There is no formula to a good PR move. It is equal parts art and science. But one thing is for sure. it does not equal exploitation. Although there are certain PR principles that help foster success, there is often a need to shape and build a campaign/move in the context of the company (or individual) who is the focus, and to adapt the focus to the target audience. Success or failure often hinges on whether the concept is good or whether the execution was carried out. But more often than not, the reason good companies put out bad PR is that they have unreasonable, outsized, or misguided notions about what PR can do for them.
The couple does indeed feel blessed at the moment but the bigger picture is grim and ugly. How unfortunate.