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.
Photo: Courtesy of Angelina
Meet The Couple
We are Angelina & Mario, and we live in beautiful Austria. I’m a wedding photographer and travel all across Europe for my couples, capturing luxurious destination weddings. My fiancé is a true all-rounder—he’s deeply rooted in the business world and absolutely loves what he does, just like me.
How did you meet?
We actually met through business! About five years ago, I was the co-founder of a creative agency, and he was working for an event company. We started collaborating on a project, and things went so well that he eventually joined our agency as a co-founder.
Fridays at the agency became our favorite ritual: after-work drinks that turned into spontaneous office parties. And the moment he pulled out his guitar and started playing romantic songs—full-on campfire vibes in the middle of our creative loft—I knew I was in trouble.
We used to say, “Never date someone from work,” but we broke that rule—just once, and at exactly the right time.
The Proposal
We were on a trip through California, and one evening, we got all dressed up for a beautiful dinner at Nobu Malibu. Afterward, he took me to a quiet beach nearby—and to our surprise, we were completely alone. Just the two of us with nothing but the sound of the waves and the colors of the setting sun all around us. As the sky turned shades of pink and gold, he suddenly got down on one knee.
It was like time stood still. I was so overwhelmed with emotion—I couldn’t speak; I just cried the happiest tears of my life. It felt like something out of a movie, but it was real. It was ours.
Photo: Courtesy of Angelina
The Wedding Vision
1. When and where is your wedding taking place?
We’re planning to get married in 2026 or 2027—I really want to take my time with the planning process and enjoy every step of it. Right now, my heart leans toward either Mallorca or Italy.
At the same time, we also dream of celebrating with the people who mean the most to us. That’s one of the main reasons why we’re also considering bringing the Italian-Tuscan flair home to the vineyards in Southern Austria. We want the day to be full of beauty, joy, and love.
2. Describe your wedding in 3 words.
Intimate. Aesthetic. Heartfelt.
3. Do you have a moodboard or a reference image you keep going back to?
Yes, absolutely—I’m building a moodboard that’s very Pinterest-inspired, full of soft textures, warm sunset light, and meaningful little details. I keep coming back to those effortless luxury weddings that feel both stylish and deeply personal. It’s a blend of Italian countryside elegance and editorial romance.
What are three non-negotiable elements for your big day?
1. An intimate guest list – we want to truly connect with everyone and share this day only with the people we love most. We’re expecting around 40-50 guests.
2. Aesthetic storytelling – from the ceremony setup to the tablescape, the design will reflect our personalities and shared style.
3. Good food and wine – we’re both passionate about great cuisine and want our guests to feel spoiled and celebrated.
Planning Process
1. What’s been the highlight of your planning process so far?
We’re still at the very beginning of our planning journey, but for me, the real highlight is simply dreaming. Sitting together with my fiancé, imagining what our day could look like, pinning inspiration, talking about locations—it’s such a special part of this time.
I can’t wait for little milestones like trying on dresses with my girls or the moment Mario sees me for the first time at our First Look. Even the thought of walking down the aisle with my dad brings tears to my eyes already. The best part so far? Letting our dreams slowly take shape.
2. What’s surprised you most about wedding planning?
How time-consuming even the smallest decisions can be—and how easy it is to get lost in the details. As someone who’s creative and loves beautiful things, I thought I’d fly through the planning process. But the truth is every little choice—from flowers to fonts—takes time, and suddenly, you realize how many layers go into bringing a vision to life. It’s taught me to slow down, trust my instincts, and remember that perfection isn’t the goal—meaning is.
3. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their planning journey?
Take your time—truly. Remember, this journey is not just about one day. It’s about the months, maybe even years, of dreaming, planning, and growing together. Make decisions that reflect you as a couple. Don’t get lost trying to please everyone else. If it feels right to you, it is right.
And one of my favorite tips: treat wedding planning like date nights. Light a candle, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy talking through ideas together. The journey itself becomes part of your story—and it deserves just as much love as the day itself.
Photo: Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest, Captured by Emily
