Blog
10 Things To Do After Getting Engaged
Just got engaged? Congratulations! Now, where do you start? From setting your priorities to booking vendors, this guide will help you navigate the first steps with ease. Let’s make wedding planning stress-free and fun!
You just got engaged—congratulations! But now what? The excitement quickly turns into overwhelm with all the decisions ahead.
Between setting a date, finding a venue, and picking vendors, it’s easy to feel lost in the wedding planning chaos.
Take a deep breath! Here’s a simple, actionable guide to help you start your journey smoothly.
10 Things To Do After Getting Engaged
1. Celebrate & Soak It In
Before diving into planning, take a moment to enjoy this special time. Announce your engagement in a way that feels right for you—whether it's a big party or an intimate dinner with family.
2. Set Your Priorities
Sit down with your partner and discuss what’s most important for your wedding. Is it the venue, the photography, the guest experience? This will guide every decision moving forward.
3. Determine Your Budget
Knowing your budget early helps you make realistic choices and prevents unnecessary stress later on.
4. Choose a Date (or a Few Options!)
Venues and vendors book up fast! Having a couple of date options increases your chances of securing your dream team.
5. Book Your Venue
The venue sets the tone for everything. Once you have your date and venue, the rest of the planning falls into place more easily.
6. Hire Your Key Vendors
Photographers, videographers, and planners are some of the first vendors to book. If capturing your wedding beautifully is a priority, don’t wait too long to secure your photographer!
7. Start Thinking About Your Guest List
A rough guest count helps determine the size of your venue and affects catering and seating.
8. Get Engagement Photos
An engagement session is a great way to celebrate and get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day.
9. Gather Inspiration
Pinterest, wedding blogs, and Instagram are great places to find inspiration, but remember to stay true to what feels authentic to you as a couple.
10. Enjoy the Process!
It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but remember: this is about celebrating your love. Don’t forget to have fun along the way!
Want to See How We Can Transform Your Wedding Memories?
I’m Alyssa, and I’ve been where you are—newly engaged, excited, and maybe a little overwhelmed. My passion is capturing the in-between moments, the raw emotions, and the authentic joy of your day. Let’s create something timeless together.
Benefits You Can Expect
Benefit 1: Stress-free experience → Thoughtful planning and timeline guidance ensure a smooth process.
Benefit 2: Candid, authentic moments → My storytelling approach captures the real emotions of your day.
Benefit 3: Beautiful, timeless images → Expert editing and high-quality images ensure your memories last forever.
What Couples Are Saying
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alyssa took my fiancé and I’s engagement photos while we were on a trip in Montana and they turned out better than I could have ever dreamed. She was extremely thorough and communicative to make sure she truly understood what we wanted and could deliver. I was able to send inspiration pics and she absolutely nailed the vision. She captured us just as we are and I will cherish the photos forever. Could not recommend her enough! - Laura Monico
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alyssa was a pleasure to work with! She truly took the time to ensure she captured the perfect vision for our elopement photoshoot! She was sweet, flexible, and accommodating. If you are looking for a photographer in Bozeman, MT and elsewhere, in the U.S since, she travels you are in great hands! - Jennifer Gribble
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alyssa is a phenomenal photographer. Her pictures are amazing. I could not be more happy with the outcome of our wedding photos.
I am so grateful we found her. She is so kind and very helpful. Going in I had no idea what I wanted, I just wanted to capture the day and she executed it perfectly! Looking at the pictures makes me feel like I’m living that day over and over again. If you need a photographer Alyssa is your girl! - Erin Hocker
How It Works
Book a Call → Let’s chat about your vision and see if we’re a great fit.
Capture Your Story → Relax and enjoy the moment while I take care of the rest.
Receive Stunning Photos → Relive your wedding day through beautifully edited images.
Here’s What You’ll Get…
✅ Consultation to understand your vision
✅ Engagement session for pre-wedding photos
✅ Full-day or custom wedding coverage
✅ Sneak peeks within a few days
✅ High-resolution, beautifully edited images
✅ Private online gallery for easy sharing
✅ Print release for personal use
✅ A stress-free and fun experience
✅ Professional guidance throughout the process
✅ Unforgettable memories captured forever
Ready to Get Started?
