AHH!! So you’re engaged!!! How fun!! If you’re like I was, you still can’t believe that you’re going to marry and spend the rest of your life with your best friend. You probably can’t keep your eyes off that sparkle on your left hand, and it’s causing you to get absolutely nothing done. I know what you’re going through! I also know that you’re being pulled in a million and one directions, and it can be difficult to know what to do in what order. It seems like everyone needs your attention or has an idea {which is helpful, but can be really overwhelming!}.

Here’s 5 steps I wish I would’ve given to my newly-engaged self.

5 First Steps After Engagement!

1. Enjoy the Moment

   For me, as soon as I got engaged, everything went from 5 to 100 mph in about 10 minutes. Hayden proposed and just a few minutes later everyone was asking when the wedding was and started offering ideas. It was really sweet, but it was REALLY overwhelming. I wish I would’ve tried to enjoy the moment of the engagement more. I wish I wouldn’t have jumped straight into planning. Instead, it would have been great to just celebrate! If you’re newly engaged, enjoy it. Savor the moment before you get knee deep into planning.

2. Find Time for Just the Two of You

   Just like I think alone time on your wedding day is important, I think it’s essential to find time for the two of you to be together early in your engagement. Not only will this allow time for the two of you to celebrate, but it is the perfect chance for you to dream up ideas for your wedding. Sit down and chat about how each of you envision the big day.

3. Pick Your Most Important Items

   One of the best tips Hayden and I received was for both of us to pick a few items that were the most important to us. There are so many decisions that you have to make when planning your big day and small details often get blown up into huge ordeals. However, when you both express what means the most to you, it puts everything else in perspective.

4. Get the Planning Started: Picking a Date 

   Once you’ve savored the moment and talked about what matters the most, it’s time to actually start planning. I highly suggest picking a date {or looking at a few dates} first. Pick a date or season that will embody your dream day. If you have no clue where to start, think about seasonal colors or trends. Weather is something to consider, but I’ve lived in the Midwest my entire life, and it is so unpredictable – seriously 70* one day and snowing the next.

5. Reach out to your Dream Team Vendors: Venue, Photographer, Videographer, and Planner

   Once you’ve narrowed it down to one {or a few} dates, reach out to your dream vendor team. Book your venue, photographer, wedding planner, and videographer. There are of course several other items you need to book, but these are just where I suggest starting at!

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I hope this has helped you begin to navigate the waters of engagement. I love to help ease any worries of my #HNBrides. I’ve been in your shoes, and I know how crazy this season of life is! P.S. If you’re looking for a photographer who wants to be friends with you, laughs with you and your groom, and is THRILLED to be a part of your wedding day – I would love to get to know you!! Contact me through the contact form, and let’s chat!

Also, check out some images of my incredible #HNBrides {& Grooms!!}.

xoxo,