How to Get Featured in a Wedding Magazine (and Why It’s a Game Changer for Your Business)

Jul 21

If you've ever wondered how to get featured in a wedding magazine—or whether it's even worth it in a world run by Instagram reels and TikToks—this episode is your blueprint. I sat down with Brooke Beise, the Publisher of Minnesota Bride Magazine, for a high-energy, no-fluff conversation on what it takes to stand out in the wedding industry and build a brand that couples and vendors trust.

Spoiler: it's not just about the pretty pictures (though those help). It's about connection, consistency, and community.

Let’s break it down.

Who Is Brooke Beise?

Brooke’s background is the ultimate mashup of hospitality, event logistics, and wedding world insight. From her early career at the Timberwolves to years in venue management to now publishing one of the most well-loved regional wedding magazines, Brooke is the perfect mix of business-savvy and community-minded.

She describes her daydream as "lifting up wedding professionals and telling their stories." And trust me—she means it. Whether she’s coordinating a styled shoot, mentoring vendors through their marketing, or organizing a live podcast panel at a wedding show, she’s all in on supporting this industry.

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What Does It Actually Mean to Be a Member?

Let’s talk real value. A lot of people assume being part of a wedding magazine is just about having an ad in print, but Brooke broke it down:

Here’s what membership with Minnesota Bride includes:

A printed ad in the biannual magazine
A listing in the Essentials Guide (the vendor directory couples use!)
Access to monthly blog collaborations (think: timely, local SEO content)
Discounts on wedding shows and live events
Priority consideration for curated editorial shoots
Digital listings and visibility on their website
Consistent email updates with deadlines, submission calls, and marketing tips
Oh—and actual stacks of magazines shipped to your studio or events for distribution

But most importantly?

It gives you permission to raise your rates.
When you’re aligned with a recognized brand like Minnesota Bride, your perceived value goes up. You stop apologizing for your pricing. You say no to discounts with more confidence. You feel part of something bigger—and your clients can sense that.

Do You Have to Be a Member to Be Featured?

Nope. And Brooke was crystal clear about this:

"You do not have to be a member to be featured. You just have to submit."

That’s right—membership is amazing, but submissions are open to everyone. Whether you're a wedding photographer in Duluth or a florist in Phoenix (shoutout to Arizona Bride), the key is to actually send your work in.

Here’s what they’re looking for:

Real weddings
Engagement sessions
Styled shoots
Elopements & micro-weddings
Unique details and strong aesthetics
Diversity in culture, color, and representation

And if you're thinking, "There’s no way my work is good enough", let me stop you right there. Brooke said they are always looking for unique, local, real, fresh stories. They want black wedding dresses. They want lakeside elopements. They want stories that show the full spectrum of love and creativity.

But they can’t publish what they don’t receive.

Real Talk: The ROI of Being Featured

I asked Brooke if she had any standout success stories—and she did not disappoint.

A pastry chef who left her hotel job, joined as a member, and grew her business by simply reaching out to 3 fellow members every week
A new photographer who captured a vendor tasting event and ended up getting referrals from multiple venues
Countless creatives who connected at launch parties and wedding shows, then booked real work from the relationships they formed

The common thread? Intentional connection. Not just scrolling. Not just posting. Actually reaching out. Showing up. Saying thank you. Making it personal.

So... How Do You Start?

If you're listening to this and thinking, “Okay, I’m ready—but what do I do next?” — here's your action plan:

✅ Step 1: Submit Your Work

Head to mnbride.com (or your local Iron Diamond publication) and click “Submit Your Wedding.” It takes a few minutes, and it could change your career. Don’t wait for the “perfect” shoot. Just start.

✅ Step 2: Reach Out to Brooke

Even if you’re not ready for membership, have the conversation. Brooke wants to meet you where you’re at. There’s zero pressure, and everything to gain. Set up a Zoom and talk about your goals—she’ll help you build a plan.

✅ Step 3: Show Up

Attend a launch party. Volunteer to photograph a tasting. Say yes to being part of a styled shoot. Be visible. It’s not about who has the most followers—it’s about who’s building real relationships.

✅ Step 4: Repurpose Your Features

If you do get published (yay!), don’t let that content sit still. Share it in your email list. Create Instagram carousels. Use the as seen in badge on your website. Celebrate it, then leverage it.

Final Thoughts

I’m personally stoked to be joining Minnesota Bride as a member this year. But more than that, I’m inspired by how magazines like this are still incredibly relevant—not just for marketing, but for meaning. They’re creating community. They’re documenting love. They’re connecting passionate creatives who believe in doing great work and doing it together.

Whether you're in Minnesota or across the country, I hope this episode and blog encouraged you to take your next bold step—whatever that looks like.

Let me know what you're submitting. Seriously—I want to cheer you on.

Keep dreaming big,
—Asher

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