The Best Wedding Vendors in Essex, IL

How do we sort results, including Sponsored Ads and personalized results?


1000+ Wedding Vendors in Essex, IL

Quick responder
CM Planning LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 7 services
  • Starts at $25
  • Serves Essex, IL

At CM Planning LLC, we understand that your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life, and we are here to ensure it unfolds seamlessly, allowing you to savor every precious moment. Our services cater to diverse budgets and needs. Customized packages accommodate every event, even for untraditional schedules. No need to stress—whether you want full wedding planning or day-of coordination, we’ve got you covered. Can’t find what you need? Contact us to create a personalized package. Explore our a la carte options, including vendor sourcing, timeline creation, wedding set up or tear down, and decor transport/storage.

Was great to work with!!! She was easy and simple and very go with the flow
Danielle J., 9 months ago
Quick responder
Sheena Anne photography 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, IL

Hey there! I’m Sheena! Your go-to wedding photographer, hype girl, professional chaos wrangler, timeline planner, dress fluffer, & so much more! I have been capturing love stories for a little over 10 years now and I wouldnt have it any other way. Being alongside couples during one of the most meaningful seasons of their lives is my passion. You’re not just a client. You’re someone I’m genuinely cheering for. My couples often tell me I feel more like a longtime friend, and that’s exactly how I like it. I’m big on communication, making you feel comfortable, & helping your day run smoothly so you can actually be present without the stress.

Awarded Best of Zola
Sheena’s work was above and beyond all of our expectations! She is personable, professional and passionate. She is very knowledgeable about all things weddings and helped keep our day running smoothly! The photos turned out stunning and captured the day so perfectly.
Natalie, a year ago
TrendlineTrending
The Monte Bello Estate 
Rating: 5.0 (25 reviews)
Lemont, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 275 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Monte Bello's enchanting 55 acre estate is the perfect backdrop for your unforgettable ceremony and wedding reception. Our extraordinary venue features breathtaking grounds with unlimited backdrops for the most memorable pictures. All our weddings and events are allowed exclusive use of the estate grounds, mansion, and custom tent during your event time. We have an elegant Bridal Suite, a place to display your wedding dress. We also have the perfect Grooms Suite that is a man cave like no other with a poker table, craps table, foosball table, pool table, and guitar and sports memorabilia.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Private area for the wedding party
  • Versatile for various event styles
  • Provides catering services

Venue considerations

  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
Where do I even begin with Monte Bello? It truly was the perfect venue for our wedding. The grounds were stunning, the food was delicious, and the staff was incredible in every possible way. From start to finish, we felt completely cared for, especially on our big day. Abbey, you were such a pivotal part of our experience, and our wedding wouldn't have been the same without you. Choosing Monte Bello was the best decision we made, and we can't recommend it enough for your special day!
Kelley F., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Alana Jordan Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (19 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, IL

Hello there! My name is Alana. I am a wedding photographer servicing Chicagoland & Atlanta. My work ranges from lovely backyard weddings in the suburbs, to swanky city celebrations, to flying off to stunning elopements around the world. Weddings with me include tons of laughter, lots of support in planning and organizing, and photos so vivid that your memories jump out of the frame. (It may also include us both happy crying together on the big day) I make the whole process as easy and fun as possible, and would be absolutely honored to take on the role of turning your memories into artwork!

Awarded Best of Zola
Alana was beyond wonderful as our wedding photographer. She paid incredible attention to detail, capturing our special moments in a way that felt both authentic and real. Alana made sure to get everyone on my list of people to capture, ensuring no one was missed. Her photos were nothing short of amazing, and I cannot express how many people commented on the wonderful work she did. Thanks to Alana, my three months of planning went smoothly, and I couldn't be more grateful. I highly recommend her work to anyone looking for a talented and dedicated photographer. Thank you, Alana, for making our day so memorable!
Jill Van W., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Michelle Zapanta Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (19 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,800
  • Serves Essex, IL

What started out as a hobby, evolved into a great passion. With a camera on hand for every event, I spent my lunch money as a young kid developing films at the photo store. I became so fond of capturing as many organic moments as I can in photographs and fell in love with the idea of telling people's stories in images rather than words. I started venturing into professional photography right after my own wedding to my high school sweetheart, Erick, which was back in 2014. I LOVE everything wedding-related. My favorite to photographs are the wedding details, the bride and groom portraits and anything that will make me either cry or laugh!

