In a media-saturated marketplace where visibility often determines viability, strategic press coverage is one of the most powerful tools a creative business can leverage. For wedding and event professionals, the difference between a crowded local market and national recognition can often come down to a single well-placed feature in a high-authority publication.
Few understand this dynamic better than Meghan Ely, owner of OFD Consulting, a Richmond, Virginia-based agency serving wedding professionals globally. Since 2009, Ely has helped hundreds of creatives—from planners to photographers, floral designers to venues—earn features in top-tier outlets including The New York Times, People Magazine, and Martha Stewart Weddings. These aren’t just aesthetic wins—they’re brand-defining moments that propel businesses forward.
So how does OFD Consulting repeatedly turn strategy into success stories? It starts with a combination of intentional storytelling, unmatched editorial insight, and a deep understanding of the wedding industry’s media landscape.
Understanding the Power of Purposeful Publicity
“Not all press is created equal,” Meghan Ely often emphasizes. “Our goal is never just to secure any feature—it’s to secure the right feature for the right client at the right time.” This philosophy is central to the way OFD Consulting operates.
The agency begins every client engagement with a detailed discovery process, ensuring each professional’s unique voice, goals, and differentiators are clearly defined. Whether a client is looking to target engaged couples, grow their B2B footprint, or position themselves as an expert voice in the industry, OFD maps out a pathway rooted in visibility strategy—not vanity.
This approach has earned the trust of both emerging and established businesses. Rather than throwing pitches to every editor in town, Ely and her team align every media opportunity with a client’s long-term brand narrative.
A Strategy Behind Every Placement
Take the example of The New York Times. One might assume such coverage is out of reach for independent wedding pros, but for OFD clients, it’s entirely possible. OFD’s process begins by identifying the story behind the service. That might mean spotlighting a planner who specializes in multicultural celebrations, a designer who sources locally for sustainability, or a photographer capturing LGBTQ+ love stories in underrepresented communities.
“We look for authentic angles that tie directly into editorial trends,” says Ely. “That’s what editors want: timely, relevant stories with emotional resonance or cultural relevance.”
The same approach led to features in People Magazine, where OFD helped bring attention to client work that was both visually stunning and socially significant, such as celebrity events, high-profile weddings, and innovative event design.
In Martha Stewart Weddings, a publication known for elevated inspiration and editorial precision, OFD positioned clients not only through real wedding submissions but also through expert commentary and behind-the-scenes narratives. These placements often translate into increased credibility, higher-value clients, and speaking engagements.
A PR Agency That Builds More Than Buzz
What sets OFD Consulting apart is its long-term approach. Ely isn’t just interested in building momentum; she builds ecosystems of visibility. Many of her clients not only land coverage but go on to become industry educators, book authors, podcast guests, and keynote speakers.
This philosophy also inspired the launch of the OFD Collective, a one-of-a-kind PR membership platform offering curated press opportunities, editorial calendars, pitch templates, and media coaching. The Collective democratizes access to publicity by empowering professionals who may not be ready for full-service representation but still want to elevate their brand.
Ely’s other platform, WeddingIndustrySpeakers.com, continues that mission by helping professionals step into thought leadership roles through vetted speaking opportunities.
Celebrating Results That Matter
OFD’s work has not gone unnoticed in the industry. The agency’s campaigns have received accolades from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for excellence in strategic communication. More recently, Ely herself was named one of Eventex’s Most Influential Wedding Professionals in 2024, solidifying her role as a leader in brand elevation and industry education.
But for Ely, the real celebration lies in her clients’ wins—the photographers who doubled their bookings after a major feature, the planners who booked their dream destination weddings thanks to national exposure, and the creatives who finally saw their work recognized on a global stage.
Advice for Event Pros Seeking Visibility
For wedding professionals hoping to follow a similar path, Meghan Ely offers this advice: “Start by clarifying what you want your brand to be known for. Then align your storytelling, marketing, and press outreach with that message. Media wants stories—give them one that only you can tell.”
She adds that visibility is not about being everywhere at once but about being strategic with where and how you show up. “Consistency, clarity, and collaboration are the hallmarks of a media-ready brand.”
Final Thoughts
In a world where scroll-stopping visuals dominate the conversation, meaningful media coverage remains a game-changer for wedding professionals. Through smart strategy, deep industry insight, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling, Meghan Ely and OFD Consulting continue to raise the bar for what’s possible in publicity.
To learn more about OFD Consulting and view recent client press, visit https://ofdconsulting.com/results/press
