The Best Wedding Vendors in Essex, CT

The Best Wedding Vendors in Essex, CT

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in Essex, CT

GemHidden gem
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat 

5.0

Essex, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 230 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

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., 4 days ago
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Mystic River Entertainment 

5.0

  • 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
Our wedding was perfect for many reasons but Jeff went above and beyond for our event as our DJ. We didn’t give much direction as far as songs but Jeff was so intuitive to our crowd that every song made every guest get up out of their seat. Jeff is a pro and the compliments are still being received on the music for the event. Jeff was patient with the requests that came consecutively his way from our guests and he mixed those in seamlessly with the existing set. We could not be happier with the service and Jeff’s commitment to professionalism is second to none. Book Mystic River Entertainment for your next event, we are so glad we did.
Rebecca C., 10 months ago
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LA Page Makeup 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 13
  • 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
LA Page Makeup was an absolute delight to work with for our wedding day. From our very first interaction, the team was incredibly friendly, professional, and detailed in their communication, putting us at ease throughout the entire planning process. On the day of, our hair and makeup artists were so talented and truly made the getting ready period even more fun and special. They listened closely to our vision and executed it flawlessly, creating looks that were picture-perfect and long-lasting. Their attention to detail was impeccable, and we felt so cared for and beautiful thanks to their expertise. We cannot recommend LA Page Makeup highly enough - they helped make our wedding day dreams come true!
Ella B., 5 months ago
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Wood & Word Blooms, sola wood floral designs (faux not fresh) 

5.0

  • 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 absolutely wonderful to work with! She took my idea of Harry Potter inspired bouquets and made it a reality. Throughout the process, she kept me updated and checked in on any suggested changes to make sure I was happy. I was absolutely stunned by the results and my bridesmaids loved their bouquets, which I gave to them as a gift after the wedding. I highly recommend Wood & Word Blooms if you're looking for beautiful custom bouquets that will last you forever and incredible customer service.
Melissa, a month ago
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Anne Fitzgerald Makeup Artistry 

5.0

  • 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, 6 months ago
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Terrence Irving Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,200
  • 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 was an absolute joy to work with for our wedding photography. His easygoing and respectful communication style made us feel at ease through the entire process. On the big day, Terrence captured all those special moments with his creative eye and professional work - from the heartfelt exchanges at the altar to the entertaining dancefloor antics later that night. The final wedding album beautifully encapsulates the love and joy we felt. My mom couldn't stop raving about Terrence's incredible talent and tireless work ethic to document every important moment. We highly recommend Terrence Irving Photography for any couple looking to cherish the memories of their special day with stunning, creative photos that capture the essence of their love!
Amanda, a year ago
Everlasting Affairs, LLC 

5.0

  • 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., 8 months ago
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The Barns at Wesleyan Hills 

4.9

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
Every step of the way this team took such good care of us as a couple and guided us in the direction of the BEST people to work with. We had the pleasure of planning a majority of the wedding with Allie - who let me tell you, is INCREDIBLE. She is the absolute sweetest and has such an eye for detail (while always keeping budget in mind), she made the whole planning experience so easy and fun! As for day of - we could not have been more taken care. Mary was our day of coordinator and took care of EVERYTHING. She always was checking in with me, calming me down, offering food or drinks to keep me comfortable - it felt like another friend there to make sure nothing went wrong. Not to mention - she bustled my dress for me!!! Eddy was a HUGE part of our day when it came to food - he made sure we ate everything and even delivered food directly to us at times!! Our day would not have been the same without them there. As for the entire wedding experience - it was an absolute dream, everything about it was perfect. The food was out of this world incredible & they were able to accommodate to my Celiac and almost everything was made gluten free (and allergy friendly for certain guests). The bartenders were kind enough to learn guests names and drinks and treated everyone like family. We truly had the wedding of our dreams at The Barns - could not have had a better experience from start to finish.
Jessica V., 2 months ago
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Evergreen Farms 

5.0

Dayville, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Offer

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., 6 months ago
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Shakeup Makeup LLC 

5.0

  • 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
Shakeup Makeup LLC was amazing to work with for my wedding day. Marissa, the makeup artist, was incredibly easy to communicate with and made the process seamless. She arrived early, set up efficiently, and ensured that my bridesmaids and I all looked and felt beautiful. Marissa's upbeat personality helped amp us up for the big day, and the quality of her work was perfect - I looked stunning. Thank you Marissa for helping make me look and feel my best on my special day!
Melissa, 4 months ago
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HairstylesCo. 

