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I hope you haven't put much of a deposit down. I hope you can find someone to take their place.
@SandyThePoet: That is the ting that gets me... we put 1,000 dollars down to reserve the date. I don't know if I will ever get it back. Maybe I should just continue with them.... ugh, I'm not sure.
@MSomar: i dont know, maybe i am too trusting, but i thought they seemed serious about keeping their clients that they already promised. and if you are not getting your money back, then what do you have to lose? what if you keep their photographer, but ask a family member or friend like you said as a back up if these guys dont show or something. and maybe ask if you can pay the rest at or after the wedding (just not before!)
I am really confused by their letter and don't understand this at all.
Let's say you agree to work with your contracted photographer apart from Celebration.
Will they accept less money? Because I don't think Celebration will be paying them the $1,000 you already put down. And why on earth would they be willing to do this rather than just swoop up the client for their own personal business, if they have one.
Okay, so maybe they will still get $2400. But then they will need to make you a disc, an album, and a video. One person cannot do all this, doing both photo and video at the ceremony and then all the editing and then all the designing. And that's IF the associate photogs even have the skills/ability to do this.
Often, when people work for other studios, they get to just drop the images off with them and not do any of the post-work. So these associate photogs may or may not have the equipment, time, or inclination to do all of the work required.
Ultimately, if you go with their associate, you need a brand new contract with that person. You will need to pay that person a deposit. Maybe you can get a package similar to what you already were getting for that price, but you'll have to look into that.
I think you need to consider the associate AND other outside photographers. It makes no sense to me that their money may have been stolen and they can't refund deposits. There is fraud protection and business insurance for this reason-did you check to see if the photog was insured before booking with them originally?
Perhaps see if you can issue a chargeback on your credit card if you paid by credit card and get them involved.
OMG! That is terrible news! I have no real advice. Just wanted to let you know that I wish everything works out for you and that you at least get your deposit back in full.
Oh man, I remember you on that post another bee made. Well, why don't you try and see if they give you a specific photographer and videographer and see if you can work with them since you already put a grand down.
Funny, a celebratino studios near me went under a few years ago and screwed a lot of brides. A few brides never got images.....
Here, why not work with the photographer directly? Most likely they are freelance photographers, and you are cutting out the middle man, which in my opinion is a good thing. Get a new contract, and move forward.
UPDATE
This is an email I received from the photographer scheduled to shoot my wedding...
--------------------------------------
As you're aware, Celebration has gone out of business, leaving upcoming brides, existing brides, photographers and other vendors wondering what happened and scrambling to find money, albums and photographs owed them.
I'm one of the photographers (we were all independent contractors) and (judging from the fact that (Owner) has forwarded your information to me) may have been scheduled to photograph your wedding.
I'd be happy to share with you any information that I have.
_______________________________
So I called him... He pretty much stated that he doesn't know much. The owner has told him that the money is not available to refund. The owner contacts him on a restricted # and states that he can only be contacted by email.
Then I asked, "What happens with my deposit... does it go to you?". This is where he replied that he didn't know if and when we can get it back. So if I wanted to continue with this independent contractor, I would have to sign a new contract and give a new deposit. I DON"T THINK SO!
I am thinking about taking the company to Small Claims Court. That is more money we have to give up... money that we don't have.
At this point, I may just look into another photographer. He is a family friend but just started in this field. He has taken photography classes... We would be his first wedding. Well, we really don't have a choice. Without that money, I can't really get what I want in a photographer.
I wish I could find other brides that are going through the same thing. Any other brides sign contracts with this company???
Wait - why aren't you willing to sign a contract with the independent contractor??
The independent contractor hasn't been flaky or screwed you at all and seems to be very willing to work with you. He may even be willing to lower the cost of his package or something to make up for the deposit you already lost from the company that is probably screwing him just as much (if not more) than you!
As I posted in my original post, yes, you will have to sign a contract with the new vendor as an independent contractor. Your deposit probably is lost, I am sorry to say.
There are many bad reviews on the company. Did you check and see if they have insurance prior to booking? You may be able to recoup some losses from the insurance.
You probably won't be successful in small claims, since it appears they are bankrupt. I would try to get my name on the bankruptcy list so that if any money is available, you might receive a *partial* repayment.
Your original budget for photography and video was $3400. Take out the deposit you lost, you are left with $2400. Your new photography and video budget is $2400. That's tight, I won't lie to you, especially for SoCal. You may need to forego video all together, have a friend do it, use a student, etc.
