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., 20 days 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 amazing! My husband and I got married at the Branford House in Groton CT July 2025 and hired Jeff to take care of all our music and sound for our ceremony and cocktail hour. He was so professional and easy to work with. It was so important to me that everyone could clearly hear our ceremony as it was outside in a large space and he crushed it! We also had him DJing during cocktail hour and we 10/10 recommend it, he got the party started right away and everyone loved it.
Kerrie G., 8 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 did a fantastic job with all my florals for my wedding!! She did all our bouquets and boutonnieres for the day, along with mini vases for our centerpieces! She was a dream to work with and bought my Pinterest board dreams to life. The quality of the flowers are amazing and I can’t wait to have them for the rest of my life!! Thank you, Jen!!
The M., 5 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
The staff at the Barns were amazing. They helped with every step of the way. The food was delicious, the drinks were phenomenal. The venue is so beautiful. I’ve wanted to get married here for as long as I’ve known about them and my dreams came true. It was the most special day. You will not regret booking with them!
Emma A., 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 venue is extremely beautiful and we had the pleasure of having our wedding here! Everyone was accommodating! We planned our wedding all the way from Chicago and not once did they stop communicating with me! They always kept me updated and would contact me with new information. They were also so nice about zoom meeting since I lived so far away! I’m also extremely thankful for Shannon our wedding coordinator! She kept up with our schedule even when we had huge set backs. She made sure I ate and requested for no one to come up while I ate. She took on that role and told everyone to wait until I was done. The way she was so accommodating to our needs the day of the wedding means so much to us! Thank you Shannon you are the very best! The food is amazing!!!!
Jinnelly s., 7 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
Anne Fitzgerald Makeup Artistry was an absolute joy to work with for my wedding day! Their communication was quick, friendly, clear, helpful, and thorough throughout the entire process. The quality of their work was truly thoughtful, personalized, and caring - Anne brought so much warmth and excitement, which was the perfect way to start my wedding day. She was even thoughtful enough to put together a touch-up kit for me to have for the rest of the day. We partied hard-y and my makeup looked flawless all night! Anne and her team were so incredible to me and my wedding party and my family, and I am so thankful we found them for our big day!
Katie Hutchings (., 8 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
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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Everlasting Affairs, LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (26 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 used Victoria and her team as the Day of Coordinator for my daughter's wedding on 8/30/2025 at the Fairmont Copley in Boston. We got so much more than just a DOC. She helped all along the way with planning, keeping us on task and was very receptive to emails. She was an incredible wealth of information. Most importantly, on the big day she took care of EVERYTHING so that I, as the MOB and wedding coordinator, did not have to do or think of ANYTHING. Victoria is professional, knowledgeable, responsible, trustworthy, and makes you feel fully at ease.I am so glad we hired her and could not recommend her more highly. She made it all easy and the day was spectacular.
Michele P., 7 months ago
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Chad Whelan 
Rating: 5.0 (23 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
If you have any questions about whether it’s worth getting a video of your wedding, DO IT!!!! Make sure to reach out to Chad Whelan of Digital Waves and check out his amazing work! His wife Samantha works as his second camera woman and the two of them work seamlessly together to ensure every moment of your special day is captured! My husband and I got married in November of 2024 in Simsbury, CT, Chad has worked at the Riverview venue multiple times and knows exactly where to get the best shots. We wanted every moment captured from getting ready, to the ceremony to speeches and cake cutting and of course, dancing! It felt like we were at the wedding all over again while watching the video! It was exactly what we visioned! The package we paid for was very well priced! We highly recommend Chad and hope to be able to work with him again some day for another event.
Valerie B., a year 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 is AMAZING! We did our engagement shoot and wedding photos with Chelsea; my husband and I head over heels in love with how the photos came out. During all the time we spent with Chelsea, she made us feel so comfortable and natural. We loved how Chelsea let us be ourselves and captured all the beautiful candid moments of us together. She knows how to bring a good balance of candid photos and posed photos (which can sometimes feel awkward, but she made it so easy and fun!). She is insanely creative! We gave her some general direction of what photos we wanted and trusted that she could have fun and surprise us with the results. She more than delivered with this! Chelsea also is so impressive with her turnaround time for photos. Both our engagement shoot photos and wedding photos were returned to us so fast! Our wedding guests raved about the photos. We cannot wait to return to Chelsea in the future, and we wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in need of a photographer!
Rachel d., 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
Smudge was an absolute pleasure to work with for my wedding day beauty needs. From our very first consultation, Amber and Sarah were professional, responsive, and put me at ease throughout the entire process. Their communication style was pleasant and they expertly navigated a larger wedding party and two moms who were a bit indecisive. The quality of their work was worth every penny - my hair and makeup looked sleek and flawless, and it lasted all night without any cry streaks! I could not have been happier with the value Smudge provided on my special day. Thanks for traveling to Vermont for my wedding!
Alexandra L., a year 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

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.

Meghan was an actual blessing on our wedding. We got married in Maine and I had previously found someone more local to do my hair. To say that initial test with the other person was disappointing would be a gross understatement. I have very thin hair and as such bought extensions. The other person said she couldn't use all of them, and the ones she did use pulled on my hair and scalp in such a painful way that I couldn't wear them for more than an hour or so and the style looked thin and fried. Enter Meghan. Given the exact same tools and accessories she worked actual magic. She gave me wedding hair better than I ever could've imagined or dreamed of. I asked for wild and witchy and romantic and she delivered tenfold. It was so comfortable and long-lasting and I got nothing but compliments on it and she did such a good job integrating the extensions that no one believed it wasn't my real hair. She gave recommendations for which extensions to get and what products to use to prep my hair and was all around amazing. She even helped my groom with his hair last minute on the day of and he looked fabulous too. Meghan was such a joy to be around and was so sweet and kind and helpful and talented that I wish I could get married again just to use her. She's a gem and I will recommend her to anyone who asks and everyone who doesn't ask.
Emily R., 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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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., 3 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
I am so happy I chose Sterling Flower Farm for my wedding florals! Zoe and her team are truly excellent to work with. I had kind of a general idea of the vibe I was looking for and they really delivered!! My bouquet was amazing (see picture!). It was also important to me to work with a florist who uses sustainable practices. Zoe made this aspect of wedding planning a breeze. I couldn't be happier!
Molly M., 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
Having fresh local flowers in my shop is a great way to start conversations with customers and bring a different vibe to my store than the more mechanical, information seeking, technology vibe that bikes often bring in retail. Flowers break that mentality up, helping to bring a more intimate feeling to the store environment and speak more to what people get from bikes than a list of features/benefits.
Amos, a year 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 Clare Designs was a standout vendor for our wedding. From the start, their communication was efficient, speedy, and their team was extremely well-spoken. They crafted bespoke, unique handcrafted items that were a huge hit with our guests, including the custom wedding favors they created for us. The quality of their work and attention to detail was exceptional, and they truly helped make our special day even more unique and memorable. We highly recommend Wendy Clare Designs to any couple looking for custom, handmade wedding extras that will impress their guests.
Dani B., 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
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.

I have been in th hair business for 20 years. Cori is outstanding! Hair & makeup stayed perfect the day of my wedding, not only for me but my whole bridal party! My daughter had thick long hair and her curls lasted for days after. She was recommended from a friend and would use her again & highly recommend!
Tiffany, 2 months ago
GemHidden gem
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
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., 2 years ago

Essex, CT reception venues by style

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