The Best Wedding Vendors in River Forest, IL

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in River Forest, IL

Camille Victoria Weddings LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
River Forest, IL
  • Planner
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $2,895

With more than 16 years under our belt planning Chicago weddings, our goal remains the same -- to make the big day special and memorable for you and your guests. Let's chat to see how we can help plan your perfect day!

Camille is by far, one of the easiest Wedding/Event Planners to work with. Communication is excellent leading up to and on the day of the event. She and her crew keep the event on time, with so much attention to detail. They always have their clients’ best interest at heart while having the unique ability to work with multiple vendors to orchestrate a memorable and unforgettable celebration. Definitely recommend!
Show On The Road DJs, 3 years ago
GemHidden gem
Destify | destination wedding specialists 
Rating: 4.9 (362 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 2 services
  • Starts at $150
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Destify simplifies destination weddings for couples and guests alike. We make planning feel exciting, not overwhelming, with curated resorts, transparent pricing, and a dedicated expert guiding you every step of the way. From understanding costs and timelines to handling logistics and guest travel, you’ll always know what to expect. With 24/7 support and a personal, thoughtful approach, we treat your wedding as more than a transaction, helping you create a seamless, joyful celebration and a meaningful start to your next chapter.

Awarded Best of Zola
Destify - Destination Wedding Planners were great to work with from start to finish. They had excellent communication throughout the planning process and always made sure to follow up and stay on top of any concerns we had. Destify made the planning process very easy with their user-friendly website, guest list management, and helpful tips for traveling to our destination wedding. We felt confident that every detail was taken care of, allowing us to fully enjoy our special day.
Amanda P., 3 months ago
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Eivan's Photo & Video 
Rating: 4.9 (321 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,149
  • Serves River Forest, IL

We offer a personalized experience backed up by more than 33+ years in business delivering high quality, creative photography and video on time and within your wedding budget. We are experts in photojournalism, offering couples an unmatched level of value for their wedding photography and video services.

Awarded Best of Zola
Eivan's Photo & Video was an exceptional choice for our wedding photography. From the start, their communication throughout the booking process was excellent - they were responsive, informative, and helpful in answering all of our questions. On the day of the wedding, their team of photographers and videographers were professional, passionate, and patient with all of our guests and family members, ensuring they captured every special moment. Eivan's just recently shot our engagement photos as well, and we were thrilled with the results. I highly recommend Eivan's Photo & Video to any couple looking for a talented and dedicated team to document their wedding day.
Nudelissan H., a year ago
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George Street Photo and Video 
Rating: 4.9 (258 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,295
  • Serves River Forest, IL
  • Offer

George Street Photo and Video has one story to tell: Yours. With over twenty years of experience, our award-winning team has been lucky to capture thousands of weddings for our couples across the United States. Specializing in both wedding photography and videography, we offer affordable and customizable packages starting at $1295 that are designed to suit your unique vision and budget. We even offer a fun style test to help us match you with a photographer that aligns with the vibe of your day.

Awarded Best of Zola
George street photo took care of us to prepare for our wedding day from the very beginning, I was on the phone for an hour one day because I was freaking out about a timeline, they helped calm my nerves and reassure me every step of the way. The photographers/videographers were professional kind and made everyone feel comfortable and the photos turned out beautiful and all came in earlier than expected! I’ve been in other weddings and every time I’m so grateful that we had George Street. Couldn’t thank them enough!!
Emma G., a year ago
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Eivan's Photo & Video 
Rating: 5.0 (224 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Cinematic style
  • Starts at $1,200
  • Serves River Forest, IL

We offer a personalized experience backed up by more than 33+ years in business delivering high quality, creative photography and video on time and within your wedding budget. We are experts in photojournalism, offering couples an unmatched level of value for their wedding photography and video services.

Awarded Best of Zola
We used Eivan's for both engagement photos and our wedding and couldn't be happier. They are wonderful about asking for your input and making sure you are truly happy with what you are getting. The photographers and videographers are the perfect mixture of professional and casual/friendly so that you are comfortable. We loved Rachael H for engagement photos, and Heather G (photo) and Dmytro L (video) for our wedding. They also actually care about you and the event itself, starting with asking you about your story. We got both a photographer, videographer, and engagement photos for a great bundle price, which was so helpful. Customer service is also fantastic about answering questions thoroughly and quickly. After booking and after the events, they send you information about what to expect, etc. I did quite a but of research into photography companies, and I would highly highly recommend Eivan's!
Grace T., 6 months ago
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Hairs 2 the Bride, LTD 
Rating: 5.0 (97 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 21
  • Starts at $100
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Hairs 2 the Bride, LTD, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, will bring the salon to you on your wedding day. They create beautiful hair and makeup styling, offer facials, and do manicures and pedicures for a complete experience. With multiple licensed stylists available, Hairs 2 the Bride will work with groups of up to 50+ people.

