The Best Wedding Vendors in Essex, CT

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in Essex, CT

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat 
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
Essex, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 230 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor

We make our beautiful facilities, equipment, and catering staff available for weddings, reunions, meetings, and other events. We have four beautiful indoor/outdoor event spaces to choose from, all different and unique in their own way!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Space for a large guest list

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Not wheelchair accessible
I have loved coming to the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat museum since I was a child so when my husband and I got engaged, we knew we had to get married here. It was such a magical venue and was reasonably priced. They truly don't try to nickel-and-dime you like a lot of other wedding venues, they just want you to have a good experience. The bridal suite was a beautifully decorated air-conditioned train car. We also decided to add on a roundtrip steam train ride down to the CT river and a steamboat cruise as our cocktail hour (honestly didn't cost as much as you'd think...). Our reception was inside the hall and was perfectly air-conditioned and decorated. We did a buffet option and the food was good! If you decide to get married outside, just remember that it IS an active train yard so make sure your officiant has a microphone. Meredith and Tyler were very easy to work with while planning the event. I highly recommend getting married here. Oh, and your photos will look INSANE.
Kayla M., a year ago
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LA Page Makeup 
Rating: 5.0 (59 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 13
  • Starts at $500
  • Serves Essex, CT

Hi guys! I’m Lauren and I am the owner of LA Page Makeup. I’ve been providing makeup services to CT and New England for over 14 years and have found nothing lights up my world more than serving clients and giving them the confidence to shine! I have earned my beauty and theatrical makeup certificates, as well as certificates in lash lifting and tinting, brow lamination, and more. Continued education is so important to me! My favorite part of doing makeup is the look of awe my clients get when they look in the mirror. If I can help give you the confidence and self-love to shine, I’ve done my job right!

Awarded Best of Zola
I can't say enough good things about LA Page Makeup and their team. From the very first interaction, Lauren’s communication was efficient, responsive, organized and completely professional!! On the day of my wedding, Lauren and her team created a flawless look that lasted all day and night without needing any touch-ups. They kept everything running smoothly and on schedule the morning of the wedding, which was such a relief. Lauren and her team are absolute rockstars who clearly know what they're doing. I wasn't looking for a full-glam look for my wedding, and they captured exactly the natural yet beautiful style I was going for. Plus, they're all so hilarious and kind - it was a pleasure to have them be a part of our special day. The quality of their work is truly high-caliber and worth every single penny. The makeup and hair trials are also SOOO worth it. I highly recommend LA Page Makeup to any couple looking for a talented, experienced beauty team in Connecticut that will help make your wedding day perfect!!!
Libby M., 21 days ago
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Mystic River Entertainment 
Rating: 5.0 (58 reviews)
  • DJ
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, CT

Uniquely crafted music and purposeful lighting can empower you to create the most incredible and memorable night. Let me help you make that happen. Mystic River Entertainment is a modern DJ entertainment and lighting company for wedding and private events.

Awarded Best of Zola
From start to finish, Jeff nailed it with our wedding music. We had some crazy requests and his expertise helped bring those visions to life. We wanted to give our guests a fun transition from cocktail hour to the reception so we came up with the idea of having a Mardi gras style parade. Jeff placed speakers along the path to allow this to happen. Our guests loved it! Throughout the night, he kept the dance floor engaged and kept the flow of our event running smoothly. We would recommend Jeff to anyone!!
Abby A., 8 months ago
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Wood & Word Blooms, sola wood floral designs (faux not fresh) 
Rating: 5.0 (36 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Essex, CT
  • Offer

🌹 WE ARE NOT FRESH FLOWER FLORISTS. WE WORK WITH WOOD & FAUX FLOWERS. PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IN YOUR REPLY. 🌹 Wood & Word Blooms is run by a Jen Angle, former teacher of 20+ years and specializes in using hand-painted wood flowers along with a faux, dried and preserved florals (nothing fresh here) to bring your wedding vision to life not just for that one glorious day but forever. Besides designing for you, I also offer DIY Wood Flower Experiences to create your wedding florals alongside me in person or virtually and 1:1 sessions to help DIY brides learn to do it themselves.