Awarded Best of Zola
We are forever grateful we chose Michelle as our wedding day photographer. From the planning to the wedding day she was prepared & made everything so easy. Our engagement photos & wedding photos are perfect and she captured our story just the way we envisioned even including our perfect puppy Maui. She made sure to get all the important shots day of wedding & went above and beyond the entire day making sure my husband and I didn’t don’t forget any important photos. We received our entire wedding gallery so quickly after the wedding. Michelle is beyond professional and truly makes sure your wedding is photographed just the way you want.
Victoria D., 3 months ago
Quick responder
Warehouse 109 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
Plainfield, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 170 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $2,250
  • Offer

Our renovated warehouse venue in Plainfield, IL offers a unique blend of industrial charm and modern elegance, creating a stylish and flexible space for unforgettable events. Originally a working warehouse, the space has been transformed into a thoughtfully curated canvas for events of every kind. With a balance of industrial character, vintage charm, and modern functionality, it’s a place designed for creativity, joy, and memorable moments.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • Dressing room available
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • No venue-provided food services
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
Awarded Best of Zola
Warehouse 109 was the perfect venue for us--the staff were so kind and communicative, and everything was so smooth and professional. Our guests RAVED about how cool and unique the venue was, and continued to talk about it for weeks after! I would absolutely recommend them to anyone I know. (The photobooth was also a BIG hit!)
Molly C., 5 months ago
Quick responder
I Do Memorable Occasions 
Rating: 5.0 (16 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $75
  • Serves Essex, IL

I Do Memorable Occasions is a wedding planning and coordination company based in Lockport, IL. We welcome the opportunity to be part of events in Chicago and Illinois suburbs. Offered packages include comprehensive, customizable planning and day-of coordination for all your wedding needs from your bridal shower and bachelor and bachelorette parties to the big day and the day-after brunch. Whether you only recently got engaged and you're not quite sure where to begin, or you have a crystal-clear vision in mind and just need an extra set of eyes and hands to bring it all together, I Do Memorable Occasions has you covered.

Lauren and Julia truly made the whole experience planning our wedding so stress free. Julia was our day of coordinator and honestly she made the day so special and I did not have any worries! Lauren in the beginning made the decor shopping and small details decisions experience much easier as I am not creative at all! Also the communication and planning with the vendors was impeccable. They took away all the chaos from my husband and I and everything went off without a hitch and if it didn't we did not know! 10 /10! I would strongly reccomend them for every wedding! Super organized, professional and most importantly to me caring and patient. Thank you so much Julia an Lauren!
Anne R., 8 months ago
Quick responder
Millieraecophoto 
Rating: 5.0 (16 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $1,750
  • Serves Essex, IL

Hello and welcome! I’m Christina, a passionate photographer based in Joliet, Illinois. Originally from Caramanico Terme, Italy, I bring a blend of European elegance and American warmth to my work. Family is my greatest inspiration. As a proud wife and mother of two girls, I’m reminded daily to find beauty in life’s simplest moments- moments I love to capture. My photography is rooted in storytelling, creating timeless images filled with real emotion and lasting memories. Thank you for visiting, I’d be honored to help tell your story!!!

Christina is wonderful. She took my engagement photos and they turned out amazing. She goes above and beyond for her clients. Her communication is effective and efficient. She is knowledgeable about photography and does a fantastic job taking a clients image and brining it to life. I showed her my Pinterest inspo and she knew the exact place to take the photos, poses etc. Christina is truly a professional and an amazing photographer. I will be booking her for all of my futures life events.
Victoria H., 2 months ago
Quick responder
Elena Solenkova Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Essex, IL

My name is Elena. I’m a photographer based in Chicago. I'm booking 2026-27 seasons, so I have some available dates if you have realized that you still need a photographer. I’m ready to help you at your wedding day.

