I had my meeting with the VP of Bridal Reflections tonight. My sister (also my MOH, who was at every fitting with me) came along. The VP was definitely surprised to see the pictures we provided (candids taken by my photographer of me on the dance floor with my dress falling down and my bra clearly visible to my guests) but claimed that it was the dress manufactor not the alterations.
The VP made it clear that when she spoke to the seamstress, the seamstress felt that we had been unfair to her and difficult. I was horrified to hear that. In the 26 years I have been alive, I have never, ever been accused of being difficult to deal with, and I was insulted that she even said that. Anyone who knows me - even a little - would never say that about me. I think the VP came into our discussion with the preconceived notion that we were difficult. When I mentioned that I left every fitting in tears, she did apologize. My sister pointed out - which I had forgotten - that when we made a complaint about the seamstress' attitude the night of my last fitting, we had to wait on line because 2 (yes, 2) customers ahead of us were complaining about their terrible treatment at the hands of the seamstress.
The only time the conversation ever got terribly heated was when I said that the seamstress had an attitude from the first time I met her. One of the first things she said to me was that she didn't like my dress. The VP got snappy and said that the seamstress was an immigrant and perhaps I didn't understand her and implied that I was disrespectful because the seamstress was an immigrant. I am the daughter of an immigrant, and half of my family does not speak English. My grandmother worked as a seamstress in what was basically a sweat shop, and I have nothing but respect for people who come to this country, not knowing the language, and try to make a better lives for themselves and their families. My sister and I were both horrified that she would dare imply that we would disrespect someone for such a reason, and then the VP snapped that she is the daughter of immigrants too. That was the only time the conversation got really hostile.
Ultimately, the VP offered us a gift certificate to the store and claimed that she runs a good store and while unfortunate, it wasn't her fault. My sister and I left, feeling angry and upset, but unfortunately, I feel without recourse. The BBB has the pending complaint, I have contacted every news station and paper in the area, and I am out of options. All I wanted was a refund or an apology.
FH wants me to persue it but from here, I don't know what or where to go. I do have to thank all of your for your kind FMs, thoughts, and support. You ladies are the best
