Creating a Life Abroad: Love, Community, Home

On this week’s episode of Open Mic Life, host Stoyana jumps a few months back and revisits a fan-favorite segment—weddings, love, and family. Recorded just weeks before her own wedding, this episode features a heartfelt conversation with Vivien, who shares her firsthand experience of planning a wedding from abroad.

From navigating the wedding industry to the influence of movies and social media on our expectations, Stoyana and Vivien explore the realities behind saying “I do.” They discuss the professionals who make weddings possible—photographers, florists, caterers—and even touch on intellectual property concerns in the wedding world. With plenty of practical do’s and don’ts, this episode is a must-listen for brides-to-be and anyone curious about what goes on behind the scenes of a modern wedding.

Vivien reflects on her own wedding, offering insights into what she would have done differently and sharing the special moments she’ll cherish forever. As a Hungarian living in Luxembourg with her husband, she also sheds light on the experience of building a life far from family. While living abroad comes with challenges, she highlights the positives—creating their own family unit, establishing new traditions, and strengthening their marriage on their own terms.

Beyond weddings, Stoyana and Vivien dive into the importance of community for those who live away from their home countries. They discuss the “village” that many expatriates build around themselves to foster a sense of belonging, as well as the balance between preserving one’s culture and fully embracing a new home.

Whether you're in the midst of wedding planning, adjusting to life in a new country, or simply interested in the dynamics of love and family, this episode has something for you. Tune in for an honest, insightful, and heartwarming conversation on Open Mic Life.

Don’t forget, every week you can listen to Open Mic Life on RTL Play and all major streaming platforms. Follow Open Mic Life on Instagram to become part of the upcoming episodes through listeners’ submissions on topics that interest you.