Pop the champagne — you’re engaged! 🥂
The moment you slip that ring on your finger, life starts to feel a little more magical (and maybe a little overwhelming too). Between the excitement and the endless Pinterest scrolling, it can be hard to know where to start. So here are five things I always recommend to my couples once they say yes!
1. Soak It In
Before diving into planning, take time to simply be engaged.
Go on a date, take a few photos of your ring, tell your favorite people, and slow down enough to remember what this chapter feels like. These early days are fleeting — and they deserve to be savored.
2. Dream Up Your Day Together
Before you book a single thing, spend an evening dreaming with your partner.
What kind of day feels most like you? Is it an intimate outdoor celebration under twinkle lights or a grand ballroom filled with candlelight and laughter? Getting on the same page with your vision makes every next step easier.
3. Choose a Photographer You Connect With
Your photographer is with you more than almost anyone else on your wedding day — so connection matters deeply.
Look for someone whose work feels like home to you, whose tones and storytelling match what you envision. Whether your day unfolds in Springfield, Marshfield, or anywhere across the Ozarks, find a photographer who captures emotion over perfection.
(If that sounds like what you’re drawn to — hi, I’m Katey, and I’d love to chat 🕊️)
4. Secure Your Venue + Date
Venues and photographers book quickly (especially for fall and spring weddings in Missouri).
Once you have your vision and budget in mind, start touring venues that fit your vibe. From the romantic charm of Haseltine Estate to the fresh aesthetic at Greenhouse Two Rivers or the many gems in between, choosing your venue will make your day feel real.
5. Schedule Your Engagement Session
Your engagement session is the perfect way to celebrate this season and get comfortable in front of the camera.
It’s a chance to document your connection in a more casual, true-to-you way — no timelines, no rush, just you two soaking in this beautiful beginning.
In Closing
Engagement is more than a step toward your wedding — it’s a story worth remembering all on its own. Whether you’re newly engaged or deep in planning, I hope you take the time to pause, dream, and truly feel every moment.
If you’re looking for a Missouri wedding photographer who captures the emotion and story behind your day, I’d love to connect.
