What to Do First After Getting Engaged (A Calm, Realistic Guide for Connecticut Couples)
The moment you say “yes,” everything suddenly feels exciting… and also a tiny bit overwhelming.
Now what? Where do you even start?
Here’s a simple, thoughtful roadmap for those first steps — especially for couples planning a wedding in Connecticut or along the New England coast.
Also, shameless plug to Battell Chapel on the Yale University campus. Such a sweet location to document this unfolding story in the photos above.
1. Take a Week to Just Enjoy Being Engaged
Not everything needs to happen right away.
Spend the first few days:
soaking it in
telling your closest people
maybe planning a small celebration
There’s something special about slowing down before the planning begins.
2. Talk About the Kind of Wedding You Want
Before diving into budgets and venues, get on the same page about the feel of the day.
A few questions to ask one another:
Do we picture something coastal and relaxed, or ballroom and classic?
Big celebration or small and intimate?
Indoor ceremony or outdoors surrounded by greenery and sea grass?
Do we want an elopement, micro-wedding, or full weekend event?
Once you have a shared vision, everything else becomes easier.
3. Start Thinking About Your Guest Count
This doesn’t have to be a final list — but a range helps you:
choose a venue
estimate costs
understand how the day will flow
Are you imagining:
25–40 people? (cozy + meaningful)
60–100? (perfect balance)
150+? (bigger celebration vibes)
Guest count matters more than most people realize.
4. Choose a Season (and Rough Date)
Connecticut weddings truly work in all four seasons, but each one has its own personality — and photography considerations:
Spring: Blooms, cooler temps, moody coastal skies
Summer: Hydrangeas, golden light, beach portraits
Fall: Foliage + cozy colors
Winter: Candlelit dinners, elegant interiors
You don’t need the exact date yet — just the general timing.
5. Discuss a Budget You Both Feel Good About
Talking about budget early saves stress later.
You might divide it into ranges rather than a strict number:
Venue + food
Photography (heirloom investment)
Florals + décor
Dress + suits
Music + entertainment
No two budgets look the same. What matters is choosing priorities that align with your values.
6. Start Touring Venues (With Lighting in Mind)
Venues book quickly — especially along the coast — so early exploration is smart.
When touring, look for:
A getting-ready room with soft, natural light
Shaded ceremony options for bright days
Spaces that feel connected to your style
If a venue gives you that “yes, this feels like us” feeling — you’ll know.
7. Look Into Photographers Sooner Than Later
Photographers often book 12+ months in advance, especially for popular New England weekends.
When researching, ask yourself:
Do their photos feel natural, true to color, and timeless?
Does their personality feel calming or supportive?
Does their approach allow space for real moments instead of staging everything?
Your photographer will be with you for your entire day — they should feel like someone you trust.
(This is one of my favorite parts of the process — getting to know couples and their story and helping them build a day that flows beautifully and feels grounded.)
8. Plan a Calm, Enjoyable Engagement Session
This can be your first taste of “us in front of the camera.”
A few perks:
You get comfortable with your photographer
Images can be used on your website, save-the-dates, etc.
You get to celebrate this exact season of life
Connecticut engagement sessions are magical at:
Quiet beaches at sunset
Hidden coastal parks
Historic New England streets
Tall sea-grass fields in summer
9. Create a Shared Wedding Planning Document
This keeps stress low and communication clear.
You can include:
Guest list ideas
Venue notes
Budget notes
Vendor timelines
Must-have priorities
You’ll thank yourselves in six months.
10. Ask for Help When You Need It
Planning a wedding doesn’t have to feel like a full-time job.
Lean on:
Vendors with expertise
Photographers who help with timelines
Family/friends who want to support you
Checklists, spreadsheets, Pinterest, etc.
You’re not meant to do every tiny detail alone.
Final Thoughts
Early planning doesn't need to be frantic.
It can be intentional, meaningful, and even fun when done step-by-step.
If you’re looking for a photographer who values calm energy, natural light, true-to-color imagery, and storytelling that feels human and honest, I’d love to connect.
We can chat about:
your vision
your venue options
what season you’re dreaming of
timeline planning
whether we might be the right fit
No pressure — just a real conversation.