Awarded Best of Zola
We are so grateful to have had "Hairs 2 the Bride" for our wedding on September 21, 2024! From start to finish, they were fantastic. I went to a hair and makeup trial before the wedding, and both Eva and Maria were incredibly warm, friendly, and professional. They took the time to really listen to what I was looking for and made sure everything was perfect. I felt so comfortable with them, and they made the trial fun and relaxing. On the wedding day, we decided to add Natalia to the team after discussing with the owner, and it turned out to be the best decision. Having an additional stylist really helped speed up the process, and everything ran so smoothly as a result. They brought everything they needed, including lighting, and set up in no time. They were punctual, organized, and ready to get started as soon as we arrived at the venue. Throughout the morning, Eva, Maria, and Natalia were a joy to be around. They kept the whole group on time without making it feel rushed, which was such a relief with all the wedding-day chaos. They were also fun to talk to and kept the mood light, which made the getting-ready process so enjoyable. I had a bit of a rash on my shoulder that day, and I was really concerned about it. But the team worked their magic and expertly covered it – I couldn’t even tell it was there! They also added on makeup services for my mother-in-law at the last minute, which was so thoughtful. My mother-in-law was absolutely thrilled with how she looked and felt so special. In the end, I felt absolutely stunning on my wedding day, and I have "Hairs 2 the Bride" to thank for that. They made me, my bridal party, and my family look and feel beautiful. I can’t recommend them enough – they’re not just talented professionals, but they genuinely care about making your day perfect!
Megan M., a year ago
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Windy City Glam - Best Bridal Hair & Makeup Team 
Rating: 5.0 (96 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 17
  • Starts at $700
  • Serves River Forest, IL

We are a team of mobile professional hairstylists and makeup artists who help brides feeling and looking their best self! Weddings, engagement shoots, bridal showers, bachelorette parties. Soft glam makeup with glowing skin and chic hairdos are what we're best known for!

Awarded Best of Zola
I have a history of hating my hair and makeup anytime I get it done, because it doesn’t look like “me.” And I really wanted beauty that felt just like me but elevated for my wedding day, and WCG was just that! They do soft glam so well - during my trial, my makeup couldn’t have been more perfect. No notes. I ended up after the trail having some doubts with my hair, but on the day of we course corrected and I was so much happier with it. My makeup - still perfect! It lasted 10 hours and 4 hours of dancing without budging.
Ashley B., 6 months ago
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Albany Capture Film & Photography Studios 
Rating: 5.0 (96 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves River Forest, IL

You're not just hiring a photographer—you're gaining a creative partner who’s with you from “yes” to “I do.” I’m Pedro, Creative Director of Albany Capture, and for over 12 years I’ve been documenting love stories through a style that blends photojournalism with fine art. Weddings are more than just events—they're a celebration of connection, and I’m passionate about preserving the real, fleeting moments that make your day unforgettable. To ensure we provide dedicated time and personalized recommendations for your wedding photography and videography needs, we now offer in-depth consultations for a nominal fee of $50.

Awarded Best of Zola
Albany Capture Film & Photography Studios provided us with an exceptional experience from start to finish. Their communication was efficient, professional, and mindful, putting us at ease the entire process. The photographer was experienced, helpful, patient, and kind, guiding us through the photo sessions with ease. They gave us beautiful pictures that we will cherish forever, capturing the special moments of our wedding day with such care and attention to detail. The professionalism and kindness of this team was impeccable, and we are beyond grateful for their contributions to making our day so memorable.
Nelle T., 19 days ago
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Heirloom Event Company 
Rating: 5.0 (93 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 2 services
  • Starts at $2,995
  • Serves River Forest, IL
  • Offer

At Heirloom Event Company, we lead with transparency, clear communication, and genuine care. Serving couples in Chicago, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, and Northwest Arkansas, we’re committed to helping you create a beautiful wedding without breaking your budget or sacrificing what matters most. We offer honest guidance, organized processes, and creative solutions that help you stay grounded, feel supported, and enjoy your planning journey with confidence and ease.

