, founder and owner, has over 30 years experience of hair and makeup artistry in advertising, celebrity, and fashion industries. CampBride utilizes fashion industry artists for high-end wedding parties across the Midwest.

Awarded Best of Zola
Sasha, with CampBride was fabulous to work with. Easy to talk to, fast response to questions and meet all my needs for my wedding day. Our make-up artist, Terra, was phenomenal to work with. Her work was unbelievable and did exactly what I was looking for. Whitney, our hair stylist, had everyone's hair perfect. CampBride helped make my day stress-free!
Jodie, 6 months ago
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Jovan Kiah & Co Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,700
  • Serves Essex, IL

First off just like that, the day got a whole lot better now that you are here! But let’s get one thing straight: if you are here, I want you to feel free to be YOU! Being true to who you are makes this process a hell of a lot easier! This is a judgment-free free safe space, and I want you to be as comfortable as humanly possible! Now that’s out the way, I'm Jovan Kiah, specializing in wedding and portrait photography located somewhere in the cornfields of Indiana. But always prepared for a photography adventure, I’m already packed with a suitcase of snacks, my passport, & playlist that spans from Disney musicals to '90s R&B hits.

Awarded Best of Zola
Jovan was absolutely amazing to work with. On our calls before the big day, she was always so happy and excited and answered all of our questions and it gave us such a sense of ease. I never once had to worry or stress about photos. Day of the wedding she completely killed it. She was still her happy self but was able to organize us and snap some amazing photos. She did a fantastic job of even catching the perfect small moments, some of which I didn’t even know she was capturing. The photos are all so naturally beautiful and I can’t even begin to describe how much we love them. They are clean and bright and show us, our personalities, and our people perfectly. 100% the best decision we made.
Brooklyn H., 10 months ago
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The Dj Firm 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, 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.

DJ CAVANAUGH MYLES WAS INCREDIBLE!!!! My now husband and I are VERY particular with music (country, pop, 2000’s hits or EDM only is all we told him)- and our dance floor was the most packed we’ve seen in the 15 weddings we’ve been to. We got SO many compliments solely on our DJ venue. We took a gamble on The DJ Firm DJ Cavanaugh having no recommendations, but we WILL recommend him to EVERYONE moving forward!!!!!
Kayla P., 4 months ago
Megan Saul Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,200
  • Serves Essex, 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 was fantastic to work with! I saw her work through some friends and really didn’t want to hire anyone but her for our wedding. She captured everything we hoped for and more. Her attention to detail and making sure each shot and setup was perfect really showed her passion. I highly recommend Megan for any photographic needs you may have!
Brian R., 2 months ago
GemHidden gem
Alaura Creative 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $3,900
  • Serves Essex, 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!

Alaura was the BEST photographer we could have asked for! We needed someone who was willing to photograph our somewhat unique one-year wedding anniversary Whirlyball party, as we wanted action shots and portraits with friends. She helped organize our schedule to get the best possible shots outside and inside the event space and we couldn't be happier with the final results! Highly recommend her for any event you're hosting!
Olivia, 3 years ago
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ES photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,400
  • Serves Essex, 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
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Rare Love Film 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Serves Essex, IL

I'M LEXI - TRUE TONE CINEMATIC STORYTELLR BASED IN N. ILLINOIS. E I love that you've found me - Welcome! As a photographer, I have a passion for capturing the rare love shared by couples on their wedding day. Being a mom and wife wanting to capture my own weddings forever moments I feel like that has given me a deep appreciation for creating timeless images that tell your unique love story. With my keen attention to detail and storytelling skills, I am committed to creating stunning photographs that will be treasured for a lifetime. Let's work together to capture your special day.

Rare Love Film made my wedding day a breeze, and went above and beyond my expectations and the scope of her job. She was very responsive during the planning process and never made me feel silly for asking a million questions. She was able to handle a loud, large crowd of our guests and captured moments we will cherish forever. Thanks Lexi!
Brittany, 9 months ago
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Kendal Nicole Photo + Film 

5.0

  • Videographer
  • Storytelling style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, IL

Knowing firsthand how special this moment is, and how nervous you may feel, my mission is to make you comfortable and be true to yourself.  Whether you are having an intimate wedding in a backyard or an elopement on a mountain top, I’m ready with my camera. All my focus is on you. It’s all about raw emotions, having fun, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

Awarded Best of Zola
Kendal is professional and worked with my photographer so well you would think they were a team. She is very patient and I felt comfortable with her. Yes, I highly recommend her for any special event.
Camille R., 2 years ago
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Robert McCloy - Musician 

5.0

  • Ceremony only
  • Starts at $325
  • Serves Essex, IL

I am a professional guitarist and musician based in Michigan. My solo offerings feature classical, jazz, and pop guitar selections suitable for wedding ceremonies, receptions, corporate, private, and community events. A variety of classical, jazz, pop and Celtic/folk ensembles are available showcasing talented violin, saxophone, flute, and mandolin instrumentalists & vocalists, who can join me for your event.

Awarded Best of Zola
Robert played the guitar for our ceremony on the beach. It was exactly what our ceremony needed to be absolutely perfect. Our communication was fast and professional. I appreciate him being to fit us in, in such a short amount of time. Robert brought his own speaker system to make sure all of our guests could hear everything. I highly suggest Robert!
Meghan K., 7 months ago
GemHidden gem
Sam Schultz Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Essex, 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., 20 days ago
GemHidden gem
The Original Rainbow Cone 

5.0

  • Cakes & desserts
  • Starts at $1,350
  • Serves Essex, 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!

The Original Rainbow cone is iconic and delicious! I've worked with them a few times for various events and they have never disappointed. Pre-event, their communication is fantastic and the service during the event is perfect. I recommend!
Courtenay, 3 years ago

Essex, IL reception venues by style

Outdoor spaces
Outdoor spaces