I Just Got Engaged!… Now What?

Pop the champagne—you’re ENGAGED! ✨🍾 That sparkle on your finger? It’s the beginning of your greatest adventure yet!

But after the ring selfies and happy tears, the question creeps in:

👉 “Now what?”

Don’t panic. I’ve helped hundreds of couples through this exact moment. Here’s your no-fluff, eye-catching guide to kick off planning like a pro.

🎉 Step 1: Celebrate Big

📸 Take those ring shots.

🥂 Plan a fun dinner or mini party.

💑 Book an engagement session—it’s the perfect excuse to pop some bubbly and make this season unforgettable.

✨ Bride Tip: Your engagement deserves its own spotlight before planning takes over.

📝 Step 2: Set Your Priorities

Ask each other:

Do we want a big wedding or intimate vibes?

What matters most - photos, food, music, or the party atmosphere?

💡 Knowing your “must-haves” now makes every decision easier.

💰 Step 3: Talk Budget (Yep, Already)

Not glamorous, but critical. Set your total number, then break it down by category:

Venue

Catering

Photography & video

Attire

Flowers & décor

Music/entertainment

✨ Pro Tip: A clear budget = less stress + confident choices.

👯 Step 4: Draft Your Guest List

No need for final invites yet, but… 60 vs. 200 guests = a completely different wedding. Your guest count drives your venue choice, budget, and overall feel.

🌸 Step 5: Tour Venues

Think of your venue as the stage for your love story.

Rustic barn? Elegant ballroom? Dreamy garden?

Once you know your numbers, it’s time to explore and see what feels right.

🌟 Step 6: Your Secret Weapon → Wedding Expos

Tired of endless Googling and Pinterest overload?

Go to a wedding expo. It’s like speed-dating your dream wedding vendors.

✨ At an expo you can:

✅ Meet dozens of pros in one day

✅ Score discounts and freebies

✅ Get inspo from real-life wedding setups

✅ Save HOURS of scrolling

📍 Next Stop: Puyallup Wedding Show

🗓 Saturday, November 8, 2025

📍 The Pavilion at Washington State Fair Event Center, Puyallup, WA

🎟 Use my exclusive code: PWSRJP for discounted tickets!

✨ Kick off your planning here - trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

📍 Then: Seattle Bridal & Wedding Expo

🗓 Sunday, November 16, 2025

📍 Exhibition Hall at Seattle Center, Seattle, WA

✨ We’ll be at BOTH! Come say hi, grab freebies, and let’s talk about your dream wedding photography.

📸 Step 7: Book Your Photographer Early

I might be biased, but photography is EVERYTHING. Dates disappear fast (sometimes a year or more in advance). If you love someone’s style, snag your date before it’s gone.

📂 Step 8: Stay Organized

Spreadsheets, binders, apps - whatever works for you. Keep contracts, payments, and to-do’s all in one place so you feel calm, not chaotic.

✨ Final Thought

This season is magic. Enjoy it. Celebrate. Then take it step by step.

Wedding expos? They’re the fastest way to go from overwhelmed to empowered.

💌 See you in Puyallup on Nov 8. Then again in Seattle on Nov 16.

Let’s make wedding planning fun and unforgettable.