Awarded Best of Zola
Haylie with Heirloom Event Company was absolutely amazing to work with. From the very beginning, she was incredibly organized and consistently thought of details we never would have considered on our own. Leading up to our November 2025 wedding, we met weekly, and Haylie made sure we had everything in place to create the wedding of our dreams. I had a clear vision of what I wanted our wedding day to look like, and Haylie went above and beyond to make sure every single detail was executed perfectly. There is truly no way we could have done this ourselves, especially during the week of and the day of the wedding. Haylie coordinated all of our vendors, set up the decor, and made sure I was taken care of throughout the entire day. As a bride, having that level of support made the experience so much calmer and more enjoyable. Our guests are still talking about how beautifully everything flowed and how perfectly executed the day was. That would not have been possible without Haylie and her incredible team. There is no way I could have planned or had the wedding of my dreams without Heirloom Event Company, and I cannot recommend them enough.
Jess Vander B., 2 months ago
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Nicky Avalo Studios 
Rating: 5.0 (76 reviews)
  • DJ
  • Starts at $1,750
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Nicky Avalo Studios (N.A.S.) is known for elevating the expectation and experience at every wedding, corporate, and private event all across the Midwest & the U.S. We have branches in cities such as; Omaha, Des Moines, Milwaukee, Chicago, and more. We offer services such as; DJ’s, Photo Booths, Videography, Photography, and Live Musicians (consisting of string quartet, harpist, violinist, cellist, and pianist) for every type of event. Our mission is to provide a unique and memorable experience to every client and every event we do.

Awarded Best of Zola
Andre is the man 5/5! Andre offered his bilingual service in a clear and efficient manner. He did not require any queues and was able to pick up instinctually how to proceed with the services that we outlined. He introduced himself and was extremely kind and patient, we could not have asked for a better MC. He went above and beyond and offered to stay longer as necessary. He is a valuable asset to his craft! We look forward to working with Andre and Nicky Avalo Studios in the future!
Mike & E., a year ago
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The Simply Elegant Group 
Rating: 5.0 (76 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 7 services
  • Starts at $1,975
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Lindsay has been in the events industry for years and has overseen hundreds of successful events. Her attention to detail and ability to handle any situation that arises with grace and ease allows her couples to relax and enjoy their wedding day. Lindsay not only plans weddings for our Simply Elegant couples but also trains our entire team of planners to ensure that every Simply Elegant wedding is flawless and our client's vision is fulfilled.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the very first meeting, Valerie from The Simply Elegant Group completely won us over. She met with us in person and spent nearly two full hours diving into every detail of our (okay, mostly my) wedding vision. Right away, it was clear she wasn’t just a planner—she was a listener, a guide, and someone who genuinely cared about making our day unforgettable. What set Valerie apart throughout the planning process was her consistency and calm professionalism. She stayed in regular contact with us—monthly check-ins at first, then weekly as the big day approached, and even daily in that final stretch. She always kept me on track without making things feel overwhelming. She helped with everything from designing signs to crafting our timeline and managing vendor communication. But most of all, she brought this incredible sense of calm that I didn’t know I needed so badly. I’ve seen other planners who are high-energy or frantic, and while they mean well, that kind of energy would have stressed me out. Valerie, on the other hand, had this "I got it" energy that was both reassuring and grounding. No drama, no stress—just total confidence and grace. And then there’s Gabi, her day-of assistant—who was equally amazing. Together, they made sure the day flowed seamlessly. I didn’t have to worry about a single thing. From the ceremony to the reception, every detail was handled with care and professionalism. And I swear—when it looked like it might rain, Valerie must have worked some kind of magic, because we ended up with a stunning 72-degree October day with sunshine. I mean, who else can literally chase the rain away?! Thanks to Valerie (and Gabi!), our wedding day didn’t just meet expectations—it exceeded them. It was everything we dreamed of and more. We are so grateful for their support, calm presence, and true expertise. If you're looking for a planner who brings peace, organization, and genuine care to the biggest day of your life—look no further. Thank you, Valerie, for making our wedding absolutely perfect. We couldn’t be happier!
Erin B., 6 months ago
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Bluewater Kings Band 
Rating: 5.0 (58 reviews)
  • Band or Ensemble
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves River Forest, IL

We're live music experts, wedding enthusiasts, and party starters, infusing every event with energy and full dance floors. We're here to make your wedding the greatest party of your life! The Bluewater Kings are a premium, customizable 3 to 14 piece band specializing in high-energy music–at a sensible price. Our talented and professional musicians have performed regularly with touring and recording artists including Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Cher, Miranda Lambert, Ray LaMontagne, Prince, Shakira, Chicago and Tony Bennett, as well as working and touring with numerous Broadway shows.

