So You’re Engaged! What Happens Next?
First of all: CONGRATULATIONS! 🎉💍
You said yes, you have a shiny new ring, and approximately 47 people have already asked when the wedding is.
Now what? 😂
Planning a wedding can feel a little overwhelming at first, especially when you start realizing
just how many decisions there are to make. Venue. Dress. Flowers. DJ. Food. Invitations.
Timeline. Photographer. WHAT KIND OF CAKE DO WE WANT?!
Take a breath. You don't have to figure it all out today.
As a Cincinnati wedding photographer, I've been around a lot of wedding days over the years, and there are a few things I recommend doing first.
1. Pick your date (or at least your general timeframe)
If you already have a date in mind, awesome! If you're flexible, that's even better.
Having a general idea of when you want to get married will make the rest of your planning much easier—and it'll help when you're reaching out to venues and vendors.
And if you're dreaming of a popular Saturday in the spring or fall, don't wait too long to start asking about availability.
2. Find your venue
Your venue is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle.
Once you have your venue and date, you'll have a much better idea of what the rest of your day might look like.
And here's a little photographer tip: think about the light.
I know, I know. You're probably thinking, I haven't even picked my flowers yet and this woman is talking to me about light. 😂
But natural light can make a HUGE difference in your photos.
When you're touring venues, pay attention to where you'll be getting ready, where your ceremony will take place, and what outdoor photo opportunities are nearby.
3. Start looking for your photographer
And yes, I'm going to tell you to book your photographer early. 😂
Your photographer is with you for a HUGE portion of your wedding day. You're going to spend a lot of time with this person, so don't just choose someone because you like their portfolio. Make sure you actually like them.
Do you feel comfortable talking to them?
Do you like their personality?
Can you picture them hanging out with your family all day?
Because you're going to want someone who can make you laugh when you're nervous, keep you moving when things get chaotic, and tell you when your dress is doing something weird.
That's where I come in. 😉 My approach to weddings is a mix of beautiful, guided portraits and genuine candid moments. I'll help you figure out a timeline that gives us time for the photos you want without making you feel like your entire wedding day revolves around taking pictures. Because you should actually get to enjoy your wedding.
4. Don't worry about having every detail figured out
Seriously.
You do not need to have your colors, centerpieces, seating chart, favors, signature cocktails, or grandmother's second cousin's plus-one figured out before you contact your photographer.
If you know your date, venue, and roughly what you're looking for, that's enough to start a conversation.
We'll figure out the rest as we go.
5. Most importantly—have fun.
This is the part that's easy to forget.
You're getting married to your favorite person. Somewhere between Pinterest boards, vendor emails, budgets, and trying to decide whether you actually need 47 different centerpieces, don't forget why you're doing all of this.
Go on dates. Celebrate your engagement. Take terrible selfies with your new ring. Eat the cake samples. Dance in your kitchen.
And let yourself be excited.
Because the wedding day will go by so much faster than you think. And when it's over, you'll have the photos, the memories, and hopefully a whole lot of stories about the things that didn't go exactly according to plan. 😂
And honestly?
Those are usually the best stories anyway.
If you're looking for a Cincinnati wedding photographer who will give you beautiful photos and make sure you actually have a good time while we're taking them, I'd love to hear from you.
xo Jenny b!