You can find something for $2400 that's decent in the photography world. Either sign with the independent contractor and see if he will work with you, or do your research and homework and find someone new. Photographers are a great bunch and will probably discount and try to fit within your budget once they hear and confirm your story. I know I would try to help a bride out if this happened in my coverage area.
@Mrs.KMM: I was just going to suggest that. Sounds like the photographer is getting the run around also. He may be willing to work with you about the deposit.
Oh, and I wanted to add, I know you are overwhelmed and mad right now and you have every right to be.
However, your wedding is soon (for wedding world) and many low-priced photographers will be booked. It is a popular Saturday.
Your first priority is to take your remaining $2400 and find another photographer. Worry about the lost $1000 later, pursue it later, etc. Just don't wait to get the old $1000 prior to getting another photographer.
And don't add any more stress or heartbreak to an already tough situation by using a family friend who has never done a wedding. I understand you can't get what you want in a photographer for $2400, but you probably weren't going to get what you wanted from your original company either given their reviews. I'm a newer photographer and wedding photography is hard. I'm upfront with what I can give a client.
For $2400, you can get great images from someone that has done weddings before. You may not be able to get the bells, whistles, and extras, but good images are a foundation. Albums and prints can be made later.
Thank you ladies for your advice!
Yes, I did see some of those reviews. However, two of my cousins used them in their weddings and had good experiences... and well the price was right. I guess I just thought "Nothing will happen to me". I'm somewhat stupid and apparently naive... At this point, I just don't want to go with the independent contractor... He sounds sketchy too. The whole thing is a mess :/
I want to email the owner, just not sure what to say or how to approach it.
@kwynn: I am definitely going to look around... We are probably going to cut back on a few other things. No limo, less decor, and cut the guest list. Thanks for the advice... I know that if we ever get that money back, it won't be ANYTIME soon :(
Oh that is so sad, I would go crazy. I loved my photographer he was so awsome, he even helped calm my nerves with all his dumb jokes. You should call them, I had already booked another photographer when they called me and asked me if they could give me a quote. I went with them and my pictures are beautiful. The photographer's name was Jim, he works for studio 2753. I know there are a lot of photographers in Vegas I hope you find a good one. I wouldn't let a family member take my wedding pictures though unless you are sure they know what they are doing. Your wedding day is suppose to be remembered forever and it helps to have nice pictures.
Msomar, email the owner if you want to. I don't think it will dop anything, but it is worth a try. Ask for your money back. I bet there is no money to give back, unfortunately.
I read the link & it says that they can't offer refunds if you go with another photographer. Part of it is cut off, but it also says that they'll try to refund you on a prorate basis. If they're claiming bankruptcy, they probably don't have the money to give back. They something on there about how a lot of their money was stolen & that's why they're going out of business? I'm a little confused by that. I wonder if they have insurance, if that would cover you? Did you pay with a credit card or paypal? If you did, you likely could file with your credit card & get your money back.
I would start looking for another photographer asap, if Celebration works with other photographers, they probably had your date booked a few times & most likely there are other brides trying to book that date right around now. Not to rush you, but I would focus more on finding a new photographer for now & worry about the $1k later.
When you email, try to be nice & not rude & not too emotional & don't threaten anything.... hard as it may be. They're probably getting a lot of "hate mail" & stressed & dealing with claims. Just be nice about it & maybe they'll work with you. I hope they do. Good luck!
Not sure what you're looking for in a photographer, but check the Wedding Photojournalist Association list wwww.wpja.com. They list member photographers by area AND the starting prices.
You won't get all of the "stuff" included, but many photographers DO offer print releases and hi-res images (sometimes for a fee.) Printing images yourself will save you TONS of money.
It'll take some time, but you'll be able to find a photographer for $2400 down in SoCal if I could do it in San Francisco. Just keep looking, let them now your story... Like other posters said, photographers are generally a caring bunch, they may try to help you out given your situation.
You may have to find a family member to do the videography... (Or maybe a film student?!)
@serabell: I didn't use PayPal :( However, I am now on the hunt. Thanks!
@BeeM: Thank you! I will definitely keep you in mind!