Awarded Best of Zola
Elena Solenkova Photography was the best photographer I worked with for our wedding. Elena is knowledgeable, professional and experienced, and her work is of amazing quality. She helped with every detail of our wedding, capturing raw emotions and fun moments throughout the day. Elena took great shots of our guests and made sure I looked amazing in every photo. She was also wonderful with the kids at our wedding. The quick turnaround time for our photos was an added bonus. I highly recommend Elena Solenkova Photography for your special day.
Alexandra R., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Bright and Bloom Floral Design 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Essex, IL

Bright + Bloom Floral Design is a boutique floral design studio specializing in custom wedding and event florals. Our experienced design team creates thoughtful, refined arrangements tailored to each couple’s unique vision. From intimate celebrations to large scale events, we approach every design with intention, creativity, and care. We offer floral design for personal flowers, ceremonies, and receptions, along with candle styling to create a cohesive, elevated look. We pride ourselves on a collaborative planning process from start to finish, guiding couples through their floral decisions with clarity and attention to detail.

Awarded Best of Zola
We LOVED our experience with Kaylee and her team at Blush Blooms. Our florals and centerpieces turned out amazing and perfect compliment to our venue and style of wedding. We received great guidance from Kaylee and her team, especially Nancy. We really appreciated the smooth process for drop off/setup and pickup. Highly recommend them for your next event!
Alexandra, a year ago
Quick responder
Sholeh Events 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, IL

I have been a wedding planner for over 20 years. I am here to support your ideas and help you find ways to make your wedding day the experience you imagine. I also specialize in planning weddings in a very short amount of time. Its a wonderful challenge and you’ll receive no judgement from me about your timelines! There are no geographic limitations. I’m comfortable working remotely for the planning process and have traveled extensively domestically and abroad. I have supported people from all backgrounds in their journey towards a lifetime of love together. I network extensively with other vendors & have a passion for collaboration.

Awarded Best of Zola
Wherever you are on your checklist, the next thing you MUST do is book Sholeh as your coordinator/planner/life saver/therapist/best decision we made for our wedding. From the start, she had such a calm and positive energy that fit our vibe perfectly. She provided us with a boat load of tools and checklists from the day we signed our contract. Her network of contacts helped us form literally the Wedding Vendor Avengers. One example, our officiant fell ill ONE WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING. Sholeh found our officiant within days who put together the most beautiful ceremony imaginable. Sholeh ran our rehearsal and stood in the doorway at the ceremony to ensure a seamless processional. She was a seamstress, an interior decorator, performed crowd control, you name it. Literally, I couldn't tell you what went wrong at my wedding. If anything happened, she took care of it and still hasn't told me. We are grateful beyond words and cannot recommend her enough. Ali and Rob 9.5.25
Ali T., 5 months ago
Quick responder
Two Birds Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves Essex, IL

I am a professional photographer and artist based in Lockport, IL. I own Two Birds Photography and I've been photographing weddings and families for about 20 years. I'm a sensitive nature guy who loves to talk to trees, pick up rocks, and put my hands in running water. I'm good natured, goofy in my own way, introspective, and intuitive. Along with my partner, our house is full of love with four boys, three cats, and dog. I like to create art, make things with my hands, work with plants in a garden, go on hikes, explore the world, talk one-on-one with people, and I like to laugh.

Awarded Best of Zola
Jake is so much more than a wedding photographer—he’s a true visual storyteller. Every photo he took is filled with emotion, intention, and artistry. Looking at our photos now, I’m instantly transported back. He captured not only the big moments but also the quiet ones: stolen glances, joyful guests, the delicate details of our table settings. He saw everything without ever being in the way—so calm, so observant, so low-maintenance that we barely noticed him, yet he gave us the most complete and beautiful memory of our wedding. His attention to detail and his ability to see the full picture and the tiny moments is truly special! Jake made us feel totally comfortable in front of the camera, never forcing poses or interrupting the flow of the day. Instead, he brought our photo ideas to life with his own artistic touch—elevating them beyond what we imagined. If you’re looking for someone who will give you timeless, meaningful, and artful photos while letting you fully experience your wedding day—Jake is the one.
Yujia Cheng S., 10 months ago
GemHidden gem
Liza Loret Events 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 2 services
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Essex, IL

I am a mother, wife, and business owner. I created Liza Loret Events in 2015, when I wanted to make a difference in the Wedding Industry. My first couple of years, I began to get momentum in how I wanted my business to be structured.

