Preferred Vendors
For couples looking to get married in Northern IL & Southern WI.
Over the course of a wedding season, we work with many wedding professionals. We see the good, the bad and the ugly. Here are our favorite pros that we highly recommend. We confidently offer these recommendations based on work ethic, high quality customer service, attention to detail, highest quality of product each professional offers at their particular price point.
Our Favorite Wedding Ceremony & Reception Venue
The Shores of Turtle Creek, Spring Grove, IL
We love working weddings at Shores with Anna and her team because they are simply AMAZING at what they do. As a photographer this venue is gorgeous inside and out. We always run out of time before we run out of ideas for photos.
The lodge provides a stunning and memorable space, most ideal for guest counts up to 180 seated and 250 for a cocktail party format. There are many ways to set the room to customize your experience. The open-aired pavilion, surrounded by a pond and greenery is a beautiful space for guests to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Other Wedding Reception Venues
All of these venues offer ceremony and reception capabilities. These recommendations cover low, mid to high budget ranges.
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Lehmann Mansion, Lake Villa, IL
- Relish Events at Independence Grove, Libertyville, IL
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Bull Valley Golf Club, Woodstock, IL (Bull Valley)
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Astoria Banquets, Buffalo Grove, IL
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31 North Banquets &Catering, McHenry, IL
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Parkway Banquets & Catering, Ingleside, IL
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Lincolnshire Marriott, Lincolnshire, IL
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Harry Careys, Lombard, IL
- Onion Pub, Lake Barrington, IL
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Celebration on Wells, Lake Geneva, WI
Our Favorite D.J.
A totally awesome D.J. does more than just plays the best latest and greatest dance tunes! A totally awesome D.J. is THEE Master of Ceremonies at your reception! They run the show! They become the "stage manager" of the night...the "time keeper"...YOU WANT THE BEST!
Dan happens to be brothers with Steve's, the owner of Valen Studios. He is located in Grayslake, IL. Couples who hire Dan and Steve rave how much energy they bring to a wedding.
Our Favorite Wedding Officiant
I Wed Solutions DJ Service
A DJ who is also an Ordained Minister and would be honored to officiate your wedding ceremony. Maybe you already have someone in mind to officiate your wedding but needs help? Dan can help them!
Our Favorite Photobooth
Dee from Sip & Snap has a sleek open-air photo booth that fits right in at wedding. Whether your vibe is glam, goofy, or themed they got the props, lighting and tech to match. Instant photo strip prints? Yup. Texting capabilities? Of course. Full body shots or silly boomerangs? You got it. They turn your event into a non-stop snapshot celebration!
Fun fact: Dee is also a wedding photographer for Valen Studios.
Our Favorite Event Planners
Chicago Weddings & Events Planning
Chicago Weddings & Events believes everyone deserves a luxurious event planning service because in your dreams, every detail matters. From planning to coordinating the day of, their job is to execute your day flawlessly. Their roles include overseeing vendors, overcoming any last-minute detail, managing your event timeline, and more. We seamlessly create everlasting memories for their clients while organizing their weddings, baby shower, or corporate events.
Creatively Yours Wedding & Event Planning
Work. School. Kids. Travel. Life is already full — and planning a wedding on top of everything else can quickly feel overwhelming. From researching vendors and managing appointments to tracking budgets and endless emails, the behind-the-scenes work of planning isn’t the fun part. But for them, it’s exactly what they love to do.
At Creatively Yours Events, they step in to organize the details, manage the logistics, and keep everything running smoothly so you can enjoy this season of your life instead of stressing through it. No matter where you are in your engagement or planning process, they're here to help. They are devoted to making your wedding day calm, seamless, and truly unforgettable.
Our Favorite Flowers
Trellis is located in Lake Geneva, WI! They specialize in creating stunning wedding arrangements throughout Wisconsin and Illinois, bringing fresh ideas and our floral expertise to make your special day unforgettable. Let them help you transform your vision into reality with their personalized touch and creativity. Reach out to them today to start planning your dream wedding!
We have worked together at SO many weddings and our brides are always blown away by their wedding bouquets.
Antioch Flower Shop is located in Antioch, IL. They are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. Because all of their customers are important, their professional staff is dedicated to making your experience a pleasant one. That is why they always go the extra mile to make your floral gift perfect. Let them be your first choice for flowers.
Designs may vary as their designers work with the freshest, in-season flowers and their own personal inspiration - but you can be sure your bouquet will a delight!
As a top florist in Barrington, IL, each of their floral arrangements get the time and personalized attention they deserve. Little Leaf Florist passionately makes all bouquets in-house, and personally delivers to your recipient in Barrington so they are guaranteed to receive fresh and beautiful flowers every time with an added personal touch. Pick out a gorgeous floral arrangement on their website and order flowers online through their convenient and secure checkout page. Little Leaf Florist will expertly arrange your bouquet of beautiful blooms.
Our Favorite Bakery
Cindy from Sweet Discoveries operates in Antioch, IL. They specialize in the creation of custom-designed wedding cakes, gourmet cupcakes, decorated cookies and European-style pastries.
Fun Fact: The photo you see is what we took at The Shores of Turtle Creek made by Sweet Discoveries. The love prop was also provided by them. It will wow all of your guests on your wedding day.
For the Perfect Makeup!
At VIXEN Beauty, they enhance your natural beauty to bring out your inner bombshell on your special day. They work with brides, bridal parties, and wedding attendees. They offer hair, traditional and airbrush makeup, and luxury spray tan services in the Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin area. Bridal parties are offered onsite services at the bride's location of choice.
Dina has been specializing in Bridal for over 10 years and she loves the connections and faces that she has embraced along the way. Your wedding is one of the best days of your life! I she is honored to be part of supporting you as you glow, from the inside-out, bright and beautiful, on YOUR special day! She is located in Lake Geneva, WI.
Fun fact: Kelly, our photo manager at Valen Studios, used her on her wedding day and was obsessed with her makeup.
Still need to get a Ring?
Are you ready to get started?
Work with us
We can only work about 30 weddings per year & only accept a handful of family sessions every year. Our dates fill up fast! Lets connect to see if we are available to serve you for your special day or event.
CONTACT US
847-417-8302
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