How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Engagement/Proposal Photos in the Rocky Mountains (or Anywhere Else!)
Struggling to find the perfect location for your engagement or proposal photos? Discover expert tips on selecting breathtaking spots in the Rocky Mountains or beyond for a stress-free and unforgettable experience.
Choosing the perfect location for your engagement or proposal photos can feel overwhelming. Do you want a dramatic mountain backdrop, a serene lake, or a hidden meadow? And what about accessibility, lighting, and the overall vibe of the location?
Not all picturesque spots are ideal for photography. Some locations may have unpredictable weather, harsh lighting, or even permit restrictions. You want a spot that not only looks beautiful but also allows you to relax and enjoy the moment.
As a professional wedding and engagement photographer, I’ve spent years scouting locations that provide breathtaking scenery and the best conditions for capturing your special moments. Whether in the Rocky Mountains or beyond, I help couples find the perfect spot that fits their vision while ensuring stunning photography results.
Finding Your Dream Location
Define Your Vision – Do you picture an adventurous mountaintop session, a cozy forest escape, or a lakeside romance? Knowing your style helps narrow down locations.
Consider the Season – Rocky Mountain winters are magical but chilly. Spring and summer bring lush landscapes, while fall offers golden hues. Choose based on the experience you want.
Think About Accessibility – Some of the best spots require a short hike. If you prefer an easy-access location, I have a list of stunning drive-up options.
Lighting is Key – Golden hour (sunrise or sunset) provides the most flattering natural light. I help schedule your session at the perfect time for dreamy photos.
Make It Personal – Pick a location with sentimental value, like where you first met, had your first date, or got engaged.
Benefits You Can Expect
Breathtaking Scenery – Locations handpicked for their stunning views and perfect lighting.
Seamless Experience – I handle logistics, permits, and timing so you can enjoy the moment.
Authentic Emotions Captured – I create a comfortable atmosphere so your love story shines through.
Personalized Guidance – From outfit tips to posing ideas, I guide you every step of the way.
What My Clients Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Alyssa made our engagement session so fun and stress-free! The location was absolutely stunning, and our photos are beyond perfect!" – Emily & Jake
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"We were unsure where to take our proposal photos, but Alyssa found the dreamiest spot. The pictures are breathtaking, and we’ll cherish them forever." – Sarah & Michael
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Alyssa truly understands how to capture love in the most beautiful places. She scouted the perfect location, and the entire experience was magical." – Lauren & Matt
How It Works in 3 Simple Steps
Book a Call – Let’s chat about your vision and location preferences.
Plan Your Session – I’ll provide expert recommendations and take care of the details.
Capture the Magic – Enjoy a stress-free session while I document your love story.
Here’s What You’ll Get…
✅ A custom location guide with top recommendations
✅ Expert advice on the best time for photos
✅ A relaxed, fun, and guided photo experience
✅ Professional, high-quality edited images
✅ Direction for natural and effortless poses
✅ Assistance with outfits and styling
✅ A seamless booking and planning process
✅ Sneak peeks within a few days
✅ Full gallery within weeks
✅ Memories captured beautifully and authentically
Ready to Get Started?
About Alyssa
A passionate photographer dedicated to capturing love stories against breathtaking backdrops. With expertise in scouting the perfect locations, every session is designed to reflect the couple's unique connection. Whether in the Rocky Mountains or at a dream destination, the goal is to create timeless, authentic images.
Want to see how we can transform your moment into timeless memories?
Love in the Mountains: Jenna & Diego’s Bridger Range Engagement Session
Jenna and Diego’s love story came alive during their engagement session at Bridger Mountain Range. With the breathtaking Montana landscape as their backdrop and Jenna rocking chic overalls, these two radiated joy and authenticity. From playful spins to golden-hour magic, every moment was picture-perfect. I can’t wait to capture their wedding this August!
Capturing Their Unique Love Story
Jenna and Diego wanted their engagement photos to feel personal and authentic—a reflection of their shared laughter, quiet moments, and the adventurous spirit they love. How do you capture a story as unique as theirs while keeping the moments timeless?
