The Best Wedding Vendors in Essex, CT

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in Essex, CT

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

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

Why you'll love this venue

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

Venue considerations

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

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

Awarded Best of Zola
I can't say enough good things about LA Page Makeup and their team. From the very first interaction, Lauren’s communication was efficient, responsive, organized and completely professional!! On the day of my wedding, Lauren and her team created a flawless look that lasted all day and night without needing any touch-ups. They kept everything running smoothly and on schedule the morning of the wedding, which was such a relief. Lauren and her team are absolute rockstars who clearly know what they're doing. I wasn't looking for a full-glam look for my wedding, and they captured exactly the natural yet beautiful style I was going for. Plus, they're all so hilarious and kind - it was a pleasure to have them be a part of our special day. The quality of their work is truly high-caliber and worth every single penny. The makeup and hair trials are also SOOO worth it. I highly recommend LA Page Makeup to any couple looking for a talented, experienced beauty team in Connecticut that will help make your wedding day perfect!!!
Libby M., a month 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 was an absolutely incredible DJ! My wife and I were initially worried about people not dancing at our wedding, but Jeff completely eased our concerns and far exceeded every expectation. From the very first song, he had the dance floor packed and it stayed that way all night long. With 160 guests, I think every single one of them was up and dancing hours straight. Guests are still telling us it was the best music they’ve ever heard at a wedding, and many said they couldn't leave the dance floor because it was too much fun. It was the best night of our lives with our favorite people. Leading up to the big day, Jeff was unbelievably organized and professional. We spoke with a number of DJs, but Jeff stood out immediately as the most prepared and thoughtful. His online planning tools made the entire process seamless and stress-free, and whenever we had questions, he was always quick to respond and reassure us. He took the time to understand exactly what we wanted and then delivered beyond our wildest dreams. He created the perfect edit for our first dance and seamlessly mixed so many of our favorite songs throughout the night Jeff doesn’t just play music he created an unforgettable experience for us. We placed all of our trust in him, and he knocked it out of the park, over and over again. If we could give Jeff 1,000 stars, we would. We cannot recommend Jeff enough to anyone planning a wedding.
George, 7 months ago
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Wood & Word Blooms, sola wood floral designs (faux not fresh) 
Rating: 5.0 (36 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Essex, CT
  • Offer

