First of all… CONGRATULATIONS!
If you’re reading this, you probably have a new sparkly ring on your finger and a whole lot of emotions buzzing around. Maybe you’re feeling excited, overwhelmed, or like you should already have a Pinterest board and everything figured out. As a wedding photographer, I’ve worked with so many couples right from the start of their journey – and I’ve seen firsthand how helpful it is to have a roadmap when you’re just starting out. So here’s your first deep breath… and then your next steps:
Before you dive into spreadsheets and venue tours, take a moment – or a few weeks really – to just enjoy being engaged. Celebrate with your people, take a million ring selfies, go on a spontaneous dinner date, and let it feel real. There’s no rush (despite what the internet tells you).
Sit down with your partner and talk about your actual dream wedding – not the version you think you should have.
There’s no wrong answer – the goal is to make it feel like you.
This part isn’t always fun, but it’s so important.
Talk about your overall budget early and decide what your top priorities are. For most couples, those tend to be:
Knowing your numbers from the start helps avoid stress later and lets you put your money where your values are (likeee stunning photos you’ll treasure forever).
These three lock everything else into place – and they book up fast.
If you have a dream venue or photographer, be open to flexible dates or seasons to make it work.
💡 Pro tip: If you already know you want your wedding to feel relaxed, candid, and artfully documented – I’d love to chat. I help couples capture their day in a way that’s honest, cinematic, and truly them. You can inquire here.
Once you’ve locked those in, it’s a good time to start reaching out to other key vendors too – like your makeup artist, hair stylist, florist, cake designer, and planner (if you’re hiring one). These amazing creatives often book up well in advance, especially for weekend weddings, and the good ones are worth securing early.
Now’s the time to start collecting inspiration – but try not to get caught in the scroll.
Create a Pinterest board or save Instagram posts, but remember: you don’t have to do it all. The best weddings are the ones that feel effortless, personal, and full of heart.
Planners aren’t just for over-the-top weddings – they’re lifesavers for busy people or couples planning from afar. If you’re doing a destination wedding or want help keeping things stress-free, a planner is worth their weight in gold. There are so so many logistics that go into a wedding that most brides and grooms aren’t experts on and don’t know about. Having someone else take over all those mini stresses can be so helpful for your big day.
At the end of the day, this is about celebrating your love. Your wedding can be as big, small, fancy, or chill as you want. Make decisions that feel aligned with you two, not just what trends are out there.
If you’re newly engaged and don’t know where to start, I’d love to help. Whether you’re planning a Nova Scotia elopement, a destination wedding in Italy, or something totally your own – I’m here for the ride.
You can check out my portfolio here, or reach out here if you want to chat dates, vibes, or just ask a few questions. No pressure – I’m just a real human who happens to love this stuff.
Makeup: Selena Marchand
Hair: Jacquelyn Taylor
Bride to be: Jane from Arrow & Knot Productions
As a Halifax-based wedding photographer, I capture love stories worldwide for couples who value creativity, intentionality, and nostalgia. Rooted in storytelling, my approach focuses on authentic, romantic imagery - timeless keepsakes to cherish for a lifetime and beyond. Whether local, in Europe, Mexico, the UK, or beyond, I’d be honored to document your day. Let’s connect!
As a Halifax-based wedding photographer, I capture love stories worldwide for couples who value creativity, intentionality, and nostalgia. Rooted in storytelling, my approach focuses on authentic, romantic imagery - timeless keepsakes to cherish for a lifetime and beyond. Whether local, in Europe, Mexico, the UK, or beyond, I’d be honoured to document your day. Let’s connect!