OK so like a year ago we started looking at photographers and I fell in love with Perceptions. I know someone who used them and her photos are absolutely AMAZING. I decided against them b/c of cost. It was our first vendor booking experience. Then I met with Bella. Liked their work. I know someone who used them and totally raved, and her pics were beautiful. However, now on this site and when I ask around I don't hear good reviews. Nothing specifically bad (besides being so corporate). Nothing good, no one seems to have used them. THIS SCARES ME! Pics are things that can never be changed. You have them forever. I already have given them (50%) $1750, but according to contract I can still get my $$ back.
Am I being a neurotic bridezilla *****? I am meeting with 3 photographers in the next week including Perceptions, who still has my date available and I am now willing to spend a few extra bucks for. North Island Photography and Millimeter Photography I am also meeting with. Any reviews on these mentioned photographers would be greatly appreciated.
Please help me ladies.. I'm in tears over this. What should I do? Should I cancel? I'm just not comfortable with Bella at this point.
mybabylovesmoi
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Re: Please help me ladies..
Posted by Lil OC
sorry you're going through this. I dont really have much experience with Bella, except for the fact that they called me 6359265265 times about setting up an appt (dont know how they got my number in the first place)
OMGGGG YESSSS!!! They completely spammed my phone with voicemails even AFTER I said I'd contact THEM if I was interested. That alone turned me off.
saribou13
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Re: Please help me ladies..
I highly recommend Millimeter Photography. We booked them for our wedding, and we had our engagement session in November. Michael is fun and easy to work with, and he is very talented. I love his work! * FH is a photographer, so trust from someone who knows. See my albums for some pics from the session!
olganfreddy
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Re: Please help me ladies..
I highly recommend you DO NOT use Bella photography for photo or video...pay the extra $$ and get someone you really love. I've had people use them and I hear horror stories...and the quality of the pictures is garbage. The kinds of photographers who work under their umbrella are subpar and you really dont want to ruin your pictures by using someone (just because they're cheaper). Their work is inconsistent, and you dont even know WHO will photograph their wedding till the last minute. NO NO NO NO you will regret it. Cost aside they quality just simply *****. I met them and walked away immediately.
Bee12
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Re: Please help me ladies..
Posted by mybabylovesmoi .
Go with your gut. If you feel uneasy, get out of it since you have the option of getting the money back
ITA
jessrocksyoursocks
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Re: Please help me ladies..
Posted by SoonToBeMrsCampos
another thing is they wont match me to my photographer until i pay my last 50% (which is now past due). and their timeline is 90-180 days from your wedding you get matched and see their profile/portfolio. then meet your photographer 30 days prior. don't you think that's cutting it really close? i think maybe their price and sales lady 'sold me'. maybe i just settled??
that sounds a little shady. to me, i'm not booking anything unless i know who i'm working with. i definitely understand your concern with this because you have these for life, if you're not happy, there's no do-over. if they're willing to give your $$ back and you found somebody else you're happy with, i'd say drop 'em.
it sounds like they just take whoever they can find that available. and you don't want to find out that the photographer you have is some kid and its their first time out. having worked in studios, some less favorable than others, this kinda thing happens. and it seems they just run everything like that in general.
i don't want to push you to be hasty or rethink the matter based off what other people say. personally, photo is the one vendor i can't see cutting costs so low if you really care about pictures. there are people that don't, and its the kind of thing you have to really decide for yourself. check out a search outside of liweddings and see what people are saying or even if you can find some other girls galleries who used them.
jessrocksyoursocks
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Re: Please help me ladies..
Posted by saribou13
I highly recommend Millimeter Photography. We booked them for our wedding, and we had our engagement session in November. Michael is fun and easy to work with, and he is very talented. I love his work! * FH is a photographer, so trust from someone who knows. See my albums for some pics from the session!
this too!!!! i just worked with michael and sean on saturday for my e-pics. they were so sweet and kept us smiling the whole time. he was great at keeping us at ease and even get a cranky FH in good spirits
TheFutureMrs2011
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Re: Please help me ladies..
Just go with your gut on this one. I would say don't be swayed by what others say, but it seems as if you really don't want to use them and now I don't think you will be happy with them no matter what. I would take a look at some other companies and as long as you can get your money back, pick who you like. If I were you I would go with the company you first wanted, because you might not feel settled until you do. The peace of mind is worth the extra cash.
Moonmist09
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Re: Please help me ladies..
i agree with the OP, just because you don't see reviews here about a vendor doesn't mean they aren't good. it could be that most people use LI vendors b/.c they are getting married LI. i am getting married in Brooklyn and not using any LI vendors and i can't find any reviews about anyone on this site! so i have to gby what i have seen of the company myself and by word of mouth of what other people who have used my vendors have told me.
with that being said, however, if you are not comfortable with Bella, and you can still get all of yoru money back, then break your contract with them and use soemone else. Pictures stay forever.
SoonToBeMrsCampos
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Re: Please help me ladies..
thanks ladies!! i posted this over a month ago!!! lol
as an update, i have cancelled bella and booked with michael rosengard at north island photo. and i could not be happier!! i now feel good about the whole situation and am confident that i am going to have amazing photos!!
i owe it all to you guys!! thank you soooo much!!! without you, i would still be a nervous wreck and may not get the photos i want and have been dreaming of my whole life!!