From the moment we started planning our wedding, Liza Loret Events was by our side every step of the way. Her monthly check-ins helped keep us on track and her attention to detail ensured our day went off without a hitch. Liz is an absolute professional, keeping the day running smoothly and handling any issues that arose behind the scenes so we could fully enjoy our celebration. My whole family and bridal party felt so taken care of and loved by her as well. Her hard work and expertise was worth every penny - we honestly couldn't have done it without her. Best vendor decision we made for our wedding was booking with Liza Loret Events. Liz is truly the best in the business, and we are so grateful for the incredible wedding she helped us create. If she is available for your wedding date, BOOK HER NOW!
Amy, a year ago
Quick responder
Diamonds and Lace Eventscaping LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 7 services
  • Starts at $900
  • Serves Essex, IL

Diamonds and Lace Events reputation reached new heights featured in popular wedding outlets and print/media magazines, Munaluchi Bride, Citizen paper, and Pearl by David’s Bridal, and on Daytime Chicago. which is a testament to our dedicated work and professionalism. We were also requested to create a custom-made jumping broom for Channel 7 TV personality Val Warner and husband Jobba Maxey. Speaking of memorable moments, our team was fortunate enough to have crossed paths with the legendary David Tutera who took the time to come say hello and pose for a picture with us and also Randy Fenoli of “Say Yes to the Dress”.

I have been fortunate enough to experience the owners warmth, professionalism, and dedication firsthand. She exudes a genuine passion for her work and approaches every interaction with care and attentiveness. Her professionalism and friendly demeanor make it clear that working with her would be a stress-free and seamless experience. If you’re looking for a planner who truly listens and prioritizes her clients' needs, Diamonds and Lace Events Scaping is a fantastic choice!
Shawn M., a year ago
Morris Country Club 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
Morris, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 280 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor

Admire flowing ceiling tapestries with glittering chandeliers and seating for 85 to 280 guests. A climate controlled environment creates the perfect ambiance for your special event. We offer a wide variety of options including an outdoor wedding site, outdoor cocktail location, chair and table linens, delicious choice entrees, champagne, spirits, wine, beer, and soda. Our superior wait staff completes your successful event and makes it a night for you to treasure.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides event staff
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Provides setup and cleanup

Venue considerations

  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
Our wedding day was truly the best and most stress-free day of our lives, and it’s all thanks the Morris Country Club and team! Stephen and I had a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will cherish forever. Everything was seamless! From the planning process to the day-of details. We felt so supported the entire time. The staff went above and beyond to make sure every moment was perfect, and we couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful setting to say “I do.” We are forever grateful and highly recommend this venue to anyone looking to have their dream wedding come true!
Kealy Spain S., 7 months ago
Quick responder
Jennifer'S Garden Banquet And Convention Center 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
Morris, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 1200 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $6,664

Jennifer’s Garden, the area’s premier site to host your very special occasion. We are excited at the possibility of bringing to you everything necessary to make this function a wonderful success and a delightful memory. Jennifer’s Garden is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction. We will do everything we can to meet your expectations. Our commitment to service remains our number one priority. With a variety of offerings to choose from, we are sure you will be happy working with us. Look around our website and if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact us.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Allows pets
  • Bridal suite on site
  • All-inclusive venue packages

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • No on-premises lodging options
Awarded Best of Zola
Great communication on what was provided, plenty of opportunities to try out the cakes and talk over the meal. Had time on Friday to get set up. Everything was perfect
Liz, a year ago
Quick responder
Niko Menko Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,450
  • Serves Essex, IL

Hello to all my wonderful clients and future newlyweds! I’m Niko Nikolay Menko, a passionate photographer with a dream to turn life’s fleeting moments into cherished memories. My love for photography sparked in 2008, and since then, I've been on a relentless journey of growth and discovery, honing my skills, building my reputation, and creating my own brand. Based in Plainfield, Illinois, my production company is dedicated to capturing the magic of your special day. With a keen eye for artistry and a commitment to authenticity, I strive to make every creation stand out and appear genuine.

Awarded Best of Zola
Niko was absolutely great to work with! We did our engagement photos with him. We were able to go to the location we wanted, even though we had to hike to get to a few locations and he carried his gear with no complaint while making conversation. Our photos turned out amazing and I can not wait to see what we can capture at our wedding! Thank you so much Niko!!
Megan A., 8 months ago
Quick responder
An English Garden Wedding & Event Florals 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Essex, IL

What started out as a dream has become a reality for over 30 years. We are a premiere full-service florist with a wonderful team of not only amazing floral designers, but also the muscle of our delivery team, we have accomplished thousands of weddings over the years. No detail is left untouched and we pride ourselves on giving our absolute best to each and every one of our couples. When booking an event with us, you are not only gaining a florist, you are helping us bloom into more than just a dream. For you are helping each and every one of our teammates and floral artisans achieve things that only love, grace, and unity can grow.

