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ARTISTIC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
BY ESSENCE WEDDINGS

Your wedding deserves to be captured with emotion and storytelling artistry.

At Essence Weddings, every photographer creates within our signature styles (listed below) ensuring your images feel modern, authentic, and true to your day. Guided by our Director of Photography, our team brings consistency, creativity, and a fresh approach to documenting your story.
 

From meaningful quiet moments to celebration and energy, we capture your day in a timeless, story-driven style that feels real, emotional, and beautifully you.

Candid Wedding Photography

Real, unscripted, and full of emotion. Candid photography captures the natural moments as they unfold. From heartfelt reactions and quiet exchanges to big laughs on the dance floor, these images reflect the true spirit of your day without posing or direction.

It’s the glances, the happy tears, the inside jokes - the moments you didn’t plan, but never want to forget. Authentic, honest, and genuinely you.

Dramatic Wedding Photography

Bold, artistic, and cinematic: these are your magazine-style portraits. Through creative direction, flattering angles, and intentional lighting, your photographer creates striking, elevated images that feel modern, powerful, and elegant.

These are the signature shots couples often showcase in albums and on their walls at home: refined, statement-making images that feel timeless and unforgettable.

Traditional Wedding Photography

Timeless, classic, and full of meaning. Traditional photography focuses on beautifully posed portraits with the people who matter most. These are the must-have images with parents, grandparents, wedding party, and close family that stand the test of time.

We’ll work with your shot list to make sure every important grouping is captured, and can keep the look classic or add a touch of artistry - whatever fits your style. These are the portraits that become legacy images, cherished for years to come.

READY TO CONNECT?

Choosing the right photography team is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and we’re here to make it simple, comfortable, and exciting.

At Essence Weddings, you’ll be able to preview photographer portfolios inside your client portal and choose the artist whose work feels right for you, giving you total peace of mind while we handle the planning behind the scenes.

Fill out the form to get started. We’ll reach out to you personally to learn about your day and schedule a time (in-person, virtual, or by phone) to walk you through options and share our photography experience with you.

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Our photography team is passionate about capturing every couple’s story with care, creativity, and heart. We can’t wait to work with you and help make your wedding memories unforgettable!

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Peggy Gentleman

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

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PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGES DESIGNED FOR EVERY COUPLE

At Essence Weddings, we understand that no two weddings are the same. That’s why our Chicagoland wedding photography packages are designed to fit a variety of styles, timelines, and budgets. From essential coverage to all-inclusive experiences, we make it easy to find a package that matches your vision. With a full team of professional Chicago wedding photographers, you’ll always find the perfect style match for your big day.

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Essentials Package

Our most popular choice.

Everything you need for a beautifully captured wedding day, with peace of mind knowing your full story will be told from start to finish.

 

You’ll also be able to preview a few of our photographers’ portfolios inside your client portal and select the artist whose style feels right for you - giving you confidence and comfort while we handle all the planning and coordination behind the scenes.

  • 8 Hours of continuous coverage with option to add more

  • Professional color correction of all images

  • Full rights to all images - receive online proofs and access to photo ordering

  • 2nd Photographer, engagement session, Videography bundle. and other additional upgrades available

Meet Your Photographer Package

If you're looking for a more elevated photography experience with premium touches and meaningful keepsakes built in, this package offers a refined upgrade while still delivering the same signature Essence style and storytelling.

  • 8 Hours of continuous coverage with option to add more

  • An engagement photo session to capture your love story before “I do.”

  • A complimentary custom 10x10 wedding album to relive your memories for years to come.

  • Faster turnaround time so you can enjoy your wedding photos sooner.

  • Sneak peek photos delivered quickly to share those first magical moments with family and friends.

  • 2nd Photographer, Videography bundle. and other additional upgrades available

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WHY CHOOSE ESSENCE WEDDINGS FOR YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?

Your wedding day only happens once, and choosing the right photographer makes all the difference. At Essence Weddings, we combine high-quality wedding photography with an unforgettable experience led by our friendly, professional, and highly experienced team. Couples throughout Chicago and the suburbs trust us because we deliver not only stunning images, but also peace of mind every step of the way.

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BACKUP PHOTOGRAPHER YOU CAN RELY ON

Life happens, but your wedding photography will never be left to chance. Our team includes trusted photographers ready to step in if an emergency arises, ensuring your day is always covered.

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FULLY INSURED FOR YOUR PROTECTION

We carry $1 million in liability insurance, which not only provides peace of mind but also meets the requirements of many wedding venues across Chicagoland.

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FULL RIGHTS TO YOUR IMAGES

You’ll receive rights to all of your proofs from the entire day. With online galleries and convenient photo ordering, reliving and sharing your wedding memories has never been easier.

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A TEAM DEDICATED TO YOU

Unlike solo photographers, Essence offers a full staff of experts who work together to make sure your experience is seamless, organized, and stress-free.

Custom Wedding Albums

Your wedding photos deserve more than a screen; they deserve to live in a timeless, beautifully designed album.

At Essence Weddings, we offer the largest album selection in Chicagoland, featuring custom albums in a wide range of sizes, colors, and materials. Every album is expertly crafted to reflect your unique style, built to last, and personalized to tell your love story as beautifully as the day itself.

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Let's Capture Your Love Story Together

Your wedding deserves more than just photos; it deserves memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. At Essence Weddings, our Chicagoland wedding photography team is here to bring your vision to life with stunning images, a seamless experience, and support every step of the way.

 

Whether you're drawn to candid, dramatic, or traditional styles, you’ll be able to find the perfect photographer in our portal and choose a package that fits your day, and we will ensure every detail is beautifully preserved.

Ready to start planning your wedding photography?

Brian & Ashley

Eric & Gen

Cora & Jasmine

Brandon & Nina

Joe & Shauna

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