4.9

  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $150
  • Serves Essex, CT

Hey there! I'm Meghan, the founder of HairstylesCo! Want to know a little about how it all started? As a kid growing up in the 90s, barbies, Polly pocket, basically any doll that allowed you to customize the hairstyle…you name it, I had it. Picture this tiny girl holding a barbie styling head, running as fast as her 7 year old nugget legs would carry her. All to show her mom the “twist braid” hairstyle she spent hours “creating”. Guess you could say I knew my path all along…Fast forward to hair school, 15 years ago. First day-I knew I was in the right place! Now to describe my style-I'd rather give you a visual.

Meg's work speaks for itself - she is so talented at what she does! She was amazing to work with from the first time I reached out to her to the big day. I sent over some ideas prior to my hair trial and after sharing a picture of my dress, she helped me pick the perfect style to match it. It made the trail so easy and minimal changes had to be made to achieve the perfect look. On the big day, she was on time, professional, and so much fun to work with. My hair tends to get frizzy very easily when it's down (in this case half down), but she made sure it stayed looking amazing all night long, despite lots of dancing and even some rain in the evening. I cannot say enough good things about her! She's so talented and made me feel so beautiful on my wedding day. I highly recommend her to everyone and anyone looking for a hairstylist for their wedding!
Kat B., a year ago
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Smudge 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 10
  • Starts at $600
  • 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. *Now booking 2025 and 2026*

Awarded Best of Zola
The Smudge team did an incredible job with hair and makeup for our wedding day! Adrienne & Megan were professional, talented, and a joy to work with. They listened to our vision and brought it to life perfectly, making everyone in the bridal party feel stunning. The makeup and hairstyles lasted all day and were photographed beautifully too. Smudge’s attention to detail and calming presence made the morning stress-free. We highly recommend them for any wedding or special occasion!
Anya W., 7 months ago
AVENTZ Co. 

4.7

  • Planner
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $1,200
  • 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
A few weekends ago I had the opportunity to DJ a wedding and Abby, owner of Aventz Co. was the wedding coordinator. Having worked with many coordinators over the past six years, Abby was hands down, the best I have ever worked with. Our correspondences began months before the wedding. Abby reached out to me to introduce herself and discussed the details of the wedding, what the bride and groom wanted, and presented a preliminary timeline. When changes occurred, Abby notified me immediately. A week before the wedding, Abby sent out a incredibly detailed list of the days events to all the vendors. The attachments included 4, multiple page outlines and diagrams of the ceremony set up, pictures of the park layout, the guest seating chart (as well as each meal selection), and even a video showing a map of the area while providing commentary of the schedule for the day. I was impressed by her attention to detail and commitment to excellence. During the wedding, Abby was everywhere, given directions, helping with plating, and making sure everything was perfect. She is hands down, the best coordinator I have worked with and will certainly be referring her to all my future clients.
Robert Banspach, 10 months ago
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Chelsea Rush Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,100
  • Serves Essex, CT

📸 Hi, I'm Chelsea, a wedding photographer with a love for capturing joy! With 4 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 did a phenomenal job taking our wedding photos. All of our photos came out beautifully and she captured our day perfectly. I am forever grateful to always have these photos to remember our day and that we hired Chelsea as our photographer for our wedding day!!!
Autumn H., a year ago
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Evermore Beauty 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Serves Essex, CT

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 10+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 17+ 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
This was the first time I ever had my hair and makeup done and the makeup looked amazing, but the hair looked OUT OF THIS WORLD. The words "Disney Princess" were thrown around a lot - it was really truly magical. Thank you!
Jamie, 6 months ago
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Sterling Flower Farm 

