Bride’s Life 💍 Bridal Notes from a Photographer’s 📸 Lens

Welcome to Bride’s Life

🎀 Real advice, heartfelt inspiration, and timeless wedding tips.

Expert Wedding Tips, Real Advice, and Inspiration for the Modern Bride

Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life ✨ It can also feel a little overwhelming, and that is completely normal. As a wedding photographer who has captured over 500 love stories, I have seen it all — the joyful tears, the unexpected moments, and all the little details that make your day truly unforgettable 💕

This space was made just for you, the bride who wants to feel informed, inspired, and fully present throughout the wedding journey. From engagement photo tips to wedding day timelines, I am sharing everything I have learned so you can walk into your day with confidence and a little extra magic ✨

Whether you are newly engaged or counting down the days, I hope these posts make you feel calm, excited, and beautifully supported every step of the way 🌸

Let’s make this one of the best experiences of your life, not just the best day! 🥂

The First 5 Things Every Bride Should Do After Getting Engaged

You said yes — now what?

First of all, take a breath and soak it all in. This is such a special chapter in your life, and before you dive into planning, it’s worth pausing to celebrate. As someone who’s worked with hundreds of couples, I’ve seen how starting strong makes all the difference. Here are the first five things every bride should do right after getting engaged to set the tone for a joyful and stress-free planning experience.

1. Celebrate your engagement together
Pop the champagne, have a date night, or plan a quiet moment at home, whatever feels most like you. Before the opinions and to-do lists start rolling in, take time to honor this moment as a couple.

2. Get your ring insured
It may not be the most exciting step, but it’s one of the most important. Contact your insurance provider to add your ring to your policy, or look into a separate jewelry policy to protect your new sparkler.

3. Talk about your vision and priorities
Sit down and dream a little. What kind of wedding do you both imagine? Big celebration or small gathering? Local or destination? Talk through your priorities before jumping into details. This is where your unique story starts shaping your day.

4. Set a ballpark budget
Money conversations aren’t always fun, but they are necessary. Be honest about what you’re both comfortable spending, and if anyone else will be contributing, start those conversations early.

5. Choose your top three vendors to book first
Start researching and reaching out to the vendors who book up fast, typically your venue, photographer, and planner. If photography is a top priority (and I hope it is), don’t wait too long. Popular dates can go quickly.

Bonus Tip
Don’t feel pressure to have everything figured out right away. This is your journey, and it’s okay to take it one thoughtful step at a time.