Choosing the Perfect Location
The couple dreamed of a scenic backdrop that would resonate with their Montana roots. Bridger Mountain Range offered breathtaking views, but unpredictable weather and shifting light created challenges for creating consistently stunning photos.
A Day at Bridger Mountain Range
With Jenna and Diego, we embraced nature’s unpredictability. We scheduled their session to catch the golden-hour glow, packing the day with candid moments and heartfelt smiles. Bridger Mountain Range delivered sweeping vistas, rustic trails, and moody skies—everything they had envisioned for their session.
Jenna’s flowing dress contrasted beautifully with Diego’s sharp yet relaxed style, while the cool mountain breeze and subtle mist added cinematic flair. Together, we created photos that reflected their love story against Montana’s breathtaking wilderness.
Their Engagement Session, Captured
From the first shutter click, Jenna and Diego were naturals. We started with playful poses in an open field, the Bridger peaks standing tall behind them. Jenna, dressed in stylish overalls, brought a casual yet effortlessly chic vibe to the session, perfectly complementing Diego’s laid-back style. Their laughter was contagious as Diego spun Jenna in circles, her overalls moving gracefully in the light mountain breeze.
As the session continued, we explored areas with scattered trees, where the golden-hour light filtered beautifully through the branches. Jenna and Diego’s chemistry was undeniable, making every shot feel like a moment frozen in time.
I can’t wait to capture their wedding this August and continue telling their love story!
Why Wait to Tell Your Story?
Every couple’s love story is unique. Let us help you capture yours in a way that feels authentic and unforgettable.
What You’ll Get with Alyssa Johnson Photography
Benefit 1: Photos as Unique as Your Love
Custom poses, curated locations, and personalized storytelling create a gallery that’s all about YOU.
Benefit 2: Stress-Free Sessions
With years of experience in the Rocky Mountain region, I’ll handle the logistics while you focus on having fun.
Benefit 3: Fast Turnaround Time
Get sneak peeks within days and your full gallery within 3-4 weeks.
What other say about it?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Alyssa is a phenomenal photographer. Her pictures are amazing. I could not be more happy with the outcome of our wedding photos.
I am so grateful we found her. She is so kind and very helpful. Going in I had no idea what I wanted, I just wanted to capture the day and she executed it perfectly! Looking at the pictures makes me feel like I’m living that day over and over again. If you need a photographer Alyssa is your girl!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Alyssa was so great to work with! She truly took the time to capture the vision we wanted for our elopement photoshoot! She was sweet, flexible, and accommodating. If you are looking for a photographer in Bozeman, MT, or elsewhere in the US since she travels you are in great hands!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Alyssa Johnson Photography was the perfect choice for our wedding photography. From the very beginning, Alyssa knew exactly what was going on and asked all the right questions to ensure our big day went off without a hitch. Her communication was amazing - she was always quick to respond and worked with us closely to get everything we could ever want. Alyssa's photography style is very simple and elegant, capturing all the special moments in a beautiful and timeless way. She even went the extra mile, doing a few tasks that helped everything blend super smoothly. We are thrilled with the final photos and couldn't be happier that we chose Alyssa Johnson Photography to capture our wedding memories.”
About Me
Hi, I’m Alyssa, and I’m passionate about capturing the small yet powerful moments that make your love story unique. Montana’s rugged beauty inspires me daily, and there’s no greater joy than using that inspiration to create lasting memories for couples like you.
Let’s make magic together.
Here’s How It Works
Book Your Session: Choose a date that works for you.
Plan Your Vision: We’ll collaborate on everything from outfits to locations.
Enjoy Your Day: Relax, have fun, and let me do the rest!
10 Things You’ll Get
A personalized engagement session.
Photos that celebrate your unique love story.
Sneak peeks within 48 hours.
50+ edited, high-quality photos.
An online gallery for easy downloads.
Print release for all your photos.
Direction for natural posing.
Access to Montana’s best scenic spots.
Professional editing with attention to detail.
Memories you’ll treasure forever.