You can schedule an appointment online or by phone to set up an appointment in any of our 4 Chicagoland studios.

When you meet with us, we will discuss:

1. Photography styles
   1. Show you examples of different photography styles
   2. Discuss what style you want for your wedding
   3. Select a specific photographer that matches your style and show you examples of their work
2. Provide you with the company background and philosophy
3. In depth review of the package and pricing

Both Essence and you sign the contract which lists your specific photographer.

Deposit of $800 – either cash, check, or credit card. Essence also offers seven different payment plans.
Note: This is the only payment you make before your wedding and before you see your photos.

60 days before your wedding we will send you the Photographer Wedding Day Guide. Here you will provide us with:

• Any changes in start times, locations, or other important details
• Identification of all key family members
• Identification of any special guests
• Week and day of the wedding contact information
• Shot list
• Special instructions
• Other relevant information

Essence wants to know exactly what you want on your wedding day. This is in both of our best interests. You want great photos and we want to provide you with what you want so you can get the biggest and best album package that is within your budget after the wedding.

On the Monday or Tuesday on the week of your wedding, your photographer will call you to review:

• Your "Photographer Wedding Day Guide"
• Timelines and locations
• Special instructions
• Shot list

We want the photographer to call you the week of the wedding for two reasons:

1. In case any times or locations were changed last minute, we will catch it and avoid problems and/or delays
2. It will be fresh in your mind and in the photographer’s. The photographer is only a few days away from your wedding and will be able to show up and hit the ground running.

We’ve done all the preparation, have fun!

The photographer will have all your information from the "Photographer Wedding Day Guide" and has just spoken to you a few days before the wedding.
Your photographer will work with you as you have already discussed.

4-6 weeks after your wedding, you will receive your free proof book. It will have all of the photos taken on your wedding day.

When you come to pick up your proofs, we will review and discuss the album styles, sizes, and options available. Also, we will explain the online album ordering process.

Essence will also receive your second deposit.
Note: This is the second payment, and it is approximately four to six weeks after your wedding.

30 days after your receive your proofs, your final order is due.

Your final order is placed through our website utilizing information you learned at your proof book meeting. When you place your final order, you will need to have the following:

• Selected the photos you want in your album.
• Selected which album style.
• Selected which size album
• Determined how many pages
• Determine which options, if any, you want to add to your album

When you place your final order, Essence will take your final payment. The final payment is the difference in cost of your two deposits and whichever album package you have selected.