Awarded Best of Zola
Bluewater Kings was amazing. There was not one guest in their seat and people that said they never dance at weddings were up dancing! Everyone was asking who are band was saying they were amazing. They really did bring the party and made our wedding reception so much fun!
Alyssa S., 5 months ago
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Luniks Entertainment Inc 
Rating: 5.0 (57 reviews)
  • DJ
  • Starts at $2,400
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Luniks Entertainment specializes in tailoring music to align with your individual style and musical preferences, ensuring that our DJs adeptly gauge the atmosphere to encourage your guests to engage and enjoy. Our comprehensive Wedding DJ packages encompass up to 5 hours of music within the same room/space, featuring an extensive library of songs. Prior to your significant day, we engage in thorough consultations to align with your vision, discussing the timeline and curating a playlist for key moments. Leveraging various planning forms, we strive to orchestrate a seamless and memorable experience for your special day.

Awarded Best of Zola
What can I say!!! The whole experience was amazing! From start to finish! Daniel! Was the best! With helping us organize everything with the music! The flow of things! The music was excellent! DJ Alex read the room very well! The dance floor was never empty! Our guest were saying how well he balanced English and Spanish music and also mentioned that our wedding is one for the books because of how good the music was! Our guest danced there butts off! We are over all happy with everything! We are definitely!! Giving them a call! For our next event!! Thank you Daniel and Alex!! You guys are the best!! -Nick & Nathali
Nick & N., 7 months ago
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Nova Photos 
Rating: 5.0 (54 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $895
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Nova Photos is a wedding photography, videography, and photo booth studio in Chicago, IL. We're a multicultural, multilingual, LGBTQ-friendly, photographer/employee-owned studio dedicated to documenting the most memorable moments of your wedding day! Collectively, we have captured over 10,000 weddings. At Nova Photos, we work with our clients every step of the way. The team provides comprehensive support with planning locations, setting up permits, and creating a timeline that works for them and their other vendors. Every couple deserves more than just memories; they deserve a timeless keepsake that captures the essence of their love story!

Awarded Best of Zola
Thank you Max for an incredible experience! You were amazing to work with. Our photos from our engagement and wedding came out so beautiful! Van, you were also amazing to work with. Your communication was clear and scheduling our sessions was super easy. I highly recommend Nova photos! Affordable, easy to work with, photos came out beautiful. Everything I dreamed of.
Elaine V., 3 months ago
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Chicago Winery 
Rating: 5.0 (52 reviews)
Chicago, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 225 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $20,000

Chicago Winery offers a vibrant setting in the heart of the city, perfect for couples seeking a unique and memorable wedding. The venue combines urban chic with winery charm, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests enjoy the in-house wine selection and customizable menus, ensuring a personalized culinary experience. The attentive staff and flexible event spaces cater to various wedding styles, making it easy to create a bespoke celebration. Chicago Winery is ideal for those looking to blend city sophistication with the intimate feel of a winery.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Allows pets
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Provides event staff

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • On-site parking not available
Awarded Best of Zola
Chicago Winery is a stunning wedding venue that provides a full service experience. An event coordinator is included in the package, who helps you plan your big day from beginning to end--Hulda was ours and we absolutely loved her! Since Chicago Winery is a restaurant, the food was outstanding and the staff well-versed. Their bar package is excellent, and they will work with you to bring in anything else you may need. This space is absolutely stunning from an interior design perspective, which allows for less decor and florals needed to achieve a dreamy look. If you're looking to have a downtown Chicago wedding, look no further than Chicago Winery!
Maryclaire C., 2 years ago
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Walden Chicago 
Rating: 5.0 (46 reviews)
Chicago, IL
  • Venue
  • Up to 275 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $35,000
  • Offer

