Reality Check #1:

Note: I was urged to write this article to benefit consumers after discussing similar experiences with several other Photographers, Videographers, and DJs.   The catalyst was seeing one of our clients, who used a National Chain photographer, burst in to tears when we asked her about her photos.  I hope you find it imformative.

Brides-to-be often utilize the web to glean unique ideas, research wedding vendors and make informed decisions concerning one’s wedding. That’s great – utilizing the marvels of modern technology lead to more creative ideas and aid in the perfect vendor selection process.

Since potential clients shop on the web, a business opportunity has led to the formation of companies who market nationally. Several of these chains are now paying Google’s Ad Words to obtain a top position listing for many “Cleveland Wedding” related search terms so you are likely to click on their site at some point in your wedding planning.

Companies, such as “The Pros” or “Bella Pictures”, offer multiple wedding services such as Photography, Videography, and DJ Entertainment and offering a discounted, “cheap” price.

“The Pros” state on their website that they are “Cleveland’s most recommended photography, video and disc jockey service”. Who is recommending them?   I assure you that no reputable vendor in Cleveland is recommending this company – let me tell you why. They have a terrible reputation in the industry for doing a poor job, or not showing up at all.

When researching vendors, be sure to do your due diligence and search the web for reviews of any company you are thinking about hiring. Here’s one on “The Pros”:

http://www.bargaineering.com/articles/the-pros-wedding-services-not-reliable.html

These national companies will take your money and then call local companies and individuals in an attempt to “cover” your wedding. Often, the week before your wedding, these companies are frantically calling around to see who might be available to cover your once-in-a-lifetime event. Companies like these have called our company many times over the years. Our response is that we would never work for them and that they should operate as they do, because they provide low quality work and “cheapen” the reputation of an entire industry.

In fact, local Photographer and Videographer associations’ members have now banded together to boycott doing any sub-contracted work for these national companies.

If Professional Photographers, Videographers and Entertainers are not working for these companies, one might naturally question, “Who might be at my wedding?”

These companies tell you that they have a network of qualified local individuals. THEY DON’T. They might have the phone numbers of some amateurs who will be willing to work for a wage far below the industry average. The last Photographer we worked with was earning $10/hour. Individuals with vested interest in a company will do a better job. Want proof?

Bella Pictures home office is in CA. They have 30+ BBB complaints on record.  30 on record?  How many total brides were disappointed?  Check here for report:
http://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/photographers/bella-pictures-in-san-francisco-ca-124072

Note: Bella is “BBB Accredited”. All this means is that a business must simply pay the BBB $400 per year for the rights to use the BBB logo. The badge has nothing to do with the reliability of a company.

Here’s our personal experience: We were hired to produce a wedding video for a couple in July 2009. They hired Bella Photography for their pictures. The photographer arrived at the house as the groom was about to enter the limousine on the way to the church. They did not respect the rules of the ceremony location (Roman Catholic Church) and were reprimanded by the Celebrant after the service. They dressed inappropriately and stood directly in front of the couple during the vows and blocked the view of the guests, and our video cameras. At the reception, they refused to stay a couple of minutes past their scheduled end time (9PM) in order to accommodate for, and photograph the bouquet toss, which was coming up “after this song”.

See this blog post from Scott E. Jones, the DJ from Jerry Bruno Entertainment who was on duty that night: http://djscottejones.blogspot.com/2009/07/oh-bella-where-art-thou-bella.html

When the bride picked-up her video, we asked her about the photos. She told us that she was very unhappy with the service provided and HATED her photos and didn’t plan on ordering any. ANY!

When you hire a national chain, you might feel as though you made a good choice because they are “BBB Accredited”, have a nice website, and offer a low price. The sad reality is that if you utilize one of these national chains for your Photography, Entertainment, or Videography services, the odds are that you WILL be disappointed.
You will be serviced by under-paid, ill-equipped, uncaring and inexperienced individuals who will do, at best, a marginal job.

Having been in the wedding business for over 20 years, my advice is to really do your homework. Check out potential vendors in person. Research them on the web. Check the www.BBB.org website to see if there might be problems.
Remember the old adages…

• If it seems to good to be true, it probably is.
• The lowest price is not always be the best option.
• And the biggest one of the all… You get what you pay for.

Caveat emptor! Buyer Beware! Do your homework!

All the best,
Paul Perhacs, Owner | Mystic Image Video Productions, LLC | 216-351-6717
www.mystic-image.com
PS: Did I mention that utilizing a non-local company unnecessarily deports cash from our region?