wedding journal

Most couples ask the same question early on: why do engagement photos matter if the wedding is what really counts?

The hesitation usually isn’t about the photos themselves, it’s about how it will feel to be in front of the camera. That’s where engagement photos become less about the images and more about the experience. They create space for you to feel comfortable, connected, and at ease long before your wedding day arrives.

1. Engagement photos aren’t about practicing poses

An engagement session isn’t a test run for looking perfect. It’s a chance to slow down and experience what it feels like to be photographed in a way that’s relaxed and natural.

From the first moment we connect, my priority is helping you feel comfortable being yourselves. I’ll guide you when needed, but the focus is always on real interaction, talking, moving, and sharing quiet moments together. When you feel good, your photos reflect that without effort.

2. Why comfort matters more than you think

Feeling comfortable in front of the camera changes everything.

Couples who do engagement photos often notice:

• Less nervousness on the wedding day
• More trust in the process
• A deeper sense of ease being photographed
• Images that feel natural instead of posed

That comfort allows me to capture the moments that matter, big and small, without interrupting them. Your wedding day moves quickly. Having one less thing to think about makes a real difference.

3. Why I include engagement photos with all of my collections

I include engagement photos with every collection because building trust and connection matters to me.

Your wedding day isn’t the time for us to meet for the first time. An engagement session gives us the opportunity to get to know each other in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. You get a feel for how I work, and I get to learn how you interact together, what feels natural, what brings out genuine moments, and when to step back.

That connection allows your wedding day to feel easier. You don’t have to wonder what to do or how it’s supposed to feel. You can simply be present, knowing you’re supported by someone who understands you as a couple.

4. Engagement photos build confidence before the wedding day

By the time your wedding day arrives, the camera feels familiar.

You already know:

• You don’t need to pose or perform
• You can trust the process
• The focus is on how the day feels, not how it looks

That confidence allows your day to unfold naturally and your photos to reflect it honestly.

5. Do engagement photos need to feel formal?

Not at all.

Engagement photos work best when they feel like you. That might mean a place that feels familiar, a quiet walk, or time together without expectations. If you’re looking for ideas or want to understand how flexible engagement sessions can be, The Knot offers a helpful engagement photo planning guide that walks through different approaches in a practical, low-pressure way.

The goal isn’t perfection, it’s connection.

A practical takeaway

If you’re unsure whether engagement photos are worth it, ask yourself this:

Do we want our wedding photos to feel relaxed, authentic, and true to us?

If the answer is yes, engagement photos are often the first step in making that possible.

If you’re planning a New England wedding and want your photos to feel relaxed, authentic, and true to you, you can learn more about my approach and view full galleries at daniellelittlesphoto.com. It’s the best place to get a feel for how I work and whether it feels like the right fit for you as a couple

What questions to ask at a wedding venue. Picking a venue is probably one of the hardest parts of wedding planning. It sets the tone, the vibe, and often determines a lot of your wedding-day logistics. Are you dreaming of something romantic and classic? Rustic and laid-back? Chic and modern? Once you’ve figured out the vibe, you’ll still need to tackle the details.

What’s your budget? What’s included? What’s the rain plan? There are so many important questions to ask when you’re venue shopping, and I’m here to help you go in prepared.

Here are ten key questions to ask while touring wedding venues:

1. What is included in the venue fee?

This one seems simple, but it varies a lot from place to place. Ask about:

• Tables and chairs
• Linens or tablecloths
• Access to the ceremony site
• Set-up and breakdown
• Restroom facilities
  Some venues are full-service, while others are more DIY. Knowing what’s included helps you understand the true cost and avoid surprise expenses later on.

2. When can I arrive at the venue on the wedding day?

This is so important—especially if you’re doing a first look or want to get ready on-site. Many venues only allow access 1–2 hours before the ceremony, which can make timing tricky for hair, makeup, and getting dressed.

Also ask:

• Is early access available?
• Is there an additional fee?
• Can vendors arrive earlier than the couple?
  Knowing the timeline early helps avoid last-minute stress—and potentially having to book a separate getting-ready space.

3. What’s the rain plan for the ceremony?

Outdoor ceremonies are beautiful, but we know New England weather doesn’t always cooperate. Make sure you:

• See the indoor ceremony space in person
• Ask what the rain backup plan actually looks like
• Feel good about both options

I’ve photographed indoor ceremonies in beautiful spaces—but also in cramped rooms that clearly weren’t intended for that purpose. You deserve a beautiful Plan B.

4. How involved is the venue coordinator?

It’s common for venues to include a “coordinator,” but what they do can vary widely. Some are very hands-on, while others simply unlock the doors. Be sure to ask:

• Are they available before the wedding or just day-of?
• Will they create a timeline or coordinate with vendors?
• Do they help with set-up and breakdown?

Knowing exactly how involved your venue coordinator is will help you determine if you also need to hire a separate wedding planner or day-of coordinator.

5. What happens if we need to reschedule or cancel?

No one wants to think about postponing or canceling their wedding—but it’s important to know the venue’s policies just in case. Ask:

• What is the rescheduling policy?
• Are there fees or penalties involved?
• Is any part of the payment refundable?
• Can payments be transferred to a new date?

Having clear answers upfront gives you peace of mind and helps you feel more secure about your investment.

6. Is there a food and beverage minimum?

Some venues require you to meet a certain dollar amount in catering or bar service to book the space. This can greatly impact your overall budget. Be sure to ask:

• What is the food and beverage minimum?
• Does it vary by day of the week or season?
• What happens if we don’t meet the minimum?