Walden Chicago offers a blend of urban charm and modern elegance in the heart of the city. The venue’s spacious layout with high ceilings and exposed brick walls creates a unique atmosphere for any wedding. Guests appreciate the attentive staff and customizable options that cater to various wedding styles. The outdoor courtyard adds a special touch, perfect for ceremonies and cocktail hours. With its prime location and exceptional service, Walden Chicago is an ideal choice for couples seeking a memorable and stylish celebration.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Provides event staff

Venue considerations

  • Does not have a dance floor
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
We were absolutely thrilled with our experience at Walden Chicago. From the moment we toured the venue with Maria, we knew it was the perfect place for our November 2024 wedding. A huge added perk that we quickly learned was going to make a huge difference in our wedding planning experience was the included in-house planning team. Kalila and Alyssa supported us from beginning to end. Throughout the planning process both Kalila and Alyssa were attentive and responsive. Whether they were recommending vendors, answering one of many questions, helping us sort through rehearsal dinner options, or navigating final meetings and details they were with us through every step of the way. The online planning tool you gain access to through Walden helps you stay organized and makes sure you don’t forget any detail (big or small). When we had a slight mishap with our cake the day of the wedding they had already reached out to the bakery on our behalf before the wedding was over and a partial refund for the cake was secured by the next morning. Our wedding day ran smoothly thanks to Kalila and Alyssa. I felt as though I did not have to worry about a thing. The planning team handled all communication with vendors and kept us on schedule which allowed for us both to be very present on our big day. I have to highlight the spacious bridal suite as it was the perfect place to start the day. With 9 bridesmaids, a mother of the bride and a mother of the groom you naturally worry about any space feeling cramped but the separate getting ready stations and lounge area allowed everyone to be relaxed and comfortable the morning of the wedding and throughout the wedding day. This was also the perfect space to be tucked away post ceremony to enjoy our first moments together as newlyweds. Walden had our signature drinks and the appetizers waiting for us to enjoy a quiet moment alone before heading down to join our cocktail hour. The rooftop at golden hour made for some breathtaking photos, the ceremony space lit with candles crated the perfect ambiance for our Friday evening ceremony, and the cocktail and reception spaces decorated to fit our vision made for the most memorable day. After the tasting party a few months prior to the wedding, we knew the food and drinks were going to be a stand out part of the evening. Because we were given multiple options for appetizers, salads, mains and drinks, we were really able to personalize the menus to our taste. Guests raved about our food and drinks. We were told by nearly every guest that it was the best food they've ever had at a wedding. Walden seamlessly accommodated various guests food restrictions and allergies as well. As we look back on our wedding day, all we can do is smile. The combination of the beautiful spaces, top-notch planning, and incredible food and drinks made our special day even more memorable. We highly recommend Walden to any couple looking to make their Chicago wedding dreams come true.
Sky D., a year ago
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Flowers For Dreams 
Rating: 4.9 (45 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $500
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Flowers for Dreams is a mission-driven, local flower design company. Using beautiful & natural wedding bouquets to advance causes of justice and charity in your community. There are no silly upsells, no unnecessary add-ons, and always honest pricing. Our designers work with you from the first meeting to your wedding day.

Awarded Best of Zola
We used Flowers For Dreams for our wedding florals and Rachael and the team did a FANTASTIC job! We could not believe how gorgeous every flower was during the day and I’ve received so many compliments. F4dreams was mindful of our vision, budget, and fully executed with great communication. Cannot recommend them enough for their incredible work.
Courtney R., a year ago
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IG PHOTO VIDEO INC. 
Rating: 5.0 (43 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,990
  • Serves River Forest, IL

IGphotovideo offers photography packages and videography packages. You can customize individual packages or bundle a photography and videography package to meet all your needs. Our team capture all your special moments, venue, decor, guests, and more. They use quality equipment and are always prepared for anything. Their services include: — Delivery on USB flash drive in Customized Box and Google Drive — Unlimited number of photos taken and color corrected — Photobook 6*6 (20 pages) or 10*10 (30pages) — Post-production video about 60 – 120 minutes with full ceremony, speeches, first dance, cake cutting, etc... — 4 – 12 min highlight video

Awarded Best of Zola
Ivan and his team were great! From start to finish it was a very smooth process to book with IGphoto, we had an engagement shoot with him as well. The photos for both engagement and wedding turned out amazing. They look luxurious and classic and truly captured what a fun day we had. I’ve watching the highlight video they made for us about a hundred times, it was very well edited. Can’t go wrong booking them!
Emily C., a year ago
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Beauty By Ann Krause 
Rating: 5.0 (43 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 16
  • Starts at $1,795
  • Serves River Forest, IL

