The Best Wedding Vendors in Essex, CT

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in Essex, CT

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

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

Why you'll love this venue

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

Venue considerations

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

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

Awarded Best of Zola
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., a year ago
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Mystic River Entertainment 
Rating: 5.0 (58 reviews)
  • DJ
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
Jeff made our wedding day incredible, far beyond what we could have imagined. His flawless transitions, impeccable song selections, and masterful mixes created a soundtrack that perfectly captured the spirit of our celebration. Everyone kept telling us he was the best DJ they’d ever heard, and his music had people dancing even during dinner. I could go on and on, but it’s clear that booking with Mystic River Entertainment guarantees exceptional service from a genuinely fantastic person. Thank you so much, Jeff - our wedding wouldn't have been the same without you!
Bride and G., 2 years ago
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Wood & Word Blooms, sola wood floral designs (faux not fresh) 
Rating: 5.0 (36 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Essex, CT
  • Offer

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

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Jen for our October 2025 wedding was AMAZING!! From the moment we sent in an online inquiry, Jen was attentive, responsive, thoughtful, and incredibly detail oriented. She got us set up with a project planning doc immediately, and she was SO patient with us even when we were annoyingly indecisive about our vision lol. She met with us via Zoom to answer all of our questions when we were struggling to finish the document (and she is just as thorough and helpful via Zoom as she is via email). Once we placed our final order, Jen was communicative and thorough about the process of what happened next in terms of pickup, payment, etc. When we picked up our flowers, we were ASTOUNDED by how beautiful they were. I mean, we knew they would be beautiful, but truly, WOW. Aside from bouquets & boutonnieres, we also got garlands to use as centerpieces for our guests’ farmhouse tables, as well as small wooden circle magnets with a flower on top (we wood burned the j c into them ourselves) to use as favors. And they all looked incredible. An employee at our venue said that our decor was “the best she’s ever seen this place look,” and a large part of our decor was these flowers. I cannot recommend Jen and Wood and Word Blooms ENOUGH!!! PS bouquet photo is from today (1/5/26)!! The longevity is insane!
Jamie W / C., 3 months ago
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The Barns at Wesleyan Hills 
Rating: 5.0 (33 reviews)
Middletown, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 225 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $25,000

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

Why you'll love this venue

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

Venue considerations

  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Not for you if you're looking for a sleek and contemporary space
  • No on-premises lodging options
Awarded Best of Zola
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., a year ago
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The Pavilion on Crystal Lake 
Rating: 5.0 (33 reviews)
Middletown, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 210 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $20,000

