Let’s be honest—“hotel room block” doesn’t exactly carry the same sparkle as “floral installation” or “wedding dress.” Some parts of wedding planning are rich with creativity and emotion. Others? Pure logistics. And figuring out where all your guests should stay for your wedding tends to fall into that second category.
Whether you’re spreadsheet-obsessed or more go-with-the-flow, one thing is most likely true: your time is limited. And managing hotel room blocks takes a surprising amount of it.
That’s why we’re genuinely excited about Engine. It’s the hack so many couples have been wishing for. Engine is a free (yes, free) platform that takes the stress out of hotel room blocks by combining smart technology with real human support. Engine finds the best rates and manages the entire process for you—from research, to booking, and even reconciling charges after checkout.
In other words, Engine lifts this surprisingly complex task off your shoulders so that you can get back to the parts of planning that actually bring you joy. And in a time when mental wellness and boundaries matter more than ever, that’s the kind of help worth taking advantage of.
Wait, What Is a Hotel Room Block?
If you’re not totally sure what a hotel room block is, don’t worry. It’s not the kind of thing most people know about—until they’re suddenly expected to handle one.
A hotel block is essentially a group of rooms held under your name for guests who are traveling for your wedding. Sounds simple enough, but in reality it takes a lot of time and effort to organize. You are typically the one coordinating all of it—reaching out to hotels, comparing rates and availability, negotiating terms, organizing check-in dates, all while keeping guests in the loop. It quickly turns into a full-time job.
But here’s why couples still do it: it saves money, makes travel easier for guests, and helps everyone feel connected. Hotels often offer discounted rates when you book in bulk, and your guests are guaranteed to secure a room close to your venue. It’s a thoughtful gesture that also helps streamline your wedding weekend.
This is where Engine comes in: removing this time-consuming task from your to-do list completely. From the research to the negotiation to the final booking confirmation, Engine handles every step of the exhausting hotel room block process. Here’s what makes it even better: it’s completely free to use. Just free help with one of the most notoriously tedious parts of wedding planning.
How Does Engine Work?
It all starts with one simple form. You fill out your event details like dates, location, and guest count. Once submitted, you’ll get hotel proposals in as little as four business hours. From there, it’s straightforward and stress-free.
Every couple is paired with their own dedicated trip manager—an actual human—who guides you every step of the way. Once hotel proposals come in, Engine handles the heavy lifting: reviewing availability, negotiating rates, and narrowing down options that truly fit your needs.
You’ll get an easy-to-read proposal comparing your best hotel choices. You pick the one that works best for you, and Engine takes care of everything else.
Engine makes this magic happen with a thoughtful blend of smart technology and real people. The tech speeds up the process, automating the research. The human experts step in to negotiate better pricing and handle the nuanced logistics. It’s a true best-of-both-worlds situation: efficient where it can be, personal where it matters.
What Engine Does For You
We know that Engine saves you time. But it also fixes other pain points that come with hotel room blocks. Here’s what it tackles head-on:
Real Discounts: Engine finds the best possible rates and terms for your block, often up to 22% off the publicly listed prices. That’s money your guests will appreciate saving.
Skip the Online Booking Headache: Most hotel websites cap online bookings at nine rooms. After that, you’re expected to pick up the phone and call around. Engine handles those conversations for you—because no one wants to spend their lunch break on hold with hotel reception.
Easily Manage Multiple Hotels: With limited room block availability becoming more common, many couples are having to split their guests across more than one hotel. Engine makes it simple by organizing all your blocks in one place.
Handle the Guest Juggling Act: Room blocks aren’t just about securing the right number of rooms—they’re also about getting the right rooms for the right people at the right time. Engine smooths out all the details, from availability to amenities.
Weddings are supposed to be joyful. And while room blocks might not be the most glamorous part of the process, they don’t have to be the most stressful either. With Engine, you get time back, clarity you didn’t know you needed, and a smoother experience for your guests. It’s sure to be a tool you tell other engaged friends about later. Start your room block search on Engine and see just how easy it can be.
