If you’ve ever wondered how to get your work published as a wedding pro, you’re not alone. Many creatives see features in major publications or blogs as mysterious milestones, achievements that only “big names” or luxury brands with huge PR budgets reach. But the truth? You can learn this skill. Getting published takes strategy, not secrets.

In this episode of Engage Your Brand™, I sat down with New York–based wedding photographer Jaine Kershner to unpack exactly how to approach submissions, what editors look for, and why press features matter more than ever for your brand.

🎧 Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or play it directly below.

Why Publications Still Matter in 2025

We live in an era of TikTok, Reels, and endless algorithms, so it’s easy to assume publications are “outdated.” But Jaine and I both agree: they’re far from dead. Getting published isn’t just about prestige; it builds credibility, strengthens SEO, and creates trust.

When publications like Style Me Pretty, Brides, or even smaller regional blogs feature your work, they show potential clients that your brand is trusted and established. Those features reassure clients that investing in you is worth it. That kind of third-party approval gives your business a confidence boost that no ad can replicate.

From Corporate Desk to Dream Career

Before Jaine became a sought-after Hamptons wedding photographer, she worked in corporate IT for a fashion company and she’ll tell you herself: it wasn’t fulfilling. Like so many of us, she craved a creative outlet that actually made her feel alive.

She built her business slowly and intentionally, going from side hustle to full-time photographer, and eventually creating two thriving brands: Jaine Kershner Photography and Tea with Jaine, her education platform for photographers.

Her story is a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful rebrands start with trusting yourself enough to pivot.

Why Getting Published Isn’t Just for Photographers

While photographers naturally submit to publications the most, this process is just as valuable for planners, florists, stationers, and designers. Every wedding pro contributes to the story being told and editors are looking for cohesive submissions that highlight collaboration.

If you’re a planner, submitting your team’s weddings can showcase your eye for design and logistics, if you’re a florist or designer, publications can amplify your artistry and help you connect with luxury planners, if you’re a venue, features can drive massive SEO traffic to your website.

Press isn’t about ego, it’s about strategy. Learning how to get your work published as a wedding pro plays a key role in building long-term visibility for you and your creative partners.

What Editors Are Actually Looking For

When Jaine started submitting, she quickly learned that publications want stories, not just pretty photos. They’re looking for:

• Cohesive color palettes and storytelling flow
• Consistency in lighting and editing
• Variety (wide shots, details, emotion, movement)
• Unique or emotional backstories
• Collaborations that fit their editorial style

Your job as the submitter is to curate 75–100 images that tell a clear, emotional story — one that captures the vibe, the couple, and the creative vision behind it.

The Power of Curation

One of Jaine’s biggest lessons: you can’t just dump your full gallery into a submission folder.

Editors don’t want to scroll through 1,000 photos, they want the best 100. Think of your submission like a magazine spread. Each image should serve a purpose.

Start with:

• The establishing scene (venue, landscape, or ceremony space)
• Personal details (invites, rings, fashion)
• Emotional moments (first look, laughter, tears)
• Reception energy (movement, color, ambiance)

Each frame should add to the story, not repeat it.

Matching Your Submission to the Right Outlet

Every publication has a “look.” Style Me Pretty leans toward romantic and airy. Over the Moon gravitates to editorial storytelling. Martha Stewart Weddings loves timeless elegance.

The key is to match your submission to the publication’s aesthetic.
If your gallery leans modern and bold, it may not fit the soft fine-art tone of certain outlets — and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to force-fit; it’s to align.

How to Build a Winning Submission Strategy

If you’re new to submissions, start small. Jaine recommends creating a tiered plan:

• Tier 1: Your dream publications (national or luxury level)
• Tier 2: Regional or niche wedding blogs
• Tier 3: Vendor features or online magazines with strong SEO

Submit each gallery in order. If Tier 1 passes, move to Tier 2, you’ll still get valuable exposure and backlinks.

The SEO Gold of Getting Published

Every feature equals a backlink and that backlink signals to Google that your website is trustworthy and relevant.

Even if your dream publication says no, a regional feature can still boost your ranking and visibility. The more quality backlinks you collect, the more Google sees your brand as an authority.

And the best part? Publications often include multiple vendor credits, so one feature can help everyone on the team rise together.

Dealing with Rejection Gracefully

Here’s the truth: even the best editors sometimes say “no.”

A rejection doesn’t mean your photos lack quality, it simply means the story doesn’t fit their needs right now. Publications juggle limited space and tight calendars, so timing often plays a bigger role than talent.

Instead of taking it personally, resubmit elsewhere. You can often refresh the story, tweak the order, or pair it with a different vendor’s perspective. Persistence always pays off.

