Newly Engaged? Start Wedding Planning with These 3 Steps
Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments of your life. Before the planning takes over, it’s important to start your journey with clarity, confidence, and the right support system.
As a father of two daughters and a New Orleans wedding photographer with over 30 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand what makes a wedding day truly unforgettable — and what helps couples enjoy the process along the way.
1. Take Time to Celebrate the Engagement
Before you dive into Pinterest boards and vendor searches, pause. Celebrate this season with your partner and your family. Engagement is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and the joy you feel now deserves to be savored. These early memories become part of your wedding story.
2. Define Your Priorities and Budget Early
Sit down together and talk about what matters most to you. Is it photography, venue, guest experience, or all of the above? Setting priorities early helps guide your budget and keeps decision-making stress-free. When you know what’s important, everything else falls into place.
3. Hire Experienced Wedding Professionals You Trust
Great weddings start with a great team. An experienced wedding planner and photographer do more than show up — they help build timelines, prepare for backup plans, and keep the day flowing smoothly. When professionals work together, you’re free to stay present and enjoy every moment.
After photographing hundreds of weddings, I can confidently say this: the right preparation and the right vendors protect your peace on the wedding day.
Your wedding will go by quickly — but with thoughtful planning and trusted professionals, the memories will last forever.
