Dear Future Bride Podcast

Hallie Swain joins Kiera to share the real story behind the vows that went viral. Her partner Zach secretly spent months learning sign language so he could sign his wedding vows to Hallie’s deaf parents - a moment that has since been viewed by millions. But behind that emotional clip was a planning process that pushed them both to their limits. From juggling a venue that included nothing, navigating the stress of rain plans and vendor miscommunication, to holding tight to her original vision despite the pressure of wedding TikTok - Hallie opens up about the stress, the joy, and what grounded her through it all This episode is honest, heartfelt, and a reminder that even the most viral weddings come with their share of overwhelm behind the scenes.Follow along: @halliekulick @creativeweddingsbyronbay @dearfuturebridepodcast

Taylah from House of Chapters joins Kiera to break down the photography advice no one else is giving. From how to actually look relaxed in your photos to why lighting makes or breaks your ceremony shots - Taylah shares the kind of real insight couples need before the day arrives. From unfiltered icks to the Pinterest shots she’s begging couples to stop requesting - this episode is full of tips that will help you enjoy the day and love your photos after.Follow along: @houseofchapters_ @creativeweddingsbyronbay @dearfuturebridepodcast

Bobbie Jo Davis joins Kiera to talk about planning a destination wedding while living in three different time zones, and still being in a long-distance relationship. With Bobbie based in New York, Flynn in London, and the wedding in Spain, pulling it off meant navigating distance, staying aligned from afar, and making the most of limited time together. This episode dives into how they stayed connected, made key decisions across continents, and pulled off their first dance with just four in-person rehearsals. It’s funny, unfiltered, and a powerful look at what it really takes to pull off a wedding when your love story spans continents.Follow along: @bobbiejo_davis @creativeweddingsbyronbay @dearfuturebridepodcast

Ella Victoria joins Kiera to share the real story behind the calm, curated wedding you might’ve seen on Instagram. A no-phone ceremony, timeless white chapel, saxophone on the dance floor - on the surface, it looked seamless. But behind the scenes, it was a juggle of last-minute vendor changes, planning from interstate, and the weight of trying to please everyone. In this episode, Ella opens up about the pressure of taking it all on herself, the emotional moment that caught her off guard, and the planning decision she’d make differently now. It’s honest, practical, and a reminder that when you’re in charge of everything, something’s got to give.Follow along: @ella_victoriaa @dearfuturebridepodcast @creativeweddingsbyronbay

Meg Byers joins Kiera to talk about what wedding planning really felt like - from the outside, her day looked cool, coastal and effortless. But behind the scenes, things got messy. From TikTok-induced doubt to a botched designer dress and full-blown emotional shutdown, Meg had to dig deep to find her way back to joy. In this episode, she opens up about spiralling self-doubt, the surprising shift that helped her reset, and the unforgettable way the night wrapped up - somewhere no one saw coming. This one’s for the brides drowning in decisions, quietly panicking behind their Pinterest boards, and needing the reminder: the magic is rarely in the picture-perfect plan - it’s in what you feel.Follow along: @megcochranebyers @dearfuturebridepodcast @creativeweddingsbyronbay

Julia Sharpe joins Kiera to share the story of her high-energy, heart-filled wedding in New Orleans. A day complete with a second line parade, an epic bridal party of 32 and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Planning the celebration while deep in her first year of medical school, Julia relied on an incredible planner, a little New Orleans magic, and a whole lot of trust to pull it all off. From surprise rain breaks to masquerade masks, she walks us through what it really looked like behind the scenes and the choices that made the day feel unmistakably them. This one’s for the brides planning from afar, managing a full plate, or just needing permission to hand over the reins and focus on what matters.Follow along: @julessagent @dearfuturebridepodcast @creativeweddingsbyronbay