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

Why you'll love this venue

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

Venue considerations

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

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

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

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

Awarded Best of Zola
Mother of the bride here! Ann and her crew were absolutely wonderful. They showed up on time ready to get to work and made all of us look gorgeous! I received many compliments during the wedding reception as to how my hair looked, especially! I have very fine thin hair that goes flat immediately and, an in company made it look full and the style held the entire night. Anne, you need to tell me what you used on my hair!
Nancy G., 2 years ago
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Everlasting Affairs, LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (27 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
I can’t recommend Victoria enough! I reached out to her nearly two years ago with what I thought was a “laundry list” of questions, and I’ll be honest—I was skeptical at first about hiring a wedding planner. I wasn’t sure if it would be worth the investment. But Victoria immediately put my worries to rest with her detailed, thoughtful responses. From that very first interaction, I knew she was the right choice. I initially booked her vendor package, where she scheduled and coordinated all of our vendors, but eventually upgraded to include decor and other little details because, honestly, wedding planning can get overwhelming! Victoria was my rock throughout the entire process—especially in the week leading up to our big day. As someone who tends to overthink, having her there to guide me, reassure me, and manage the details was priceless. On our wedding day, everything went off without a hitch. Victoria’s attention to detail and calm presence ensured that the day was as perfect as we had imagined. My only regret? Not snapping a photo with her amidst all the excitement! If you’re considering a wedding planner, Victoria is worth every penny. She doesn’t just plan weddings—she creates an experience that allows you to truly enjoy your day without stress
Nana, 7 months ago
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Terrence Irving Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,500
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
We found Terrence very early on in our wedding process. His gallery had some of the most beautiful photos we had ever seen; some were dramatic, which is what my husband loves, others were soft, warm, and candid, which were my favorites. To find a photographer that could fit both of our styles was so exciting. Terrence’s package was over our budget, in part because we were marrying in NY, so would have to pay a travel fee. I was convinced I could find someone within budget. I searched and agonized for an additional two months. Finally, my now-husband convinced me that the photos would be the one thing from the day we would get to keep forever and we sprang for Terrence and let me tell you, both of us have agreed the extra cost was more then justified. In high heat and humidity and looming storms, Terrence did everything he could to keep us on-schedule and to get incredible photos at a venue he had never even been to. We just received our sneak peak gallery and all of us are in awe of the photos he captured. We look forward to working with Terrence in the future for other big life moments, and you should absolutely book him too - engagement shoot or wedding, Terrence will capture your moment perfectly!
Amanda L., 2 years ago
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Chad Whelan 
Rating: 5.0 (24 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Documentary style
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
Chad was absolutely amazing!! Not only was he extremely responsive and adorable, but his work is incredible. My husband and I cried so many happy tears relieving the memories he capture for us! Book him!!
Samantha D., 2 months ago
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Chelsea Rush Photography 
Rating: 4.9 (19 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,415
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
I cannot recommend Chelsea enough!!! From the moment we first inquired with her, to our engagement shoot, to the planning process leading up to our wedding and to the absolutely amazing work she did capturing our wedding, Chelsea is so so incredible. She exceeded our expectations and more. She is thorough, prompt and really pays attention to detail. Chelsea is very timely with emails and messages, and can answer any question or challenge you bring to her. She is very organized and was a huge piece to how our wedding stayed on time and on track. Chelsea captured all of my inspo pics as well as all the photo combinations we wanted at our wedding. The turnaround time of when she gets our pictures back to us is insane!! Chelsea is one in a million and we cannot wait to work with her again in the future!!!
Lexi, 9 months ago
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First and Last Productions LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (19 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Cinematic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
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., 2 years ago
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Smudge 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 9
  • Starts at $700
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Smudge for our wedding day makeup/hair was an absolute delight. Their communication was quick, helpful, and so nice - they were able to put me at ease when I was feeling nervous, and we had a fun, laidback time listening to music while they worked their magic. The quality of their work was impeccable, stunning, and left everyone looking model-level gorgeous. The guide on their website was really helpful in knowing exactly what they needed to make the day go as smoothly as possible. Smudge truly contributed to making our special day perfect and I can't recommend them enough!
Wendy M., 2 years ago
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Evergreen Farms 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
Dayville, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,000
  • 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 an amazing place to host our wedding weekend. Not only is the venue rustic, up and coming, and classic, the owners Jess and Mike are there for you from ever before you book with them, throughout the whole planning process, and during your wedding day. For us, their help on our wedding day went above and beyond. Our wedding day was filled with severe thunderstorm warnings and during our reception as it was down pouring, Jess and Mike were outside preventing flooding with shopvacs and sandbags so our caterers could enter and leave safely. All of this happened behind the scenes. What drew us for the venue from the beginning was the ability to have the venue for the whole weekend - afternoon on Friday through early Sunday morning. We were able to host our rehearsal dinner, set up early on Friday and then breakdown our items on Sunday morning which eased up our stress quite a bit. Our guests were in awe of the beauty of the venue. My husband and I couldn’t recommend Evergreen Farms more for your special day.
Natalie C., 7 months ago
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Shakeup Makeup LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 1
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
I cannot speak highly enough about Marisa! From the very beginning, she made me feel completely comfortable and empowered, allowing me to stay in the driver’s seat every step of the way. As someone who rarely wears makeup, I was nervous about not feeling like myself on such an important day, but Marisa listened carefully and recreated a natural yet radiant look that felt so me. I truly felt beautiful and like myself, which is all I could have hoped for. Marisa has such kind and warm energy. She was thoughtful and genuinely invested in making sure I felt my best. She even sent me off with a personalized touch-up bag complete with lipstick and other little goodies that added a really special touch. I’m so grateful to have had her as part of my special day.
Erica M., 9 months ago
AVENTZ Co. 
Rating: 4.8 (17 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 4 services
  • Starts at $2,700
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
Abby is a no brainer hire! Incredibly thoughtful, experienced, knowledgeable, intuitive, comprehensive, kind, and affordable! We were on a pretty tight budget so we hired Abby for her partial planning/day-of coordination and I can’t imagine what we would have done without her. I planned everything myself but as soon as she came on board, I felt so much comfort and relief knowing my wedding was in good hands and I could focus on other things. She is the definition of PRO. We had event staff bail the night before and she was able to find an amazing team of folks to fill their shoes! She ran our rehearsal like a well-oiled machine. She saw me dancing with my new husband with an empty drink in my hand and quickly swooped in to grab it; it’s the little things that tell you she’s putting you first on the most important day of your life. My entire wedding party adored her and even invited her out to the after party! If I could give her 50 stars I would. As my bridesmaids would say, QUEEN ABBY FOREVER. ️
Maddy F., 6 months ago
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HairstylesCo. 
Rating: 4.9 (17 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $150
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