@sonj818: You have been incredibly helpful. I really do appreciate your advice. I'm looking into it :)
@MSomar: Sorry this is happening to you. I'm on team go with the independent contractor who was originally supposed to shoot your wedding. Again, he didn't do this to you, and is probably getting screwed as much as you are. You cant expect him to honor a deposit you gave to a company that no longer exists and shoot your wedding. He may require a new deposit and contract, but who says he won't honor your original package for the $2400? You would be basically be getting the exact same thing you originally were going to, but with better customer service working with an individual versus a large company. Can you set up a meeting and get to know this person inidivually at all? It sounds to me like this could be a good thing... that is unless you do something drastic and foolish and go with a newbie photog who has never shot a wedding instead.
msomar you have a private message from me
if any photographers know who the owner is with an actual name and description please post.
i went down there today and there was a bald white man cleaning the office and a chubby lady cleaning the office. I personally think they are scamming the insurance co. to try and collect. I will probably go down the the office tomorrow 2/9 since i only work 10-15 mins. away
Omg, I'm so sorry this happened! At first I was suspicious... but it does say it is a family run business that has been around for 55 years. The only reason I was suspicious is because my cousing got scammed last year by her catering company. They declared bankruptcy... which is fine and good, BUT we found out that declared bankruptcy at least 5 times in the past 7 years!!! Basically, as long as they succesfully complete one or two of their contracts for brides, then they are allowed to re-start their business again or some crap like that. But in reality they aren't bankrupt they are just stealing money from people....
It doesn't sound like your photographer is in anyway like this. However, I agree with you, I would want to use another company or a friend at this point. It's nice they want to carry out the contract, but they have so much on their plates right now that I would be scared of them even showing up, or being professional, or anything really.
I'm sorry for you and for them. :(
@MSomar: I too was booked with this company but after reading reviews and seeing a few pics that were not phenomenal I canceled the contract and walked away from an $800 deposit. (thank goodness I did that seeing what is happening now) A friend of mine used them for her October wedding and is now not getting her 3 albums as well as her 16x20 wedding portrait from them and she was paid in full! I suggest you do take them to small claims court. If you get some money back it’s worth it! From reading this and hearing what my friend has told me they sound very fishy and NOT trustworthy. I suggest you do what others have said and use $2400 as your budget. I know that you can get an amazing photographer for that b/c we certainly found a great one. You might need to order your album or blow ups at a later date to help with costs but it will be well worth it to get a great photographer. Sorry this has happened to you, but I think you’ll be happier in the long run not working with them.
@MSomar: It's a bummer that you have to go through this. Hopefully you can get back, at the least, the deposit back from this.
@Mindiana Jones: Wow it sounds like you dodge a bullet walking away when you did! I hope they get it resolved but it sounds like the company doesn't have any funds to refund. Also, if they declare bankruptcy then there really is nothing any of these poor couples can do even in court. What an awful situation.
The "self-promoting" part of this is in a new thread so we don't thread-jack this thread. Thanks for doing that LB! Found here:
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/self-promotion
@BeeM: I responded to your last post to me in the new thread too :)
Hello! I see that this thread has taken an ugly turn that isn't very useful to the OP.
In accordance with our threadjacking policy I'm removing some posts.
Please remember that personal attacks are never ok. If you feel that someone has broken the rules, simply flag the post for us. Calling other users out is not ok.
Ok, back to the topic at hand!
If anyone is owed money or products/goods of thier contract that they signed with Celebration Photography Inc. and are looking to take legal action in regards to recover their losses please contact these two emails as we are looking for couples/people join and take legal action in regards of Jon Lee Kern and Celebration Photography Inc. closes their doors.
blmartinez714@yahoo.com Bobby
FYI...no matter what don't ask a family friend to do pictures unless you really trust them and their work! You don't want to regret your wedding photos as you can't do it over again. One thing you should consider is it really worth it for you to not get real professional ones...if so then go for it. If not then hire a professional!
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Well, where do I start. By reading another post, I found out that my photography company I was using for my August wedding is now going out of business. The water works began shortly after discovering this horrible news. We were so excited to be using them as our photogs... we got such a good deal!!!
This is what we were going to receive in our package...
6 hours of photgraphy
unlimited images and locations
online image viewing
image disc included
200- 4x6 print outs
1 10x10 Digital Flush Album
6 hours of videography coverage
true slow motion highlight
your choice of music
baby montage
all raw footage on a mini DV included
All for 3,400!!
I'm so upset... This is the link to their website, which contains a letter explaining the MESS!
http://www.celebrationphotography.net/index2.php?v=v1
@sonj818 Thank you for your advice. I was curious to hear what other bess thought....
By the way, I don't want to continue working with their photographers (even if they say they will complete the terms of the contract) It all seems kind of flaky to me! I may ask a family friend to take our pictures now...
This kind of stuff always seems to happen.... UGH!