Planning your wedding is such an exciting time, but let’s be honest—after getting engaged, it can also feel a little overwhelming.
Between picking your dream venue, determining the vibe you want, and figuring out your guest list, the decisions can seem endless! And when it comes to selecting your wedding photographer, it’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make after choosing your perfectly-you venue! (We might be a little biased, but after the cake is eaten and the flowers fade, your wedding images are what remain to tell your story.)
But don’t worry—we’re here to make the planning process simple! Let’s dive into our top 5 things to do after getting engaged! Because in the end, making these 5 right choices at the forefront of your wedding planning is what will set you up for smooth sailing leading up to your dream day!
1. Find your Dream Venue
Wedding planning always needs to start with choosing a venue that reflects the two of you. From estates to art museums to magical outdoor forested spaced with a tented reception, most venues book out 1-2 years in advance. Your venue availability will guide your wedding date as well! (And if you are anything like us, you like a sentimental or really memorable date). So start the search early so you can also have some fun with your chosen wedding date! In the end, your wedding venue should reflect an aesthetic that makes you feel in awe and excited!
Here’s what to look for:
- Always go in person when considering venues. You will know right away if a venue aligns with your aesthetic!
- Your venue is a blank slate. Start dreaming and think about your wedding day portraits when you visit. Can you envision gorgeous shots of the two of you in the spaces you see?
- If you’re feeling bogged down by choosing your venue, you are not alone. This is the right time to loop in a wedding planner. They will do all the heavy lifting for you!
Top Tip: Your wedding venue will determine the mood of your day, so start searching early and make it the first booking you make! Already found your dream venue? Woohoo! Start collecting your favourite shots from that venue to share with your photographer.
2. Book Based on Human Connection
The worst feeling in the world is feeling like a number. And when choosing your wedding vendor team, you will want to pick people who are not only talented, but relatable and personal. When it comes to your wedding photographers, especially, this couldn’t be more true. From the moments of getting ready, to the joyful flurry of family portraits, your photographers’ presence will be felt throughout.
Here’s why this matters:
- Your photographers will help set the tone for your day—you want someone calm under pressure and upbeat and energizing when needed.
- Their vibe will ease (or add to!) stress, especially during emotional moments.
- You want a photographer who understands you and your vision. Find someone who can artfully step back when documenting your day, cheerlead and pump up the crowd during wedding party portraits, and be that calm friend the rest of the time.
Top Tip: It’s so important to find vendors whose energy you genuinely enjoy. Your photographer’s personality should match the experience you want.
3. The Experience You Really Want
After shooting weddings for over 10 years, we’ve learned two things. 1) Wedding days never go exactly as you want, and 2) when you hire the right vendors, you may never know it! Every day has it’s own little quirks so select vendors who are trusted guides. And being in the wedding industry, we know firsthand all the layers and small touches that can make your day feel truly exceptional. Choosing a newbie with amazing work or booking someone who does not work weddings full-time will always come with risks, as it’s not just about your photos. Choosing an experienced photographer offers genuine peace of mind so you can enjoy your day.
Here’s what this means:
- An expereinced photographer will guide your timeline, ensuring things flow smoothly, without you even being aware.
- You want a photographer who can artfully step back when documenting your day, cheerlead and pump up the crowd during wedding party portraits, charm your grandma during family portriats, and be that calming presence the rest of the time.
- Hiring someone you trust means you can savour your day while all the moments get captured for you.
Top Tip: Read Google reviews of anyone you are considering. If a vendor doesn’t have consistently great (or any) Google Reviews, you can assume they don’t have the experience to give you the relaxed experience you want.
4. Determine the kind of photos you want
With so many styles of editing, from light and airy, natural and true-to-life, real film look or cinematic, and dark and moody, the choices can feel overwhelming at first. Add in posing options including classic, candid, documentary, and editorial, there’s a lot to consider after getting engaged and choosing your photographer.
Here’s what to really think about:
- Editing style: Which vibe feels most like you? Do you like photos that have obvious presets or something more natural? What will you enjoy in 10 years? 40 years?
- Posing: Do you want a super posed, traditional feel? Or do you prefer natural candids, guided poses with an editorial touch, or a mix?
- Consistency: Is the photographer’s portfolio cohesive and can you see beautiful work in all kinds of lighting situations (eg. direct sunlight, golden hour, indoors, party shots, etc). Or does their style feel all over the place?
Top Tip: When you browse through galleries, imagine yourself in those images. Do the edited photos feel natural or does it look manufactured? Does their work feel like the couple is authentically enjoying each other and their day?
5. Unique Difference: What Makes Them Stand Out?
For us, we are all about capturing candid, natural moments with a unique editorial touch, and helping you feel relexed in front of the camera so you can have truly enjoy your day! We focus on capturing genuine connection—those moments of real love and joy that make your story yours.
Another unique thing we offer? We’re a husband-and-wife team ensuring your day is captured seamlessly and in a heartfelt and personalized way (instead of a random second photographer showing up on your day). And yes, we bring a drone for jaw-dropping aerial shots weather-permitting!
A Quick Note on Budget
By far one of the biggest parts of wedding planning after getting engaged is figuring out budget. It’s no secret that budget plays a big role in selecting your wedding photographer. Prices vary depending on location and expertise. Investing in a photographer whose work you will love for the years to come will ensure you have memories to cherish for a lifetime!
Book a Call
Geting engaged is the beginning of such an incredible chapter in yoour ife journey together! We’re so excited for you as you embark on this beautiful adventure of wedding planning!
Getting engaged or married in Toronto, London, Niagara or any of the stops in between? Ready to create something magical together? We’d love to chat about everything you are dreaming up to see if we could be the right fit.