Awarded Best of Zola
Jen was AMAZING to work with! When it came to flowers for my wedding, I had NO IDEA what I wanted. She was very patient with me and helped talk me through my vision. She gave me flowers to pick from, talked about how big I wanted my bouquet and how much greenery I wanted, and then when I could find colors I liked in swatches, she color-matched the colors I wanted from an inspo pic I found online! She was very professional and patient with me, even when my plans changed or I needed to add to my order.  I am not the best at putting together a bouquet. I am also someone who likes control, especially when it came to planning my wedding. I was thankful that I was able to give Jen the reins, tell her what I wanted, and watch her make my dreams come true. When I first saw my flowers, I was speechless. She truly did make my floral dreams come true, and now I get to keep my bouquet for the rest of my life! A wooden flower bouquet from Jen is the way to go!
Kaylee, 2 years ago
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The Barns at Wesleyan Hills 
Rating: 5.0 (33 reviews)
Middletown, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 225 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $25,000

The Barns At Wesleyan Hills is a historic wedding venue located in Middletown, CT. With glorious topiary and glistening ponds on the grounds, this one of kind barn offers beauty both inside and outside its walls. This venue accommodates one wedding per day, allowing couples to enjoy this spectacular location and the surrounding grounds at ease. Our award winning team of professional wedding planners, chefs, wedding coordinators and mixologists are here to help make planning and celebrating your wedding a breeze! Your guests will be in awe of the timeless one of kind beauty paired with award winning farm to table cuisine and the best hospitality in CT. We are ready to help tell your story and ensure you have the best wedding ever - we are just a call, text or email away!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a fun and festive vibe
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Unique barn setting

Venue considerations

  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Not for you if you're looking for a sleek and contemporary space
  • No on-premises lodging options
Awarded Best of Zola
The staff at the Barns were amazing. They helped with every step of the way. The food was delicious, the drinks were phenomenal. The venue is so beautiful. I’ve wanted to get married here for as long as I’ve known about them and my dreams came true. It was the most special day. You will not regret booking with them!
Emma A., a year ago
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The Pavilion on Crystal Lake 
Rating: 5.0 (33 reviews)
Middletown, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 210 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $20,000

The Pavilion on Crystal Lake is a lakefront wedding venue located in Middletown, CT. The charming property offers picturesque event spaces for both ceremonies and receptions, as well as other special occasions. Couples can celebrate their love and commitment to one another with guests in the venue’s beautiful barn that overlooks Crystal Lake. To alleviate wedding-related stress during the planning process, their award-winning team is happy to assist with details big and small.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Private area for the wedding party
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Wheelchair accessible

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • No on-premises lodging options
Awarded Best of Zola
Words can’t say enough amazing things about our experience with the CT Wedding Group at the Pavilion on Crystal Lake! From the initial planning process to the final dance of the night, everything was absolutely perfect - and that’s largely due to their incredible staff. They were beyond amazing; professional, attentive and genuinely kind. My grandmother (& everyone else!) can’t stop raving about how wonderful they were (& how GREAT the food was!). We never felt stressed or overwhelmed, and we’re able to focus on being present and celebrating with our guests. It truly felt like they cared about making our day so special and we’re so thankful!
Samantha E., 10 months ago
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Dawson Entertainment Production, LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (33 reviews)
  • DJ
  • Serves Essex, CT

Dawson Entertainment is a DJ, lighting and photo booth company founded by Jason Dawson (DJ JD) in 2007. With his background in nightlife event production as Music Director and resident DJ at Shrine Nightclub inside Foxwoods, Jason combines the high energy, smooth transition mixing style of a nightclub DJ with the refined experience and fun playlist of a wedding DJ to keep the dance floor rocking! All of our DJ's come from this background of skilled mixing. Combine that with fun additions like Mirror Photo Booth, Uplighting and Marquee Letters and you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable event!