These 14 wedding photographers in the Midwest bring unique styles to turn your wedding moments into lifelong memories. Image by Erika Diaz Photo
Picking the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your big day. Of all the elements you invest in for your wedding, your photos are one of the few you get to hold onto after the wedding ends. If you’re searching for the most talented wedding photographers in the Midwest—artists who are not only deeply experienced and vetted but also passionate about their craft—this list showcases the very best the region has to offer.From candid, documentary-style shots to dramatic, cinematic portraits, these pros bring something unique to the table and will tell your wedding story just the way you want.
Photography style: Candid, documentary-style with a vintage touch
Good for: Couples who appreciate timeless, candid moments that reflect the true emotion of their day
Reviews: “Abby from Wren & Rose did my engagement and reception photos, and I cannot recommend her enough. She makes you feel immediately comfortable, she knows how to direct and pose you so effortlessly, and the way she edits makes the whole thing feel like a warm memory. The way she captures the movement and chemistry you share with your loved ones is priceless. Please book with her—it’ll be the best thing you do!”
Photography style: Emotional, intimate storytelling with a natural approach
Good for: Couples looking for an intimate, emotionally-charged photography experience where every genuine moment is captured with care
Reviews: “Honestly, just stop looking now. You’ve found her. I love Erika and her work so much. The whole process with her was amazing—she helped us organize the day, had awesome ideas for fun photos, and most importantly, really cares about you and capturing the things that are important to you on your wedding day.”
Photography style: Editorial and romantic, blending film, digital, and Polaroid techniques
Good for: Couples who want their wedding photos to have a cinematic, storybook feel with a perfect blend of elegance and emotion
Reviews: “Mariah made two people who are EXTREMELY camera shy feel so comfortable. Her work is outstanding, and she captured the love of everyone at our wedding. Beyond her immense talent, she is one of the most sincere, kind, funny (the list goes on) people that we’ve ever met. She blended into our special night because she became a fast friend. Our guests raved about her presence as well as her work. I’ve never been more confident to give a 5/5 review. King & Opal will always be a highlight of our wedding weekend.”
Photography style: Natural light, raw, and emotive storytelling
Good for: Couples who value natural light and an effortlessly beautiful collection of candid, raw moments
Reviews: “My wife and I have worked with Rachel at Bohemian Lights Photography for years. We travel from Chicago because she is amazing to work with, and her style and use of natural light are unmatched! She has captured some of our most cherished moments, including our Engagement, Wedding, multiple Lifestyle Family sessions, Branding, Christmas photos, and most recently, our son’s Newborn photos. If you’re looking for a photographer in Lafayette, West Lafayette, Indianapolis. Rachel is the best!”
Photography style: Vibrant, emotional, and modern photography
Good for: Couples who want vibrant, natural moments captured with a modern touch and a relaxed, stress-free experience
Reviews: “Stop and look no further. This is the photographer you NEED at your wedding. If this is your first wedding, you don’t know what you don’t know about weddings. Jason has so much knowledge, even outside of photography, to ensure everything runs smoothly. I couldn’t imagine my wedding day without him. He makes you feel like you have known him for years. I know he does this to ensure the most comfortable environment for you and your soon-to-be, so you can capture the most natural, beautiful photos ever. Jason could charge 3x the amount he’s charging and still be worth it. Every photo was flawless and will be a memory to look back on for a lifetime. I can’t thank Jason enough for finding his true passion and sharing it with the world. You have enough to stress about on your wedding day. You will have one less thing to worry about if you hire Jason. He’s the professional, and he will far exceed your expectations.”
Photography style: Natural light, intimate, and adventure-driven photography
Good for: Couples who want their wedding photos to feel like an intimate love story filled with emotion and personality
Reviews: “Brittany was absolutely amazing! She captured every moment so beautifully and was so easy to work with. She made us feel comfortable in front of the camera, and the photos turned out even better than we hoped. She doesn’t just take photos—she captures the essence of the day. Highly recommend her!”