From the start, our experience with An English Garden Wedding & Event Florals was professional, friendly, and very responsive. The flowers they provided were fresh and beautiful, perfectly complementing our wedding's color scheme. The centerpieces were stunning without overpowering the tables, and the flower girl's basket with the delicate petal pouches was a lovely touch. Kim, the owner, took the time to get to know us and our vision, offering thoughtful suggestions while also listening to our ideas. The only aspect that didn't quite meet our expectations were the bouquets, which were a bit too heavy with long green stems, making them difficult to hold during the ceremony and photos. Overall, An English Garden Wedding & Event Florals played a crucial role in bringing our wedding day to life in a beautiful and memorable way.
Sherry A., 2 months ago
Quick responder
Kate K Beauty 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Essex, IL

I often tell people that when you get to do what you love, you never feel like you're actually working. I started my journey in Makeup Artistry in 2017 and since then I couldn't imagine doing anything else. My brides and other clients mean the world to me. I want to create an experience that is both personal, exciting, and FUN. It is an absolute honor to get to be a part of your wedding day and I look forward to working with you!

Awarded Best of Zola
Kate K Beauty was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding day. Their communication was quick, professional, and incredibly helpful throughout the planning process. Kate made sure I felt comfortable and confident, and was so fun to work with. The quality of their work was truly amazing - my hair and makeup looked beautiful and felt great the entire day. I could not have been happier with the results. Kate K Beauty went above and beyond to contribute to making our special day perfect. I highly recommend them to any couple looking for an amazing beauty team for their wedding!!!
Devin K., a year ago
Quick responder
Petal Station 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Essex, IL

Since 2001, Petal Station (formerly known as Trudy’s Flowers and BouqBox) has proudly served the local communities in the Greater Chicago region. We only source the best and freshest blooms and greens to produce the most elegant floral arrangements for our customers.

Awarded Best of Zola
Petal Station was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. Their communication style was clear, helpful, and receptive throughout the entire process. The quality of their work was truly beautiful and memorable - they made the floral arrangements for our ceremony and reception look stunning and exactly how we envisioned. We never had a worry about our flowers, as everything was so clear and easy to work with. Petal Station played a big role in making our special day feel so perfect and we would highly recommend them to any couple planning their wedding.
Olivia D., 6 months ago
Quick responder
Special Moments Services 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Officiant
  • Offers 8 ceremony types
  • Starts at $300
  • Serves Essex, IL

When you give me the honor of serving as your officiant or pastor, I owe you the very best service. It’s your wedding! And you deserve a ceremony that is perfect for you! My role is to listen, to understand the love you share and your vision for your wedding, to offer ideas and possibilities, and to support your decisions. I will work hard to write the perfect ceremony just for you, and to deliver it beautifully.

Awarded Best of Zola
We got married on June 7th and couldn’t be happier with our officiant. He was incredibly accommodating and made the entire process feel easy and personal. One of the things we appreciated most was how he incorporated both English and Spanish into the ceremony, which meant so much to us and our families. So many of our guests told us how amazing he was, he brought the perfect mix of emotion, warmth, and humor. He truly made our ceremony unforgettable, and we’re so grateful to have had him be a part of our day! Highly highly recommended, he was a huge contributor to the ceremony of our dreams!
Elizabeth L., 10 months ago
Quick responder
PETES MY DJ 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • DJ
  • Starts at $2,195
  • Serves Essex, IL

I specialize in Weddings, but also do several other types of events. Including Anniversaries, engagements, birthdays, corporate, schools, bars, you name it! I'm the DJ that helps plan & customize your music for your event. I can work with you if you have just 1 request or 100. DJing for you is what makes me happy, & I know just what it takes to pack your dance floor.

