At least two brides from Wisconsin claim that their photographer stood them up. They claim that they paid the deposit, but the photographer never showed up at their weddings, and now they can’t even reach out to her to get their money back.
Magdelyn Chandler and Jessica Venegas both booked Maelynn Anne Photography out of Walworth County to shoot their wedding. And according to both of them, the photographer was a no-show on the wedding day. Venegas says that she managed to find a replacement photographer last-minute. However, Chandler wasn’t as lucky. Her guests jumped in and took photos with their phones, but the quality just wasn’t the same. “I would have loved to have had a picture with my mom and grandma that was professionally done… not standing in front of a door frame,” she told CBS58.
Both brides claim that the photographer didn’t give them any warning before she stood them up. She reportedly also didn’t provide an explanation later, she just cut off contact. In addition, the brides claim that they haven’t been able to get their deposit back, either. Chandler says she paid $200 deposit, and Venegas reportedly paid $300.
According to CBS58, both brides said that the photographer offered them “a good deal.” With $200 or $300 deposit, I’d say it’s a bit too good. Too good to be true. Jim Temmer of Better Business Bureau seems to agree, saying that “if it sounds too good to be true it usually is.”
“If you’re shopping around you know what DJ’s cost, you know what photographers cost especially if they’re quality. If someone is cutting you a big discount there’s a reason why.”
The BBB recommends that you always pay for wedding services with a credit card (including wedding photographer, apparently). And make sure to get everything in writing. And if you see an offer that’s way too good to be true, consider it a red flag, not a good deal.