The Premier Chicago Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Team for Refined and Approachable Wedding Day Beauty. Beauty by Ann Krause is a wedding hair and makeup team based in Chicago, IL. Our artists will help you to narrow down your inspiration photos and create the Bridal look you have always dreamed of. Ann prides herself in taking away the stress of wedding morning preparations with beauty services brought to your location and following a timeline customized to meet your needs. Please note that there is a six person hair and makeup minimum (or equal service dollar amount) requirement per booking on Friday- Sunday in April through December.

Awarded Best of Zola
Beauty By Ann Krause was an absolute pleasure to work with for my wedding day. From the moment I first reached out, their communication was prompt, friendly, and accommodating. They were incredibly organized and helped ease my nerves on the big day. The glam team (Ann and Laura) did an amazing job - my hair and makeup were perfect and I felt so beautiful and confident walking down the aisle. Their attention to detail and professionalism were top-notch, and the quality of their work was well worth the price. They also were excellent at upholding our notes from the trial run, and made sure I was in love with the glam. They also did my mom and sister's hair and makeup, and they were both extremely pleased with their experience. We looked good! I'm so grateful to the Beauty By Ann Krause team for making me feel my absolute best on my wedding day!
Mallory K., a year ago
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BW Studio + Events 
Rating: 5.0 (43 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $3,800
  • Serves River Forest, IL

BW Studio+Events is a Chicago-based event coordination and planning group serving Chicagoland and surrounding suburbs. The Studio focuses on intimate weddings with unique flair and lots of personal touches. Blair founded BW Studio after hosting a number of non-profit events and finding herself completely immersed in the process. Once she realized her knack for event organization and planning, the studio was quickly born.

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Blair was probably the best decision we made during the process of planning our wedding. My husband and I both work 9-5 corporate jobs, and we knew that we needed to bring someone onto our “wedding team” that would help keep us on track with all of the milestones during the wedding planning process. From the get-go, over our 15-month planning period, Blair was always transparent about timing and was a master of following up regarding timelines, without ever badgering us or coming across as controlling. She spent over an hour discussing budgets with us and our families early on, to make sure that everything we planned stayed in the budget range that we’d all agreed upon. This was especially helpful during our venue and vendor selection process. She helped us find that blew our socks off, and also found us the most wonderful florist (@thelocalpetaler) who was able to provide us way more bang for our buck than any florist we’d be able to find on our own - a huge advantage. While we had our venue already picked out, Blair was able to recommend a food and beverage package with an available catering company that fell delivered us fantastic food and a premium beverage package that fit our budget. 

Leading up to the wedding, Blair was also a master in helping us coordinate our wedding day planning including family photos, transportation e.g. coordinating our bus between multiple hotels and the venue while making it easy for us to just focus on ourselves. The peace of mind that Blair brought us throughout the planning process, week of, and day of our wedding made having our wedding a cakewalk rather than a headache. Spending the money to hire Blair was the best decision we could’ve made for our wedding!
Kelly B., 2 years ago
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Gordino Photo and Video 
Rating: 5.0 (41 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Cinematic style
  • Starts at $2,300
  • Serves River Forest, IL

I'm Godfred Mensah, CEO of Gordino Photo and Video. I'm a passionate, creative, and aspiring artist. What drives my passion is the endless possibility of creating and documenting memorable moments with people.

Awarded Best of Zola
We were looking for a videographer at the last minute and we are SO lucky to have found Gordino Photo and Video. Godfred was extremely prompt with all responses, made himself available for any questions or needs and was extremely easy to work with day of. He gave tons of direction and put together the most moving and beautiful videos. We are so happy to have worked with him and feel lucky to have these videos for a lifetime. 100% recommend to any and everyone looking for a Chicagoland videographer!
Lauren, 4 years ago
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Glow Bridal Co 
Rating: 4.9 (41 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Get your wedding day glow, with Glow Bridal! Serving the Chicago suburbs, we provide onsite makeup and hair for bridal parties, proms, formals, and any special event. Glow Bridal's main priority is to make you feel your absolute best no matter what the special occasion is. We also provide salon services such as hair color, hair extensions, and eyelash extensions. Tricia and Paula will be sure to exceed your expectations and make you GLOW.

