Yay! You’ve met the love of your life, and now you are engaged! It is such an exciting time, but it can also be a bit stressful and daunting to think of all the wedding plans you need to make. That’s where I come in! If you aren’t familiar, my name is Ashley DeHart, and I have been photographing weddings since 2014. Not only have I planned my own wedding, but I have helped and guided over 200 joyful brides and grooms on their journey to “I do”! I believe that knowledge is power, and I want to equip all engaged couples with the knowledge they need to have an amazing, stress-free engagement. Here are the 5 things to do after you get engaged:

1. Celebrate!

One of the first things to do after you get engaged – celebrate! As I said, this is an exciting time! You will only get the chance to be “fiances” for a small amount of time.  After this, you’ll be husband and wife forever! Use this time to soak it all in, and prepare not only for a beautiful wedding, but a beautiful marriage! I always recommend taking the 5 Love Languages Quiz. This helps you understand the ways that your future spouse receives love and how you receive love. Thoroughly understanding each other’s love language will ensure your marriage is off to a great start! This is also a great time to discuss what your marriage will look like – will you split the household chores evenly? Will you take turns cooking? Weekly date nights? Setting expectations and boundaries, and knowing exactly how to nourish your marriage will set you up for success.

2. Set a Budget & Preliminary Guest List

Next it is time to set a budget! I have written a separate post about Utah Wedding Budgets, which you can check out. A budget is so so important to set at the beginning stages of planning. It might need some revision once you really start to narrow down the vision for your wedding, but it is a good idea to have a rough estimate in mind. Make a list of the top 3 things that are most important to each of you, and allocate your budget to those things. A budget is not limiting what you can do, it is  giving you permission to spend money on exactly what you want, without guilt!

The guest list is an area that can greatly effect your budget. The size of the venue, the amount of food, cake, and favors is all dependent on how many guests you invite. Do you want a small wedding with only your closest friends and family? Or do you want a large wedding with everyone you have ever known? My general rule of advice is this – if you haven’t talked to someone in the last 5 years, then leave them off the guest list.

3. Pick a Date & Wedding Venue

Another item on the list of things to do after you get engaged – pick your wedding date and select a venue! In Utah, the most popular times to get married are late April through mid-October. This is when the weather is mostly good, and the outdoor spaces are green and thriving. If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, then I recommend checking with the farmer’s almanac to see what the weather is generally like on certain days. This will tell you if a certain day has a history of being sunny (perfect) or rainy (not perfect for outdoor weddings).

Besides weather, another important thing to consider when choosing a venue is the location. Is it easy to find? Does it offer both indoor and outdoor options? Are there places nearby for out of town guests? Some other considerations are – does the venue provide tables, chairs, and linens? Do they require you to use caterers on their approved list of vendors? Do they hold more than one wedding event in a day?

My favorite venues to shoot in have light colored walls, plenty of windows to allow sunlight in, and both indoor and outdoor areas for ceremonies and receptions. With our crazy Utah weather, it is always important to have a backup ceremony location! I have a list of my favorite Utah Wedding Venues – these are venues that are not only beautiful, but are also amazing to work with! They have wonderful owners, wedding day coordinators, and they ensure that all of their couples have an amazing wedding day.

4. Decide on a Wedding Photographer

After you’ve picked a date and a venue, it is time to select your wedding photographer! If you know you want a certain wedding photographer, it is totally ok to reach out to them at the same time as you are picking a wedding date and venue. Coordinating schedules between venues and photographers is very common! I have had a few couples switch their wedding dates based on my availability, and it’s always an honor to know they value what I have to offer!

After the wedding is said and done, your wedding photos (and video), will be the last remaining part of your wedding. It is so important to invest in a photographer with experience. You wants photos that you will cherish. Photos that will remind you of the day that you married the love of your life, and all of the happiness and joy that you felt. Your photos will be passed down to your children and grandchildren, and they are such an important heirloom! Don’t waste the chance to document such an important day by going with whoever offers the best deal. Choose someone who is well qualified, and delivers an outstanding experience as well as stunning photos!

What to consider when researching photographers:

• What style do you like? There are so many different editing styles – dark and moody, orange toned, true to color, light and airy, etc. Every photographer has their own style, and it’s important to pick a style that vibes with your vision! A light and airy photographer’s style will shine in a venue that is light/white versus an orange toned barn.
• How does the photographer shoot? Are their photos very posed, or candid? Is the photographer vocal with posing and directing, or do they take a more hands-off documentary approach?
• What does the photographer offer besides just photos? Do they offer prints and products? Do they have guides to tell you exactly what to expect during your sessions?
• What is their personality like? You will spend so much time with your photographer, and it is important that you guys get a long well! Do you want someone who is outgoing and loud? Or do you want someone who is more reserved and brings a calm presence to your day?

My style is colorful and romantic with creamy, dreamy skin tones. I ensure that the colors you picked for your wedding look exactly as they should. I am very vocal with posing and coach my couples into poses that are flattering.I then add in prompts that allow your relationship to shine with candid realness. If you are a giggly couple, then your photos will show that. If you are more reserved, then your photos will show that. I have had many brides say that I bring a calming, happy presence, and that I am super easy to get along with! If that sounds like what you are looking for, you can inquire HERE!

5. Finalize the Fun Details

Now that you have all the big ticket items checked off your list, it’s time to think about all the fun little details! Picking out your wedding dress, cake tastings, wedding vows – the fun is just getting started! Remember, planning a wedding is supposed to be exciting! Your wedding day gets to be exactly what you, as a couple, want it to be. Drop the expectations of following tradition, or listening to what other people want, and just follow your heart! Everything will fall into place, and I have no doubt that your wedding day will be amazing. I wish you the best of luck on your wedding planning journey! Cheers!

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