You’re engaged—huge congrats! This part’s supposed to be exciting, right? But the moment you start Googling what to do next, it feels like everyone’s shouting: “Book this! Don’t forget that!” It’s a lot.
So let’s simplify it.
The first thing you should book for your wedding is your venue.
And right after that—or even right alongside it—your photographer.
Here’s why locking in those two vendors early will make everything else fall into place more easily.
The venue sets the entire tone for your wedding. Not just the vibe or the look—but the timing, the energy, the way your day will flow. It’s the anchor.
Whether you’re dreaming of a mountain view in Western North Carolina or a rooftop cityscape in Miami, most venues book up a year (or more) in advance. Especially the ones people really want.
It decides your date. You can’t book anything else without one.
It shapes the mood. A moody forest ceremony feels totally different from a city rooftop celebration. Your timeline, style, and even lighting all start here.
Your other vendors need to know. Photographers, planners, caterers—we all plan around your venue.
Once you’ve nailed that down, your day starts to take shape. And that’s the perfect time to…
Your photos are what you’ll have long after the day is over. They’ll be what brings back the sounds, the energy, and the people who made it yours.
It’s why so many couples are booking photographers earlier than ever—often right after the venue.
You know, the kind of photos that aren’t overly staged. Just real moments, as they happen.
The catch? We tend to book up fast—most couples reach out 12–18 months out.
But it’s not just about reserving a date on the calendar.
I help couples with more than just photos. We talk timelines, lighting, ceremony flow. I recommend vendors I trust, scout venues together, and help you feel confident about how the day will unfold—before we even click the shutter.
The best photos come from real moments. But you can’t be in the moment if you’re stressed. That’s why having the right people in place early matters.
Once your venue and photographer are set, the rest starts to fall into a natural rhythm. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to prioritize next. You don’t have to follow this perfectly. But it helps to see how things line up, especially if you’re juggling work, travel, or life in general.:
Venue
Photographer
Wedding planner (if using one)
Catering
DJ or Band
Dress/Suit shopping
Florals
Rentals
Guest transportation
Hair and makeup
Stationery
Officiant
If you’re still figuring things out, no shame in that. Just keep an eye out for these common slip-ups:
Booking other vendors before your venue. Without a date or location, it’s all guesswork.
Waiting too long on high-demand vendors. If you love someone’s work, don’t sit on it—especially for photographers or planners with limited availability.
Picking a photographer based only on price or trends. Your photos should feel like you. If their style doesn’t match your story, you might regret it later.
You’ll feel it—momentum. You’ve got your place. You’ve got someone to capture the memories. That’s a solid foundation.
Everything else? It’s details. Important ones, sure, but now you’re not making decisions in the dark. You’ve got people in your corner who can help you move forward with confidence.
And when the big day comes? You’ll get to live it—not pose your way through it.
If you’re staring at a to-do list and wondering what comes next… start with your venue. Then let’s talk.
As a documentary wedding photographer, my job isn’t just to take photos. It’s to support you through the planning process, to keep you grounded in what matters, and to help you stay present when the day actually arrives.
I work with couples across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida—people who want their weddings to feel real, not performative. People who want photos that reflect the energy of the moment, not the pressure of a pose.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.
