Hello All: Okay, I don't know how many potential brides actually find my own little piece of the world wide web here...but hey, if you do, please take heed to my advice:
Recently (July 11Th) I worked with a photography studio called "Bella" and it was not the best experience of my life. I debated whether or not I would mention to anyone at all, but after a few days of thinking about it, I had to put it down somewhere...so my blog it is.
Photographers are an integral part of every reception. They need to photograph and document the celebration and events. Well, this past weekend the photographer missed the Bouquet Toss....not because he & she (names withheld because I don't know their actual names) weren't there, but because they were packing up to leave. - You see, the bride & groom booked the photographers until 9:00PM. (yes, early by most standards)
Now, before I finish my little complaint, I have to tell you that during our quick vendor meal and discussion I promised the photographers I would be done with all the formalities before 9:00PM or just a few minutes after. (which is very early) They were okay with it...or so I thought.
At 8:58 pm, Videographer ready (Mystic Image/scheduled until 10:00PM) I walked over to the photographer and said, "Bouquet Toss in 30 seconds, end of this song", and I expected to hear: "perfect, great timing", instead I got a short cold, "brush-me-off" kind of response: "To late, I'm outta here"....and they packed up their bags and left the venue and reception.
I'm a little peeved....I'm a little peeved for my bride & groom. Yes, I know, Mystic Image was able to get the whole thing on video...but couldn't the photographers have stayed just 2/3 minutes more to get "FULL-COVERAGE" of this event?
Bella Photography, from what I understand now, is a national company that may be cheaper then some of the PROFESSIONAL local companies, but they are just photographers (not always pros) tossed together to "fill-the-date". The individual shooters have no vested interest in the results, photos themselves or the bride & groom.
Moral of my story: Beware of "Bella".....Where art thou Bella?...oh wait, it's 9pm. Their gone!
Good Luck with your plans!