First of all - congratulations! You just got engaged, and this is one of the most exciting moments of your life. But after the initial wave of emotions settles, you might be wondering… what now? Here’s a guide to help you soak it all in and take the next steps.

1.  Take It All In

Before diving into wedding planning, pause. Breathe. Look at your partner and let it sink in. This moment is yours - celebrate it in whatever way feels right. Pop some champagne, have a quiet dinner, or just spend time together reminiscing about your journey.

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2. Share the News (Your Way)

Not everyone wants to do the classic ring selfie, and that’s okay. Decide how you want to share your engagement - whether it’s a private call to loved ones, a heartfelt Instagram post, or a full-blown engagement party. Just remember: tell your inner circle before posting online.

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3. Get Your Ring Insured

Not the most romantic step, but absolutely necessary. Look into jewelry insurance or add it to your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. Better safe than sorry.

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4. Start Talking About Your Vision

Before jumping into bookings, have a conversation with your partner about what kind of wedding you both want. Intimate backyard wedding? Grand ballroom affair? Destination elopement? Align your vision before family opinions start rolling in.

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5. Set a Budget

Money talk isn’t fun, but it’s crucial. Sit down together and decide on a realistic budget. In the U.S., the average wedding costs around $30,000, but that number varies widely depending on location and guest count. Prioritize what matters most - whether it’s photography, food, or the perfect venue.

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6. Choose a Rough Date

You don’t need to set a specific day right away, but having a general timeframe (spring 2026? Next fall?) helps guide your planning. If you have your heart set on a popular venue, vendor or season, booking early is key.

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7. Research Marriage License Requirements

Every U.S. state has different laws about marriage licenses, waiting periods, and required documents. Check your state’s requirements early so you don’t run into surprises down the road.

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8. Plan an Engagement Session

An engagement session isn’t just about getting great photos - it's about celebrating your love story at this moment. Plus, it’s the perfect way to get some professional photos done together, capturing this stage of your life, and also to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. Pick a location that means something to you, whether it’s your favorite coffee shop, the city where you met, or an epic landscape that matches your vibe.

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9. Build Your Vendor Dream Team

Photographers, videographers, planners, florists - the best ones book fast, sometimes over a year in advance. If you have must-have vendors, reach out early to secure your date.

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10. Enjoy This Season

Wedding planning can get overwhelming, but don’t let it consume you. Make time for date nights, spontaneous trips, and just being engaged. This is a once-in-a-lifetime season - soak it in.

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What NOT to Do

• Don’t rush into planning. Give yourself time to enjoy yourself before making big decisions.

• Don’t feel pressured. Family and friends will have opinions, but this is YOUR wedding.

• Don’t compare. Social media can make you feel like your wedding has to be extravagant - focus on what’s meaningful to you.

Planning a wedding is a journey, and photography is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your love story deserves to be told in a way that’s real, raw, and authentically you. Let’s capture this season of your life - reach out to book your engagement session or inquiry about your wedding date today!

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Ready to Capture Your Engagement Story?

We believe your love story deserves to be told in the most authentic way possible. Let’s ditch the awkward poses and create something real, raw, and uniquely you.

📖 Want more wedding planning tips? Get our FREE Ultimate Guide to Documentary Wedding Photography! Download Here

Written by Jessica Dyer

As one of the most special days of your life, your wedding is an important occasion to capture, from stunning photos of your ceremony through to vibrant shots of your evening reception. For modern couples, knowing how to get the perfect photos that feel fresh and contemporary – but still timeless – can feel tricky.

It’s always best to speak to your wedding photographer about your vision, but to help you express your wants and needs and make it a collaborative effort, here are four tips you’ll want to consider.

Personalize your shots

While traditional wedding photography is largely focused on staged photos and planned poses, modern photography styles can feel far more creative, offering you the opportunity to personalize your shots to suit your taste.

