You said “yes” now what? First of all congratulations (and yes, we do want to see the ring from every angle!) Now comes the fun part… planning a wedding that feels as unforgettable as your love story. But before you get lost in color swatches, guest lists, and wondering if a champagne tower is ‘too much’ (spoiler: it’s not), let’s talk about the wedding process – and the photos!

Wedding photography, for us, is about more than capturing all the epic moments- it’s about documenting your full experience from the first champagne pop to the final sparkler exit. Here at Lavish Studios we specialize in timeless, editorial-style imagery with just the right amount of personality. Think effortless elegance with a wink. The kind of photos that feel like a Vogue spread but still look like you—happy tears, and all.

To help you start the process, this guide breaks down the first steps every Texas couple should take when planning their wedding, so you can enjoy the journey instead of stressing over it. Because let’s be honest; setting a budget, choosing the venue, finding that perfect florist with a vibe you can see eye to eye on… it can feel overwhelming. We got you, so keep reading!

Step One – Celebrate Your Engagement

Before diving into checklists, take time to celebrate! Pop that champagne and post your engagement announcement on socials! Take time to dream about your “perfect” event and plan for engagement photos. Whether it’s at Galveston’s beaches, Houston’s skyline, or a favorite local park, these photos will be an important start to your wedding story and set the tone for your Wedding event.

Step Two – Set Your Vision and Priorities

Do you imagine a luxury ballroom celebration, a chic city wedding, or something intimate and outdoors? Setting your vision early helps you prioritize decisions like guest count, budget, and location. This is the perfect time to start researching Photographers (and planners: hint, we have some favorites) since you will need to get engagement photos that align with your decisions and overall vision. Many Houston couples start with local landmarks such as The Astorian, Hotel ZaZa at Hermann Park, Rice University, or coastal Galveston venues such as the Grand Galvez. Look for photographers that have a style that feels like you and experience at venues you love.

Step Three – Choose the Right Vendors

Vendors are your wedding dream team. From florists to photographers, you’ll spend months working closely with them. Prioritize vendors who not only deliver quality but also make you feel comfortable. For photography especially, connection and trust are everything, when you are relaxed it will show in every documented frame. Some photographers have portfolios that show epic photos on Instagram (which is always a bonus) but make sure their talent carries through an entire wedding day and beyond. They are the only vendor that will be in contact with you after the event is over.

Step Four – Plan Around Your Story, Not Just Trends

Pinterest boards and Instagram inspo are fun, but the most memorable weddings feel authentic. While including these trends can be an important part of the plan for you (no judgement we get it!) don’t forget to add personalized touches like writing your own vows to each other, meaningful music choices, or décor that reflects your style as a couple, and we will nail that champagne tower pic too! Trends come and go, but your story lasts forever & we want you to have it all.

Step Five – Don’t Forget the Timeline

Your Wedding planner or photographer will be your best ally here. A well-structured timeline ensures every detail from first looks to sunset portraits is captured beautifully. Specifically, for luxury events, timing is everything. A thoughtfully planned timeline not only ensures that every curated moment is documented flawlessly, but it also elevates the overall experience with seamless transitions. With so many options such as an elegant Texas Hill Country estate or a Chic downtown venue you’ll want to plan for those picture-perfect moments throughout your day. Your guests will be relaxed, your photos will be stunning, and every moment will feel luxurious and stress-free.

Ready to start planning a wedding that looks as amazing as it feels? Contact us to get more information on the process of bringing your dream wedding photos to life.