You’re engaged. You’ve called your parents, stared at your hand a thousand times, and maybe even cried a little. But once the initial excitement settles, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Where do you even begin? You’re not alone. That dizzying combination of joy and “oh-my-gosh-I-have-to-plan-a-wedding” is something every couple experiences.
As a Los Angeles wedding photographer who’s captured hundreds of love stories across Southern California and beyond, I’ve seen firsthand just how many moving parts there are when planning a wedding. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out overnight. With the right support, this process can feel joyful, intentional, and even fun. I’ve created this guide to help you take those first steps with clarity and confidence, starting with what matters most to you.
A Proposal at Terranea Resort
Before I share my tips, I wanted to share a little bit about this amazing proposal! Darla and Andrew flew in from Miami for a week in Los Angeles. Andrew had planned the entire trip with so much care, from spending time with family to a surprise weekend getaway in Palos Verdes. He booked a room at the Terranea Resort and reached out to me after finding my work on Google. The plan was to take a walk along the cliffs before dinner. The breeze was soft, the sun dipping low over the Pacific, and just as the waves crashed below them, Andrew got down on one knee. It was intimate, thoughtful, and full of intention.
They wore matching outfits—her flowy dress and his button-down shirt in the same soft floral print—which added such a sweet and personal touch. After she said yes, we wandered the coastal trails for golden hour portraits, surrounded by light and ocean air. Then, back at their oceanview suite, rose petals were scattered and champagne was waiting. The joy in that room was undeniable. It was the kind of moment that doesn’t just mark the start of a wedding, it sets the tone for a lifetime!
Celebrate And Enjoy
Before diving into to-do lists and timelines, take a breath. Pause and let yourself celebrate this moment. Whether it’s dinner at your favorite spot, drinks with friends, or simply a quiet evening together, let this be a time you remember for how it felt. Just don’t forget to tell your closest family and friends before you post anything online, those personal calls mean more than you think.
Start Curating Your Vision
When you’re ready to start thinking about the wedding, begin by dreaming. Creating a Pinterest board can help you visualize the kind of day you want, but try to keep it focused. Don’t pin everything. Instead, save what feels aligned with your vision and use the notes section to remind yourself why you saved it. That way, when you talk to vendors, you’re able to communicate clearly what you’re drawn to and what matters most.
As a Los Angeles wedding photographer, Pinterest is often the starting point for discovering your photography style. If you love soft light, natural color, candid emotion, and images that look true to life, that’s exactly what I do. And since I believe your photos deserve more than a life on a screen, every collection includes physical prints and a handcrafted heirloom album that brings your memories to life.
Keep in mind that Pinterest can also be misleading when it comes to cost. Many of the elaborate floral installations you see are from weddings with six-figure budgets. That’s not to say you can’t create something stunning, just remember to focus on your own priorities. Is your dream to create a showstopping guest experience? Do you care most about meaningful ceremony details, or incredible food? Let those answers guide where you allocate your energy and budget.
Set a Budget
Begin setting your budget. Have a clear conversation about what you and your fiancé can contribute and whether family will be helping. This sets the foundation for everything else that follows.
Draft Your Guest List
Once you have a general idea of your budget, start working on a rough guest list. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but knowing whether you’re planning for 40 or 140 people will shape nearly every decision, starting with your venue. And yes, it’s absolutely okay to have a “B list” for guests you might add later if space allows.
Tour Venues + Choose a Date
Your venue and date go hand-in-hand. In Los Angeles, your venue sets the tone for everything: style, decor, budget, even your dress. The earlier you start touring, the more flexibility you’ll have when it comes to selecting dates and locking in your dream vendors. Spring and fall are the most popular wedding seasons here, especially March through June and September through October.
If you’re dreaming of ocean views and temperate weather, spring is ideal. For summer weddings, I recommend sticking to the coast or higher elevations. Downtown and valley venues can get extremely hot. Winter weddings require a bit more planning around daylight hours and indoor options, but they offer their own cozy magic. And if you’re looking to save, off-season dates can help stretch your budget further.
Check Out My Guide On The Top Oceanfront Wedding Venues in Los Angeles
Book Your Los Angeles Wedding Photographer
When you’ve booked your venue, it’s time to secure your photographer. I always recommend booking your photographer early in the process. Once your date is set, your top-choice vendors may already be filling their calendars. I bring nearly two decades of wedding experience to the table, not only documenting your day but helping you feel at ease every step of the way. I know when to give guidance and when to step back, creating space for natural, honest moments. Every wedding package includes a second photographer, a private online gallery, an engagement session, and a beautifully printed heirloom album filled with your favorite images.
Start Your Wedding Planning Journey
Whether you’re planning from out of state or right here in LA, I’m here to make this experience feel relaxed, beautiful, and truly yours. Let’s turn that “just engaged” glow into something unforgettable. Reach out today!