When and How to Submit Your Work

Timing matters. Most editors prefer submissions 6–12 months after the wedding, giving the couple time to celebrate and vendors time to deliver images.

Make sure to:

• Get vendor and couple permission first
• Include a full vendor list
• Provide details like color palette, theme, and location
• Double-check that all file sizes and file names are clean and consistent

Pro tip: Label your images clearly (e.g., “bride-dress-entrance.jpg”) to help editors organize quickly.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Editors to Find You

There’s a common myth that editors “discover” your work online. But unless you’re constantly on their radar, that’s rare.

Submitting your work regularly keeps you in their world even if they say no, they’ll remember your name next time. Jaine often reminds creatives: “You can’t be upset about not being featured if you’ve never submitted your work.”

If you’re serious about growing your visibility, it’s time to take control and learn how to get your work published as a wedding pro instead of waiting for luck to strike.

What to Do Before You Submit

Before you send that gallery, pause and review:

• Does this wedding reflect your current brand aesthetic?
• Would you want more weddings like this one?
• Does it highlight your ideal venues or vendor partners?

If the answer is yes, go for it. If not, skip it. Publishing the wrong type of work can attract clients who no longer align with your brand.

The Publication Mindset Shift

Think of publication not as a one-time “win,” but as an intentional part of your overall marketing strategy.

Every feature tells the internet — and your future clients — what you stand for. So instead of chasing fame, focus on alignment. Publications should elevate your brand, not dilute it.

When you treat publishing as brand storytelling instead of a popularity contest, your submissions naturally become more intentional and authentic.

How Publishing Your Work Strengthens Vendor Relationships

Submitting a wedding doesn’t just boost your visibility, it boosts your collaborators’.

When you tag planners, florists, and venues in a publication, you build goodwill and strengthen those relationships. It’s one of the best ways to become the go-to creative vendors recommend to each other.

Think of every submission as a love letter to your team, and a thank-you to the people who helped bring your vision to life.

Building a Press Workflow You Can Stick With

You don’t have to do everything manually. Create a simple workflow that helps you stay consistent:

• Tag potential publish-worthy weddings in your gallery folders
• Batch your curation once per quarter
• Keep a submission tracker (date, outlet, result, and link)
• Repurpose your features on social media and your blog

You’ll not only stay organized, you’ll turn publishing into a repeatable part of your marketing rhythm.

What Not to Do When Submitting

A few things editors don’t want to see:

• Heavy filters or inconsistent edits
• Watermarks or oversized logos
• Missing vendor credits
• Submitting the same gallery to multiple outlets simultaneously

Respecting each publication’s exclusivity guidelines builds trust and makes them more likely to accept future work.

The ROI of Publishing Your Work

Beyond the SEO boost, publications build authority. Clients start to see you as a trusted expert in your space.

It can also lead to speaking opportunities, collaborations, and referrals from other vendors who discover you through your features. Getting your work published isn’t just a visibility play, it’s a credibility accelerator.

Bringing It All Full Circle

What I love about Jaine’s story is how rooted it is in community and consistency. She didn’t wait for opportunities, she created them. And she’s now helping other creatives do the same through Tea with Jaine, her podcast and educational platform.

Learning how to get your work published as a wedding pro goes beyond publicity, it helps you build confidence in your art, clarify your message, and strengthen your credibility in the market. Publishing your work doesn’t rely on luck; it requires process, clarity, curation, and courage — again and again.

How to Publish Your Work as a Wedding Pro (FAQ)

How do I know if my work is “good enough” for publication?
If your gallery tells a strong, cohesive story and aligns with your brand style, it’s worth submitting. Editors care more about narrative than perfection.

Do I need to hire a PR firm?
Not necessarily. Many wedding pros manage submissions on their own using platforms like Two Bright Lights or Matchology. PR firms are helpful if you’re scaling or targeting luxury-tier outlets.

What’s the biggest mistake to avoid?
Submitting everything you shoot. Be selective. Only publish the work that aligns with your brand and goals.

How often should I submit?
Aim for 3–6 strong submissions per year. Consistency beats volume.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally start submitting your work, this is it.

Your next client could come from a blog you’ve admired for years. Your next planner partner could find you through a vendor credit. And your next big business milestone might just begin with one “yes” from an editor who believes in your story.

The more you practice how to get your work published as a wedding pro, the more it becomes second nature, a steady rhythm that keeps your brand relevant, trusted, and seen.

🎧 Listen to the full episode: How to Get Your Work Published as a Wedding Pro (with Jaine Kershner)
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or right here on the blog.

Ready to elevate your brand and attract more visibility through intentional strategy? Book a branding or website design session with Emily today.