You Just Got Engaged — Now What?

First off — congratulations. Whether the moment happened over the holidays, during a trip, or in your living room with takeout and champagne, it’s one you’ll never forget.

After photographing over 150 weddings over the past 8 years — from heartfelt elopements to weekend-long celebrations across California, Montana, and beyond — I’ve seen what sets the most memorable weddings apart. Spoiler: it’s not a checklist. It’s clarity, connection, and doing things your way.

If you're feeling that mix of excitement and “...now what?” — here’s your roadmap. Simple, grounded, and created to help you move forward with confidence (not overwhelm).

1. Slow Down (On Purpose)

You don’t have to plan your wedding in the first two weeks. Seriously.

Take a breath. Pop a bottle. Tell the story to everyone who asks. Soak it in.

The most grounded, joy-filled weddings I’ve documented? They didn’t come from rushing. They came from couples who gave themselves time to feel into it first.

Pro Tip: The best wedding days are built from intention, not urgency. Giving yourself even a week or two to get clear on what really matters can shape your entire planning experience.

2. Ask Yourselves This One Big Question

Before you draft a guest list or scroll Pinterest, ask each other:

“What do we want our wedding to feel like?”

Do you want something relaxed and outdoorsy? Sleek and modern? A cozy weekend with just your inner circle? A two-person elopement on your own terms?

This one question helps clarify everything — your venue, season, timeline, and budget — before you get lost in the details.

Pro Tip: Couples who define their vibe early end up with weddings that feel more cohesive, more intentional, and way more them.

3. Think About What You Want Documented

Photography is more than just “getting the shots” — it’s how your story gets remembered.

Whether you're drawn to film, digital, or a blend of both, this is a great time to explore what feels like you. Look through full galleries (not just Instagram highlights) and pay attention to how a photographer captures mood, movement, and emotion throughout the day.

I’ve worked with couples across a range of styles and locations — downtown Los Angeles, the Montana hills, the Santa Monica pier — and what makes each gallery stand out isn’t the setting. It’s the feeling.

Pro Tip: Ask to see full wedding galleries. You’ll get a true sense of how a photographer handles real timelines, lighting shifts, and authentic moments — start to finish.

4. Talk About Timing — But Stay Flexible

You don’t need a finalized guest count or a set-in-stone theme yet. But you do need to think about what kind of atmosphere you want — and when it makes the most sense.

Spring light? Summer energy? Fall color? A weekday elopement in the city when everything’s a little quieter?

Pro Tip: Shoulder seasons (May–June and September–October) offer ideal light, fewer crowds, and better vendor availability — especially if you're hoping for an outdoor ceremony.

5. Don’t Just Plan a Wedding — Design an Experience

There’s no one way to do this — which means there’s only your way.

Whether it’s a two-day photo journey through city and coast, a ranch celebration at golden hour, or a small backyard ceremony that feels like home, the best weddings reflect who you are, not what’s expected.

When your day is built around your energy, the rest falls into place — and the photos become a living memory of that.

Pro Tip: The most unforgettable weddings aren’t the biggest — they’re the most intentional. Focus on what lights you up, and let that be the compass for every decision from here on out.

Ready to Start Planning?

If you're creating a wedding that’s less about trends and more about meaning, I’d love to help you bring it to life.

My 2026 calendar is officially open, and I take on a limited number of weddings per year so each couple gets the time, attention, and creativity they deserve.

Whether you're planning an elopement in the desert, a celebration on the coast, or something entirely different — I’d be honored to document it.

Click here to inquire — share a few details, and I’ll personally follow up with availability, pricing, and a few ideas to help bring your vision to life.

“We felt so seen throughout the entire process. Jeffrey didn’t just document our wedding — he helped us shape it.” — Elizabeth & Nick