Just Got Engaged This Holiday Season? Here’s What to Do Next!
Congratulations, beautiful, you’re engaged!!!! The holidays are such a magical time to get engaged. Whether it was a surprise proposal while visiting family during Thanksgiving, or under the Christmas lights or a cozy moment shared with family, I can only imagine how thrilled you must be right now. He really want to show you off this holiday, girl!!! After the excitement of saying “yes” and sharing the news, you’re probably thinking, What comes next?
As a documentary-style wedding photographer based in St. Augustine (I travel too!), I know how overwhelming wedding planning can be. There are so many decisions to make, and it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t worry—I’m here to help guide you every step of the way. Today, I’m sharing what you should do next after getting engaged.
Step 1: Now That You’re Engaged, Book Your Venue First
Once you’ve said “yes,” the very first thing you should do is book your wedding venue. I know this might feel like a big decision right after getting engaged, but it’s the most important step you can take! Your venue sets the tone for your entire wedding. It influences everything! From your wedding theme to the overall vibe of your day, and it also determines your wedding date, which is a critical factor for your other vendors. I also want to note, popular venues get booked up quickly!
So, take your time and choose the venue that feels like you. Whether it’s a beautiful beach venue in St. Augustine or a historic venue with plenty of charm elsewhere, securing your venue locks in your wedding date and gives you something concrete to start planning the rest of your day around. Once your venue is locked down, you’ll feel a lot more organized. Then you’ll be ready to tackle the next important task: finding the right photographer to capture every moment.
Step 2: Choose Your Wedding Photographer
After securing your venue, the next most important decision is choosing your wedding photographer. Your wedding photos are the lasting memories of the most important day of your life, so choosing someone who truly understands your vision is key.
As a documentary-style wedding photographer, I believe in capturing the real, raw moments of your day—without the forced smiles and stiff poses. My goal is to make sure that every photo is a genuine reflection of your love story. From the joyful tears to the laughter and the quiet, meaningful moments in between, I focus on documenting your day as it unfolds, naturally. These are the moments that truly make your wedding unique, and they’re the ones you’ll cherish forever.
Why Documentary-Style Photography?
If you’re drawn to authentic, heartfelt images that don’t feel staged, then documentary-style photography is for you. It’s perfect for couples who want to relive the genuine emotions of their big day—the quiet, tender moments, the spontaneous laughter, and the unfiltered joy. Here’s why this style works so well:
- Real Moments, Real Emotions: Documentary photography allows me to capture the true essence of your wedding day without interrupting the flow of events.
- Timeless Photos: Your wedding day isn’t just a set of posed images—it’s a collection of memories that will last forever.
- Personal Storytelling: Every couple has a unique story. With documentary-style photography, I can showcase the individual personalities and special moments that make your day unforgettable.
Bonus: Why You Should Book an Engagement Session
Now, let’s talk about your engagement session—one of my favorite parts of the entire wedding planning process! I know it might feel a little awkward or nerve-wracking to be in front of the camera, but trust me, this session is all about you and your partner, celebrating this amazing chapter of your lives.
Here’s why I love engagement sessions and why you should definitely book one:
- No Posing Necessary: One of the biggest perks of a documentary-style engagement session is that you don’t have to worry about posing. I will guide you through the session, but the goal is to let your connection shine through naturally. I want to capture the way you laugh, the way you look at each other, and those sweet, candid moments that show off your love for each other. You’ll feel relaxed, and the photos will reflect your true selves.
- Perfect for Save-the-Dates and Invitations: Engagement photos are the perfect way to create Save-the-Dates and wedding invitations that feel personal and meaningful. They’re also a wonderful way to share your love story with friends and family on your wedding website.
- A Chance to Celebrate You: The engagement session is your time to have fun and enjoy being together. You get to choose a location that’s meaningful to you both. And most importantly, it’s a time to relax and enjoy the moment without the stress of the wedding day looming.
- Capture Your Love Story: This session isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about documenting who you are as a couple. You’ll have images that reflect the true essence of your relationship. These are the ones you’ll treasure forever as the start of your journey together.
Why Phavy Photography is the Right Choice for You
I’ve been photographing weddings for over 14 years! One of the things my brides love about working with me is how I make the entire process fun and stress-free. Wedding planning can be overwhelming, but I believe your experience with me should be an enjoyable one. When you choose Phavy Photography, you’re not just hiring a photographer (and her team). You will also get a family who will make sure you feel comfortable and at ease throughout the entire journey.
Here’s why couples love working with me:
- A Fun, Stress-Free Experience: Planning a wedding can be stressful, but when you work with me, it’s all about having a good time and enjoying the process. I create a relaxed, fun atmosphere during the engagement session and wedding day, so you can focus on what really matters: each other.
- Documenting Real Moments: I specialize in authentic, documentary-style photography. It’s all about capturing real emotions, candid moments, and the love you share. The photos you get will be true to who you are as a couple—no forced smiles or awkward poses. Just the real you, celebrating your big day.
- Consistency from Engagement to Wedding Day: When you book both your engagement session and wedding photography with me, you’re getting consistency in style and experience. By the time your wedding day arrives, we’ll already have a connection, and I’ll know exactly how to capture the moments that matter most to you.
- Attention to Detail: I believe that every small moment is just as important as the big ones. From the tender glance shared between you two to the laughter with your closest friends, I make sure to capture every part of your day—nothing is overlooked.
Step 3: Contact Phavy Photography Today!
Now that you have your venue and photographer in mind, it’s time to take the next step in your wedding planning! I’d love to hear all about your vision for your big day! Let’s chat about how I can help make it come to life with timeless, documentary-style photos that you’ll cherish forever.
Ready to get started? Let’s plan your engagement session and start thinking about how we’ll capture every beautiful moment of your wedding day. With Phavy Photography, you’re not just getting photos—you’re getting a lifetime of memories.
Where ever you decide to say “I do”, Phavy Photography is here to tell your unique love story through natural, heartfelt images. Let’s create something unforgettable together!
Phavy Photography (phavyphotos.com)
Wedding Photographer in St. Augustine, FL / Destination Wedding Photographer
E-mail: contact@phavyphotos.com
Phone: 904-228-1350
Instagram: 904photographer
