Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

cheshe Posted: May 20, 2004 09:25 AM

Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

I am using Steve from Patken as my photographer. I called him yesterday morning to confirm what time he would be at my house and to make sure that everything was all set. He confirmed the time and reassured me that everything was good.

So, I don't understand why then, last night I get a call from someone else at Patken telling me that there is a conflict with Steve on my wedding day. And that all though Steve will be there in the morning to take pictures of the bridal party and be at the Watermill to take pictures before the Ceremony (Good thing FH and I are seeing each other before we say I DO), he will be leaving when the Ceremony starts and Frank (no idea who he is) will be taking over.

Remind you that my wedding is in 17 days. We booked Patken in March 2003 and choice Steve as our photographer in August 2003. But within only 17 days before the wedding they realize there is a problem.

I know alot of you are using Patken, but are any of you using Frank?

kel2004 Posted: May 20, 2004 09:29 AM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

Wow, I don't blame you for freaking out. Check your contract and see if it says Steve is supposed to be with you all day. I would be furious! Good luck!

BMD'sPeanut Posted: May 20, 2004 09:35 AM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

Posted by kel2004

Wow, I don't blame you for freaking out. Check your contract and see if it says Steve is supposed to be with you all day. I would be furious! Good luck!

Yea, really. You should call them back and make a big stink.

cheshe Posted: May 20, 2004 09:41 AM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

Steve is on my contract and is suppose to be with me all day. But they are saying that the other Bride & Groom had him first. How would I know that?

I told them that I want to see Frank's work. I was kind of caught off guard when he called. So, I was pretty calm, but I figure when we go in to see Frank's work that I will make a stink then. I at least deserve something for this aggravation 17 days before the wedding. This is just something that I shold not have to deal with at this point in the planning.

tourist Posted: May 20, 2004 09:44 AM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

I would also ask to speak to Steve directly & ask why he didn't tell you this when you called to confirm.

Summer05 Posted: May 20, 2004 09:58 AM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

I would call and ask to speak with Steve to find out what is going on.

Sweetness Posted: May 20, 2004 10:54 AM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

This also happened to a friend of my mom's daughter. SHe booked one person and someone else showed up on the day of her wedding! No notice, no call..She was ticked! But thank goodness her pictures came out beautiful!

I have Doug at Patken, I am payin extra money for him, if he doesn't show up and stay the whole day, I hate to be the person my parents or me blow up on!!

charlotte227 Posted: May 20, 2004 08:34 PM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

If Steve signed a contract that he would specifically and solely shoot your wedding the entire day he is bound by it....you have two choices complain now or sue aftewards...if he does not show up and remain all day you have a strong case...I would speak with an attorney just in case for an FYI they maybe able to write a letter on your behalf as well which may scare Steve into remaining obligated to your contract. My brother is an attorney. This was the advice he gave me. But also read your contract very carefully, if it states a substitution can be used you have no case. Good luck.

september2004 Posted: May 20, 2004 08:42 PM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

sounds like a bait and switch if they don't claim any 'emergency'...

i would tell them this was not your understanding and that you would like to pick the 'replacement photographer'. don't stress, it'll all work out one way or another...

LuvMyMichael Posted: May 20, 2004 08:44 PM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

That is not right at all! I would be so mad...as I'm sure you are. You need to talk to him right away. Good Luck!

Monkeybride Posted: May 20, 2004 11:17 PM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

I would be FURIOUS!!!

I have heard good things about Frank's work but that does not excuse this poor service.

You should immediately call Doug the owner and tell him that if Steve won't be at your wedding then you want Doug to shoot it (his work is superb) and if they don't compensate you for this then you plan on taking them to court.

I am really appalled!!! and upset that I am using them now.

Marisa&Brian Posted: May 20, 2004 11:28 PM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

Absolutely unacceptable - you call and speak to the photographer. - And if they are giving you a different photographer, they should also be giving youi a HUGE discount !!

shelly3950 Posted: May 21, 2004 10:50 AM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

Posted by Marisa&Brian

Absolutely unacceptable - you call and speak to the photographer. - And if they are giving you a different photographer, they should also be giving youi a HUGE discount !!

Absotlutely. If they double book, then they owe you either the photographer of your choice/ the owner of the company or a huge discount. What they are doign is completely illegal! If they double booked and its in a contract, you can sue them, and Steve isn't there the whole time, then your contract is invalid as they are rescinding their side of the agreement.

Kriss2c Posted: May 21, 2004 11:04 AM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

Posted by shelly3950

Posted by Marisa&Brian

Absolutely unacceptable - you call and speak to the photographer. - And if they are giving you a different photographer, they should also be giving youi a HUGE discount !!

Absotlutely. If they double book, then they owe you either the photographer of your choice/ the owner of the company or a huge discount. What they are doign is completely illegal! If they double booked and its in a contract, you can sue them, and Steve isn't there the whole time, then your contract is invalid as they are rescinding their side of the agreement.

I agree!!! Keep us posted on the outcome.

cheshe Posted: May 21, 2004 11:12 AM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

I want to call them, but I don't know what to say. I am not a very aggresive person and wouldn't know how to go about getting the photographer I want or a big discount.

Any suggest on what to say? How would you girls handle this sitituation?

divabride Posted: May 21, 2004 11:24 AM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

Girl, I wish I could call for you. I'd rip them a new one. Ask to speak to the owner of the company. Tell him that you have a SIGNED LEGAL CONTRACT (emphasize this) that states Steve is supposed to be your photographer and thats is what you want. Stand strong girl!!

cheshe Posted: May 21, 2004 01:26 PM

Re: Okay, I am freaking out.... (long)

I just called Patken and asked to speak to Steve and of course he is at a wedding. So I asked to speak to Doug and he is also at wedding.

But I left a message for Doug stating that I was informed the other day that the photographer that we booked for our wedding that is in 2 weeks is unable to do our wedding do to a scheduling issue and that I am very very upset over this. The women that took the message said that Doug would be back on Monday and she would be sure to have him call me.

So, I will keep you girls posted. I just hope that on Monday, I am still as mad as I am now because there is so much that I want to say.