Awarded Best of Zola
Jason was an amazing DJ and we would work with him again! He did the music for our wedding and the sound system for our ceremony. He was very organized, professional, skilled, and easygoing. He was poised and classy throughout the wedding, and was great at gauging the vibe/adjusting the music accordingly. He followed our recommendations exactly. Our guests were really impressed and so were we! We strongly recommend him to anyone looking for a classy, professional, but warm and kind DJ!
Alex T., 6 months ago
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Anne Fitzgerald Makeup Artistry 
Rating: 5.0 (30 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $500
  • Serves Essex, CT
  • Offer

Anne Fitzgerald is here to help you achieve what you envision for your wedding makeup look, collaborating with you in achieving glowing skin health, scheduling a bridal makeup trial, and being a calm, confident presence on your big day.

Awarded Best of Zola
Anne is so talented and very professional while still remaining fun. I am so grateful that she was my artist for this event. My makeup was flawless and lasted till the late hours of the night after the reception and dancing. She was on time and worked with such care and a gentle healing touch. Anne was friendly and had such a loving positive vibe to her. She was a God send for sure. Even the bride (who had another artist) was in awe at her makeup talents. I will be recommending her for all events.
Jaclyn, a year ago
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Terrence Irving Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,500
  • Serves Essex, CT

Black Connecticut wedding photographer, purveyor of the artistically-engineered photography experience. That's a crafty way of saying, I'm a computer nerd who's pretty good at photography and believes in great service! Digital image gallery, print rights, and beautiful, physical prints included with every package. My work focuses on telling my couples’ wedding day love stories through the pictures I capture. Artwork is the goal, whether it’s a highly-stylized posed photo or a moment where a loved one is emoting.

Awarded Best of Zola
Terrence Irving Photography was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding day. From the very beginning, he was reliable, easy to talk to, and provided consistent communication throughout the entire process. The quality of his work was incredible - the photos he captured were truly unique, beautiful, and so personal to us! On the day of the wedding, Terrence and Dale seamlessly blended in, laughing along with our jokes and ensuring that the photographs perfectly matched our personalities. We could not be happier with the memories they helped us preserve from our special day. Highly recommend Terrence Irving Photography to any couple looking for an incredible, stress-free photography experience.
Erica F., a year ago
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Everlasting Affairs, LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Essex, CT

Everlasting Affairs was born out of a driving passion for the event industry and the ability to mold our clients dreams into reality. Since our inception, we’ve committed ourselves to creating impactful and one of a kind experiences for our clients and their guests, no matter the size of the event. Our team strives to meet and exceed the needs of each and every one of our clients. This is because we understand the importance of working with (not just for) our clients in order to make their events unforgettable, forging memories that last long after the last guest leaves.

Awarded Best of Zola
We could not have been happier to have Victoria on our team for our July 2024 wedding! We hired Victoria for wedding day management. She went above and beyond throughout our planning process and made us feel like we were her top priority, even though we know she works with many couples throughout the wedding season. Her organization, attention to detail, and patience are unmatched. The BEO that she creates for the wedding day was so informative and detailed and brought so much joy to this Type A bride! During planning, I was struggling with the color scheme and table design for the reception. Victoria came to my rescue and helped design our table scapes and handled all correspondence with the rentals company. The outcome was absolutely stunning and I could not have been happier. Similarly, I did not know how to go about creating the timeline for our transportation and wedding day. Victoria provided this for us and it was seamless and so easy. Our family and wedding party were so impressed with how she ran our wedding rehearsal. On the wedding day itself, she made sure that the day flowed smoothly. From collecting and setting up all of our day-of details, orchestrating the flow of our wedding ceremony, and even bustling my wedding dress, she was involved in every aspect of our day and ensured that it was perfect. My husband and I could relax and be fully present knowing that Victoria had everything under control. I cannot recommend Victoria and Everlasting Affairs highly enough!
Tess D., 2 years ago
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Chad Whelan 
Rating: 5.0 (24 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Documentary style
  • Serves Essex, CT

Upbeat storytelling. Free-form and candid! Specializing in short form wedding films and classic full length documentary edits. I have a true journalistic shooting style which means I will never be directing you or posing shots. I want you to be as natural as possible around me and want those moments to reflect in your final edit. You will find my short form videos to be much more on the upbeat side than most without the extensive use of voice narration throughout the entire video.

