Just Engaged? Here’s What to Do First (Hint: Book Your Photographer!)
Congratulations! You just got engaged, and your hand is now permanently positioned in "Look-at-My-Ring" mode. Whether you’re already knee-deep in Pinterest boards or still staring at your fiancé(e) in shock, wondering, "Did that really just happen?", I’ve got you covered.
Before you dive into color swatches and cake tastings (which, let’s be honest, is the best part), here are the first steps you should take after getting engaged—including the most important one (spoiler: it involves photography!).
1. Take a Moment to Freak Out (In a Good Way)
Seriously, take a breath and soak it all in! Pop some champagne, have a little dance party in your living room, or call your best friend and scream into the phone together. You just got engaged! This is huge!
2. Announce It – But Make It Cute
You could just post a blurry selfie with the caption “We’re engaged!”… OR you could go all out with a dreamy engagement session (see where I’m going with this?). Professional photos make the perfect announcement, plus they give you Insta-worthy content to keep the excitement going.
💡 Pro Tip: An engagement session helps you get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day, making your photos even more natural and fun!
3. Book Your Wedding Photographer ASAP
This is not just me shamelessly plugging my services (okay, maybe a little). But in all seriousness, photographers book up fast—sometimes a year or more in advance. If you have a dream photographer in mind (hint, hint: me!), reach out as soon as possible.
Think about it: Your wedding photos are the one thing (besides your marriage, of course) that will last forever. So, choosing the right photographer is kind of a big deal.
When booking your photographer, consider:
✔️ Their style (light & airy, moody, documentary, etc.)
✔️ What’s included in their packages (engagement session, second shooter, albums, etc.)
✔️ Whether they vibe with you (because trust me, you’ll be spending a lot of time together on your wedding day!)
4. Celebrate With an Engagement Party (or a Cozy Night In)
Some couples throw a full-on bash, while others opt for a quiet dinner with family. Either way, take some time to celebrate with your favorite people before diving into the wedding planning madness.
Bonus idea: Have a proposal re-enactment for those who missed the big moment! Dramatic readings encouraged.
5. Set a Date (or at Least a Season)
Before you start venue shopping or picking out bridesmaid dresses, you’ll need to at least have a rough idea of when you want to tie the knot. Are you dreaming of a cozy fall wedding? A breezy summer beach ceremony? Deciding on a general timeframe will help guide all your other wedding decisions.
6. Start Dreaming Up Your Big Day
Now the fun begins! Pinterest boards, venue tours, cake tastings (seriously, best part), and dress shopping—it’s all ahead of you. Just remember to enjoy the process and not get too caught up in perfection.
Oh, and while you’re at it… book your photographer. Did I mention that already?
7. Relax and Enjoy the Ride
Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but don’t let the stress take away from the joy of being engaged. Take breaks, go on dates with your fiancé(e) that don’t involve wedding talk, and remind yourself that at the end of the day, it’s all about celebrating your love.
And when you’re ready to book your engagement session or wedding photographer, you know who to call (me! It’s me!).
Ready to capture your love story? Let’s chat!
What’s the first thing you did after getting engaged? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear all the fun (or chaotic) stories!