Congratulations on your engagement! This magical moment marks the start of a new chapter filled with love, excitement, and a touch of planning prowess. While you’re still floating on cloud nine, it’s perfectly normal to ponder, “What comes next?” Fear not, for we’ve outlined a supportive and encouraging guide to help you and your partner take the first joyous steps towards your happily-ever-after.

Step 1: Savor the Moment

Before you jump into the logistics, take time to truly relish this new engagement phase. Share the news with your nearest and dearest—whether that’s an intimate family dinner, a surprise announcement at a gathering, or a social media post that exclaims your love from the virtual rooftops. Allow the reality of your lifelong promise to one another to sink in; it’s a milestone worth soaking up every second.

Step 2: Dream Up Your Big Day

Start by envisioning what you both want. Will you go grand or intimate, urban chic or rustic charm, summer garden or winter wonderland? This is the time to open up about your desires, concerns, and expectations. Creating a vision board together can be a fun way to see where your tastes align and where compromises could weave into your shared dream.

Step 3: Scout for Your Dream Venue and Photographer

Once you have a mutual idea of the style and theme, it’s time to scope out your dream venue and your photographer and videographer. These two elements are pivotal in shaping the ambiance of your celebration and capturing every precious moment. It’s essential to prioritize these choices ahead of setting a date since their availability might influence when you’ll tie the knot.

Begin by crafting a shortlist of ideal locations and photographers whose work resonates with your vision. Reach out to see their offerings, availability, and packages. Don’t be afraid to meet them, ask questions, and ensure they align with your expectations.

Step 4: Seal the Deal with a Date

After you’ve landed on the perfect venue and photographer / videographer that both click with your heart’s desire, see what dates they have open. Their schedules coming together will smoothly lead you to the day you say “I do.” Once you’ve booked these cornerstones of your wedding, you’ll have a tangible date to work with—and that makes all the difference.

Step 5: Planning Comes Into Play

With your date set in stone, wedding planning transitions from abstract ideas to actionable items. You’ll start to consider other vendors, guest lists, and budgeting. Each decision spins from the axis of your chosen date and venue, bringing together the pieces of your wedding puzzle. It becomes easier to visualize and construct with these foundations laid out.

Step 6: Celebrate Every Step

Throughout the whirlwind of checklists and decisions, never forget to pause and celebrate your engagement. From cake tastings to dress fittings, every step is part of your story. Keep the dialogue with your partner open, and support each other through the stresses and successes. Remember, wedding planning is not just about the final event—it’s a series of precious moments leading up to one unforgettable celebration.

In conclusion, savoring the newly-engaged bliss, aligning your wedding visions, booking your venue and photographer, picking your date, and then truly beginning the planning process will set a positive and organized pace for the exciting journey ahead. Use this as a starting point, and remember, this is your unique love story—write it in a way that reflects the beauty of your partnership. Happy planning!

About the Author

Heya I am Alivia Beachy, my husband and I are a wedding photo and film team. We are based in Kokomo Indiana, but we travel literally everywhere. Together, Isaac and I are like peanut butter and jelly, mac and cheese, or whatever your favorite combo is! Our mission? To capture your story and so authentically that you don’t even know we are there.

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