5.0

  • 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
Zoe and Gabby did the florals for my wedding in June 2024. All of the florals were absolutely stunning. I was absolutely obsessed with my bridal and bridesmaids bouquets. They used my pinterest board to truly create the bouquets of my dreams. Everyone in the reception were commenting on the table florals as well. Zoe and Gabby were so easy to work with. I had a ton of questions about different options such as bud vases vs. compote bowls, hanging florals, arch florals and more. They were both so patient with me while I figured out what I wanted. I also changed my vision from when we first spoke and they were so easy about the changes. I really loved supporting a local, women owned business. I also loved that all of the flowers were grown locally. I couldn't recommend Sterling Flower Farm enough.
Jackie C., 9 months ago
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Dawson Entertainment Production, LLC 

5.0

  • 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
John did a fantastic job as our wedding DJ! He really took into account our music preferences and made sure to smoothly execute all the small details of the night. We had a blast on the dance floor all night and so did our guests (we got many compliments from guests on how good our DJ was). Thank you to Jason as well for his coordination with our ceremony musicians on the equipment prior to the wedding. All in all, Dawson entertainment is a great team to work with!
Alexa L., 6 months ago
GemHidden gem
First and Last Productions LLC 

5.0

  • 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!

An absolutely wonderful videographer! Julius was so amazing to work with before, during, and after our big day. He was efficient, prompt, and a joy to work with. He and his assistant videographer Colby worked tirelessly to get the footage of our big day and they did so in a way that we always felt comfortable. I was nervous I would be hyper aware of the cameras, but I wasn’t at all. We received our videos and they are BEAUTIFUL. He truly is an artist. It can be a scary thing to choose a company to handle such an important task, but rest assured, if you choose first and last productions, you’ll be in good hands.
Andrea Marrero H., 7 months ago
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The Pavilion on Crystal Lake 

5.0

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
The Pavilion on Crystal Lake was an excellent venue for our wedding. Their communication was efficient and responsive throughout the planning process, which helped make organizing a wedding much less stressful. The venue itself is versatile and beautiful, with an indoor space for the reception and ceremony as well as a lovely outdoor area overlooking the lake that was perfect for photos. The staff worked hard to make sure our vision came to life. For the quality of the venue and service, The Pavilion offers great overall value. I would happily recommend them to any couple looking for a memorable lakefront wedding venue with a helpful and professional team.
Darshell F., 8 months ago
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ALM Photography 

5.0

  • 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 10 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. Brides and grooms-to-be, as you prepare for your special day, trust me to capture the magic with skillful artistry and heartfelt sincerity. Let my background as both a caretaker and visual storyteller ensure that every moment is beautifully preserved, creating lasting memories for years to come.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we reached out to ALM Photography, Tony was incredibly responsive, timely, and professional in his communication. His attention to detail was evident throughout the entire process. The photos he captured of our wedding day were truly stunning, and we were amazed at how affordable his services were. He made sure to take photos of our parents and guests, as well as all the little details that made our day so special. The only thing we would have liked is if he had taken more photos of us with our wedding party and our children, I am honestly a bit bummed about that. However, I suppose I should have paid closer attention to that to ensure that was done. Overall, we are thrilled with the memories Tony helped us preserve from our wedding day. We highly recommend ALM Photography to any couple looking for an experienced, talented, and customer-focused photographer.
Jenn B., 4 months ago
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Kelli's Kitchen 

5.0

  • 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
We had Kelli’s cater our 150 person wedding. The execution by the staff was exceptional. Her food presentation is beautiful, and the taste is even better. Kelly’s industry experience was a huge plus as she was able to think of the important things for our big day. Our guests raved about the food and their experience. We have even attended two other weddings where Kelli has catered and have seen consistency, continued creativity, and have truly enjoyed how personable and professional the entire staff is.
Amy B., 8 months ago
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True Colors Productions 

