At WedVibes, we’re always drawn to the stories behind the aesthetics—the vision boards, voice notes, and late-night Pinterest scrolls that quietly shape iconic wedding moments. So, we did what we do best: reached out to real brides who are planning weddings their way. From spontaneous proposals to guest lists made on Google Docs, these brides are rewriting the rules and curating celebrations that feel less like tradition and more like self-expression.
In this series, they open up about the moodboards they can’t stop tweaking, the TikTok trends they’re into, and the vendors who just get it. Expect real love stories, real planning highs (and lows), and plenty of inspiration for your own “main character” moment.
Engagement Photos: Lauren Alatriste
Meet The Couple
We’re Sonja and Chrystian, currently living in Miami, FL. I’m a full-time accountant and wedding content creator behind BridalOnCord, while Chrystian works in sales and spends most of his free time playing pickleball. We’re homebodies at heart, but we love trying new restaurants, traveling, taking long drives, and hanging out with our mini Goldendoodle, Milo.
How did you meet?
We met through Chrystian’s sister, who was a close college friend of mine. I went over to her house one day, and Chrystian happened to be sitting in the living room. We exchanged one glance, and somehow it was enough for both of us to feel that spark. His sister set up a little meet-up at a bar in Miami, and we ended up talking the entire night. The next morning, he asked me out on a date, and we’ve been inseparable ever since.
The Proposal
He proposed at home — just the two of us, in the space where our everyday life happens. It was simple, intimate, and felt completely true to who we are. We didn’t want to wait any longer to be married, so we decided to elope at the courthouse the very next day. It was spontaneous, emotional, and one of the sweetest memories we share. Now we’re planning the full celebration, the wedding weekend we’ve always dreamed of, surrounded by all the people we love.
The Wedding Vision
1. When and where is your wedding taking place?
Our wedding is on October 3, 2027, in Spain — at a timeless medieval venue filled with greenery, romance, and old-world charm.
2. Describe your wedding in 3 words.
Romantic. Intimate. Intentional.
3. Do you have a moodboard or a reference image you keep going back to?
I keep returning to a tablescape by Omer Gilony. The ambiance and overall feeling of the design perfectly match the romantic, organic atmosphere we envision for our outdoor reception. It’s the reference I always come back to when imagining our dinner space.
4. What are three non-negotiable elements for your big day?
A completely stress-free day is really important to us. Working in the industry has shown me how chaotic weddings can be, so choosing vendors who create a calm, seamless experience was a priority.
We also knew we wanted an “all-in-one” setting, where the church, reception, and hotel are all in the same place — especially since it’s a destination wedding. We want it to feel like a shared vacation for everyone.
And of course, great music. Our families love to dance and celebrate, so creating an unforgettable party atmosphere was a must.
Photo: Pinterest, Courtesy of Floure Studio, Courtesy of Maison FNC, Pinterest, Pinterest, NOUS NOUS Photo,
Planning Process
1. What’s been the highlight of your planning process so far?
Traveling to Spain for venue visits. We originally explored Mallorca, and that trip became one of our favorite memories — touring venues, discovering the island, and soaking up the excitement of planning our wedding together.
2. What’s surprised you most about wedding planning?
Even working in the industry, I was surprised by how many layers there really are. Every decision connects to another, and being exposed to so many aesthetics makes it harder to commit to just one direction. We’re both very detail-oriented, so narrowing it down took time.
3. Is there an Instagram account, TikTok trend, or aesthetic you’re secretly loving right now?
I’m really into anything editorial, European-inspired, film-style content, soft movement, effortless luxury moments, and I’ve been obsessing over lace detailing lately.
4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their planning journey?
Get clear on what truly matters to you as a couple and build everything around that. Listen to your family’s experiences, but try not to get too caught up in people-pleasing. Your wedding should feel like you.
Photo: Courtesy of Film & Foliage, Pinterest, Courtesy of Maison FNC, Modern Day Romance
