You're Engaged—Now What?

Congratulations—you’re engaged! This is the start of an exciting new chapter, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. But after popping the bubbly and sharing the big news, you might be wondering…

“I just got engaged—now what?”

Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Whether you're looking for the first 5 things to do after getting engaged or just want a calm, creative place to start, this guide is here to walk you through it all.

Step 1: Celebrate Your Engagement

Engaged couple holding hands and laughing with their foreheads touching in front of a restaurant with greenery and string lights.

Before diving into wedding planning, take time to soak in the moment. Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a spontaneous weekend getaway, or a celebration with friends and family—this is your time. Savor it!

While you're at it, think about capturing the joy with an engagement photoshoot—a beautiful way to mark the beginning of your journey.

Step 2: Plan Your Engagement Photos (And Why They Matter)

Couple sharing pizza during an outdoor engagement shoot at a San Francisco restaurant.

One of the best ways to celebrate this season of your life is through a professional engagement session. These photos can be used for:

Save-the-date cards
Wedding invitations
Your wedding website
Social media announcements

When planning your photo session, think about places that are meaningful to you—like where you first met, a favorite trail, or an iconic Bay Area landmark. And don’t be afraid to explore a new spot together just for the adventure of it!

Step 3: Start the Wedding Planning Process

Styled detail shot of wedding rings, bridal shoes, and table decor at Stanly Ranch wedding in Napa.

Now that you’ve celebrated, it's time to start dreaming. What kind of wedding feels right for you? Maybe you're into timeless romance, chic modern vibes, or something wild and whimsical.

Creating a mood board (hello, Pinterest!) is a great way to gather inspiration and figure out how to visually express your unique love story.

Step 4: Choose a Date & Set Your Wedding Budget

Engaged couple holding hands and looking back at the camera in front of the Pulgas Water Temple.

One of the first big decisions is setting your wedding date. When choosing, consider:

✔️ The season and weather
✔️ Venue availability
✔️ Special dates with meaning

Next, it’s time to talk numbers. Sit down with your partner and decide what matters most—whether it’s the food, the venue, the photos—and build a budget around your priorities.

💡 Pro Tip: Always leave a little wiggle room for unexpected expenses!

Step 5: Book a Venue That Matches Your Style

Wedding ceremony taking place at Mavericks House in Half Moon Bay with the ocean in the background.

Your venue sets the entire tone for your wedding, so take your time finding the right fit. In the San Francisco Bay Area, you’ve got everything from chic city rooftops to stunning coastal retreats.

Think about:
✔️ Guest count & accessibility
✔️ Indoor vs. outdoor vibe
✔️ Style and atmosphere for your wedding photos
✔️ Local Bay Area venue vs. destination wedding

💡 Pro Tip: Popular venues book up quickly, so the sooner you secure yours, the better.

Step 6: Start Booking Your Wedding Vendors

Debra of Misterdebs taking a selfie with a newlywed couple after their Sacramento wedding.

Your wedding team is everything. From florists and caterers to DJs and day-of coordinators, each vendor plays a part in bringing your dream to life.

Why Choose MisterDebs Photography?

You’ll blink and your wedding day will be over—but your photos? They’ll last a lifetime.

That’s why choosing the right Bay Area wedding photographer is so important. My approach is rooted in capturing real, unfiltered moments—laughter, happy tears, hugs, chaos, and all. I offer customizable photography collections that cover everything from engagement sessions to full-day wedding coverage. I’ll also help with location scouting, timeline planning, and posing so you can feel fully relaxed in front of the camera.

📩 Ready to Chat?: Let’s see if we’re the perfect fit!

OTHER KEY VENDORS TO BOOK EARLY

Wedding Planner or Coordinator
Caterer & Bartender
Florist
DJ or Live Band
Hair & Makeup Artist

💡 Pro Tip: If there’s a specific vendor you love, don’t wait to reach out—the best ones get booked quickly, especially in peak wedding season!

Step 7: Enjoy the Engagement Planning Process

Newlywed couple celebrating with their hands raised beneath the Infinity sculpture at Stanly Ranch in Napa.

Planning your wedding is a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s your permission to slow down and take it one step at a time.

✔️ Take breaks when it gets overwhelming
✔️ Lean on your support system
✔️ And above all—have fun with it!

FAQ: Just Got Engaged? Your Top Questions Answered

Celebrate! Then begin thinking about your engagement photos, choosing a date, creating a budget, and finding your venue.
Some couples dive in right away, others take time to enjoy the moment. There’s no perfect timeline—just your own.
It’s a step-by-step guide that helps you go from newly engaged to wedding day ready—without the overwhelm.
Not required, but they’re such a fun and meaningful way to capture this season and share your news.

Final Thoughts

Your engagement marks the beginning of a lifelong adventure. Every moment—from the proposal to the big day—is a chance to create joyful, lasting memories.

At misterdebs photography, I’m here to help you celebrate and document your love in the most authentic way possible. Here’s to a lifetime of laughter, magic, and amazing photos ✨

Looking for a Bay Area photographer? Say hello below!