Mark - 1/2 per day

Hi Mark; Please take this message with a grain of salt. No hard feelings intended. First I would like to say that I enjoy this site because I can come talk to other brides and grooms about ideas, vendors, etc. I personally feel that the advice of vendors can be great,but I think we are just discussing our big days together and when you pipe in announcing customary tips, it comes across wrong because you are a vendor, not a neutral party. You continually say that you are on here 1/2 per day, but in checking your messages I have found you on here all times of the day, sometimes in the same day. I don't know how this sounds, but maybe just advice on Photography would be your best bet and leave the tipping and feeding up to us brides.

No one is forced to do anything. I've only made suggestions in areas that I thought you might be interested. We are talking about paid employees in a service oriented business. Not the owners who "charge thousands of dollars" (as if we're stealing from you or being innapropriate in our pricing. Believe me; if any business owner charged the wrong amount, he would be out of business in no time. And there are very few vendors who are making a fortune while maintaining any semblance of family life. Most of us are in this business because we enjoy it; not to make a fortune or to have an easy life!)

Mark - 1/2 per day

Kate - generally I'm on the same page as you and find that I share similar views.

But that comment about time times of his posts and just sticking to photography really came off bad - probably worse than you intended. Time schedules can be irratic - who are we to have an opinion about his work flow?

Since he is a professional in this area & it is new to me, I personally appreciate his comments and have found them to be very helpful.

Talk about making a federal case out of this!

Well said Karen! What business is it of any of us to censor someone's opinion/advice? Especially since Mark has probably had more experience in the bridal industry than any of us brides to be!! Since when did any of us become experts in any particular field of the bridal business (self-proclaimed, I assume)?!??

I must be confused, I thought this was an open forum!

My wedding is Saturday and I won't be posting anymore (except to let you all know how it went!). But for the time that I've been here - I thank you both.

MARK, IGNORE KATE

Mark, thanks for you imput.

One small clarification, Bruce is not my brother.

58 and sunny for Saturday!!! - Where is your ceremony?

Mark, We appreciate your input

Mark, I wish more vendors would participate here. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

One small clarification, Bruce is not my brother.

58 and sunny for Saturday!!! - Where is your ceremony?

THERE WAS NO! HARM INTENDED

It just seems to me that a few people on this board are very upset with his comments that have been made. I'm not trying to down him, but go back and read some of the messages on how people were offended. It was simply some advice. Stephanie: Didn't appreciate your comment of "IGNORE KATE". This is MY opinion, as you have given YOURS! Doesn't matter that I didn't hire him. If it were my photographer, I would have said the same thing; it wouldn't change my opinion. A LITTLE TOUCHY HERE! I'm starting to wonder if I even want to be on this board anymore. Why is everyone ripping everyone's opinions apart??????? Stephanie - you stated that everyone has the right to their opinion, are you the exception??????

58 and sunny for Saturday!!! - Where is your ceremony?

THERE WAS NO! HARM INTENDED

I think you meant "Sharon" for the right to have an opinion comment. And yes, everyone has the right to their comments/opinions. Personally I think you were WAY out of line with suggesting to Mark that he "stick" to subjects like photography, etc. Because you don't agree with his thoughts doesn't necessarily make them wrong.

AND THATS MY OPINION!!

Hope this helps.

THERE WAS NO! HARM INTENDED

I never said his thoughts were WRONG! No-one's thoughts are wrong ------ THEY ARE THOUGHTS!! I didn't respond to you in the first place; it was someone else's comment. Try reading the message! You are reading into my message with judgment, as a lot of people are doing. I NEVER said I didn't agree with him, nor did I say I do! So please do not make accusations and put words into my mouth. You have an opinion, I have an opinion. This board is for brides/grooms to talk and exchange information. I'm not taking sides with brides vs. vendors, but the purpose is for us brides/grooms to vent, discuss, and share.

OH! my head hurts!

THERE WAS NO! HARM INTENDED

Kate,

I only wanted to make it clear to Mark that not everyone agrees that he should "just stick to photography..." He has been quite helpful to me in answering my questions.