Madelyn Carafa joins Kiera to share what it really felt like to plan a wedding while staying grounded in intention. Known for her work as the founder of The Healthy Hustlers, Madelyn is all about living in alignment and creating a life that feels good from the inside out. But even with her deep sense of self, planning a wedding brought up more emotion, pressure, and unexpected stress than she ever anticipated. In this episode, she talks about the moments that pulled her away from herself and the ones that brought her back. From navigating the guest list and unpredictable weather to letting go of expectations and finding her own way forward, Madelyn offers a refreshingly honest look at what it takes to stay true to yourself through the chaos of wedding planning. A grounded, thoughtful listen for any bride trying to do it their way.Follow along: @madelyncarafa @thehealthyhustlers @dearfuturebridepodcast @creativeweddingsbyronbay

Josh Withers joins Kiera for the first in a series of bonus episodes where she sits down with vendors who really know what they’re doing and aren’t afraid to tell it like it is. This series is all about giving you real, practical insight into what it takes to plan an epic day, straight from the people who live and breathe weddings. First up: your ceremony. Josh shares why the celebrant you choose sets the tone for everything, how to avoid the beige, forgettable stuff, and what makes a moment feel truly personal. A conversation for couples who want more than just a legally binding exchange - for the ones craving meaning, connection, and a ceremony that actually feels like them.Follow along: @hellojoshwithers @dearfuturebridepodcast @creativeweddingsbyronbay

Alice Pollard joins Kiera to share what it’s really like planning a wedding with a full-time job, two kids, and zero spare hours in the day. In this episode, she unpacks the hidden load of trying to do it all - navigating timelines, decisions, and logistics while constantly running on empty. From weather stress to budget blowouts, disappearing rose petals to a confetti ambush at the aisle, Alice opens up about the pressure she felt in the final stretch, the moment she wanted to pull the pin, and the second she finally exhaled - corset off, hair chopped, champagne in hand. A conversation for the brides doing their best to hold it all together. For the ones planning in the margins of their life. And for anyone who needs the reminder: you’re not behind, you’re just human.Follow along: @alice__pollard @dearfuturebridepodcast @creativeweddingsbyronbay

Isabela Becker joins Kiera to pull back the curtain on what it really felt like to plan a wedding while carrying more than anyone realised. In this episode, she shares how social pressure, people-pleasing, and overwhelming expectations crept into every part of the process, leaving her drained, second-guessing herself, and struggling to stay grounded. From unexpected grief to dress delays, from trying to make space for joy to managing the emotional weight of it all, Isabela opens up about the moments that unraveled her and the ones that helped her find her way back. A conversation for the brides who feel like they’re doing something wrong because they’re not floating through this. For the ones carrying too much. And for anyone who needs to hear: it’s okay if this feels heavier than you thought it would.Follow along: @isabelarosebecker @dearfuturebridepodcast @creativeweddingsbyronbay

Rachel Chevell joins Kiera to unpack the emotional layers of planning your own wedding, especially when you’re used to being behind the scenes. She thought she knew what to expect. But between the pressure to please everyone, unexpected costs, and the emotional weight of the day, planning her own wedding hit harder than anticipated. From hiding in a storeroom eating cake with her new husband to managing family dynamics and decision fatigue, Rachel shares what she learned the hard way, and how it’s changed the way she shows up for her own couples now. A candid conversation about boundaries, burnout, and protecting your peace in the lead-up to your wedding day.Follow along: @rachelchevell @sloane.biz @dearfuturebridepodcast @creativeweddingsbyronbay

Nikolina Borovina joins Kiera to unpack the kind of wedding that doesn’t fit inside a mood board. An architect by trade, she turned a blank sports club into a high-concept celebration- designing custom 3D layouts, building 80 handmade centrepieces, and mapping every detail down to the millimetre. But beyond the design was pressure: being the first to marry in both families, carrying big expectations, and navigating cultural traditions while staying true to her vision. She shares the burnouts, breakthroughs, and bittersweet moments - like the heartbreak of pulling it all down 48 hours later. From curved dance floors to jelly cakes, this episode is a love letter to creative control, family effort, and pushing the brief hard.Follow along: @nikolinakokaze @ninamarchives@dearfuturebridepodcast @creativeweddingsbyronbay

