Why a Crystal Lake, IL Photo Booth Rental Exists- and why it feels different
- Deanne Terzo
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
When couples in Crystal Lake, IL search for a photo booth, they're usually looking for more than just a camera and a backdrop. They want laughter and connection- a real experience. This, in short, is why Sip & Snap Photo Booth exists. Originally, I wanted to create a business doing something that I loved, something I could enjoy.
I wanted to show my 11-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son, what it took to build a business and how to interact with people. As a mom, I was worried for their futures. They're always on their phones, closed off to society. I wanted to give them a leg up instead of looking like shocked Pikachu when they actually have to introduce themselves and speak to a human. I've never started a business, but how hard could it be? HA! I will tell you that working as an MRI technologist, running back and forth on call all weekend for a barely staffed hospital, seemed pointless. I wanted to help Grandma, not rush her along so I could be compliant with corporate policies. At my job, I had to put myself and my family last. Hard work without complaints was rarely recognized. I thought, "Why am I working so hard for an organization that doesn't care about me?" If I'm going to work this hard, it may as well be for myself and for my family." I asked myself, "what do I love to do?" I love to throw parties, entertain and dress up while being an absolute weirdo. I took some savings and got to work. The first year was good; I got some bookings and learned a lot.
I was really enjoying my photo booth business, and I booked my first wedding with an amazing couple, The Sweets! (I would totally insert a photo of them if I had not deleted the drive folder). To me, there is something magical about the grand entrance, first dances and speeches that always makes me emotional. I love the details, creativity and different personalities. I was hooked! Shortly after my first wedding job, I was hit with news of a breast cancer diagnosis. I learned how truly fragile the concept of "someday" is. It changed how I see moments and how I show up; I don't take these things for granted. After my double mastectomy, Dr. Carolyn Bhakta called to let me know that I was cancer free! This put a whole new spin on my life and Sip & Snap! With my husband's support, I made the difficult decision to quit my full-time job in April 2025 and pour everything into my business. A photo booth might seem small in the grand scheme of a wedding, but I've seen:
Grandparents laugh like kids again
Groomsmen finally loosen up
Mom's step into a photo they didn't think they belonged in
Friends create moments they will talk about for years
Sip & Snap isn't about perfection. It's about joy and connection. It's about giving something real to keep. If you're planning a day that's meant to be felt-not just seen- I'd love to be a part of it because I get it.
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