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Attributes highlighted by couples

Capturing memories
Pristine quality
Seasoned with weddings
Photographer

About

On WeddingWire since 2008

Essence Photo & Video is a wedding photography company based out of Chicago, Illinois. Congratulations on your engagement! Thank you so much for your interest in Essence! We offer:

Photo & Video
- Photojournalistic style

DJ & Photo Booth
- Fun and energetic DJs

Formalwear / wedding Dresses
- Nobody cares about the way you look more than your Essence photographer, we got you covered!

A note about pricing:

We at Essence believe in being upfront and transparent to brides like you who want to know how much the services they want are going to cost them. I have created a custom quote generator on my website where you can select the exact services and options you want to get an instant quote without having to meet with anyone first. The quote generator will calculate your discounts after you select all the services and options, the discounts will be displayed to you on the last screen. We give additional discounts for each service you select, so the more services you add, the more $ you save :)

Frequently asked questions

What is the starting price for your wedding photography services?

$899

What is the price of your most popular wedding package?

$1,699

What primary photographic style do you identify with?

Contemporary
Photojournalism

What photography services do you offer?

Additional Hours
Engagement Shoot
High-Res Images
One Event / Day
Second Shooter

What photography items do you offer?

Albums
Canvas
Digital Files
Flush Mount
Matted Prints
Prints
Proofs
Save the Date
Thank You Cards
illustration notebook

Any other questions?

Reviews of Essence Photo & Video

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
4.7 out of 5 rating
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner
4.7 out of 5 rating
368 reviews
95% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.8 out of 5 rating
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

Essence Photo & Video received glowing reviews from multiple customers for weddings, with accolades directed towards Peggy, Tommy, Jesse, and the team. The photographers and videographers were praised for their professionalism, capturing beautiful moments, and exceeding expectations. The team's coordination, responsiveness, and ability to work seamlessly with other services like DJ and tuxedo rentals were highlighted positively. The overall experience was described as efficient, high-quality, and essential in making wedding days unforgettable. The company's helpfulness, quick turnarounds on photos, and exceptional customer service were noted as standout features.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Essence Photo & Video received glowing reviews from multiple customers for weddings, with accolades directed towards Peggy, Tommy, Jesse, and the team. The photographers and videographers were praised for their professionalism, capturing beautiful moments, and exceeding expectations. The team's coordination, responsiveness, and ability to work seamlessly with other services like DJ and tuxedo rentals were highlighted positively. The overall experience was described as efficient, high-quality, and essential in making wedding days unforgettable. The company's helpfulness, quick turnarounds on photos, and exceptional customer service were noted as standout features.

Debbie
Debbie H. Sent on 03/04/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing!!!

Wish I could do 10 Stars!!!! We used Essence for our DJ, Photo & Video and couldn’t have been happier!!! They went above and beyond our expectations. The DJ had the dance floor full all night. The photographer & videographer were amazing. They got all the regular weeding shots but also got stuff I never would have thought that we wanted..but we did!!! And every time I had a friend taking a pic of us the photographer was there to take a professional picture for us!!! I would recommend Essence to anyone who is looking for a great, caring, professional experience for their wedding!!!
Cristina
Cristina Sent on 10/13/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Essence for the win!

Could not have been happier with the services and product we received! We picked Nora as our photographer as it seemed like she was great at using natural lighting and did a good job with capturing photos that weren’t posed. We were not disappointed! Nora made the process as easy as humanly possible and very comfortable. She was able to read us easily and could tell when the group was getting restless and even could tell if I wanted certain photos without me saying. Nora was the only photographer but managed to capture all the photos we could have hoped for. The ceremony photos were beautiful but the reception photos perfectly captured the night. The quality of the photos when we got them was spectacular. Additionally, the entirety of the photos were sent to us within just over 4 weeks despite the fact that they had 8 weeks. Lastly, we booked the DJ through essence as well (spinning’ discs) and Nora and the dj worked together great which made it that much easier. If you’re considering essence, do it - you will not regret!
A
Alyson T. Sent on 08/30/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Great to Work With!

I am the owner and lead planner of Birdcage and Blushers Weddings and my couple booked Essence for both photo and video services. The Director of Photography and Video, Peggy was super helpful and responsive leading up to the wedding. On the day-of, the photographer Jolanta and the videographer Jason were both great with communication, were very professional and really flexible to work with! I'm excited to see how the photos and video turn out!
illustration message review

Are you interested?

Awards

368
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2013 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2011 Winner

Real Weddings

McKenna & Cody
16 photos · 10/07/2023
Sophia & Alex
10 photos · 09/09/2023
Mary Ann & Jared
24 photos · 01/08/2022

Professional Network & Endorsements

2 Endorsements
The Arboretum Club The Arboretum Club Country Club Weddings

Essence Photography has been at The Arboretum Club often and the photographers always do a great job. They are creative, polite, professional and very easy to work with. Essence really cares about their clients and makes sure their clients are happy and comfortable. I would highly recommend Essence to any Bride and Groom!

Bobak's Signature Events and Conference Center Bobak's Signature Events and Conference Center Banquet Halls

I have worked with Essence Photo & Video for a long time. When Essence is working with my clients I am at ease knowing that they are being well taken care of and their photographs and video will be nothing short of spectacular. Essence Photo & Video are very professional and take great pride and care in training their photographers. I highly recommend this company for any event you do.

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4.9 out of 5 rating , 113 reviews
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Bobak's Signature Events and Conference Center
4.9 out of 5 rating , 155 reviews
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Tuscany Falls Banquets
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The Arboretum Club
4.9 out of 5 rating , 107 reviews
· Country Club Weddings
Invitations by Design
4.9 out of 5 rating , 51 reviews
· Wedding Invitations

Map

Addresses map

Essence Photo & Video frequently asked questions

Essence Photo & Video offers the following photography styles:
  • Contemporary
  • Photojournalism
Essence Photo & Video offers the following photography services for weddings:
  • Additional Hours
  • Engagement Shoot
  • High-Res Images
  • One Event / Day
  • Second Shooter
Essence Photo & Video offers the following photography materials for weddings:
  • Albums
  • Canvas
  • Digital Files
  • Flush Mount
  • Matted Prints
  • Prints
  • Proofs
  • Save the Date
  • Thank You Cards
Essence Photo & Video is recommended by 95% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.7 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.8 in flexibility, 4.8 in professionalism, 4.7 in quality of service, 4.7 in average response time and 4.7 in value.

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