Awarded Best of Zola
Glow Bridal Co. is an exceptional wedding beauty team. Their communication style is professional, kind, and they have an amazing attention to detail. The quality of their work is truly out of this world. For my wedding in Mexico, Glow Bridal Co. traveled to make myself and my bridesmaids absolutely beautiful. My hair and makeup turned out so beautifully, beyond anything I could have imagined. I cannot recommend Tricia enough for her incredible services and talent.
Brittany L., a month ago
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Latek Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (39 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $3,900
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Hi, I’m Connie—congratulations on your engagement. Thank you for being here and for considering me as your photographer. I take a thoughtful, hands-on approach and believe the experience matters just as much as the final images. I’m involved well before the wedding day—collaborating on vision, timelines, and details to ensure everything feels intentional and effortless. I love curated Pinterest boards, open communication, and creating imagery that feels elevated, timeless, and personal. This is your day, and it should reflect you. Let’s talk!

Awarded Best of Zola
Connie was our photographer for both our proposal & elopement. She was very fun to work with & made my Pinterest board come to life! I was looking for a dreamy, filmy, romcom vibe to my pictures & Connie definitely delivered! You can see how much love, passion, & creativity she puts into her work through her final edits. Forever grateful that I came across her work on tiktok & will be recommending her services to all my friends & family!
Kaitlin G., a year ago
Toast and Jam DJs 
Rating: 5.0 (39 reviews)
  • DJ
  • Starts at $2,850
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Toast & Jam DJs specialize in making people dance by working closely with our clients to create customized playlists that reflect their tastes. We reject line dances, props, and other gimmicks in favor of perfectly planned and well-timed soundtracks that appeal to every partygoer. That means no Hokey Pokey and no Chicken Dance. At Toast & Jam, we believe that a thoughtful mix of pop favorites, hip-hop bootyshakers, Motown classics, and timeless standards are fun and self-respecting alternative to those embarrassing and played-out dancefloor clichés.

Toast and Jam was the best pick for our wedding DJ team! DJ Alli was so fun and easy to work with throughout the whole wedding planning process. She did a fantastic job with our music, and we practically spent the whole night on the dance floor! Thank you for making our wedding feel like such a party!
Andrea G., 5 months ago
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The Still Life Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (37 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,450
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Jay & Nicole Vega decided to pursue a career together in the art of Photography. Met & married in Chicago in 2013, two people set out on a business venture of a lifetime. While Nicole is the main photographer of the company, we have also expanded and hired reliable, talented photographers to work along side with us, while still maintaining a small business feel.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment I inquired, The Still Life Photography was an absolute pleasure to work with. Even though Nicole, the lead photographer, was based in a different time zone, her communication was best-in-class. She was incredibly responsive and helpful every step of the way, from our initial conversations to the delivery of our stunning photo gallery. Nicole's work was absolutely breathtaking, and I still fawn over my pictures every time I look at them! She was truly so amazing and went above and beyond to capture all the special moments of our wedding day. I cannot recommend The Still Life Photography highly enough - they were an integral part of making our wedding day perfect.
Mary C., a year ago
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Emma Mullins Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (37 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $7,500
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Digital + Film Wedding Photography Hi! I'm Emma, owner and lead photographer of Emma Mullins Photography. Our goal is simple: to capture your vibe, your people, and your love in a way that looks and feels true to life. We just wrapped our 13th Chicago wedding season, and it's been a whirlwind of all things real and fabulous! Emma Mullins Photography embraces diversity and inclusivity. We are a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community and happy to serve humans of every background, gender and identity.

Awarded Best of Zola
We are huge fans of Emma! Here are 5 reasons she should also be your wedding photographer: 1. Emma is incredibly nice and was so generous with wedding organizing wisdom. She helped us feel more confident about the thousands of small details in the entire process, from our first Zoom meeting with her to the engagement photo shoot to the final shots on our wedding day 2. She is incredibly thorough as a communicator. We never had any question about what she needed or what she was doing before, during, or after the ceremony. And she was even very communicative via email with our moms(!) 3. She is so organized but also so creative. She kept our wedding day smooth by planning out all the posed shots needed, and she got all photos back to us in an always impressive timeframe. But she was also always open for a surprising shot or a little experiment. It made her work feel even more personal 4. She was a rock star on our wedding day, if you couldn’t tell. And she was a super fun hang during our engagement photo session, which featured Emma, my wife, and I improvising playful shots during a sudden rain storm(!) 5. Most of all, when she’s taking photos of you, her excitement in that moment fires you up more and makes you feel so comfortable. She makes you feel like your pictures are the best wedding photos ever taken. (But ours were, obviously)
Moira M and N., 4 months ago
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YJDecorating 
Rating: 5.0 (35 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves River Forest, IL