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

Awarded Best of Zola
Jen was 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 year 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
The Pavilion on Crystal Lake and the Connecticut wedding group curated and developed the best day of our lives. Our wedding was a little over a month now and every time we see a friend it family member, we are overwhelmed with compliments and people telling us that our wedding was the best wedding they’ve ever been to. The trusted vendors they shared were excellent complements to the orchestration that CT wedding group provided. The food and drinks were spectacular ( literally the best wedding food I’ve ever had and we got to customize the menu). The venue was beautiful and it team plugged in anywhere they could to help the decor be cohesive and beautiful. The planning process was a, devoid of stress and fun the whole time! I cannot stress enough how important the staff was to our day especially Lexi and Dmitri- the nuance and meticulous detail they managed our wedding with showed a deep understanding of us as a couple and our vision- we truly felt like they were partners to us as we planned and they mostly managed the wedding planning experience (and we did this from out of state). We were able to incorporate some non traditional details with the help of this team to make our vision a reality such as a New Orleans style second line, playing guests wedding songs so they could dance during dinner and more! The day was absolutely perfect and when I tell you it was perfect, I mean it was everything we dreamed of and more. We were depressed for weeks after because of how much we missed it! I will never stop singing the praises of this team and what they did for us- if you want the wedding of your dreams, trust this team and this venue.
Jordan, 5 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., 7 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
We could not have been happier to have Victoria on our team for our July 2024 wedding! We hired Victoria for wedding day management. She went above and beyond throughout our planning process and made us feel like we were her top priority, even though we know she works with many couples throughout the wedding season. Her organization, attention to detail, and patience are unmatched. The BEO that she creates for the wedding day was so informative and detailed and brought so much joy to this Type A bride! During planning, I was struggling with the color scheme and table design for the reception. Victoria came to my rescue and helped design our table scapes and handled all correspondence with the rentals company. The outcome was absolutely stunning and I could not have been happier. Similarly, I did not know how to go about creating the timeline for our transportation and wedding day. Victoria provided this for us and it was seamless and so easy. Our family and wedding party were so impressed with how she ran our wedding rehearsal. On the wedding day itself, she made sure that the day flowed smoothly. From collecting and setting up all of our day-of details, orchestrating the flow of our wedding ceremony, and even bustling my wedding dress, she was involved in every aspect of our day and ensured that it was perfect. My husband and I could relax and be fully present knowing that Victoria had everything under control. I cannot recommend Victoria and Everlasting Affairs highly enough!
Tess D., 2 years ago
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Terrence Irving Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,500
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
Terrence Irving Photography was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding day. From the very beginning, he was reliable, easy to talk to, and provided consistent communication throughout the entire process. The quality of his work was incredible - the photos he captured were truly unique, beautiful, and so personal to us! On the day of the wedding, Terrence and Dale seamlessly blended in, laughing along with our jokes and ensuring that the photographs perfectly matched our personalities. We could not be happier with the memories they helped us preserve from our special day. Highly recommend Terrence Irving Photography to any couple looking for an incredible, stress-free photography experience.
Erica F., a year ago
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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
You are so freaking fun and amazing at what you do. We are so lucky to have found you and book you as our videographer! I am so so thankful for the time and energy you put into our big day, and capturing all of the best moments! We appreciate you and THANK YOU for all you’ve done!
Tori, 6 months ago
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Chelsea Rush Photography 
Rating: 4.9 (19 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,415
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
Chelsea was amazing to work with from start to finish! She did a phenomenal job with our engagement pictures and are wedding pictures. Her turn around for pictures was incredible & I got so many comments about how amazing her work was. She got all of my inspo pics & took so many candid dance floor shots that the guests loved! I would highly recommend Chelsea for your wedding!
Jen, 9 months 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 absolutely perfect for our big day! When we came for a visit we know immediately it was our place. Everything we needed in one venue! Jess was incredibly accommodating and was able to give us some wiggle room in some areas. The space is gorgeous and we got so many compliments on the venue itself. We are honored to be apart of the Evergreen Farms Family!
Maggie M., a year ago
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Smudge 
Rating: 5.0 (19 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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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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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 can't recommend Marisa enough! I first met Marisa about a year ago while attending her fitness classes, and shortly after, I found out she did bridal hair and makeup. I immediately booked a trial, and fell in love with how it turned out! From that moment, I knew she was the one I wanted to do my wedding makeup! Marisa also brings such amazing energy to the process—she’s your biggest cheerleader and makes you feel like the best version of yourself, inside and out. She recently did makeup for me, my mom, and my bridal party for my wedding this fall, and I am still getting compliments! It was 85 degrees and humid that day, but everyone’s makeup stayed flawless from start to finish. If you want a makeup artist who will make you feel beautiful, confident, and like the most special version of yourself on your big day—Marisa is your girl!
Jen S., 6 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 selected Meghan after reviewing her website and instagram, I was very impressed with her work and could tell from the photos that she was meticulous when I came to styling hair. She definitely delivered! Meghan and her assistant flawlessly styled 13 different women's hair the morning of my wedding. Everyone looked amazing and were happy with their hair styles which is not an easy feat. I am very happy I selected hairstyles.co for my wedding!
Amanda, a year 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
Eve (Evermore Beauty) was an absolute joy to work with for my wedding day! Her communication was clear, and she made sure to understand the look I was going for, including looking at photos and explaining what would/wouldn’t work with my coloring or features. I had never seen myself look so good with a face of makeup. On my wedding day, I got so many comments on my hair and makeup. The hair stylist I worked with through Evermore, Rachael, also went above and beyond. My hair wasn’t cooperating during my trial so she sent me home with some clarifying shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask to use before we tried a second trial. She wanted to make sure my hair met my vision. Eve and Rachael were wonderful with my flower girls, too. I would highly recommend Evermore Beauty to any bride and bridal party!
Rachel M., a year 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
Rudbeckia Florals is a fantastic wedding florist that I've had the pleasure of working with as a photographer. The quality of their work is simply stunning - their floral designs are beautiful, unique, and truly timeless. I would highly recommend Rudbeckia Florals to any couple looking for an exceptional wedding florist!
Leah’s Lens P., 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
We truly cannot say enough amazing things about Taylor. From start to finish, he exceeded every expectation and was an absolute dream to work with. He is incredibly understanding, flexible, and genuinely cares about his couples. Wedding planning can be stressful and expensive, and Taylor was so accommodating—he worked with us to create a payment plan that felt manageable and never added pressure. On the day of the wedding, Taylor was reliable, professional, and fully committed to capturing every special moment. He stayed until the very end of the night to make sure nothing was missed, and his calm, easygoing presence made the entire experience feel effortless. He is extremely easy to work with and blended in perfectly while still making sure every meaningful detail was captured. When I received our sneak peek film, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I cried the happiest tears and truly felt like I was reliving the best day of my life all over again. The way Taylor captured the emotions, the energy, and the love of the day was beyond anything we could have imagined. His work didn’t just document our wedding, it told our story in the most beautiful and authentic way. Taylor will always be the first videographer I recommend to anyone in need. His talent, professionalism, reliability, and kindness truly set him apart. We are so incredibly grateful to have these memories forever, and choosing Taylor was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding.
Paige W., 4 months ago
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Sterling Flower Farm 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

