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: Rachel Artime
Meet The Couple
Meredith and Bernie live in Brooklyn, New York. She is a Wedding Photographer & Senior Marketing Manager, and Bernie is a Senior IT Infrastructure Engineer. They love to travel, work out, and try new coffee shops around New York. They both work really hard, so having time together for a date night in the West Village is our favorite.
How did you meet?
We met on Hinge in the East Village in the summer of 2021.
Photo: Rachel Artime
The Proposal
As a wedding photographer, I didn’t want anything crazy, something super intimate and romantic. He proposed at Palma in the West Village in December 2024. I walked in, and there were candles and flowers all over the room with a long-stemmed candle on an intimate table for two. I knew instantly it might be happening.
The Wedding Vision
1. When and where is your wedding taking place?
Tuscany, Italy in September 2026.
2. Describe your wedding in 3 words.
Romantic, Breathtaking, Italian-Inspired.
3. What are three non-negotiable elements for your big day?
Feeling rushed, I want to fully be in the moment and enjoy the day.
Private moments together, as a wedding photographer, the B&G never have a moment for themselves to be together. I will be working that into the timeline.
Having fun, we are spending all this moment to celebrate, we better have the best day ever!
Photo: Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest, Remind Photography
Planning Process
1. What’s been the highlight of your planning process so far?
Last April, we went to Italy to tour venues, and we had a blast! We saw about 5 venues and every one of them was stunning. We ended up going with Villa Corsini with the breathtaking views of Tuscany and the gallery inside for the reception.
2. What’s surprised you most about wedding planning?
Everything, as someone apart of the wedding industry I thought I would be more prepared to plan my own wedding but I don’t think anything prepares you for such a big event. My fiancé has been on every call, reaching out to vendors with me, and honestly, I love how involved he is!
3. Is there an Instagram account, TikTok trend, or aesthetic you’re secretly loving right now?
We’re doing a live Italian cake making, so I’m loving that trend! I love the drape-with-a-sign-on-it trend, having your bouquet be the moment! Untraditional ceremony seating.
4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their planning journey?
Don’t push off planning, even if you have a year and a half to plan, try to spread everything out as much as you can. It will sneak up on you! Also…don’t have a bridal party.
Photo: Pinterest, Taralynn Lawton, Pinterest, Pinterest
