You’re engaged! Congratulations! Now what?
This season is full of joy, celebration, and maybe… just a little overwhelm. As a Nashville wedding photographer, I work with couples at every stage of planning, and I’ve learned there’s a simple order of steps that makes everything feel easier and more fun.
Here’s exactly what to do first after saying “yes!”
Before diving into planning, take a breath. Go out to dinner, pop some champagne, and soak it in. This is a once (or twice) in a lifetime moment — it deserves its own space!
You know they know, so give them the 10 second phone call they've been sweating over all day!
- call your parents (they'll appreciate it)
- FaceTime your best friend (you know she's been waiting by her phone)
- post a dreamy ring photo (or hard launch that relationship!)
Not details — just the vibe.
Ask yourselves:
- What season feels right?
- Big celebration or intimate gathering?
- Classic Nashville venue or destination weekend?
- Formal or laid-back?
This conversation helps guide every decision that comes next. You want your day to *feel* like you, so it's okay to take a beat and ask these questions!
Venues will ask this right away, so having a general number helps:
- 50–75 → small & intimate
- 100–150 → standard & classic
- 150–250+ → large & celebratory
No need for a perfect list, just a range. We get it, things change! But having a ballpark number will help your vendors out a TON!
Every couple has different “must-haves.” Some are:
- photography
- venue
- music
- florals
- food & drink
- overall experience
Knowing your priorities helps you allocate your budget with confidence and narrow down your vendor search. Nashville is full of pros, so you're in good hands!
Venues in Nashville (and beyond!) book FAST, especially for peak months. In my experience, Nashville's busy wedding season is April through October.
A few local favorites of mine that my couples love:
Once your venue + date are secure… it’s photographer time!
Photography is one of the first vendors couples book — and for good reason. Your photographer is with you all day, capturing every moment you’ll cherish for years! So naturally, it's one of the biggest weddings planning decisions you'll make.
When couples work with me, they receive:
- a personalized experience tailored to their day
- timeline guidance
- gentle posing + natural prompts
- true-to-color, timeless imagery
- a photographer who truly cares about your story
If you’re planning a Nashville or destination wedding, I would love to hear what you’re dreaming up. Click here to get in touch & click here to see some of my favorite photos (and get a feel for what it will be like working with me!)
Though not always necessary, engagement photos are:
- a fun, relaxed way to celebrate your season
- a chance for us to get comfortable working together
- perfect for save-the-dates
- great for wedding websites + social media
Bonus: Nashville has incredible spots & makes our lives sooo easy — from Centennial Park to downtown rooftops to lakeside fields at sunset. And it gives us a chance to hang out before the big day!
Once the date is set, venue is booked, and you've hired me, I recommend looking here next:
- planner
- florist
- music
- glam
- videographer
- rentals
Need recommendations? I’ve worked with some of the most talented vendors in Nashville (and beyond) & I’m always happy to share names!
Engagement goes by fast. Try not to get lost in the planning timeline; savor the milestones, the moments, the late-night conversations, the excitement.
You’re building a life together. That’s the best part of all. ♥︎
Whether your celebration is in Nashville, across Tennessee, or a destination far from home, I’d love to document your day with beauty, ease, and intention.