I Just Got Engaged! Now What?

The More Abstract Things No One Tells You - Advice from a Denver Wedding Photographer

Congratulations! 

Cue the happy tears, smiles, and maybe an overwhelmed feeling creeping in (very normal). Whether your partner popped the question on a mountaintop, in Wash Park, in your favorite Denver coffee shop, or during a quiet moment at home, this is a moment worth celebrating. Now that you've said "yes," you might be wondering…what happens next? Where do I even start? Let’s dive in. 

Denver Proposal at Wash Park- Kalen Jesse Photography Co. (Denver Photographer)

1. Soak It In

First things first: take a deep breath. Spend time with your partner basking in the excitement of this new chapter. Call your family and friends, or maybe keep it to yourselves for a little while - whatever feels right. You’ll probably find yourself glancing at your ring (or just reliving the moment) every five minutes. Lean into that joy! You don’t owe it to anyone to report the news immediately. 

2. Celebrate Your Way

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to celebrating your engagement. Throw a party with friends, plan a romantic dinner just the two of you, or head to a Bluebird concert or a Nuggets game. You could even start planning an engagement photoshoot. That’s where I can come in! Whatever you choose, make it about what feels true to you both.

3. Start Dreaming…..Together

Before you dive headfirst into Pinterest boards and venue tours, take a moment to talk with your partner about what you both envision. Is it a chic city wedding downtown? A cozy, intimate celebration in the mountains? Or maybe something unconventional, like a brewery bash or a courthouse elopement followed by tacos at your favorite spot? Setting the tone now will help you stay grounded as planning picks up speed. Kalen Jesse Photography offers a value based exercise to help you weed through all the noise and determine what you truly want.

4. Build Your A-Team

Speaking of planning, now’s a great time to start thinking about your wedding team. Whether you’re going full DIY or hiring a planner, having the right people in your corner makes a world of difference. And, of course, if you’re looking for a photographer who’s all about capturing the real, joyful, messy, and magical moments- hi, it’s me! Denver couples, I’ve got you covered. Here or anywhere you choose to go celebrate! My bags are always packed. 

5. Nail Down the Big Stuff First

Once you’ve got a vibe in mind, start with the big decisions: date, budget, and venue. Popular Denver venues like Moss, The St. Vrain, and Blanc tend to book out fast, especially during peak seasons (summer and fall). And don’t forget- it’s 100% okay to embrace non-traditional options, too. Backyard weddings and Airbnbs with killer views? Yes, please. 

6. Take Care of Each Other

Wedding planning is exciting, but it can also be a lot. Be kind to yourselves and each other. Set boundaries with well-meaning but overly opinionated loved ones. Schedule non-wedding-related dates to recharge and remind yourselves why you’re doing this in the first place- to celebrate your love.

7. Keep It Real

Here’s a little secret: there’s no such thing as a perfect wedding. What makes your day unforgettable isn’t the color of the napkins or the exact playlist (though, let’s be real, good music and vibes is key). It’s the people, the love, and the moments that will make you laugh, cry, and smile for years to come.

8. Don’t Forget to Have Fun

Remember, this is your journey, and it should feel FUN! From cake tastings to dance lessons to figuring out how to blend your quirky traditions, make room for the fun stuff. Your engagement isn’t just a prelude to the big day; it’s a special season in its own right. 

The “now what” after getting engaged? Celebrate, dream, and start building the foundation for a celebration that’s authentically you. And if you’re looking for someone to document this adventure, from engagement to wedding day and beyond, I’d be honored to be part of your story. 

More concrete checklist:

• Insure your ring

• Make a wedding budget

• Make a guest list with A, B, C tiers 

• Pick a venue / wedding date (chicken and the egg situation)

• Make a Pinterest board 

• Consider hiring a planner

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