Five Great Blog Posts That Will Help You Plan Your Wedding
Planning a wedding is exciting—but it can also feel like juggling with fireworks.
You’ve got the ring, the date, and a Pinterest board full of ideas. But now what? Between finding a venue, booking vendors, and staying sane, it’s easy to feel lost in the planning fog.
After photographing more than 200 weddings across Texas, we’ve learned what actually helps couples plan a wedding day that feels calm, joyful, and true to them.
We put together this list of five blog posts that every engaged couple should read. Each one covers a key step in planning your day, with real examples from the weddings we’ve photographed around San Antonio.
1. How to Get Started on Your Wedding Planning
When couples first reach out to us, one of the most common questions we hear is, “Where do we even start?”
That’s exactly what this post covers. It walks you through the first few steps that matter most—and helps you skip the noise.
Focus on your priorities
Start by talking about what really matters to both of you. Is it the photos, the food, the venue, or having all your friends in one place? Knowing that early helps guide every other choice.
One of our couples told us their top priority was a relaxed weekend with their families. That shaped everything: they picked a ranch venue, hired a taco truck, and skipped formal seating charts. It fit them perfectly.
Set a realistic budget
The post explains how to build a budget around your priorities. We’ve seen couples spend $60,000 and still stress because their budget didn’t match what mattered most. And we’ve seen small weddings feel rich in every way because the spending aligned with their values.
Pick a date that fits your style
Spring and fall are prime seasons in San Antonio. But if you want golden light and fewer crowds, consider early November or late March. The post breaks down what to expect weather-wise and photography-wise for each season.
This post helps you start strong, so the rest of your planning has direction and balance.
2. Real Weddings at The 1850 Settlement: What Couples Loved Most
This venue in Bulverde has a way of making every wedding feel personal. It’s rustic but refined, and the sunsets there? Unreal.
In this post, we share photos and stories from a few 1850 Settlement weddings we’ve shot, plus planning tips that come from watching dozens of couples use the space in different ways.
Learn from real weddings
You’ll see how couples used the open field for sunset portraits and the barn for heartfelt receptions. One bride surprised her groom with a mariachi band during dinner—it was the highlight of the night.
By looking through real weddings, you’ll get ideas for your own. Maybe it’s how to arrange tables for a family-style meal, or how to use string lights to create that warm glow once the sun dips.
Scout your photo spots early
We always walk the venue before the wedding. It helps us plan for light and location. The post gives a map of where we’ve found the best light and how to plan your timeline around it.
This post is perfect for couples dreaming of a laid-back Hill Country vibe.
3. Weddings at Red Berry Estate: What Every Couple Should Know
Red Berry Estate has a way of feeling cinematic. It’s got that lakeside view, grand staircase, and vintage touches everywhere.
This post is all about how to make the most of that space while keeping your day smooth and stress-free.
Schedule your portraits wisely
The estate looks different throughout the day. Early afternoon light reflects off the water, while evening brings a soft glow through the trees. The post helps you plan your photo timeline so you get both moods without rushing.
Make the space your own
The post also shows how other couples have decorated—some kept it classic with black and white, others leaned into deep jewel tones. Both worked beautifully because they fit the space and the couple’s style.
It also covers practical tips: parking, guest flow, and how to keep things running smoothly if you’re using multiple spaces (lake, ballroom, and terrace).
If you’re drawn to timeless style with a hint of glam, this post is your guide.
4. San Antonio Wedding Photographer Exposes the Secrets to Stress-Free Wedding Photos
This post came straight from years of watching couples go from nervous to natural in front of our cameras.
Build trust before the wedding
Your engagement session is more than a photoshoot—it’s practice. It helps you get comfortable, find your best angles, and understand how your photographer works.
We had one groom who told us, “I hate being in photos.” But after his engagement session, he said, “That was actually fun.” By the wedding day, he was totally relaxed—and it showed in every image.
Create a timeline that works for you
This post breaks down how to schedule your wedding day so photos happen smoothly. We suggest grouping family portraits right after the ceremony, when everyone’s nearby and dressed their best.
For couples who don’t want to miss cocktail hour, we show how to structure a “first look” so you can take most portraits early and enjoy the party later.
Keep it real
Posing shouldn’t feel like a chore. We use prompts and small movements to get real smiles—things like, “Walk toward each other and meet halfway.” The post explains why that approach creates authentic moments.
If photos make you anxious, this post will help you breathe easier and actually enjoy them.
5. How to Create the Perfect Catholic Wedding Day Timeline for Stunning Photos
San Antonio has so many beautiful Catholic churches—Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady of Grace, Mission San José, and more. But Catholic weddings follow a unique rhythm that’s different from other ceremonies.
This post lays out sample timelines for couples who want to honor their traditions and get great photos.
Understand the flow of a Catholic ceremony
Mass typically lasts about an hour. The post explains when to schedule portraits, travel, and reception activities so nothing feels rushed.
One couple we photographed at Our Lady of the Lake had their ceremony at 2 p.m. We built in a one-hour break before portraits, giving them time to eat and refresh before heading to the reception. It made the whole evening smoother.
Plan for travel and timing
Many Catholic weddings have the ceremony and reception at separate locations. The post covers how to factor in drive times, parking, and city traffic (especially on Saturdays).
We’ve seen couples underestimate that gap and end up short on portrait time. This post helps you avoid that mistake by building a flexible, realistic timeline.
Use golden hour wisely
If your ceremony is mid-afternoon, the best light usually hits later. The post shares tips on sneaking away for a few minutes during sunset. Those quick moments often turn into some of the couple’s favorite images of the day.
If you’re having a Catholic wedding, this post will be a planning lifesaver.
Final Thoughts
Wedding planning doesn’t have to be chaos. It just needs clear direction and a little breathing room.
Each of these blog posts walks you through a key step—from first planning talks to final sparkler sendoff. We wrote them to make your journey smoother and to help you focus on what matters most: enjoying the day and each other.
We’ve photographed hundreds of couples who started out nervous about planning but ended up saying, “That was the best day of our lives.” The difference? Preparation, honest communication, and choosing vendors who care about your experience, not just the photos.
If you’re planning a wedding in or around San Antonio, we’d love to help. Whether you’re getting married at a Hill Country ranch, a downtown church, or your family’s backyard, we’ll bring calm energy, years of experience, and a deep love for real moments.
You can find all five of these posts—and more—on our blog at www.walstonphoto.com/blog.
Take your time, grab a coffee, and start planning a wedding that feels like you.
Because when the day comes, you’ll want to remember it not for how perfect it looked, but for how real it felt.