Vendor Review

[blackpolkadot]

After looking at my professional wedding pictures, both my family and DH''s family were disappointed (in quality, number of photos, second photographer not being there for 3 hours, etc). I contacted the photographer who was quick to be defensive and attack me. At first, he said he would work with us to make sure we were satisfied. For some reason, he changed his mind and even went so far as to say he thinks DH and I will have an unhappy marriage.

I don''t see us resolving the matter after the last email and we have stopped communication with him. I would like to warn future brides of his unprofessional attitude and lack of skills. However, I am afraid if I say too much (or anything, really) he would sue me for slander.

This is a vent more than anything, simply because I have no idea what else to do at this point but accept this as an expensive lesson learned. I just want future brides to know and feel like I can''t say anything.

 

[fieryred33143]

I am sooo sorry this happened to you! What an awful experience!!

He can''t sue you for slander if you are being honest about your interactions with him. And it is your right to want to get the review out there. What I would do is write up a professional review about the quality of the photos and your interactions with him after the fact. I would leave it as general as possible, leaving off the "unhappy marriage" so that it doesn''t come across as an emotional review. Then I would post it everywhere...knot, wedding bee, and all of those other sites.

I''m a big, big fan of honest vendor reviews. I think it does a huge service to brides.

 

[cocolaw]

ditto...you have to do it otherwise other brides will be in exactly the same position. and then to insult you after he failed to provide quality work? how terrible! exactly what fiery said-leave the emotion out.

do you have any of the pictures?

 

[blackpolkadot]

I don't have the pictures at the moment. The CD with all the images on it is at my parents house, but I should get it soon. I saw the ones he posted online (400 pictures of over 2000), which have now been taken down. My parents said the ones on the CD that weren't put online are fuzzy, unfocused, someone has an eye closed (which is to be expected), or are just terrible.



Thank goodness we asked a couple of family friends to take pictures! We are getting some of those printed.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I''m so sorry!
Yeah, unfortunately when picking a photographer, they only show their best work, which may not be representative of most of their work...

I''m not a lawyer, but I can''t imagine it''s illegal to write a review.

 

[rhbgirl24]

OMG I''m so sorry this happened to you. But I agree with everyone else. Write up a very professional, non emotional review, so at least this doesn''t happen to any other bride!

So sorry again!

 

[AmberGretchen]

Totally agree that this sucks big time - I''m so sorry you are having such a hard time with this guy, I can only imagine how infuriating this must be for you.

I also agree with the others - honest vendor reviews are so helpful when you are a bride, and your honest accounting of your experiences might save someone else from going through what you are dealing with now.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

This isn''t a case of slander, it''s not "personal". Business is business. Review away!

 

[ilovesparkles]

That''s really awful! Especially the personal attack, sheesh! Make an honest review, it is what is expected and there is nothing he can do about it! And it would be lovely to see some of your photos as well!

 

[blackpolkadot]

Thanks, ladies.

I will probably write the review in a couple of weeks after things are more settled. I just can''t believe he won''t admit he breached the contract! Ugh!

 

[katamari]

What a bummer! I am so sorry to hear this. I believe that future clients should know how extremely unprofessional he is. The fact that he thinks he has the say over whether you should be happy with your photos or not is beyond me. Wow!

Are you saving your dress? I think it would be a great idea as a first wedding present for you and your husband to get an engagement style photo shoot in your wedding attire. I know it isn''t the same, but it would give you additional pics.

 

[Amanda.Rx]

DANG! That is so crappy! I''m sorry you''re going through that! Have other people reviewed him before? What do their posts say?

I wouldn''t be worried about slander. Just choose your words carefully if you openly review him. Start out with, "In dealing with my personal experience with this photographer..." or something like that. Certainly don''t say anything that wasn''t true, though. I would really appreciate an honest opinion. We chose our photographer based on opinions- there were so many good ones, that we went with the most reputable one.

Reviews are so important, in my opinion.

 

[Amanda.Rx]

If he really did breach the contract, can you report him to the Better Business Bureau? I mean, breaking contract is pretty serious.

 

[blackpolkadot]

Katamari- That is a great idea! Unfortunately, I don''t think DH will go for it.

Amanda- We thought about contacting BBB, but we just want it to be over. I know he would fight us on it and make it last even longer. I don''t want THIS to overshadow my amazing wedding day, you know?


I will just plaster my review of him everywhere I can in a week or so.

Thanks for all your words ladies! They do make me feel better!