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Chad was an absolute pleasure! During the preparation process, he was incredibly responsive, professional, and answered all of our questions thoroughly. On the day of the wedding, Chad did an amazing job filming not only the “big” moments (ceremony, speeches, first dance), but also capturing other special moments between our guests throughout the night. We recently got our videos back and were blown away! The recap and documentary videos’ visual and sound quality were great, and Chad did an amazing job of piecing the whole day together! Highly recommend having a wedding video as a memento and would recommend working with Chad any day!
Emily, 7 months ago
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Chelsea Rush Photography 
Rating: 4.9 (19 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,415
  • Serves Essex, CT

📸 Hi, I'm Chelsea, a wedding photographer with a love for capturing joy! With 5 years of professional experience (many more years as a hobbyist), my style mixes classic elegance with candid moments. I believe in creating a relaxed, fun environment, ensuring your special day is beautifully immortalized. Let's capture your love story! 💌

Awarded Best of Zola
Chelsea is AMAZING! We did our engagement shoot and wedding photos with Chelsea; my husband and I head over heels in love with how the photos came out. During all the time we spent with Chelsea, she made us feel so comfortable and natural. We loved how Chelsea let us be ourselves and captured all the beautiful candid moments of us together. She knows how to bring a good balance of candid photos and posed photos (which can sometimes feel awkward, but she made it so easy and fun!). She is insanely creative! We gave her some general direction of what photos we wanted and trusted that she could have fun and surprise us with the results. She more than delivered with this! Chelsea also is so impressive with her turnaround time for photos. Both our engagement shoot photos and wedding photos were returned to us so fast! Our wedding guests raved about the photos. We cannot wait to return to Chelsea in the future, and we wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in need of a photographer!
Rachel d., 9 months ago
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First and Last Productions LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (19 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Cinematic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Essex, CT

WHOLEHEARTED WEDDING FILMS -- I have filmed & produced over 350 weddings to date and enjoy capturing all of the beauty and magic of a wedding day. My style ranges from cinematic to classic to documentary so what I offer is a bit of everything for your viewing pleasure. Go to my website and read my reviews from my couples... it will tell you everything you need to know about me and my business. I look forward to possibly filming your big day!

Awarded Best of Zola
To know Julius is to appreciate his kindness and creative brilliance. When we began our wedding vendor search in 2021, I felt overwhelmed, but Julius came highly recommended. After seeing his work, we knew he had to be part of our special day. From our first conversation, he was responsive and made planning easier. On our wedding day, he captured every moment flawlessly, leaving a lasting impression on everyone. Post-wedding, he kept us updated on the video editing process, providing quick trailers and all the raw footage. Julius even sent us physical drives and a video moment book, making the experience feel personal and special. Reliving those moments has been a joy. If you’re considering a videographer, trust me: "do the video."
Melissa L., 2 years ago
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Smudge 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 9
  • Starts at $700
  • Serves Essex, CT

My name is Amber, and I'm the owner of Smudge. I have been in the industry for 10 years working weddings, editorial, and film. Weddings have been a constant throughout my career and styling brides has been my favorite type of make-up. I love being a part of someone's special day and creating a look that makes them feel like the best version of themselves. In 2018 I started Smudge, a team of on-site hair and makeup artists based in South Eastern CT, specializing in weddings. We're an onsite team that serves all of Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts, and beyond. Booking minimum is per service. *Now booking 2026 and 2027*

Awarded Best of Zola
Smudge was an absolute pleasure to work with for my wedding day beauty needs. From our very first consultation, Amber and Sarah were professional, responsive, and put me at ease throughout the entire process. Their communication style was pleasant and they expertly navigated a larger wedding party and two moms who were a bit indecisive. The quality of their work was worth every penny - my hair and makeup looked sleek and flawless, and it lasted all night without any cry streaks! I could not have been happier with the value Smudge provided on my special day. Thanks for traveling to Vermont for my wedding!
Alexandra L., a year ago
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Evergreen Farms 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
Dayville, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,000