YJDecorating is Chicago’s Premiere Wedding and Special Event Decorating Company. We are proud to be the “One Source” for all of your Wedding Floral & Event Decor. We offer a wide range of services including Floral Design, Backdrops, Chuppahs & Drapery, Venue Lighting & Effects, Event Furniture Rentals and more. Our vast experience in the wedding and event industry makes us the top choice for Chicagoland weddings and events. We pride ourselves as a detail oriented company that is extremely passionate about every event we produce.

Awarded Best of Zola
Yvonne at YJ Decorating was absolutely amazing to work with! She was very responsive and communication was fantastic! She helped me throughout the process of picking out florals and was very supportive when I changed my vision after our initial consultation. I appreciated the fact that she invited me in to her studio to go thru different design options and was very transparent on cost. What I appreciated most was her level of understanding and empathy and took time to learn more about me while I was going thru the planning process. Highly recommend!
Dina G., 5 months ago
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Munaco Pictures (Wedding Videography) 
Rating: 5.0 (35 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Cinematic style
  • Starts at $2,999
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Munaco Pictures (Wedding Videography) has captured 500+ weddings in over 25 states! We are dedicated to creating timeless, cinematic wedding films that you and your loved ones will cherish for a lifetime. It is our mission to showcase your individuality and capture the essence of your love in a personalized and heartfelt way.

Awarded Best of Zola
I've had the pleasure of working with Tom and his team over at Munaco Pictures (Wedding Videography) on multiple occasions, and I can say with confidence that they are a true asset to any couple's wedding day. Their communication style is prompt, efficient, and clear, making the entire process seamless. The quality of their work is nothing short of timeless, professional, and high-end. As a photographer, I've witnessed firsthand how Munaco's team brings a wonderful personality to their craft, contributing greatly to the success of these special days. I highly recommend Munaco Pictures to any couple seeking a truly memorable wedding videography experience.
Nicole V., a year ago
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Afterglow Weddings and Events 
Rating: 5.0 (34 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Hi there, I’m Olivia, the face behind Afterglow Weddings and Events! With over five years of experience in the wedding industry, including catering and venue sales, I've been part of more than 100 love stories. My journey in the Chicago wedding industry has included time as a venue coordinator, catering sales manager and event coordinator. My favorite part about working in the industry is working with couples to help their wedding dreams come to life. At Afterglow Weddings and Events, I'm dedicated to bringing your dreams to life and ensuring every detail reflects your unique love story.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the first call with Camille, I knew we were in the right hands! Despite the super tight timeframe we were working with (1 month), she took the time to really get to know us and our vision, support us along the way, and provide excellent guidance when we were unsure. Other planners we met with were nowhere near as personable, detail oriented, and engaged as Camille. She was so prepared, focused, and never lost sight of both the big picture of the day and how we were doing in the moment. We didn't have a bridal party, but having Camille there felt like having a best friend nearby to help with whatever I needed. She genuinely loves what she does and believes your wedding day should be the best day of your lives and she does everything in her power to make that come true.
Kelly C., 3 months ago
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Beautyhood 
Rating: 5.0 (32 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $650
  • Serves River Forest, IL

Meet Noemi, or Mimi as friends call her, a beauty lover whose passion started with playing around with Mary Kay samples on her little vanity as a kid, all thanks to her mom's fun spirit. ​ After graduating from Pivot Point in 2008, Mimi jumped headfirst into the beauty world. She's all about making eyes pop with lashes and glamming up brides with her magic touch. In 2019, she made her salon dream a reality with Beautyhood! ​ At Beautyhood, Mimi's all about creating a chill vibe while giving top-notch beauty treatments. Come join her for a journey where every client leaves feeling like the best version of themselves, one makeover at a time!

Awarded Best of Zola
Great makeup. I couldn’t have asked for a better makeup artist for my wedding day!
Tera M., a year ago

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