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We’re Engaged! Now what?! | Pro Tips from A Wedding Photographer

Weddings

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A helpful guide from a wedding professional, on how to get started with your wedding planning.

At some point, we all get to … this.

Neither of you has ever planned a wedding before, (or maybe you have- cheers to new beginnings.) And you just have no idea where to start. Guess what, I’m pretty sure that’s like 90% of people. Though those stats aren’t necessarily accurate,… it seems like a fair assumption. Haha!

Man proposing to his girlfriend at George George Park in Clinton Township, Michigan.
Woman looking at her new fiance in the park at George George on the bridge.

Let’s get to it.

First things first, you’ve got some decisions to make – the area you want your wedding to be held, the aesthetic for the venue, and the season. Once you’ve narrowed that down, you can really get the ball rolling!

Work out your budget and establish your top priorities—where to save/where to splurge.

Compile your preliminary guest list (you’ll need that guest count!).

Choose your wedding party—who do you want by your side at the altar.

For the busy couple, consider hiring a wedding planner, this helps eliminate a lot of stress and delegates all the “moving parts” to a pro- who knows how to handle it!

newly engaged couple kissing under a tree during their fall proposal session.

The Fun Part!

Book your venue.

And pro-tip* don’t get stuck on a certain date. Because, a lot of times – you have to be flexible with what your venue has available. That’s more and more true these days as COVID times have really thrown a wrench in the wedding industry.

If you are dead set on having certain vendors – this does happen for me, personally – and what I’m saying here is, if you know you need someone there to make your day complete. You ask their availability before you book your venue. Gather the dates they have, and compare with the venue to really specialize your day. This may sound “extra” but, when you want someone to capture your day or a special DJ that you know is going to rock your reception. You go that route to make sure they are there.

Book your photographer. (and video if you’re choosing to!)

… pro-tip* incoming... I know you are so excited to get your engagement photos done, pronto!

Just wait before rushing to book that session though! Booking your engagement shoot with the person who will be photographing your wedding, is very beneficial. Think of the relationship you build with someone during that time! Having that trust is huge, and will help ease your nerves throughout the day.

Book your DJ.

If you really want to have a stellar experience, poll your friends – or ask the couple who had an amazing reception. You obviously want someone who is going to play the crowd, and really keep your people on the dance floor. A lame DJ really puts a damper on the night, so make sure it’s someone you trust to assist in creating a memorable experience for your friends and family. (My favorites to work with include DJ Joey A, and HotBeats Entertainment.)

something unique pro-tip* A band is always a super fun option. There is nothing quite like having your own private concert with some local cover band! Jedi Mind Trip, Atomic Radio Band, and StarFarm are a few that I’ve seen do an incredible job at weddings!

Caterer, Florist, and so on…

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"Magan was hands down the best choice we made (other than marrying my husband!) for our wedding."

Jessica & Goutham

"Hire Magan if you want beautiful pictures. She had us literally tearing up at how stunning all her photos of us are and you don’t spend your entire wedding posing for pictures. Magan was hands down the best choice we made (other than marrying my husband!) for our wedding. You’ll love her personality and you will never regret hiring her for any occasion."

"She captures moments like no on I've seen in the business."

Matt & Stephanie

"Magan is a pro. If you're looking for artist to deliver on the biggest day of your life (wedding) she's your woman. She's honest, fair and fun to hang around with. I never write reviews but needed to for Evoke as the caliber of her work is amazing. It also helps she's leaned in digitally and can deliver your photos back in a seamless and easy way. Well done Magan. Keep on making people look like movie stars. :)"

" Her approach to personalize and tailor your experience to match your needs makes her an easey recommendation."

Ben & Janya

"I can't say enough good things about my experience with Magan. I was in the market for a photographer to capture a special moment and Magan was a joy to work with throughout the entire process. In order to look comfortable in photos, it is so crucial to have an upbeat, energetic personality that simultaneously can break any awkwardness with conversation or humor and Magan fulfills that in spades! Her approach to personalize and tailor your experience to match your needs makes her an easy recommendation."

"The pictures from our wedding day left us speechless."

Danny & Victoria

Our engagement photo session, with Magan, was an absolute blast. We are so appreciative of Magan’s help and guidance throughout our wedding planning and forever GRATEFUL to have had her and her husband with us on our wedding day. Magan and Jared were perfect for us and our wedding group, and a huge part in making it all happen. The pictures from our wedding day left us speechless. We can’t stop looking at them. She captured every moment. We’re so thankful to not only have gained a photographer for life, but also a friend.