Are you envisioning a wedding surrounded by the warmth of a modern barn, the charm of rustic details, and the natural beauty of a 5-acre tree farm? Look no further than Evergreen Farms, nestled in the heart of Dayville, CT, the perfect canvas for your love story. Our venue seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern sophistication, providing a timeless backdrop for your celebration. Picture-perfect settings await as you explore our expansive tree farm, a serene escape for breathtaking photo opportunities. Elevate your celebration with customizable catering options starting as low as $20 per person, ensuring a delightful experience for you and your guests. We would LOVE to hear from you!! To find out more information or to schedule a tour, you can email us at evergreenfarms22atgmaildotcom or submit an inquiry at wwwdotevergreenfarms22dotcom ! At Evergreen Farms, we're not just a venue; we're the beginning of your forever. Let us be the canvas for your love story.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Raw space for complete customization
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Allows pets

Venue considerations

  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
Awarded Best of Zola
Evergreen Farms was the perfect venue for our wedding day. From the very beginning, their communication was clear, consistent, and incredibly helpful. Jess, the owner, went above and beyond to accommodate my sister who uses a wheelchair, ensuring she was comfortable and included throughout the entire event. The quality of their work was stunning - the space was clean, well-maintained, and had everything we needed to make our day special. Jess was an absolute joy to work with, and we felt truly cared for as a couple. We hope to return to Evergreen Farms for our 25th wedding anniversary someday!
Emily L., 2 years ago
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Shakeup Makeup LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 1
  • Serves Essex, CT

Bridal beauty with your bridal bestie, that's me! Your wedding day is ALL about feeling gorgeous, confident, and totally YOU—and I’m here to make sure of it! From the moment we start getting ready, I’m not just your bridal makeup artist—I’m your hype girl, personal beauty expert, and biggest cheerleader! Whether you need someone to keep the energy high, make sure you feel amazing before your first look, or bring all the positive vibes to your bridal party, I’ve got you covered.

Awarded Best of Zola
Marisa was the absolute best! I felt so beautiful on my big day! She is so positive and upbeat and helped me feel so relaxed on such an overwhelming day. Thank you Marisa for everything!
Kelsey, 2 years ago
AVENTZ Co. 
Rating: 4.8 (17 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $2,700
  • Serves Essex, CT

AVENTZ Co. - curating eclectic, eccentric, and elegant event experiences for all, while celebrating individuality and creativity. Abby your planner has over 10 years in the event industry and has worked in every aspect of the event industry before becoming an event specialist. At AVENTZ Co., we genuinely care about you, your event, and your guests. Our goal is to ensure that your special day is not only fun and memorable but also safe and stress-free.

Awarded Best of Zola
My husband Alex and I got married in June of this year at Eolia Mansion. After nearly two years meticulously planning our big day I just knew that we needed the right person to help us pull it off, and wow did Abby exceed expectations and boy did we wish we had worked with her earlier on. Abby truly went above and beyond for us from helping with our timelines and floor plan, to executing our decor and managing vendors on a VERY short load in/load out window, to instructing our family/friends. To this day our close friends and family continue to say how amazing Abby was and have had nothing but the highest words about what an incredible job she did so that we could all just be in the moment and enjoy our special day!! Just to top it all off at the very end of the evening my husband accidentally left his keys behind and Abby drove out of the way to drop them off at our after party. Thank you Abby for everything!!
Caitlyn and A., 7 months ago
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HairstylesCo. 
Rating: 4.9 (17 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $150
  • Serves Essex, CT

One can hardly describe the magic of a wedding morning. The soft hum of anticipation, the laughter tucked between moments, and the memories that will linger long after. Together with your stylist, your look is planned in careful detail, harmonizing with your dress, your vision, and the vibe you are creating. On the day, we arrive prepared with artistry and expertise, letting the morning unfold effortlessly. Every look is created to feel timeless in photographs, yet as natural as it is refined.

I am so grateful to have had Meghan be part of my special day. I couldn’t have asked for a better hairstylist. If you want to feel amazing and have the hairstyle of your dreams in your wedding day, Meghan is the person for you!
Elouise T., 6 months ago
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Evermore Beauty 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $400
  • Serves Essex, CT
  • Offer

Evermore Beauty, based in Ellington, Connecticut, is a beauty service that provides on-site wedding day makeup and hair. The company is owned by Eve Grenon, who is a certified makeup artist and has been doing makeup professionally for over 13+years, specializing in bridal. She understands how it's one of the biggest days of your life which is why she specializes in bulletproof bridal makeup. Makeup that will last throughout all emotions and weather. She’s also teamed up with Megan O’Neill, who’s 18+ years behind the chair has provided amazing hair styling, intricate updos and long lasting curls for all types of hair types and weather!!

