First Three Things to Do After Getting Engaged!

Engaged? Time to Bask in the Glow and Plan the Show!

So, you said yes, and now you’re staring at that shiny new bling on your finger, wondering, “I’m engaged—now what?” Whether you’ve been planning this day since you were 10 or you’re Googling “how to plan a wedding” as we speak, don’t worry—you’ve got this. And guess what? We’ve got you.

As a couple who has been there, done that, and photographed hundreds of other lovebirds on their big day, we’re here to tell you one thing: relax.

The road to your wedding should be exciting, not overwhelming, and it all starts with three simple steps. Ready? Let’s get into it.

Step 1: CELEBRATEEEEE!
Pop the Bubbly (And Maybe a Confetti Cannon Too)

Congratulations! You’ve just taken one of life’s most exciting leaps. Now’s the time to bask in the glow of your engagement. Whether that means toasting with champagne or cheese fries—it’s your moment, so own it!

But what about everyone asking, “So, when’s the big day?”
Here’s your permission slip to shut that noise down politely. If you’re not ready to dive into planning yet, feel free to say, “We’re just enjoying being engaged for now!” People mean well, but it’s perfectly okay to savor this moment before the logistical madness kicks in.

Remember: engagement is a celebration of the love and commitment that brought you here. Pop the bubbly, cue up your favorite song, and maybe toss around some cheeky names for your future wedding cocktail (like the “Mint to Be Mojito” or “Something Old-Fashioned”).

Step 2: The Great Date Debate

Okay, so now that you've had a chance to celebrate (and maybe even dodge some well-meaning inquiries about wedding plans), it’s time to tackle the next big decision: picking a wedding date. And no, we’re not saying you have to choose an exact day right now, but you should probably have a rough idea. Trust us on this one.

Why does the date matter?
Because, my friend, vendors (especially venues) get booked faster than you can say “I do.” Having a date locked down helps you reach out to the vendors and venues you’re eyeing, and it’ll narrow down your options. You’d be surprised how much easier it is to plan when you know if you’re getting married in the summer or on a chilly December day. Plus, a date gives you something concrete to work with—no more vague “someday” conversations, just a solid plan.

Bonus tip: As soon as you have that date, start reaching out to your favorite wedding photographer (hint, hint, Ben Ramos). Trust us, booking early is the key to locking in not only your favorite vendor but also the best prices. Photographers (like us!) book up quickly, and as the years go on, prices tend to rise as we gain more experience. So, your best bet is to get us while we’re still in our “we’re just excited to shoot your wedding” phase!

P.S. We know you’ve heard it a hundred times: “Start with a budget.” And yes, it’s important—but you already know that. If you’re looking for a little extra help with that, try this wedding budget calculator—but no pressure. Your love story isn’t measured in dollars, anyway.

Click this image to see more from this surprise double proposal! 😍

Step 3: Gather Your People and Pick Your Pros

Now that you’ve got a date in mind, it’s time to think about the people who’ll share this magical day with you. Start with a rough guest list—or better yet, a few versions of it. Think of it like trying on outfits: you might have a cozy, intimate guest list, a medium-sized crew, or an all-out bash with everyone who’s ever liked your Instagram posts. Each version will help you narrow down your options for venues, catering, and more.

But don’t stop there.
This is also the time to start building your vendor dream team, and at the top of that list should be your photographer (hint, hint). Why? Because photographers book out months, even years, in advance, especially the good ones (hi again, it’s us). Plus, wedding photography isn’t just about pictures—it’s about capturing your story. And trust us, the earlier you book, the more likely you’ll lock in your favorite photographer at their current rates.

Planning a wedding can feel like a lot, but here’s the secret: it’s supposed to be fun. You and your partner are the VIPs of this day, so make choices that reflect what you want. Big or small, fancy or simple, your wedding should feel like you—no matter how many people (or dogs) are in attendance.

Happy Planning!

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