I think all brides would love for their wedding to be published in one of the bridal magazines....how exciting that would be and so much fun!!!! So if you guys are wondering how certain weddings make the pages of these wonderful publications.....I'm here to help! I posed the question to the oh-so-fabulous photographer Marie Labbancz and she so graciously have given us some great tips! Guys, this is an awesome feature so go grab another cup of mocha and find out what it takes to get the "magazine worthy photos" on your big day!!!!!!
Marie: First off, all weddings are beautiful in their own special way. It's not about how beautiful the wedding is or how handsome the couple. It's not about how large the budget! I have seen modest budget weddings featured nationally and very high budget weddings passed over. It's more the uniqueness of the wedding that the editors are looking for.
It's all in the Details - It's true, it's all about the details! When you think about it, one of the foremost reasons we love to see real weddings in the magazines is to see all the unique details and ideas. I have seen magazine photo editors choose a wedding based on one amazing novel detail that they want shared with their readers.
All the photo editors wanted to publish this bride with her short Romona Keveza gown. The length was so unique and they wanted their readers to see it.
One of the first to wear this popular Monique Lhuillier gown in 2005. It landed her on the pages of Grace Ormonde!
A balloon release in lieu of a receiving line caught a photo editor's eye!
Antique lace adorning the cake came from the bride's grandparents. The personal touch made for an interesting story.
I've Never Heard of That Place! - So you found the perfect location. It's stunning and you have seen it featured in all the magazines. Photo editors are much less likely to choose a wedding that has been featured in recent past issues. Last Spring I had an amazing wedding with all the unique details at an amazing location. Not a single editor picked it up for publication as the venue had been feature several times in magazines over the past year.
A ceremony in a sculptured garden was featured in several magazines.
This couple's wedding was held at a historic farm in Philadelphia. It was the first wedding held there!
Don't Forget Lighting! - An often overlooked necessity for a picture perfect wedding is lighting. You may have the most outstanding decor and flowers but if it is not lit properly, it will lose impact. It's not as expensive as you would think and it can really make all your details "POP"!
A little colored light made this whole tent "POP"!
A splash of color on the walls and ceiling and a touch of light on each centerpiece made this very dark historic venue "POP"! It was the feature wedding in Philadelphia Weddings Magazine.
Choose a "Magazine Style" Photographer - There are many wonderful and talented wedding photographers available today and all with diverse styles. From photojournalists, to fine artists, every couple can find a perfect match to their artistic sensibilities. If you are interested in possible publication of your wedding, it is best to choose a photographer who has had multiple weddings featured in magazines. I often hear the moans from Event and Floral Designers about an amazing wedding they had , but could not get it published because the details were not photographed in a "magazine style". Ask to see some of the photographer's featured magazine weddings.
Bouquet photographed in a "magazine style"!
Henna and jewelry details!
The Submission Process - Most times your event planner or photographer will submit your wedding to the magazines for you. If you are interested in publication, let them know ahead of time. Each magazine has their own particular protocol for submission and you are free to submit on your own. You can contact each specific magazine and find out how they accept submissions. If you are submitting on your own, it is best to write up a little bio and give information about your theme and details. An interesting story sometimes helps!
Marie's Philadelphia wedding featured in Elegant Bride Magazine
Marie's beautiful wedding featured in Grace Ormonde
Marie featured in Inside Weddings Magazine!
Of the millions of weddings that take place each year, there is only a limited number of weddings featured in the magazines. What makes for most special weddings is to personalize it as a reflection of you both as a couple. Whether you are published or not, it will be a day remembered by you, your family and friends for a lifetime!
Marie, this was GREAT!!! Thank you so much for sharing these valuable tips with us today and guys, no worries, Marie will be back at the cafe soon to share more of her beautiful work!
Wow!! This post is awesome. I love your unique idustry insider point of view. It sets you apart from the other blogs.
Posted by: Lonni | January 23, 2008 at 10:35 AM
This was definitley one of the more interesting/thought provoking posts I've read in a while. Although, I think (well i hope!) that most brides won't plan their wedding around the idea of getting published in a magazine it makes me feel good to know that sometimes the lavish wedding extravaganzas are crossed over for the simpler/more unique weddings.
I do have to say, though, I think bridal looks do play a factor. I hardly ever see an overweight bride in any magazine or a bride with a huge nose or bad teeth, or whatever. And I know these people are getting married too! It can't be just the beautiful people that have unique weddings...or maybe it just seems like all brides are beautiful on their wedding day? Even on photographer's blogs I feel like everyone is so darn pretty!
Posted by: MissCapitolHill | January 23, 2008 at 07:59 PM
the henna is exquisite. what a beautiful picture. it's a piece of art in itself.
Posted by: Octavine Illustration | January 25, 2008 at 12:45 AM
the henna is exquisite. what a beautiful picture. it's a piece of art in itself.
Posted by: Octavine Illustration | January 25, 2008 at 12:46 AM
how can we get some of our daughters wedding photos printed in a wedding magazine
Posted by: margaret nield | August 23, 2010 at 12:50 PM