Awarded Best of Zola
They both did an amazing job with everyone's hair and makeup. I am so happy I chose them for my wedding!
Aislinn M., 2 years ago
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Rudbeckia Florals 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Essex, CT

There’s a reason we’re drawn to flowers. It’s the same reason we’re drawn to the mountains, the sea and everything in between. Hi! I'm Rebecca, owner of Rudbeckia Florals. With a lifelong admiration for nature, Rudbeckia florals is an ode to this. Designs give into the will of each stem and petal to create arrangements lead by shape and texture.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the start Rebecca was extremely communicative, detail-oriented, and clear & upfront on pricing. She was very accommodating to my budget adjustment and any later changes I made throughout the entire process. She did an amazing job bringing my vision to life and using unique ways of re-purposing the bridesmaid bouquets to stay within my budget. Another huge plus was that she flawlessly took on transporting all the florals to my 2nd location and re-arranging them all under a time crunch. If you’re looking for someone who is personable, creative, and accommodating I couldn’t recommend Rebecca more!!
Lucia, 2 months ago
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True Colors Productions 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Storytelling style
  • Starts at $4,250
  • Serves Essex, CT

My name is Taylor — I’m a husband, father, teacher, ocean lover, and videographer / editor based out of CT and Cape Cod. I’ve been passionate about photography for as long as I can remember, and deep down I’ve always felt that capturing moments was in some way my calling. A few years ago I began to realize that photographs — even the most compelling ones — are not able to tell an entire story. They provide a powerful glimpse, frozen in time, but even the best photographs are unable to preserve memories and emotions the way that films can.

Awarded Best of Zola
We truly cannot say enough amazing things about Taylor. From start to finish, he exceeded every expectation and was an absolute dream to work with. He is incredibly understanding, flexible, and genuinely cares about his couples. Wedding planning can be stressful and expensive, and Taylor was so accommodating—he worked with us to create a payment plan that felt manageable and never added pressure. On the day of the wedding, Taylor was reliable, professional, and fully committed to capturing every special moment. He stayed until the very end of the night to make sure nothing was missed, and his calm, easygoing presence made the entire experience feel effortless. He is extremely easy to work with and blended in perfectly while still making sure every meaningful detail was captured. When I received our sneak peek film, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I cried the happiest tears and truly felt like I was reliving the best day of my life all over again. The way Taylor captured the emotions, the energy, and the love of the day was beyond anything we could have imagined. His work didn’t just document our wedding, it told our story in the most beautiful and authentic way. Taylor will always be the first videographer I recommend to anyone in need. His talent, professionalism, reliability, and kindness truly set him apart. We are so incredibly grateful to have these memories forever, and choosing Taylor was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding.
Paige W., 3 months ago
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Sterling Flower Farm 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Essex, CT

Whether you need flowers for a small elopement or an elaborate celebration, we want to make your wedding flowers as special and unique as your love. We hope you will choose to celebrate the environment when you celebrate your special day by choosing our Connecticut-grown flowers. I treat the flowers with preservatives to help them last for your special day, rendering them non-organic.

Awarded Best of Zola
We had a wonderful experience with Sterling Flower Farm for our wedding! They were extremely responsive, easy to work with, and friendly throughout the entire process. Communication was a breeze - they always got back to us promptly with quotes and were able to answer all of our questions. On the day of our wedding, the flowers arrived on time, fresh and fragrant. The bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces were gorgeous and exactly what we envisioned. Their arrangements really brought the whole wedding together and enhanced the venue beautifully. For the high quality of flowers and customer service, we felt Sterling Flower Farm offered excellent value for our wedding budget. We wholeheartedly recommend them for any special event needing florals!
Jennifer G., 2 years ago
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Poquonnock Plains Urban Farm 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Serves Essex, CT

Hello! I’m MaryAnn, the designer and founder of Poquonnock Plains Urban Farm. I create seasonal, artful wedding florals for couples who care about beauty, intention, and a deeply personal design experience. Working together, my goal is to make the floral design process feel effortless, joyful, and inspiring. I take the time to understand your style, your priorities, and the story you want your wedding day to tell. Whether it’s an intimate celebration or a grand estate wedding, I approach every detail with creativity, care, and a commitment to excellence.

