I have photographed many weddings in my last 14 years, but on this past Saturday while out in west ashley with my daughters, I received a call from Jessica Cruz of Magnolia Plantation in total panic, claiming a client of hers had hired a photographer that did not show up for her wedding, in a matter of minutes after speaking to the bride, and feeling so bad for her, I decided to do my photographer samaritan duties. The wedding was delayed by 1 hr,however the minute I was introduced to the couple the tears were gone and the smiles where there, FYI my daughter Courtney bless her, decided to come and help, check out the last photo, yes she took that shot. Great Job Honey.
For you future bride and groom reading this article, I hope when you do business with any vendors, that you will check any new references to make sure you have the right vendor as part of your team.?
Michel Berden and Jessica Cruz of Magnolia Plantation were our saving grace on our special day. We made the huge mistake of hiring a very unprofessional and horrible person for our photographer. For anyone that is planning a wedding, I cannot stress enough how important it is to hire a reputable and experienced photographer. These are pictures that you are going to hopefully have and cherish for the rest of your life. We were very fortunate that the wedding coordinator at Magnolia contacted someone that is truly passionate about what he does. Twenty minutes before I was to walk down the aisle the so-called photographer stood us up. You can only imagine how horrified you would be. Michel dropped everything he was doing at a moments notice. He was in the middle of enjoying a day with his daughters, so his oldest came along to help out. They were an amazing team and completely turned things around for us. We have beautiful photos and are forever greatful for what they did. If you are looking for an outstanding photographer then look no further. He not only dropped everything on his day off, but came in and really took charge. He knows what works, and he makes it happen. Michel is not only an extraordinary photographer, but a beautiful person. Anyone should be honored to have him as their photographer!
Leah & Brook,
Wow thank you so very much for your kind words, I am so happy that we were able to do this for you two, After reading your posting, we are so glad that you have great images, and memories to last a lifetime, Courtney and I wish you both the best, if you guys are ever back in town please come by and say hey we would love to see you guys again.
My Very Best,
Michel
Just want to say what a great blog you got here!
I’ve been around for quite a lot of time, but finally decided to show my appreciation of your work!
Thumbs up, and keep it going!
Cheers
Christian, iwspo.net
Poully,
Thank you so very much for you very kind words as and your appreciation for my craft, but most importantly the information I try very hard to post. It is because of your generous comments and my clients that I will keep on doing this.
My Very Best,
Michel
Michel
For all of you brides who just read Michel’s blog post, unfortunately this story plays out again and again in the wedding industry particularly since the recession started. Many people who lost their jobs, have set up storefronts that look quite professional, and to the uninitiated consumer who doesn’t have a lot of experience with weddings (for most brides and grooms, this is their first time planning a wedding), they can easily think they’ve hired someone who is a true professional when in fact they’re anything but. Many brides base their decisions strictly on price and this can be a very dangerous way to approach something as important as your wedding. You need to expand your selection criteria to include questions like how long have you been in business, are you a part of any professional organizations, and can you please provide me with verifiable references? In my case, I send interested brides immediately to WeddingWire.com where they can read multiple recent unbiased reviews of my services written by previous brides.
You can rest assured that Michel is a professional or I would not have hired him for my bride getting married in October in his area. Is he the cheapest Photographer working in the market today? Absolutely not, but his artistic eye, work ethic, and years of experience are worth every penny. Please pay attention to this cautionary tale and make sure you don’t end up putting one of the most important days of your life in the hands of an amateur just because they could save you a few dollars.
Best,
Terri Altergott, PBC™
Something Borrowed, Something New Events
(508) 277-6597
http://www.somethingborrowedsomethingnew.com
New England Wedding Professionals ~ President
Association of Bridal Consultants ~ Professional Bridal Consultant
Sullivan Travel ~ Travel Agent
2010 Bride’s Choice Award ~ Wedding Wire
2010 Setting a Higher Standard in the Wedding Industry Award ~ NEWP
Wow Terry,
I have to say it brought tears to my eyes reading this, yes I feel the exact same way about you, and you are a very big professional in this industry yourself, I so wish you lived in this area, has I would of loved working with you a lot more often. Thank you, Thank you, for your generous words they are heart felt, and yes when we do this the money, is nice has it pays the bills, but what is our real love, for us satisfaction a passion for the art to be above and beyond, because are heart tells us that we are to do our very best, after all it is not only a special day, but a great occasion with fantastic clients.
All Of My Very Best To You, God Bless,
Michel