5.0

  • Videographer
  • Storytelling style
  • 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
I can't say enough great things about Taylor! I knew from our initial call that I wanted him on our vendor team and I couldn't be happier with my decision! His films capture the elegant and timeless vibes I was hoping for and he was an absolute joy to plan and work with. Taylor and my photographer blended seamlessly and teamed up on the big day to work their magic. Our social media reel is my favorite thing to watch now and we're so excited to see the final product! Taylor is truly gifted and I would highly recommend him to any bride!
Lindsay C., a year ago
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Brianna Ritoli Photography LLC 

5.0

  • 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
We are SO glad we worked with Bri! From start to finish she was supportive, communicative, and onboard with our elopement. My husband and I are not comfortable in front of the camera and she made it so easy to get beautiful photos! I let Bri use her artistic vision to get a lot of our photos, and I am so happy I did. Her and Lucas were fabulous - and essential to keeping our elopement as quiet as possible. I will definitely be reaching out to Bri if we ever need any other photos done! Thank you so so much for capturing our day!!
Katelyn H., 10 months ago
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RJ Stewart Events 

5.0

  • Planner
  • Offers 5 services
  • Starts at $500
  • Serves Essex, CT

RJ Stewart Events is a premier event planning service led by Becky, a Master Certified Wedding Planner with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences. Specializing in weddings and social events, Becky brings creativity, attention to detail, and personalized touches to every event. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on stress-free planning, RJ Stewart Events ensures that every client’s vision is brought to life seamlessly. Trust Becky to turn your event dreams into reality.

Awarded Best of Zola
Oh my gosh I can’t say enough about this company. She has helped me out so much and my wedding day is August 3 and I can’t wait to have her to help me with everything else.
Jamie P., a year ago
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Rudbeckia Florals 

5.0

  • Florist
  • Serves Essex, CT

Hey 👋, I’m Rebecca, owner and lead florist at Rudbeckia florals. I create custom designs for every occasion. With a background in sustainability, I source flowers from local CT flower farms and limit the use of traditional floral foam.

Awarded Best of Zola
We worked with Becky to design the florals for our baby shower and were absolutely blown away by her choice of colors, flowers, and arrangement style! She went out of her way to make the arrangements special to us while fitting the theme of our shower. We had so many guests commenting on the overall floral aesthetic, and she even designed a Flower Bar for guests to create their own bouquet to take home as favors which was a big hit! Highly recommend Rudbeckia Florals for any event!
Kaelyn P., 6 months ago
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Hope Lodge Venue 

4.9

Moosup, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 170 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Offer

Located in Moosup, Connecticut, Hope Lodge Venue is a unique event space. Perfect for celebrations, it has 2 floors of 5000 square feet of beautifully renovated space in a building bursting with historic charm. On the top floor, couples will encounter a wood ceiling, barn doors, gold chandelier and a huge stage. Combined, these elements can create an atmosphere like no other. On the lower level, couples will find an industrial but chic rustic space with large windows, full bar and bridal suite.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Rustic charm with elegance
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • No on-premises lodging options
Awarded Best of Zola
I had the pleasure of working with Hope Lodge Venue recently as a wedding photographer and I can say they are a fantastic choice . Their communication style is incredibly responsive, helpful, and enthusiastic - they go above and beyond to ensure every detail is taken care of. Great quality of work for a the value ; the venue is open, clean, bright, and airy, creating the perfect atmosphere for a wedding or big event . One memorable example was when the staff dressed up along with the Gatsby-themed wedding, truly immersing themselves in the couple's vision. My only suggestion would be for them to potentially expand their parking area in the future, but overall, Hope Lodge Venue is an excellent option for couples seeking a beautiful, well-managed wedding venue and one they could decorate and make their own.
Caroline, 8 months ago
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The Mansion At Bald Hill 