Awarded Best of Zola
Pete with Pete's My DJ was an amazing DJ for our wedding! His communication throughout the planning process was great - he was very responsive, professional, and made sure he understood all the little details that were important to me. The quality of his work was fantastic. He perfectly executed my walk down the aisle song and timing, and knew how to keep the dance floor packed all night by playing the right mix of songs to appeal to all our guests. I gave Pete some special song requests that were meaningful to me and he seamlessly incorporated them while also reading the vibe of the crowd. He helped make our wedding reception such a fun, high-energy party! If you're looking for a DJ who will listen to your vision and work hard to bring the party, I highly recommend Pete!
Caili K., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Cylee Catherine Events 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Essex, IL

At Cylee Catherine Events, we believe in planning and coordinating events so that the hosts are able to enjoy the moments that will one day be their favorite memories to look back on. Throughout the planning process, I do my best to listen to your ideas and help bring forward the vision for your special day that you are trying to achieve with a flawless execution.

Awarded Best of Zola
Cylee Catherine Events exceeded our expectations as our wedding planner. Cylee was proactive, positive, and professional in all of her communication. She provided invaluable support that was integral to our perfect wedding day. Some highlights of her contributions included: creating a detailed timeline that kept everything on track, handling setup and takedown of all decor, and gracefully fielding guest questions. She was like a best friend throughout the planning process - incredibly supportive, handling vendor contracts/issues, and helping us tackle problems before they even came up. Her level of organization and attention to detail is unbelievable. We cannot recommend Cylee highly enough for any couple looking for stress-free wedding planning with someone who truly cares.
Molly, a year ago
Quick responder
Feeling Pretty Inc 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Serves Essex, IL

We have a team of highly trained professionals that take the time to listen to you. We collaborate with your vision, style, and create the custom look to revealing your most beautiful confident self.

Awarded Best of Zola
I am so, so appreciative of Cat and the team she assigned to my wedding. Cat was so understanding and lovely throughout my process. I'm pretty natural - I'm not terribly into makeup and the girly things in life so getting dolled up for my wedding took some getting used to! Lenee was a total pro with my hair along with my mother, MIL, and three friends. She was so patient and listened to what each of us wanted, and executed perfectly. She was also so lovely during my trial and to have in my suite the morning of the wedding. Amanda was our makeup artist and did she rise to the occasion! She was my third makeup trial and she nailed it. She gave me great advice ahead of time on how my makeup would lay better on my face. I did as she suggested and it really made a difference. We had a few others on the day of who had challenging skin and she also nailed it. She was so much fun to chat with and have around. Both Lenee and Amanda just gave us wonderful, positive, fun energy the morning of so I really could not have asked for a better team. Thank you, Cat, for providing such a nice experience for my wedding day! I will be forever grateful.
Fran B., a year ago
El'Event Weddings 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $500
  • Serves Essex, IL

At El'Event Weddings, we believe in providing services to make your wedding day stunning and unforgettable. For us, affordable prices are what really matter! Having a wedding means a lot of investment, and we want to help you somehow, and not worrying you more. We help busy couples make their dream wedding to come true without feeling overwhelmed. Wedding planning, developing and coordinating are our main priorities. Whether it's a large or small/private event, we would love to be part of it. Every wedding is Unique and amazing results are our best reward!

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Katherine and the El Event Weddings team many times over the years, and every experience has been absolutely wonderful. Katherine is incredibly organized, calm, and thoughtful, which makes such a difference on wedding days. Her team is always professional, kind, and truly cares about each couple’s experience. As an officiant, I can confidently say that working alongside El Event Weddings makes the entire day flow beautifully. It’s always a joy collaborating with them, and I highly recommend them to any couple looking for a planner they can fully trust. Mercy The Officiant
Mercy, 3 months ago
Quick responder
The Barn & Vineyard 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
Beecher, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $7,500

Imagine your dream wedding at a rustic barn venue, steeped in the charm of family tradition. Our family-owned and operated barn offers exposed beams, warm tones, and a timeless ambiance. Celebrate your love story in a setting that is both elegant and inviting, perfect for creating memories that will last a lifetime. Let our family host yours for a truly special day. The ceremony site, tucked within our vineyard, offers breathtaking views and ease of access. The Barn & Vineyard is the all-in-one venue for the rustic wedding of your dreams. Our Main floor includes two full-service bars, a cocktail lounge with stunning brick accents, dance floor, dessert area & bridal suite. Our indoor/outdoor cocktail lounge creates the perfect setting for a comfortable and entertaining cocktail hour, complete with outdoor games, bistro lighting, brick and wooden decorative accents, covered outdoor space, fire pits, rocking chairs and a cigar bar.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides catering services
  • Rustic-chic setting
  • Surrounded by beautiful vineyards