Knowing this helps you plan your guest list and catering choices accordingly.

7. Can we bring in our own caterer or vendors?

Vendor flexibility is huge—especially if you have a favorite caterer or want to bring in specific rentals or dessert options. Some venues only allow vendors from a preferred list, so ask:

• Can we bring in our own caterer, baker, or bartender?
• Are there any fees or restrictions for using outside vendors?
• Do you have a required or preferred vendor list?

Understanding vendor policies early will help you avoid disappointment down the line and ensure your wedding reflects your vision.

8. Are there any restrictions we should know about?

Every venue has rules to keep things safe and beautiful, but it’s important to know what’s allowed and what’s not. Ask about:

• Sparkler exits or other special send-offs
• Use of lit candles or open flames
• Noise curfews or restrictions on music
• Decorations or confetti policies

Knowing the restrictions upfront helps you plan your celebration without surprises.

9. Can we take photos anywhere on the property?

Photos are a huge part of your wedding day memories, so ask about access:

• Are there areas off limits to photos?
• Are certain spots restricted during events?
• Is there permission needed for drone photography or special equipment?

This way you can plan your photo timeline and make the most of the venue’s best backdrops!

10. How many people can the venue accommodate and when is the final headcount due?

Knowing the venue’s capacity ensures your guest list fits comfortably and meets any fire code requirements. Also, ask:

• What is the maximum number of guests allowed?
• When do you need to provide the final headcount?
• Are there any penalties for changes after the deadline?

Getting this info early helps with planning invitations, catering, and seating arrangements smoothly.

This list could honestly go on and on, but I don’t want to overwhelm you! I believe these 10 questions are some of the most important to ask when touring wedding venues. Once you’ve found the perfect venue and locked it in, you might be starting to research other vendors—including your wedding photographer. If that’s the case, you can check out my blog on what to ask your wedding photographer here to keep your planning on track!

Ready to Chat?

Planning your wedding is exciting and I’d love to help capture your special day! If you have any questions about wedding photography or want to check my availability, don’t hesitate to contact me here.

My 2025 wedding season kicked off with Emily and Nate’s celebration at The Venues at the Factory, and it could not have been a more perfect way to begin the year. This unique space, with its mix of industrial charm and modern touches, was the ideal backdrop for a day filled with so much joy, love, and unforgettable moments. Emily and Nate have such an easy & fun relationship. There were so many laughs throughout the day.

Getting Ready

One of the best parts about getting married at The Venues at The Factory is the convenience, everything is right there, including beautifully designed Airbnbs located in the same building. Emily and Nate took full advantage of this setup to keep their day stress-free and seamless. With no need to worry about travel or timing, they got ready just steps away from their ceremony space. These thoughtfully decorated getting-ready suites were the perfect backdrop for flat-lays, final touches, and quiet moments before the celebration began.

Before the Ceremony

Emily and Nate chose to skip the first look, saving that special moment for when they saw each other at the ceremony for the first time and it was absolutely worth the wait. To make the most of the timeline, we captured individual wedding party and family portraits ahead of time. In true New England April fashion, it poured all day, but The Venues at the Factory offers plenty of beautiful indoor space for photos. We made full use of the industrial-chic interiors for portraits that were both stylish and stress-free.

Ceremony

To say it was emotional would be an understatement. Emily and Nate were both so ready and excited to see each other, it’s always such a special moment to capture that first look at the altar. With heartfelt vows that even included their shared love of Disney, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Surrounded by family and friends, they tied the knot and officially became husband and wife in a ceremony full of love, laughter, and meaningful memories.

Portraits

Since Emily and Nate didn’t do a first look, all the portraits along with the remaining family and wedding party photos happened right after the ceremony. And while the rain kept us indoors, The Venues at the Factory has no shortage of amazing spots to work with. We took full advantage of the industrial textures and moody lighting to create portraits that felt stylish, relaxed, and true to the day. Later during the reception, we snuck away for a few more portraits just the two of them, to soak it all in and capture some quiet newlywed magic.

Reception

Emily and Nate were so ready to party and their reception did not disappoint. Fusion Function absolutely crushed it, keeping the energy high all night long with an epic mix of hits (including plenty of Bad Bunny, of course). The dance floor was packed, their friends surprised everyone by showing up in hilarious blow-up suits, and the entire night was just non-stop fun. It was the kind of reception where you could feel the joy in the room and no one wanted it to end.

A Few Magical Touches

One of my favorite parts of Emily and Nate’s day were the subtle but sweet Disney nods woven throughout. From “Happily Ever After” signs to a whole new world moment during the father-daughter dance, every detail felt personal and meaningful. Their vows even included Disney references that had everyone smiling, and instead of a traditional guest book, guests signed a Spaceship Earth-themed sign a perfect tribute to their shared love for the magic.

Ready to Plan Your Own Magical Day?

Emily and Nate’s wedding at The Venues at the Factory was the perfect mix of fun, emotion, and personal touches, such an incredible way to kick off my 2025 season. If you’re planning your own wedding and want photos that feel authentic, joyful, and totally you, I’d love to chat.

The Vendors:

Photographer – @daniellelittlesphoto

Venue – @thevenuesatthefactory

DJ – @fusionfunctionent

Officiant – @marriedbylb

Dessert – @queencitycupcakesnh

Caterer – @kc_ribshack

Hair & make-up – @angeltouchbeauty_team

Dress – @chantillyplace

Suit – @generationtux

Invitations – @truly.engaging

2nd photographer – @chelsearushphotography