You just got engaged!! Congratulations!! As a wedding photographer, I have attended tons of weddings. They are such a special celebration and they just make my heart so happy. Get excited. Okay so now what? Here’s where to start.

1. Celebrate. DUH! Don’t get started with wedding planning before you celebrate. If you just let everything stress you out, it’ll all be over before you have a chance to soak in the moment.
2. Talk budget with your fiancé and anyone financially involved in the wedding. Get an idea of what you’re willing to invest in and what is important to both of you. Also, decide on a rough guest list.
3. Decide if you want a wedding planner. It’s not for everyone, but if you want one, this would be the time to hire one!
4. Look into photographers and venues so you can book both before it’s too late. There are many options for both, so try to find a photographer and a venue that aligns with your vision for your wedding. Also, don’t forget that venue options don’t just need to be the traditional venues. You can do a backyard wedding at a family member’s house, you can get married in a national park or somewhere in the mountains, there are lots of options.
5. Take engagement photos if you wanted them and send out wedding announcements/invitations.
6. Make sure to have fun with the planning process. Have fun looking for a dress, deciding what type of flowers you want, what food you want, and remember that the sky is the limit. You have endless options. A wedding is just a big party celebrating you and your favorite person, so if you two want to get married at a lake and then go swimming after, go for it! If you want to skip dancing and do art instead, do it! Seriously, make your wedding something that feels like you two.
7. Don’t forget to include whoever you decide to include. I say this because looking back, I wish I did more with my sister. I wish I had made her feel more special and a part of my wedding. Just think through ways you can connect with the people you love leading up to this special celebration.

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