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not for you if you prefer a more modern aesthetic
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
Amy was amazing to work with. I had so many questions throughout the process leading up to the big day and she made sure each and every one was answered and don’t make me feel like I was asking too much. The attention and service we received the day of was more than I expected. If I could give them more than 5 stars I would. The venue was everything I pictured. It all came out perfect. My husband and I were very pleased.
Marla C., 3 months ago
Quick responder
Touch of Grace Designs and Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,900
  • Serves Essex, IL
  • Offer

I’m Gracelyn, the face behind the camera and someone who truly cares about the people in front of it. I picked up my first camera at 9 years old, photographing my siblings and creating little photoshoots just for fun. After rediscovering photography post-COVID, I instantly felt that same joy and knew this was my dream. I photographed my first wedding two years ago and am now stepping into my first full season. My style is light and airy, blending documentary storytelling with true-to-life portraits, capturing both meaningful details and emotional moments.

Touch of Grace felt more than a professional wedding photographer. She felt like a friend throughout the whole process. We were very comfortable and she was very accommodating in every twist and turn that comes with a wedding. She even stayed extra time to capture our cake cutting! We gave her our images and she was able to quickly navigate between each one efficiently. What makes Touch of Grace so special is the final editing. We were taken back at the marvelous work and attention to detail. Thank you Grace for capturing our special day and giving us everlasting memories!
The J., 3 months ago
Quick responder
Sweet Creations By Tracey LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Cakes & desserts
  • Starts at $175
  • Serves Essex, IL

At Sweet Creations by Tracey LLC, every cake is custom designed for each client. I am very passionate about my love for cake decorating and take great pride they look as beautiful as possible, and make sure they taste even better! I have been decorating cakes since 1991. I love what I do and would love to be a part of your special occasion.

From the gorgeous cake to the incredible dessert bar, everything was a total hit—there wasn’t a crumb left by the end of the night! She was fantastic to work with: responsive, genuine, and clearly talented. Every dessert we tried was delicious, delivery was seamless, and her pricing was very reasonable. Could not recommend Tracey enough!
Danielle T., 3 months ago
Quick responder
Sanctuary Events 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
Plainfield, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 175 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $8,000

You’re searching for your ideal venue… where you find a grand indoor ceremony, elegant dining, a brag worthy bar and an enticing dance room. A venue where historic charm and ambiance is the backdrop to your wedding day! And here is the best part, all of this and you don’t have to do the work to have that AH-HA moment!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides event staff
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Pets can join the celebration

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
Sanctuary Events was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From the very first interaction, Nancy and Shelly were easy-going, friendly, and amazing to communicate with. They truly listened to our vision and made it come to life in the most magical way. The space was beautiful, with high ceilings and twinkle lights that gave it an extra special ambiance. The food, the decor, everything was exactly what we wanted and more. We couldn't have asked for a better venue to host our special day. Sanctuary Events went above and beyond to make sure our wedding was perfect.
Jordan B., a year ago
Quick responder
Erica Melissa 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Essex, IL

​Erica Melissa is a seasoned wedding and destination photographer based in both Miami and Chicago, with over a decade of experience capturing love stories across the U.S. and internationally. Her work is characterized by an artistic, documentary-style approach, focusing on authentic moments and emotional storytelling.​

Awarded Best of Zola
Erica Melissa is a truly exceptional wedding photographer. Her communication style is direct, clear, and delivered with a kind tone, making her a thoughtful and attentive partner throughout the process. The quality of her work is outstanding, with meticulous attention to detail and a highly organized approach that ensures the final product is matchless in value. Whether working with a multimillionaire or an average couple, Erica treats every project with the same level of care and dedication. She went above and beyond to help me with details outside the scope of a typical wedding photographer, always keeping in mind the importance of preserving every moment of the special day. Erica has a way of making couples feel like she's been a part of their lives forever, her kind spirit and powerful artistic (“seer”) gift creates priceless memories that will last long after the wedding day has passed. I tell my clients all the time, the most important vendor you will login perhaps outside of your venue, is your photographer!
Randi C., a year ago

Essex, IL reception venues by style

Outdoor spaces
Outdoor spaces