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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 question

Any other questions?

Message vendor
4.7 out of 5 rating
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
356 Reviews
  • 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
95% Recommended by couples

61 User photos

356 Reviews See all
Debbie
Debbie H. Married on 05/02/2022
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!!!
A
Amy R. Married on 09/03/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Working with Essence was the best decision we made

We went through Essence for our photographer, DJ, and photobooth. Booking was straightforward and easy, and Ron and Sheila were both very responsive. Our photographer Allison did an amazing job on pre-ceremony shots at the Garden of the Phoenix, and when an emergency came up, her boss Peggy stepped in and took over seamlessly handling both the ceremony and reception. Both Allison and Peggy really captured our best sides, despite neither of us being particularly photogenic. The photos turned out great, and the turn-around time was unbelievably fast!
M
Marie W. Married on 09/02/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing and helpful

The photographers, Peggy and Joe were outstanding! There were a few hiccups in the road, but they were so reassuring! Peggy was wonderful and gave the best direction. As a quieter person, having a photographer that was able to direct everyone and help set up shots was NEEDED. The videographer, Ken, was a sweetheart and got the shots we needed. I can only highly recommend their services. The photo booth as well was a HUGE HIT, high quality photos and a gorgeous set up! And Chris was a hit with the family and was very pleasant to work with! Thank you to all who helped us!
illustration stars

Are you interested?

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Awards

356
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

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.

Preferred Vendors

Bartlett Hills Golf Club & Banquets
4.9 out of 5 rating , 103 Reviews
· Country Club Weddings
Tuscany Falls Banquets
4.8 out of 5 rating , 101 Reviews
· Banquet Halls
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
Bobak's Signature Events and Conference Center
4.9 out of 5 rating , 155 Reviews
· Banquet Halls

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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