Fun ways to capture the essence of your relationship are through showcasing your wedding decor and personal style. For example, consider how you could make use of trinkets that are special to the both of you, or themed items that’ll bring your photos to life. Similarly, your outfit choices for your big day can help your personalities to shine through your photos.

Make use of dynamic backdrops

The location of your wedding can be used to your advantage to achieve beautiful, dynamic natural shots. Consider the landscape around your wedding venue – could you have some photos taken of you both running hand-in-hand along the beach, or perhaps embracing beneath a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains? Modern wedding photography is all about spontaneous expression, and being surrounded by nature can encourage you to let go and have a little more fun with your shots.

Embrace candid actions and authenticity

Ultimately, no matter where you choose to get married, it is possible to prioritize impromptu shots that feel candid and authentic. Rather than simply looking straight towards the camera like generations past once would have, do your best to forget the camera is even there, and simply enjoy being in the moment with your new spouse.

The right wedding photographer will help you to feel relaxed and at ease, so that you can embrace the present rather than worrying about how each shot will turn out. For a top tip, consider choosing a photographer who specializes in documentary-style photography – a similar concept to photojournalism, this will allow your photographer to capture moments in total authenticity, as they happen, without interference.

Consult with your wedding photographer

Your wedding photography is a very important element of your big day, so it’s crucial to leave plenty of time to plan for your photos. Each of these top tips will help you to achieve your dream pictures, however, you’ll want to make sure to consult with your photographer about the vision you’re hoping to achieve in-depth, to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. Equipped with their professional knowledge and shared passion for beautiful wedding photos, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a stunning storyboard of this very special day.

Because no two stories are the same

Not now, not ever.

Here’s a truth that might sound like a cliché, but bear with me: Not a single person is like you out there. Your story, your love, your wedding day – NO ONE else will have the exact same experience. That's what gives your day and your pictures their own meaning.

I’ve had the privilege of capturing weddings and families across the world, week after week, and let me tell you: No two weddings or families have been the same. Not even close.

Some days, I’m in a quiet church; other days, it’s an outdoor barn wedding. And yet, I’m always left with the same realization: weddings, at their core, are about the people. You, your partner, your family and friends—the ones who show up, dressed to the nines, ready to celebrate your unique love story.

So let’s get into it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the different wedding photography styles, from traditional portraits to raw, unscripted moments. Let’s see which style feels like your story—and let me show you how I approach documenting your life as beautifully as it unfolds.

1. Documentary/Photojournalistic Style – Letting your story unfold naturally.

This style is all about capturing the real moments—the laughter, the tears, the spontaneous joy. No posing, no forced smiles, just raw, authentic emotions as they happen. It’s about telling your story, not creating it. I don’t plan every shot; instead, I let the moments come to me, capturing everything that makes your day unique. These aren’t just photos—they’re memories that transport you back to the heart of your celebration. While this means you’ll get real, emotional images that never feel outdated, it also means there’s less control over what gets captured—so if you want a specific shot, this might not be the style for you.

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2. Traditional/Posed Style – a perfect portrait is still a perfect moment.

This classic approach focuses on structured, formal shots that ensure everyone looks polished and elegant. I’ll guide you and your loved ones into flattering poses, creating timeless images that are perfect for family heirlooms. It guarantees that no key moments or people are missed, but it can also feel a bit stiff for couples who prefer a more relaxed, natural approach. If you love tradition and want well-composed portraits, this style is for you, but if you’re looking for pure emotion and spontaneity, it may not capture as much of the real energy of the day.

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3. Fine Art Style – More than just photos—it’s the dreamlike aesthetics.

Fine art photography is highly curated, focusing on aesthetics, composition, and dreamy lighting to create visually stunning, editorial-style images. Every shot is intentional and artistically composed, perfect for couples who love a luxurious, high-end feel. While the results are breathtaking, this approach requires more time for setup and direction, which can take away from the natural flow of the day. If you want a wedding album that looks like it belongs in a gallery, this is the style for you, but if you prioritize spontaneous, unfiltered moments, it may feel a bit too staged.