My post was not meant to insult you and I am sorry if it did. It was only meant to encourage Mark to not discontinue adding to the forum.

THERE WAS NO! HARM INTENDED

Okay

My post was not meant to insult you and I am sorry if it did. It was only meant to encourage Mark to not discontinue adding to the forum.

THERE WAS NO! HARM INTENDED

I sit back every day and read this board and sometimes I think that its a great place and at other times I see definetly clicks here. Dont feel so bad...I got bashed on here myself for stating my OWN personal feelings. I will never understand why people take things to such a personal level. Im not taking sides here, but I say people should just chill out a little

Im curiuos who your dj is, Ive had a similar situation with mine. Well, he showed up for appt, but THANK GOD we called to confirm because if we hadnt, he told us he would not have been there because we werent in his book (oops)! Now, for our final appt he is on vaction (found out by calling to confirm!). His partner will meet us instead. Not too thrilled about it, but we sort of know the dj, and he is very good.

Stephanie

Mark, We appreciate your input

Well said!

I always thought the few vendors on here were really cool for the time they took to help us all out.

Judy

THERE WAS NO! HARM INTENDED

Hi Judy! Thank you for your words of wisdom. It's disgusting to me what's going on. I just tried to understand how these brides were feeling. Read the message below quoted (cut and pasted from Mark's first message". I have two words for this "HOW SAD". This is pathetic that a professional would even write this.

"Yes, it makes sense to tip before hand, except if you don't tip enough or not at all) they might not do such a great job. If they are expecting a tip after they work, than naturally they will do a great job because they want you to notice + give them as much as they think they deserve"

THERE WAS NO! HARM INTENDED

Kate,

I don't think you're making too many friends today. Restitution is definitely in order. To me, it sounds like one big soap opera.

"Yes, it makes sense to tip before hand, except if you don't tip enough or not at all) they might not do such a great job. If they are expecting a tip after they work, than naturally they will do a great job because they want you to notice + give them as much as they think they deserve"

THERE WAS NO! HARM INTENDED

Sorry, it's just my opinion. I have that right. There are some who agree and there are some who don't. I didn't asked to get blasted by some, they chose to do it. As they might not agree with other issues, some of us don't agree with this one. It's as simple as that. You have the right to your opinion. I feel that I was blasted for my own opinion. I felt those comments, along with many others here, that it was unprofessional.

As Gwen mentioned, it was really cozy! It definitely has a unique atmosphere, a helpful staff, and the picture opportunities seem great!

Mark-your appreciated

I enjoy viewing The vendors comments. It's just advice, and we can take it or leave it.

Brides and Grooms - We have enough to worry about, stop the bickering on this site. We are suppose to help each other. If you don't like someone's advice just read and move on.

Just my opinion. But I think a lot will agree.

THERE WAS NO! HARM INTENDED

To all the Ladies and Gentlemen who persist in beating the proverbial dead horse, can we PLEASE end this debate about whose opinion is better.

I'm the last person who wants to get involved in this, but after every posting I get a "new e-mail posting" message. To find out that each one has nothing to do with gowns, halls, dj's, photographers, or any such wedding planning is just downright annoying.

Ding ding ding...the bell has rung, go to your separate corners and let's get civilized.

Re:Opinions are free

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As some of you remember, Mark and I "got it on" on this site some months ago. What this means now, is that we can all learn a lot. We vendors, should never lose sight of the fact that the Brides are calling the shots, and rightfully so. Regardless of the actual dollars, they are all spending their limit on this beautiful day. We should either respect that or find another line of work.

Re:Opinions are free -- FLASH!

Flash, where have you been??!! I was one of the people who accepted your hidden identity and valued your opinion. I felt as though your posting were totally unbiased and that since you were not revealing who you were it gave you the opportunity to call it as you saw it. And at the same time I did not fee like you were trying to advertise or sell your services, so you were more believable. You had nothing to loose just called it as you saw it, but was still able to give the perspective of a vendor. I am done with my wedding now, but you should stick around I am sure that there are other ladies on this board that can benefit from your knowledge!! Don’t let a few discourage you!! Take care and keep the advise coming

Jamelle