YOU’RE ENGAGED!!! YAY! I am sooo excited for you! Being engaged is such a fun season – soak it all in and enjoy the celebrations! And as much fun as being engaged is, marriage is even better! You have so much to look forward to!

Once the initial shock + excitement turns into realization that you get to spend the rest of your life with your best friend … let the wedding planning begin!!! It’s officially time to start turning your Pinterest dreams into reality!

However, something so exciting can also turn into being very overwhelming – real quick. Today I am giving you list of 3 things you must do to initiate your wedding planning. This will start you in the right direction until you can find your professional wedding planner!

1. SET PRIORITIES

This is the number one conversation you two must have together. What is most important to YOU as a couple? What do you value the most? It is vital to start here first.

Do you have your heart set on getting married at a certain venue? Do you value timeless, professional photos of this once-in-a-lifetime day? Some couples really prioritize ensuring their guests have a great time, so they’ll invest more on entertainment + food. Everyone has different priorities!

This is your special day, so this list of priorities should be made by the two of you together … without the distractions of current social media trends or family/friend’s opinions weighing in. Make it a date night! Choose a day to sit down together and intentionally take time to think about the things you value most + create this list.

Start with the most important, non-negotiable things to you and work your way down to the things that may not really matter as much. Having this list will hopefully make future compromises easier!

2. ESTABLISH A *REALISTIC* BUDGET

Everyone’s budget will be different – and that is okay!! What do I mean by realistic? Mostly just ensuring that your budget realistically aligns with your expectations!

After your priorities are set, you can begin to establish a budget. Start with the top 3 things you value most and how much you’re willing to invest.

Once you start inquiring with your preferred vendors, you’ll have a better idea of those anticipated investments and can work your total wedding budget around. Meaning, you may have to make budget adjustments to spend more in a certain area that you really value and less on another aspect of your wedding day.

Remember those future compromises I mentioned above? This is where those decisions come in and where your list of priorities will come into play!

3. RESEARCH + BOOK KEY VENDORS

Reach out EARLY to your preferred vendors! (if you think it’s too early to reach out, I can assure you – it’s not, hehe) You can even reach out before securing a date if you have your heart set on having specific vendors be a part of your special day!

Booking key vendors in advance will allow you to have a peace of mind + relax while knowing your top priorities are in place!

If you haven’t really given much thought into your wedding vendors until now, it is so important to do your research. Learn all about their process + the experience they provide. Read reviews from past brides. Look into their portfolio and make sure you love their work + service. Most importantly, make sure you connect with them and their personality! I believe you should be reaching out to vendors because they have already established trust in you, you connect with them, and you love their work + service.

Remember, this is your day! Most importantly, it’s about marriage and LOVE. The start of a family. Making promises to your best friend + lifelong companion. Pure joy knowing you get to do life together forever as you’re surrounded + celebrated by the ones you love most!

I am so lucky to capture these moments that mean the most. To be a light and service to you on your wedding day while simultaneously capturing raw emotions, genuine laughs, and the overall JOY of your day! I have the best job in the world!

Shoutout to the AMAZING wedding vendor team from this dreamy day at Oxbow Estate:

Photographer: Kelsie Zeagler Photography

Venue: Oxbow Estate

Videographer: Trey Mintz Films

Day of Coordination: The Social South

Dress: Dress’d (Designer: BoLee)

Tux: Dress’d & Jim’s Formal Wear

Flay Lay Essentials: The Styling Source

Invitation Suite: Covenant Calligraphy

Florals: The Skinny Vase

Hair: Hairxkarli

Make Up: Bridal By Whit

Cake: Sugar Euphoria

Rentals: Finest Details

Model Agency: Marilyns Agency

Models: Madison & Jorgen

Rings: Barnes Jewelers

Host: Abby Rogers Photography & Kelsie Zeagler Photography