Awarded Best of Zola
MaryAnn is the most pleasant human being on earth to work with. Her whimsical style to her homegrown blooms brought the sweetest pop of zest to our wedding day. She is so helpful to plan ideas to make your vision truly come to life and turn out better than expected. My wedding was perfect in every way, I can only pray our marriage blooms as beautiful as these florals!
Rebecca C., 9 months ago
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Wendy Clare Designs 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Event extras
  • Gifts and favors
  • Starts at $16
  • Serves Essex, CT

Hi! My name is Wendy and I am the owner, head designer and founder of Wendy Clare Designs. I am a mom of two, who loves the sea and all things coastal, beautiful things, as well as upcycling. In my shop, which I founded in 2022, I have combined all three of these passions. I have always loved working with my hands, and am so happy to now be able to make beautiful things for you, your event and your home my full time career (after some unsatisfying ones as a lawyer and teacher).

Awarded Best of Zola
Wendy Clare Designs was a standout vendor for our wedding. From the start, their communication was efficient, speedy, and their team was extremely well-spoken. They crafted bespoke, unique handcrafted items that were a huge hit with our guests, including the custom wedding favors they created for us. The quality of their work and attention to detail was exceptional, and they truly helped make our special day even more unique and memorable. We highly recommend Wendy Clare Designs to any couple looking for custom, handmade wedding extras that will impress their guests.
Dani B., 9 months ago
Quick responder
Pachaug Cottages 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
Griswold, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 130 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000

Pachaug Cottages hosts a lakeside 40x60ft heavy timber frame pavilion and seasonal cottages to host your wedding! Conveniently located near the Rhode Island / Connecticut border on Pachaug Pond, the property is within driving range of several international airports (Providence, Hartford, Boston). Contact us today to book a tour!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Private area for the wedding party
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • No venue-provided food services
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Awarded Best of Zola
Pachaug Cottages was the perfect venue for our wedding. From our first interaction, the owners, Jeff and Karin, were helpful, and friendly, going out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed. The property itself is truly beautiful, with serene lake views and a ton of beautiful places for photos. Every detail from ample parking to a specific area for catering and a designated bar has been thought of so there’s less to stress about on the big day. This family-owned establishment is unparalleled, and we highly recommend Pachaug Cottages for anyone's wedding, family reunion, or other event.
Katy S., 5 months ago
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Chocolate Rose Bakeshop 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Cakes & desserts
  • Starts at $120
  • Serves Essex, CT

Welcome. When I first started my story, it started out with me as a young adult and starting my adventure down the road of cake artistry. Then I dug a little deeper and gave thought to what probably sparked my interest in cake decorating. Chocolate Rose Bakeshop is Griswold, CT’s fav Custom & Special Occasion Cakeshop. Our creations may look too good to eat, but they taste too good NOT to! At Chocolate Rose we take pride in creating cakes that not only look too good to eat but taste too good NOT to!

Awarded Best of Zola
Chocolate rose bake shop made a delicious three layered cake for my wedding that consisted of chocolate cake and mocha buttercream as a filling, and vanilla cake with chocolate ganache. The cake tasted amazing and the green ombré effect they did to decorate the outside of the cake was beautiful!
Lia D., 2 years ago
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ALM Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,250
  • Serves Essex, CT

Hi, I'm Tony, owner of ALM Photography.. I'm a seasoned photographer with over 12 years of wedding experience specializing in true to life, unfiltered wedding photography. With more than 25 years of dedication as an emergency room nurse, I bring a unique perspective and a keen eye for detail to every shot. I photograph weddings with a balance of photojournalistic storytelling and editorial refinement- most of the day is captured as it naturally unfolds with real moments and real emotion-while portraits and key moments are gently guided to create timeless, magazine-worthy images.

