Hello and welcome to the PMP blog! If you’re reading this blog, chances are you’re engaged and looking for stunning inspiration, as well as good information to make your day perfect. I consider myself an expert after photographing over 100 weddings! So here it is, my top 5 tips for the engaged couple!

1. Have an engagement session with the photographer who will photograph your wedding.

I’ve had more than a few couples come to me after being upset with how their engagement photos turned out, and trust me, you want to like these photos. They will most likely be used on your “save the dates” and it’s a great opportunity to get to know your photographer better and ensure you will be more comfortable on your wedding day. Also, these will probably be the first time you and your fiancé are in front of a professional camera. Get someone experienced so the results are good, and you feel confident on your wedding day.

2. Don’t skimp on your Save The Dates (and for sure not on your Wedding Invitations)!

This is it! It’s the official announcement to the world that you’re tying the knot. I’m not one to be sentimental or save cards, but when I get a nice one, that baby gets some attention.

3. Get an amazing Photographer!

Have you ever heard someone say: “I should have spent less on my photographer”? Probably not, because in most cases, couples, especially brides, are disappointed when they go cheap and realize their gorgeous wedding was not captured like they hoped. All your planning, all your efforts, all your details… Hire someone who knows what they are doing! . Also remember your photographer will most likely stay at your wedding for 6-10 hours. That’s more than any other vendor. So make sure you also like their personality.

4. Know the Importance of a Timeline.

I can’t stress this enough. Having a wedding planner would be the most stress free way of going about this, but if you don’t have one, ask your photographer to help you out. I require a timeline for all my weddings and it truly makes things flow much better knowing when everything is supposed to happen. My perfect timeline involves 1 hour of getting ready shots, at least 1 hour with the bride and groom, 30-45 minutes for family formals, 1 hour with the wedding party, and usually all of that before the ceremony. I also like to know when sunset is so I can take my couple (and sometimes the wedding party too!) out for another 15 minutes of photos at the golden hour.

5. Be kind, and take time to breathe and enjoy the day.

I know your wedding day is the biggest day of your life. And I know it is stressful because you want everything to be perfect. But don’t forget that everybody around you is trying to make it perfect for you too. Breathe and know that at the end of the day, you will be married to the love of your life, and that’s the best feeling EVER. Eat the cake, stop to hug your friends, don’t forget to tell your family you love them, and thank you. Dance, a lot. You’re welcome!