Kelli France joins Kiera to share what it was like planning her daughter’s wedding in just 100 days. A confidence coach and mother of four, Kelli brought her signature clarity and care into every decision, while navigating budget constraints, big feelings, and the delicate art of letting go. From family dynamics to creative compromises, Kelli reflects on the unexpected challenges, the mindset that got her through, and the joy of watching her daughter lead the way. She opens up about the moments that tested her, the ones that moved her, and how the entire process became a powerful lesson in trust, love, and surrender. This one’s honest, wise, and full of heart - for anyone planning alongside the people they love most.Follow along: @kellifrance @dearfuturebridepodcast @creativeweddingsbyronbay

Kat John sits down with Kiera to share the story behind a wedding that was deeply intentional, beautifully untraditional, and wholly true to who she and Steve are. Known for guiding others to live from their truth, Kat brings that same grounded, no-bullshit energy into her wedding planning journey - ditching the pressure, skipping the traditions, and rewriting the day on her terms. From cancelling a destination wedding that never felt right to hosting a backyard celebration full of pizza, pool swims, and magic, Kat reflects on the big decisions, emotional shifts, and spiritual moments that made the day unforgettable. She talks about writing vows that closed an invisible escape door, what it really took to stay anchored amidst the overwhelm, and how their wedding became a full-circle moment for their relationship and family. This one’s raw, reflective, and deeply affirming - for anyone planning a wedding that feels like home.Follow along: @kat.john @dearfuturebridepodcast @creativeweddingsbyronbay

Felicia Tanner joins Kiera to share how she pulled off a wedding that was stylish, intentional, and refreshingly low-drama. From curating a bar menu in her PJs to switching dresses two months out, nothing was off-limits - and nothing was sugar-coated. They talk decision fatigue, budget meltdowns, opinion overload, and the satisfaction of making your groom cry (three times). Felicia gets candid about managing family dynamics, regretting DIY stationery, and why hiring a planner - even when you are an event planner - was the best decision she didn’t want to make. This is the episode for brides who want control and clarity. For the ones who want their wedding to feel like them - down to the napkins.Follow along: @_feliciajade @dearfuturebridepodcast @creativeweddingsbyronbay

Georgia Whitaker joins Kiera to unpack the wedding she never thought she’d have - trading elopement dreams for a full celebration with everyone they loved. A Byron Bay local legend (and if you know Byron, you know Georgia), she brings her signature humour to the conversation as she shares the unexpected anxiety on the day, the behind-the-scenes family dynamics, and the emotional weight of curating a guest list. From personal vows to vendor choices and everything in between, this episode is a candid, funny, and grounded reflection on planning a wedding that feels like you - even when it’s not the original plan.Follow along: @creativeweddingsbyronbay @dearfuturebridepodcast @nailedbeautybyronbay @georgiarwhitaker

Rachael McAdam joins Kiera to unpack her wedding planning journey - one that took a turn just weeks out with a broken leg, a shifted perspective, and a whole lot of letting go. What started as a vision grounded in creativity and intention turned into a lesson in surrender, support, and choosing what really matters. From emotional burnout to vendor overwhelm, Rachael shares what helped her stay grounded, what moments surprised her most, and the advice she’d give any couple trying to navigate the chaos without losing themselves in the process.Follow along: @rachmcadam @creativeweddingsbyronbay @dearfuturebridepodcast

Cassie Burton joins Kiera to talk through the wedding that looked low-key on the outside—but carried the same pressure, expectations, and emotional weight as any big event. From family dynamics to second-guessing decisions, she shares what surprised her, what grounded her, and why keeping the day true to them was always the priority.It’s honest, relatable, and a reminder that smaller weddings don’t always mean smaller feelings.Follow along: @creativeweddingsbyronbay @dearfuturebridepodcast @cassiemayes_

