A Newly Engaged Bride’s Guide from a St. Louis Wedding Photographer
You said yes.
Sitting there, you stared at the ring.
You probably replayed the moment a dozen times and called your favorite people right after.
And then—somewhere between the excitement and the screenshots—you thought:
Okay… now what?
If you’re newly engaged and feeling both thrilled and overwhelmed, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. As a St. Louis wedding photographer, I’ve had the honor of walking alongside couples from the very beginning of this season—and I promise, there’s no “right” way to start.
Let’s slow it down and talk about what actually matters first.
First Things First: Let Yourself Be Engaged
Before the checklists and the Pinterest boards. Before all the stress and decision making.
This season is short—and it deserves to be felt.
Go to dinner together. Celebrate with your people. Take blurry iPhone photos. Let the excitement settle in before turning it into a timeline. Your wedding day will come, but this chapter is special all on its own.
Talk Big Picture (Before the Details)
Before you book anything, sit down together and talk through the vision.
- Intimate or big celebration?
- Outdoor or indoor?
- Local St. Louis venue or destination?
- What matters most to you both?
You don’t need every answer—but alignment now will make every decision later feel lighter.
Set a Budget That Feels Honest (Not Stressful)
Budgets aren’t glamorous—but clarity is freeing.
Start with:
- A comfortable overall range
- Any family contributions
- Your top three priorities
For many couples, photography is near the top—and for good reason. Long after the day has passed, your photos are what remain. They become the way your story is remembered and passed down.
Book Your Core Vendors Early
In St. Louis, popular venues and photographers often book 12–18 months in advance, especially for peak wedding season.
Your first priorities should be:
- Your venue
- Your wedding photographer
- A planner or coordinator (if you’re using one)
Your photographer does more than document your day—they help guide timelines, lighting, flow, and the way moments unfold naturally. Choosing someone you trust makes all the difference.
Consider an Engagement Session
Engagement sessions are about more than photos.
They’re a chance to:
- Feel comfortable in front of the camera
- Build trust with your photographer
- Capture this season before it changes
Whether it’s Forest Park, Art Hill, downtown St. Louis, or in your own home, engagement sessions tell the story of right now—the beginning.
A Gentle Reminder
You don’t have to do everything at once. Take a deep breath. It is okay to not have a finalized timeline tomorrow. You don’t need to follow every trend. And you don’t need to compare your wedding to anyone else’s.
Your wedding should feel like you—not a checklist.
From a St. Louis Wedding Photographer
Here’s what I hope you remember:
Your wedding doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. It just has to be yours.
So, when you look back at your photos years from now, what will matter most isn’t the details. It’s how it all felt. The laughter. The quiet moments. The people you love most in one place.
If you’re newly engaged and beginning your wedding planning journey, I’d love to walk alongside you.
Inquire here to start the conversation.
Your love story is one of a kind—your wedding photos should be too.
filed under