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4. Editorial/Fashion Style – Because your love is worthy of a magazine cover.

Inspired by high-fashion editorials, this style focuses on bold compositions, confident poses, and dramatic lighting to create iconic, statement-worthy images. It’s modern, stylish, and perfect for couples who want their photos to look like they belong on the cover of a magazine. However, because it prioritizes high-impact visuals over raw emotion, it can feel less personal for couples who want a more intimate, documentary feel. If you love fashion-forward, artistic photography, this is for you—but if you’re after candid, emotional storytelling, it may not be the best fit.

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5. Lifestyle Style – Posed with a purpose, but still real.

Lifestyle photography blends natural interactions with light posing, striking the perfect balance between candid and structured shots. Think genuine laughter, soft touches, and intimate moments—styled, but never stiff. It’s great for couples who want their photos to feel effortless and elegant at the same time. However, while the results look natural, there’s still some direction involved, which means it’s not as completely spontaneous as true documentary photography. If you want polished yet authentic images, this style offers the best of both worlds.

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6. Cinematic Style – Lights, camera, love.

Cinematic photography is all about drama, storytelling, and emotion, using creative angles, rich colors, and dynamic lighting to make your wedding feel larger-than-life. Every shot feels like it belongs in a movie, creating an epic, visually stunning narrative of your day. However, because it leans into theatrical compositions, some moments may feel more staged than real. If you want your wedding photos to feel like a cinematic love story, this is the style for you, but if you prefer a more natural, understated approach, it might be too dramatic.

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7. Black & White Photography Style – Timeless. Elegant. Classic.

Stripping away distractions, black and white photography focuses on light, contrast, and pure emotion. It highlights the depth of a moment in a way that color sometimes can’t, making every image feel timeless and powerful. However, because it eliminates color, it may not be the best fit if you love vibrant, lively images. If you want something that will never go out of style and truly emphasizes the emotions of the day, black and white photography is an incredible choice.

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8. Visual Editing & Aesthetic Styles – How your story feels.

Photography isn’t just about capturing moments; it’s also about how those moments feel. The way a photo is edited can completely change its emotion, from soft and romantic to bold and cinematic. Here’s how different editing styles shape your wedding photos:

• True to Color – The world as it is. Colors are real, natural, and timeless. Your dress will be the same shade you picked, your florals won’t be tweaked into something else, and your skin tones will look as they should. It’s honest, classic, and never goes out of style.

• Light & Airy – Think soft pastels, dreamy highlights, and an almost ethereal glow. This style gives your photos a romantic, fairytale feel, making everything look light, bright, and effortless.

• Vintage – A little grain, a little warmth, and a whole lot of nostalgia. Vintage editing brings in film-like tones and muted colors, making your wedding photos feel like they came straight from another era. Perfect for couples who love an old-school touch.

• Dark & Moody – Deep shadows, rich contrasts, and bold emotions. This editing style leans into the intensity of the moment, making every frame feel cinematic and full of drama. It’s not for everyone, but for the right couple, it’s everything.
  

Choosing an editing style is just as important as choosing a photography style. It defines how you’ll remember your wedding, so pick what resonates with you.

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By now, you’ve seen all the different photography styles—but which one is truly yours? To make your decision easier, we’ve created a free, easy-to-use guide to help you define your wedding photography style. Download The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography Style and get clear on what matters most to you.

Why Annie Bang Is the Perfect Wedding Photographer for You

My team and I offer everything above, but with an unwavering focus on storytelling. Wedding photojournalism is at the heart of everything we do.

I don’t just want to show how your wedding looked—I want to capture how it felt. No forced smiles, no fake moments. Just you, your love, and the people who matter.

So go ahead—laugh, cry, dance, be you. Make wonderful memories, and let me turn them into art. 🎉