Taylor Clements joins Kiera to unpack the real story behind her Byron Bay wedding—planned from interstate, postponed thanks to COVID, and pulled off with trust, intention, and a whole lot of heart. What started as a vision for an effortless beachside celebration turned into two venues, surprise bus rides, a rain-soaked ceremony, and one of the most joy-filled dance floors we’ve ever seen.Follow along: @taylormareeclements @creativeweddingsbyronbay @dearfuturebridepodcast

Lizzy Thomas is in the hot seat this week, sitting down with Kiera to unpack the reality behind her visually unforgettable Byron Bay wedding—one that started as a plan to elope in Italy and ended with 18 vendors, a marquee build, and a feature in Hello May. They talk about the pressure of doing things “the right way,” navigating religious expectations, and what actually hits you in the weeks before the wedding. From styling stress to guest list politics, Lizzy shares what worked, what nearly broke her, and what she’d tell any bride planning a big day on her own.Follow along: @lizzythomas__ @creativeweddingsbyronbay @dearfuturebridepodcast

Zoe Urquhart is the definition of grace under pressure—and in this episode, she sits down with Kiera to unpack her wedding planning journey, from wild weather threats (yes, an actual cyclone) to emotional curveballs no one saw coming. They talk decision fatigue, family dynamics, budgeting realities, and the pressure to make every choice feel personal. From unexpected performances to deeply personal moments, Zoe shares what made the day unforgettable—and what she’d tell any bride in the thick of it right now.Follow along: @zoeurquhart_ @creativeweddingsbyronbay @dearfuturebridepodcast

Jamiee Shaw—content creator and newlywed—joins Kiera to talk about the mental load of wedding planning and what it really felt like behind the scenes. From the pressure of people-pleasing to the chaos of seating charts, Jamie shares how she navigated expectations, leaned into what actually felt right, and let go of the rest. They dive into the emotional highs, the surprising moments of clarity, and how trusting the right vendors made all the difference. This one’s about the real work that goes into creating a day that actually reflects you—not what everyone else thinks it should look like.Follow along: @jaimeeshaw__ @lovelane.creatives @creativeweddingsbyronbay @dearfuturebridepodcast

Ebonie Cooper is a past bride turned friend—and in this episode, she sits down with Kiera to talk through what really went down. From planning a wedding while navigating life with her now-husband Tom Cooper, a professional cricket player, to managing family expectations, guest list drama, and the pressure to please everyone. They also talk about the parts no one prepares you for: the emotional comedown, the shifting friendships, and what she wishes she’d done differently.Follow along: @eboniecooper @creativeweddingsbyronbay @dearfuturebridepodcast

Eva Hendricks—frontwoman of Charly Bliss—joins Kiera to talk wedding planning, emotional chaos, and what hit her harder than the spotlight ever has, as she shares what it was really like planning a wedding while touring across the U.S. Eva opens up about the pressure to hold it all together, the moments no one prepares you for, and the emotional weight that caught her off guard. They talk support systems, decision fatigue, family dynamics, and the things that felt massive at the time… but didn’t matter in the end.Follow along: @emograves @charlybliss @creativeweddingsbyronbay @dearfuturebridepodcast

Dear Future Bride is a podcast hosted by wedding planner Kiera Ryan, diving into the side of weddings no one talks about.This isn’t about trends, checklists, or perfect tablescapes—it’s about what actually happens behind the scenes. Real brides sharing real stories: what worked, what didn’t, what they’d do differently, and what ended up mattering most.Whether you’re planning a wedding or knee-deep in the chaos, this is the perspective you’ve been missing. It's honest, a little messy, sometimes emotional—and always real.Because in a world full of curated wedding content, this is the space where we drop the filter and finally say it how it is.Dear Future Bride—this is how it really went down.