Photographer and Videographer

Okay Ladies, I need help. I have been told to look at Gray Studios and Visual Concepts Photographers, as well as Candlelite Videos. They are all recommended by my hall. I am asking you guys for feedback. If anyone has used them, what price range are they in? We would be looking for an average package, including black and whites. Any ideas???

Photographer and Videographer

I can help you with a lot of info on all fronts. One of my closest friends used Gray studios. Let's just say she cried for days. They did not take the photo of her getting out of the limo with her dad. They missed all of the readings in her church. They are expensive too. So she expected a lot more service for her money. The video was another problem. They did had two other weddings at the end of the her tape. So, in other words, they just used an already used blank tape, and copied her wedding over someone elses extra copy. They also 'forgot' to interview her parents for the video, which she specifically requested. When she went to the office, no one would help her. They just kept giving her the runaround.I would not use them. Candlelight- There work is very nice. Good sound quality. You may want to check out Wild Rose. That is who I booked. Both places are around $2000 for the video. Wild Rose includes a DVD for that price. Candlelight does not. I thought Wild Rose did a bit of a better job and I liked the owners more. Visual Concepts- It will cost you atleast $3K to work with them, probably closer to $5K when you are done. I have a $5K photo budget and am using Mark Kauffman. Visual Concepts does beautiful work, I just liked Mark's stuff a bit more. Feel free to e-mail me if you need more details or advise. Good Luck- Michele [email protected]

Heather

I wouldn't take someone's second hand information. I would search the boards for other opinions, b/c I have read about a lot of brides who have had fantastic experiences with Gray.

it was just my experience

I am talking about one of my best friends, not just something I heard at work. I was part of all of her planning and the results of each vendor. Her tape really did have other bridal videos on it and the photographer did miss many key shots. There are many opinions on this board from BMs, MOH, sisters, mothers and friends of brides. People always offer help on these boards from their experiences. You should not discount mine. I did not say Don't use Gray. I just told her what I know.

I am using Candelite Video

I liked them alot. They are very nice people and I am paying about 1800 for my package which includes 2 cameras at the Church and 1 at the reception and my parents and the bridal party get to talk in the video. If you want them to come to your house before the wedding it costs 2695. If you have any more questions feel free to email me at boosh78201@aol

I used Gray

Hello, I used Gray for my May 12 wedding, and they were amazing, I am very surprised about someone having such a bad experince and them not doing anything about it, they are expensive, but that is what we chose to splurge on since the photos and video last forever. Maybe Michele31 can tell you the name of the photographer and vidographer her friend had and then you will khow who not to use there. If you have any questions feel free to ask away. Good Luck

It was NOT your experience

Michele31 totally missed the point (not to mention overly sensitive and taking things too personal!) I was trying to point out that her info is second hand, regardless of how close she may have been to her friend's plans. There are two sides to every story, and the only people who really know are the photographer and B&G. I was also trying to point out that no one can blame an entire studio for the photographer's mistake, or the video editor's screw-up. Granted, Gray is now responsible for fixing it. Erin said she had a great experience w/Gray and so have many others. These boards are useful, but you can't always believe everything you hear. One thing to remember is that no vendor is infallable. They will all make mistakes at all of the weddings - big or small. It's life and we're all human!

Gray

I just booked Gray Studios for my 8/2002 wedding. They were a bit expensive, but to be honest they were the cheapest one out of all the places I looked at. I was in my cousin's wedding last year and she used Paul Marino (around the same price as Gray). Paul did a good job, but the pictures were kinda boring, very posed. Gray has a variety including traditional, black and white, sepia, photo-journalistic, etc. It's all up to you and what your style is I guess. FYI: I am getting the smallest package at Gray and it is around $3000. I am using Stephen who I have heard is amazing. Michele31: who was your friends photographer?? Thanks!

I will find out for everyone

My friend lives in California, yes she planned her wedding from 3,000 miles away. I will ask her for the name tomorrow. It takes her a few days to get back to me since she travels for work a lot. And- I know I took the comments in one of the posts personally. I am a bit stressed and took the comments to heart. I just wanted to offer the information, nothing more.