Think every dreamy wedding feature in a glossy mag or high‑end blog was earned? Think again. In this episode, we sit down with PR powerhouse Megan Ely to dig into the murky world of pay‑to‑play in wedding publications—what it is, how to spot it, and why it matters. We talk earned vs. paid placements, the sneaky side of advertorials, and why cropping out “Special Advertising Section” isn’t a good look. Plus, we get real about the emotional toll of comparing yourself to others, the myth of “making it” through press alone, and how to set your own metrics for success. Whether you’re a vendor chasing features or just curious about how the sausage gets made, this one’s an eye‑opener.