Awarded Best of Zola
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., 2 years ago
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Poquonnock Plains Urban Farm 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Serves Essex, CT

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

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

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

Awarded Best of Zola
Wendy worked with me on a large custom order for my rehearsal dinner. I made several changes to the design and quantity and she was super responsive and helpful throughout. The oysters came out so cute and we got multiple comments about the craftsmanship and detail. They also arrived on time and undamaged despite ordering very close to the event date. Don’t hesitate to work with Wendy to make your design come to life, this was my favorite detail from my wedding weekend. Thanks for making it possible!
Sara C., 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
I highly recommend Chocolate Rose Bake Shop for your wedding cake or cupcakes for any event. Erin was highly responsive and decorated our cake just as we had described. Our cake, as well as the cupcakes, tasted amazing and we couldn't be happier. Thanks for all your hard work Erin!
Leah L., a year 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
We got married at the Publick House in Sturbridge, MA in June 2024, and we had such a great experience! The place is made up of a few buildings- my (now) husband was getting ready in one building and I in another. Tony was great with communication; he kept me posted about when he was on his way, when he got to my husband's room, and when he was coming to my room. He was also quick to send sneak peak pics! We told him we didn't like posed pictures, we only wanted a few with our family and wedding party, and then to take the rest of us just being us. The pictures were great! We got the posed photos we wanted, and he was great about my idea of the wedding party being chased by a blow-up dinosaur (seriously)! The rest of the photos were wonderful, just all of us having a good time; he captured them so well! He was very professional and he made the time doing the posed pictures fun. I would DEFINITELY recommend Tony for your event!
Cyndi J., 2 years 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 were so grateful for Kelli’s kitchen at our wedding! They did an amazing job making sure all of our wants were met. They helped with beyond catering and helped us keep on our reception schedule, cleaned up everything and we even paid a small fee and they broke down all the tables and chairs! We still get compliments on the food served and the service itself! Kelli’s kitchen helped us enjoy our wedding day a little extra with the delicious food and peace of mind!
Eve F., 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 Alexandra Hair and Makeup Artistry was absolutely phenomenal to work with for my wedding day. Their communication style was above and beyond - they were professional, enthusiastic, and genuinely sincere throughout the entire process. The quality of their work was exquisite, leaving me feeling stunning and beautiful. They were willing to work with a change in plans and made me feel so special, creating the Little Mermaid-inspired look I had envisioned. I've never felt so beautiful in my life, and everything was absolute perfection - it was everything I asked for and more. My hair lasted the entire night and into the next day, even through our lively mosh pit! I cannot recommend Cori Alexandra highly enough for any bride-to-be looking for a hair and makeup team that will go above and beyond to make you feel like a true princess on your wedding day.
Sarah M., 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
Brianna Ritoli Photography LLC was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From the very first interaction, Brianna was proactive, helpful, and extremely professional. She took the time to understand our vision and let us enjoy our special day while seamlessly capturing the essence of it all. The quality of her work was simply beautiful and fun. The photos came out awesome and we had so much fun with her as our photographer. Brianna's approach of taking our lead and letting us be present on our wedding day was invaluable, and we are thrilled with the memories she was able to preserve for us. We cannot recommend Brianna and her team highly enough!
Mishaune B., a year ago

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