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.
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Meet The Couple
Sarah and Connor are based in Christchurch, New Zealand, where they work full-time together as wedding photographers and videographers. They have traveled to over fifteen countries, built a wedding photography company that works across New Zealand and beyond, designed and built their first home, and welcomed Frank, a very spoilt British Blue cat. Most days you will find them talking about travel, architecture, food, coffee, weddings, or where they are heading next. Now they are planning their own.
How did you meet?
We met six years ago at a ball in Auckland after COVID. Connor was, funnily enough, the photographer for the event, and our very first conversation started because of the camera in his hands. About two sentences later, he asked me out. Thankfully, I said yes. We’ve been inseparable since.
The Proposal
Connor proposed in August 2024 while we were sailing through Croatia with family and friends. He surprised me with a sunrise walk in Bol and chose our fourth anniversary to ask the question, which made it feel even more special.
In true photographer fashion, I was completely distracted taking photos of the sunrise and our sailboat, completely unaware of what was about to happen. Connor eventually snuck the camera off me and handed it to his sister so she could secretly capture the proposal instead.
What made the moment even more meaningful was that we’d designed my ring together the year before while we were in London on our travels. We loved creating something that felt unique to us, and nearly two years later people still stop me to ask about it. Every time they do, it takes me straight back to that morning in Croatia and all the feelings that came with it.
The Wedding Vision
1. When and where is your wedding taking place?
La Maison, Clevedon, Auckland, New Zealand, December 2026.
2. Describe your wedding in 3 words.
Timeless, Romantic, Intentional.
3. What are three non-negotiable elements for your big day?
A venue with character. We wanted a venue that naturally creates the feeling and aesthetic we’re drawn to rather than relying on lots of styling to transform a space. We chose a venue with beautiful architecture, gardens and a strong sense of place was one of the most important decisions.
Exceptional photo and video. Being wedding photographers ourselves, this was always going to be a priority and one of the hardest decisions to make. We’ve chosen a team whose work we genuinely love and trust completely, which has made it easy to hand over the reins and be fully present on the day.
A great DJ and an incredible atmosphere. Music has always been a huge part of Connor’s and my relationship. We wanted someone who could create the perfect energy throughout the day, from relaxed drinks in the afternoon through to a packed dance floor at night.
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Planning Process
1. What’s been the highlight of your planning process so far?
I love vintage-inspired details and pieces that tell a story. One of the most sentimental details of our day will be my second dress, which is being redesigned from my mum’s original wedding gown. A surprise I’m keeping from her until the wedding day.
2. What’s surprised you most about wedding planning?
How easy it is to get swept up in trends and outside opinions. Working in weddings, we’ve seen trends come and go so quickly, which has reinforced our desire to create a day that feels personal and timeless rather than following what’s popular right now.
3. An aesthetic you’re loving right now.
We’re loving the shift toward more intentional weddings, celebrations that prioritize guest experience, meaningful details, unique food experiences, live music and genuine connection over ticking every box. The European-inspired, romantic aesthetic, with rich colors and layered textures, definitely has our heart and really pops in photos.
4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their planning journey?
As wedding photographers, one of the first things we tell our couples is to sit down together and rank what’s most important to both of you. Everyone’s priorities are different, whether that’s the venue, food, entertainment, photography, fashion, or guest experience. Having those conversations early makes it much easier to allocate your budget intentionally and decide where you want to invest your time and energy throughout the planning process.
It’s so easy to get caught up in trends and all the options available, but having clear priorities helps guide every decision back to what matters most to you as a couple. That’s often what creates the most memorable and meaningful weddings.
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