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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?
Your Guide to a Winter Wedding in Bozeman, Montana
Discover everything you need to host a magical winter wedding in Bozeman, Montana. From stunning venues to helpful resources and unforgettable activities, we’ve got your ultimate guide to saying 'I do' in a Rocky Mountain winter wonderland.
Bozeman, Montana, is a wedding destination for all seasons, but there’s something truly magical about winter. Imagine snow-capped mountains, cozy venues, and a peaceful, serene atmosphere that sets the stage for a picture-perfect day. Whether you're dreaming of an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, Bozeman has it all. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about planning your winter wedding in this charming Rocky Mountain town.
Embrace the Winter Wonderland
Bozeman’s winters are famous for their “cold smoke” snow – light, powdery, and breathtakingly beautiful. Expect daytime highs around 30°F and lows in the teens. With sunshine often gracing the sky, you’ll enjoy stunning backdrops for your wedding photos. But keep the chill in mind when choosing attire and venues. Bundle up in style and embrace the magic of the season!
Venues for Every Style
Whether you envision a rustic barn wedding or a sleek, modern affair, Bozeman’s venues deliver. Many barns and ranches are fully heated for cozy winter celebrations, while contemporary options provide elegance and charm. Some top choices include:
Looking beyond Bozeman? Consider these breathtaking venues nearby:
The Big Yellow Barn (Belgrade, MT)
Rainbow Ranch Lodge (Big Sky, MT)
320 Guest Ranch (Gallatin Gateway, MT)
Lone Mountain Ranch (Big Sky, MT)
Chico Hot Springs (Pray, MT)
Prefer an outdoor ceremony? With a special use permit, Montana’s state parks and even Yellowstone National Park can serve as your magical setting.
Resources to Simplify Your Day
Bozeman boasts a variety of vendors ready to bring your dream wedding to life. Here are some of the top options for your winter wedding essentials:
Decor and Rentals: Gallatin Event Rental, Montana Party Rental
Florals: Labellum, The Flower Hat, Bouquets and more
Attire: Plume Bridal, After 5 and Wedding, Revolvr Menswear
Makeup Artist: Ambeathy Aesthetics, White Horse Esthetics, Aesthete Beauty
Hair Stylist: Shoell’s Styles , Every Good Thing Hair Co
Wedding Planners: Roam Wild Events, Events by Killian, Bash
Catering: Food for Thought, Mo'Bowls , Just a Taste Catering
Unforgettable Wedding Weekend Activities
Make your wedding a full winter experience! Bozeman offers activities for every taste:
Skiing at Bridger Bowl or Big Sky Resort
Snowshoeing or sleigh rides in nearby forests
Relaxing soaks in hot springs
Shopping and dining along Main Street
Live music and nightlife downtown Bozeman
For rehearsal dinners or after-parties, local favorites like Shine Beer Sanctuary, Bridger Brewing, Urban Kitchen offer unique spaces for your celebrations.
Marriage License Details
Getting married in Montana is straightforward. Both parties must visit the Gallatin County Clerk of District Court with valid IDs. No residency or blood tests are required.
Why I’m Passionate About Winter Weddings
As a Rocky Mountain-based wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how Bozeman’s winter landscapes create unparalleled beauty for wedding days. Capturing the love between couples against such a breathtaking backdrop is what inspires me. Every snowflake and sunset makes your love story even more unique, and I’m here to preserve those memories for a lifetime.
Here’s What You’ll Get With Me
Stunning, natural photos that tell your story
Professional guidance to capture your day perfectly
Quick sneak peeks and a polished gallery
Flexibility to travel anywhere your dream leads
Three Simple Steps to Book
Schedule a Consultation: Let’s chat about your vision.
Plan the Details: Together, we’ll create a photography plan tailored to your day.
Enjoy Your Day: Relax knowing your memories are in expert hands.
Testimonials
“Omg!!! We LOVE them!! They are exactly what we imagined. Thank you so so so much for capturing us so well 🧨🧥😊”
– Laura
“We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect photographer. Every moment was captured beautifully.”
– Erin & Zach
“Thank you for making our day unforgettable! You made us feel so comfortable and it shows in every photo.”
– Kara & Ryan
Ready to Start Planning?
Let’s make your winter wedding dreams come true.
From Pandemic Vows to Epic Celebration: Tiffany & Andy's Love Story at RiverHouse BBQ
Tiffany and Andy turned their postponed pandemic wedding into an epic celebration three years later. See how their love story unfolded at RiverHouse BBQ in Big Sky, captured through timeless photography.
Many couples had to postpone their dream weddings during the pandemic, leaving them with memories of smaller, more subdued celebrations.
Revisiting those memories can sometimes feel bittersweet without a chance to relive the joy and excitement they truly deserve.
Tiffany and Andy turned their postponed celebration into an unforgettable event, proving that love stories can grow even more beautiful over time. Three years after their pandemic wedding, they gathered friends and family for an epic party at RiverHouse BBQ in Big Sky—and we were there to capture every incredible moment.
Their Love Story
Tiffany and Andy’s journey is one of resilience and joy. Married during a time of uncertainty, they held onto their dreams and celebrated their union in a way that felt uniquely them. Fast forward three years, their celebration at RiverHouse BBQ was filled with laughter, stunning mountain views, and moments that brought everyone together.
From heartfelt toasts to lively dance floors, this was more than a party—it was a testament to their enduring love. Capturing their celebration was an honor and a reminder of why we do what we do: preserving life’s most meaningful moments.
Benefits of Choosing Us for Your Event Photography
Unparalleled Storytelling: We don’t just take pictures; we craft your story through stunning visuals.
Personalized Experience: Every event is unique, and we tailor our approach to match your style and vision.
Timeless Memories: Our work ensures that your moments are preserved for generations to enjoy.
Client Testimonials
★★★★★
“Omg!!! We LOVE them!! They are exactly what we imagined. Thank you so so so much for capturing us so well.” — Laura
★★★★★
“The photos are absolutely breathtaking. You made us feel so comfortable, and it shows in every shot!” — Erin & Zach
★★★★★
“We couldn’t have asked for better photographers. Thank you for being such a big part of our day!” — Jen & Colton
How It Works
Initial Consultation: Let’s chat about your event and your vision.
Tailored Planning: We’ll create a plan to ensure every important moment is captured.
Seamless Execution: On your big day, we’ll be there to document it all with care and professionalism.
Here’s What You’ll Get:
Stunning, high-quality images
Highlight video capturing the day’s best moments
Custom-tailored photography plans
Sneak peek within days of your event
Full gallery delivered within 4-6 weeks
Timeless edits that preserve your memories
Flexible package options
Professional and approachable photographers
A stress-free photography experience
Memories you’ll cherish forever
Why We’re Passionate
I’m Alyssa, and I’ve been where you are. I understand the importance of capturing life’s biggest moments. Growing up in the stunning Rocky Mountains and now traveling far and wide for weddings and events, I’ve seen firsthand how a great photograph can preserve not just a moment, but a feeling. Let’s create something beautiful together.
Ready to Get Started?
Wedding Venues:
Venue Info: Riverhouse BBQ/ https://riverhousebbq.com/
Caterer: Riverhouse BBQ/ https://riverhousebbq.com/
Band/DJ: Hannah King
Furniture Rental: Gallatin Event Rental / https://www.gallatineventrental.com/
Any other Vendors that helped make your day special and unique? Montana Axe Bar and Throwing Co https://www.montanaaxebar.com/
Photographer/Videographer: Alyssa Johnson Photography
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.
Let’s Tell Your Love Story!