I am so grateful to have had Meghan be part of my special day. I couldn’t have asked for a better hairstylist. If you want to feel amazing and have the hairstyle of your dreams in your wedding day, Meghan is the person for you!
Elouise T., 7 months ago
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Evermore Beauty 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $400
  • Serves Essex, CT
  • Offer

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

Awarded Best of Zola
Evermore Beauty was an absolute pleasure to work with for my wedding day. From the initial consultation, Eve and Megan demonstrated clear, concise communication and a true understanding of my vision. They were attentive to my needs, thoughtful in their approach, and highly skilled in their craft. Eve knew exactly what to do for my makeup based on our trial, and she gave my bridesmaids exactly what they had hoped for as well. Megan was fantastic in executing the rest of the hair for my bridal party. Our hair and makeup was stunning and held up beautifully all night long. Eve and Megan were professional, kind, and supportive through the entire process, continually checking in on me and my bridal party to ensure we were having a wonderful time. I cannot recommend Evermore Beauty enough - they truly helped make my wedding day perfect.
Emily L., 2 years ago
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Rudbeckia Florals 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
We are so glad that we hired Rudbeckia Florals for our wedding! Rebecca was able to quickly capture our initial vision in a creative mood board, which made it easy for us to provide feedback. We were really impressed with how she seamlessly worked with our wedding planner and other vendors to ensure her florals and the flowers in rented items (e.g. arch and pillars) were cohesive in color and style. All of the florals Rebecca created were so beautiful and several of our guests stated that they were the best they have ever seen. I would highly recommend her for any future events!!!
A&R B., a year ago
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True Colors Productions 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Videographer
  • Storytelling style
  • Starts at $4,250
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
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., 2 years ago
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Sterling Flower Farm 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
Sterling Flower Farm was a joy to work with for our wedding. They were easy to reach and quick to respond throughout the planning process. The quality of their work was exceptional - the flowers they grew on their own farm were absolutely beautiful. They decorated our tables with eucalyptus greenery and created stunning floral arrangements for our ceremony arch. Our bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres were all stunning and exceeded our expectations. We couldn't have been happier with Sterling Flower Farm and highly recommend them to any couple planning their wedding.
Katie R., 2 years ago
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Poquonnock Plains Urban Farm 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
MaryAnn is incredible to work with. From the very first call with her, I knew whatever she did floral wise was going to be amazing. She took my “vibes” and color palette and created beautiful florals for the day. I truly cannot express what a joy it was to work with her. Hiring MaryAnn for the flowers was an easy decision! And having locally grown flowers was such a treat! Following along on social media to see the flower process was a joy!
Britney B., 5 months ago
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Wendy Clare Designs 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Event extras
  • Gifts and favors
  • Starts at $16
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
Great gift for bridal shower attendees. Was able to rush ship. Great quality! Fairly priced Everyone loved them and the individual personality of each pattern
Julia, 9 months ago
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Pachaug Cottages 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
Griswold, CT
  • Venue
  • Up to 130 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000

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

Why you'll love this venue

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

Venue considerations

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

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

Awarded Best of Zola
We loved our cake!!! It was so moist and delicious, we ate off of it for days after the wedding and it was still just as good!! Erin was so easy to work with and so kind, we can’t recommend her enough!!
Samantha D., 6 months ago
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ALM Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,250
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
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., a year ago
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Kelli's Kitchen 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Caterer
  • Starts at $85
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
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., 2 years ago
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Cori Alexandra Hair and Makeup Artistry 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Cori was absolutely fantastic to work with and did an incredible job on mine and my bridesmaids/ mother’s hair on my wedding day. I remember she handed me the mirror and I instantly started crying. She was so sweet and easy to communicate with. Don’t hesitate to use Cori!
Olivia F., 3 months ago
Brianna Ritoli Photography LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

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

Essex, CT reception venues by style

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