4.8

Woodstock, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,750

The Mansion at Bald Hill is a historic, private mansion that serves as a premier wedding venue, gourmet restaurant and B&B in South Woodstock, Connecticut. The mansion is a historic landmark that offers a private, quiet getaway – making it the perfect venue for your wedding day. The team of award-winning chefs uses the highest quality of fresh, organic and local ingredients to create unique seasonal menus personalized for you. The mansion hosts six elegant guest rooms for overnight stays, and has beautiful grounds and gardens where you will celebrate your special day.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • Allows pets

Venue considerations

  • Best for events with big guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
We couldn’t have asked for a better venue for our wedding! We wanted a venue with history, beautiful views, affordable, and only had one wedding a day -- and we got it! From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the stunning scenery and beautiful architecture. The staff was incredibly accommodating, the bartenders were so thoughtful. One brought in mint from her garden, as mojitos were my favorite drink! While there were a few moments of uncertainty and lack of communication in the planning process, it didn't take away from the magic of the day. The outdoor ceremony space was perfect, surrounded by lush greenery and gorgeous views. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about how beautiful everything was! Inside, the reception area was equally impressive, with plenty of room for dancing and celebrating. The food was absolutely delicious, and they offered a variety of options that everyone loved. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect, from the decor to the service. Overall, our experience at this venue was nothing short of magical. We feel so lucky to have chosen this place to start our new chapter together. Highly recommend it to any couple looking for the perfect and affordable wedding venue!
Camille B., 6 months ago
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Pachaug Cottages 

5.0

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
We were hired to provide entertainment for a wedding and reception at this amazing venue and we couldn't be more impressed with its beauty and fantastic water view. Perfect spot for a wedding or any event. The location is intimate and warm. The venue is simply amazing and the on-site host was wonderful. We can't wait to perform there again!
John Morabito sr, 2 years ago
Nicole York Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, CT

Hii! I'm Nicole and I am an Emergency Room Nurse by night and a photographer by day! I pursued my passion for photography in 2017 when I would attend my boyfriend (now fiancé's) motocross races all over New England. I quickly began capturing family and friends and learned that I loved capturing moments in life big and small! I love capturing people in love and enjoy being able to make others feel beautiful and confident through my photos.

Awarded Best of Zola
Nicole York Photography was an absolute dream to work with for our wedding. From the very start, their communication was top-notch - they were always available via text, call, or email, and made the entire process incredibly easy. The quality of their work was simply wonderful, effortless, and perfect. Nicole even went above and beyond, carrying my train for me throughout the day since I didn't have any bridesmaids. She is truly a hard worker who goes out of her way to make you feel special on your big day. Nicole is a complete sweetheart, and I would recommend her photography services to anyone planning a wedding.
Lisa G., 6 months ago
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DJ Services by Glen 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Essex, CT

As a family owned and operated DJ business based in Somers, CT, we take pride in providing memorable Wedding DJ services and we offer fair pricing.I am DJ Glen and I love doing this full time and it’s not all about the money, I truly enjoy weddings!!This really is a fun thing for me to do! All of our DJ’s bring a positive energy and get the dance floor packed and go with the flow! We are the DJ that takes requests! We are the DJ that communicates with the photographer and the videographer! We don’t miss a beat! Book now and have confidence that your party will be happening! *******FULLY INSURED********

Awarded Best of Zola
DJ Glen is where it’s at!! I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible job he did as the DJ for our shared client’s wedding! His performance truly made the event unforgettable. As a wedding coordinator, having the vendors be so supportive and enjoyable to work with really does make it so special for not only the bride and groom, but for us too! From the moment we began working together, I was impressed by his professionalism and enthusiasm. He went above and beyond to understand the couple’s preferences and create a playlist that perfectly matched the vibe they were aiming for. His ability to read the crowd and keep the energy high was simply amazing. Not only did he deliver an outstanding musical experience, but he also made the entire process smooth and efficient. His friendly demeanor and can-do attitude made it a pleasure to work with. I received numerous compliments from the guests about how much they enjoyed the music and the overall atmosphere he helped create. He played a significant role in making the event a resounding success. I will definitely be recommending his services to anyone in need of a fantastic DJ!!
Mikaela F., 6 months ago

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