Photography style: Natural light with a documentary approach
Good for: Couples who want a photography experience that’s all about capturing real, intimate emotions while maintaining an artistic, relaxed vibe
Reviews: “We were looking for a photographer with an artistic eye—one who could capture the feeling of the day through their lens. We were fortunate to have Jen capture our engagement session as well! We lucked out with good weather, and we all left covered in snow to get the perfect shots. We were unsure how comfortable this process would be. Still, Jen is supportive in helping each couple’s personalities shine through. I think having that session together also made the wedding session more comfortable. Jen was great at communication! Her knowledge of industry partners is a bonus to any bride. Her pre-day email prompts put me at ease that she would have all the info needed to capture our favourite people and moments. On the wedding day, Jen arrived and strategized our final detailed pictures within minutes while helping us keep to our schedule. Looking back at the photos, we can tell Jen took in all the info we shared and translated that into how she would capture the wedding. On a day that can flash by instantly, she gave us the space to absorb the day while still capturing those intimate moments. If you’re looking for a genuine vendor who captures life through an artistic lens, Jen is simply the best.”
Good for: Couples who want their wedding day documented with authenticity, capturing candid moments and emotional connections
Reviews: “Josh was a blast to work with, and our photos were amazing. The event was high-energy, in close quarters, and full of surprises, all handled seamlessly. To add another difficulty level, we were looking for a particular style—black & white vintage editorial—and Josh delivered in spades.”
Good for: Couples who want authentic, story-driven photography without heavy posing
Reviews: “Bradley is awesome! He did a great job of making us (and everybody really) feel comfortable in front of the camera. He has a kind of goofiness when working with an individual or group that gets people laughing and having a good time, so all of the ‘posed’ shots we took turned out great.”
Good for: Couples who appreciate fun, authentic wedding photos that capture the magic of the day without feeling staged or posed
Reviews: “Her images never disappoint! Chelsea makes you feel confident, relaxed, and centred so that you can truly enjoy the magical moments she captures rather than being focused on the ‘photo shoot’ element to all these events. Because Chelsea allows you to be yourself and enjoy the moment, many images feel candid. I love nothing more than looking back at our wedding photos and having sense memories return from the happiness and fun of the day with our loved ones. I highly recommend Chelsea as your photographer for any special occasion you want captured.”
Photography style: Documentary, specializing in destination photography
Good for: Couples looking for a photographer who celebrates diversity and captures authentic, intimate moments in beautiful, unique locations
Reviews: “I love working with a photographer who is not only talented, but is a joy to be around. Eryndae is both and MORE. She leads with care, intention and an eye for all the details—big, small and everything in between.”
Photography style: Natural light with a documentary approach
Good for: Couples who appreciate relaxed, emotionally driven photos that focus on authenticity
Reviews: “Caroline is an absolute joy to work with—enthusiastic, overly prepared, kind, and the ultimate hype woman on your big day. We are in awe at how seriously amazing our wedding pictures turned out (& how quickly they were ready)! She effortlessly captured the warmth and happiness we felt throughout the day.”
Good for: Couples who love high-fashion, cinematic storytelling with photos that make them feel like stars on their wedding day
Reviews: “Kate Elyse is absolutely amazing! They make the entire process comfortable and fun, capturing every moment perfectly. The photos were stunning—vibrant, creative, and beyond my expectations. I highly recommend Kate for anyone looking for exceptional photography!”
Good for:Couples who want to create fine art memories of their day with photos that focus on artistic beauty and visual storytelling
Reviews: “Our favorite wedding vendor! East Elm was great to work with from the start! Aaron made our engagement photos fun, and they turned out beautiful. He was very intuitive and accommodating on the wedding day. We could trust him to get the shots we wanted. We are so happy we went with East Elm!”
Your wedding day is a huge deal, and you’ll want to look back at those photos for years to come. Whether you’re into natural, relaxed shots or more high-fashion looks, these wedding photographers in the Midwest will capture every moment in a way that feels true to you. Take your pick, and trust that your memories will be in good hands. Don’t forget to check out our vendor directory to find the rest of your dream team all ready to make your day unforgettable.
Daisy and Andy’s wedding wasn’t just another destination celebration—it was a dream brought to life in the heart of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, at Arcadia Hidden Arches. Nestled in the lush jungle and surrounded by ancient ruins, the moment they stepped foot on the venue grounds, everything fell into place. It was the ideal setting, allowing their vision to come to life in a way that felt completely authentic.
When Daisy and Andy started their wedding planning, they didn’t have a specific theme in mind, until they found Arcadia Hidden Arches. “We just knew it was the one. It felt so raw, natural, magical, and full of adventurous spirit.”
