In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich and co-host Dan Riggs sit down with Jessi Pallan, Creative Director of Iron Diamond Media, the powerhouse behind seven regional wedding magazines including Minnesota Bride, California Wedding Day, and more. With a design eye that marries consistency and creativity, Jessi brings listeners behind the scenes of what it takes to craft inspiring editorial pages from concept to print.
Jessi shares how every magazine issue begins with a mood—literally. She and the editorial team develop thematic mood boards that drive everything from photographer selection to model casting and shoot-day styling. She breaks down the differences between styled shoots and fashion shoots, explaining why both are essential for capturing bridal trends in fresh, compelling ways.
From navigating hair and makeup decisions to retouching for print, Jessi offers expert insight into what makes wedding content not only beautiful but also editorially cohesive. She shares how lighting, texture and even saturation behave differently in print than online—an often overlooked detail that separates a good photo from a standout spread.
The episode also explores vendor collaboration, styling for publication, and how planners, florists, and photographers can align with editorial goals to get their work featured. Jessi reminds listeners that while the visuals matter, personality and authenticity are just as important—whether you're submitting a styled shoot or your real wedding day.
For couples hoping to land a magazine feature, she offers this advice: Be intentional, have fun and don’t be afraid to break tradition. Weddings that truly reflect the couple’s unique style are the ones editors (and readers) remember.
🎧 Listen now to learn:
- How wedding magazines plan and produce editorial shoots
- The difference between styled shoots and bridal fashion shoots
- Tips for building a strong creative team for publication
- How lighting and photo editing change for digital vs. print
- Advice for couples hoping to be featured in a wedding magazine
- Why authenticity and collaboration are key to a great submission
Produced by Summit Hill Studios summithillstudios.com
and Iron Diamond Media irondiamondmedia.com
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