Awarded Best of Zola
Tony did such a fantastic job with our wedding photos. He perfectly captured the atmosphere of our wedding and was extremely professional throughout the entire process. During our pre-wedding meeting, he did a great job walking us through different things he would want us to do in order to capture some incredible photos and timing them for the appropriate lighting. From start to finish it was an extremely smooth process with some incredible photographs.
Brandon H., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Kelli's Kitchen 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Caterer
  • Starts at $85
  • Serves Essex, CT

It is our mission at Kelli’s Kitchen to provide you with a wow factor through the elegance of our food, and the excellence of our service. Kelli has been cooking for over 20 years teaching her homeschooled children and their friends how to cook a wide array of culinary delights, from simple, tasteful appetizers to mouthwatering entrees. In that time, Kelli found her joy and artistic ability through food. That same creativity and hospitality is emanated through our food and staff to create a personalized, unforgettable experience at your event.

Awarded Best of Zola
Kelli catered to us for our June 2024 wedding. The team flowed so effortlessly together between hors d’oeuvres, entrees and desserts. Our cake was AMAZING! Such a unique flavor: blueberry lemon lavender. They provided us with buffet style—honey glazed salmon, chicken cutlets, string beans, and a salad with this phenomenal home made dressing!!! Favorite dessert was the mini cheesecake bites. The rustic decor and naked styled cake was exactly our vision. Kelli was very attentive to our needs from checking in while I was getting ready and providing drinks and hors d’oeuvres and guiding us through the transitions of the wedding. We got rain towards the end of the evening and the team did such a good job covering and moving tables and decor around. We didn’t have to lift a finger. They cleaned up fast at the end too. Kelli’s kitchen is the quickest yet most organized catering service we’ve ever had! Thank you Kelli and team for making our night so special and tasteful!
Alesia F., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Cori Alexandra Hair and Makeup Artistry 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Serves Essex, CT

Hi! I’m Cori, a bridal hair & makeup artist with over 11 yrs of experience in the bridal industry. I believe wedding day beauty is about more than how you look; it’s about how you feel in one of the most meaningful moments of your life. My goal is to create an experience where you feel confident, supported, & completely yourself. I work closely with you to design a look that feels timeless and elevated while still feeling authentic to who you are. Trials are held in my private studio where we take the time to refine every detail and ensure you feel fully confident in your vision. Above all, it is an honor to be part of such a special day.

Cori is such a talented artist. She worked on my bridal hair and my bridesmaids hair for my wedding. She listened to what I wanted and made sure it was exactly it before leaving. She offered a trial too which was so helpful to have! She is so fun and bubbly and a great addition to our getting ready party!
Kimberly, 2 months ago
GemHidden gem
Brianna Ritoli Photography LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Essex, CT

I was born and raised in the smallest little state, Rhode Island! With that comes a huge appreciation for the coast and a realization that magic can be found in even the smallest of details. Growing up in a small town where time seems to go by slower helped me learn the value of genuine connections which have now become apart of who I am.

Awarded Best of Zola
Do you need a wedding photographer and you've already flipped through 7,562 other photographers? Look no further. Brianna is the real deal. 1. She is a great communicator. 2. She is transparent with her pricing. 3. She responds to questions and emails in a timely manner. 4. She is attentive day of and stays on task and on time. 5. She sticks to what you ask of her, you want lots of candids or posed shots? Family portraits? Recreations of old family wedding portraits? She has got you covered. 6. She will give you direction of what to do with your body. 7. The photos come out Amazing! If you like her style, do not hesitate to book her. She will not do you dirty. It's amazing what she sees behind the lens, seeing the photos after those moments you feel awkward in front of the camera come out as masterpieces. This is what you keep after the day is over, it goes by so fast but the photos help to keep that day alive forever. *pro tip, book her for your engagement shoot too,it really helps to feel comfortable day of and you get a glimpse of how your photos might look and it gets you excited for wedding photos. 10/10. Thank you Brianna!
Darcey H., 9 months ago

Essex, CT reception venues by style

Outdoor spaces
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