With its stunning ruins and vibrant jungle backdrop, it became the perfect canvas for their celebration. From that moment on, every detail just seemed to flow naturally, embodying their love and adventure in Mexico.
Merging Cultural Traditions with Contemporary Style
One of the most heartfelt elements of the day was the couple’s effort to honor their Chinese heritage. For their morning photo shoot, Daisy wore a red Qi Pao, a classic choice for Chinese weddings, along with matching dresses for her bridesmaids. “Red is the classic color for Chinese weddings, so I also brought along red decorations to decorate the Airbnb,” she explained. “It all turned out perfectly!” The combination of vibrant red with the lush greenery and rustic setting created a stunning contrast.
Daisy’s Fashion Journey: From Traditional Red Qi Pao to a Dramatic Lavender Dress
Daisy’s wedding dress journey was as bold and beautiful as her day. For the ceremony, she wore a classic white gown with a dramatic train. “The long train worked perfectly with the venue’s magical vibe.” The backless design flowed beautifully as she walked down the aisle.
For the reception, Daisy changed into a showstopping lavender wedding dress. “I bought my lavender dress before we even booked the venue. It was risky, but it was worth it. The dramatic long train blended beautifully with the jungle atmosphere.”
But Daisy didn’t stop there. For their first dance, she switched into a lighter, more comfortable blue dress. “It was so much more comfortable, and I could finally enjoy the moment.”
For Andy, the off-white linen suit was the perfect choice to complement the natural surroundings. His relaxed yet refined style matched the event’s laid-back charm.
Small Details That Made a Big Impact
Daisy and Andy’s ceremony set the tone for a beautiful day, with their venue’s natural beauty enhanced by thoughtful decor. The space was framed by an impressive floral arch, positioned against the backdrop of towering trees, creating a breathtaking focal point that perfectly complemented the jungle atmosphere.
In addition to the stunning florals, Daisy and Andy added personal touches that made their ceremony uniquely theirs. They designed a custom “wedding newspaper” to share their love story with their guests, which served as a beautiful keepsake.
A Magical Walk Down the Aisle
One of the most unforgettable moments of the ceremony was when the giant doors opened, and Daisy walked down the aisle with her parents. “Seeing all the people I love standing there, smiling at me, and Andy waiting by the arch—the sun shining through the trees onto the path—it felt like a fairytale,” Daisy said.
Exchanging their vows was equally emotional. “We’d never written or shared anything like our vows before. Saying those words in front of everyone we love made our bond feel even stronger.”
Blending Rustic Charm with Romantic Details Inspired by The Bride’s Lavender Wedding Dress
The reception setting beautifully blended rustic charm with soft, romantic touches. The long tables, draped in a delicate ivory runner and floral centerpieces in shades of soft lavender, pale pink, and white, accented by eucalyptus. The carefully arranged place settings featured raffia fringe chargers, minimalist white plates, white and gold cutlery paired with hand-tied ribbon napkins, adding a refined but personal touch to each guest’s place.
For extra fun, they set up an Instax photo booth with playful props for guests to enjoy. “We couldn’t bring our French bulldog to the wedding, so we placed little statues of him on the tables. It made everyone smile.”
Music, Laughter, and Friendship Was at the Heart of Their Reception
The reception was all about making guests feel connected. Daisy and Andy handpicked every song for their music playlist, ensuring that every beat reminded them of those meaningful moments. “Whenever one of those songs plays now, it takes us right back to the day.”
They also asked a close friend to be their MC, someone who knew them well enough to make everyone laugh and keep the event relaxed. “It felt like a celebration with friends, not just a formal event.”
When the Unexpected Adds to the Adventure
As with every celebration, there were a few surprises along the way—like the jungle’s mosquitoes! “We didn’t think about the bugs. But it honestly added to the adventure. Everyone ended up laughing about it, and it became one of those funny moments we’ll never forget.”
Their advice to other couples? “Things might not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Embrace the unexpected moments. They often turn into the memories you’ll cherish forever.”
In the end, their wedding wasn’t about perfection. It was about staying true to who they are. The lavender wedding dress, personal touches, and heartfelt vows came together to create a day they’ll always remember. As Daisy and Andy shared, “Find a theme or setting that feels like you, and don’t be afraid to add your own personal touches. It makes the whole planning experience so much more meaningful.”
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