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Although the photos weren't awful they certainly weren't great, and I am very disappointed. The first problem arose when I attempted to schedule my bridal portraits which I had been told they would do almost anywhere in the state when I booked them. I was then told that they could only be done during a few specific hours during the week only and that they only traveled for brides who booked "the most expensive packages". This comment was later rescinded, but I was upset by that point and just agreed to do them in studio. I took the entire day off work (since it HAD to be a weekday and they only had a couple of times it would work) paid to get my trial hair and makeup done and had my dress ready. Well 10 days later I received a call from them telling me that the studio they use to develop their film (they use real film not digital) had turned in the light on in the dark room and ruined all of my photos! So I had to re-do my bridal portraits which meant more time off work, another hair and makeup run (they paid for thank God) and I had to get my dress back from the tailor. At that point I wanted to fire them but I had signed a contract. So I kept them, I HATED the bridal pics, they were AWFUL. The engagement pictures turned out good though so I was hoping it would work out. Well the wedding pics aren't awful but they aren't great either, and they missed several shots that I wanted, there were no pictures of the table centerpieces or really any of the decorations, the "getting ready" pictures were bad and the pictures of the bridal party came out almost too dark to see. So I would not recommend them, and I would say to be wary of any photographer that uses only real film as these pictures can be ruined as my bridals were. Custom Photography responded with the the following comments: This response is being written by Marian & Michael Linett, owners of Custom Photography. We are proud to have satisfied brides/grooms and their families in the Hampton Roads area of VA for over 25 years.
On September 13, 2006, the bride & groom (along with their families) signed our Wedding Photography Agreement for their June 23, 2007, outside garden wedding which would take place at 7:30 pm. We include in all our wedding collections two portrait sessions - one casual engagement session and one studio or on-location bridal. Our agreement clearly states that these portrait sessions are available Monday-Friday (because weekends are reserved for weddings). When this young lady called to schedule her bridal session, she requested that the photography take place on the grounds of the college she had attended in the Raleigh NC area. The requested time was also on a weekend - which would have been in the middle of another couple's wedding. Even though we explained that it had to be Monday-Friday (referencing as stated in our written agreement), she was not happy.
On-location bridal sessions are no problem during the week - but another couple's wedding can not be given away - no more than we would have scheduled a bridal session on her June 23, 2007, date.
An in-studio bridal session was photographed, along with images of her younger sister which was also in the wedding party. We can not dispute that an employee in the lab we use did expose the images to light - which destroyed them. This was the first and only experience such as this in our 25 year history of capturing images for our wedding couples. The owners of the lab asked that we contact the bride and her family advising that they would like to cover the expense of hair, makeup and having the dress pressed (if required) for a second bridal session. The second bridal session was photographed in our studio along with the images of her little sister and some "fun shots" with Mom and Dad.
At their beach engagement session, we normally promise 24 images - 48 were photographed and delivered. A complimentary framed 11x14 of any image of their choice was on display at their reception with their guest book.
On June 23, 2007, Marian Linett met the bride and her girls early afternoon for casual images of getting their hair and make-up before the wedding. On location photography of the event started at 6:00 pm for the 7:30 pm outside garden wedding. The four groomsmen were dressed and ready - the four ladies were getting ready in the small dressing area provided by the event site with all the clutter of what it takes to make a bride !
By the time the ceremony was over and family images captured, it was close to 8:30 pm - which by Act of God - backgrounds will fall off dark because the sun has already begun to set in a area with trees. Every requested family grouping was captured (which entailed about a 3 page list). At no point was the word NO ever uttered to any request.
Rather than the promised 150 images, 350 day-of wedding images were delivered (in addition to all detail shots - proof is on the CD maintained by our studio showing table decorations, personalized wine bottles ( we even supplied the jpg image of a beach engagement photo).
This couple's reception was one of the most festive of 2007. Their first dance was perfect and captured from every angle (many of these images appear on our website). It was an event which would be any photographer's delight - just point the camera and something exciting was happening. The DJ and I both commented what a great party !
There were multiple sets of parents (by marriage) all who were captured equally in my photography. Every aspect of this wedding was covered - no stone unturned.
When the couple picked up their preview album, there were no photography complaints. Several months later, the bride's step-mother called to advise the groom's mother had passed away quite suddenly. Photographs were needed for display at the memorial service several states away. Several images were selected, and we had our lab print mulitiple enlargements (at no charge) which were shipped one day UPS to them to meet the time restraints. The bride's step mother was most appreciative.
When the couple brought back their wedding album order later in the year, we offered our condolences about the passing of the groom's mother - but there was not even a thank-you for the photographs sent for display at the memorial service.
To sum things up, a thirty (30) page 10x10 leather wedding album was delivered along with four (4) twenty (20) photograph 5x5 parent albums and two framed 16x20's of their choice (one was complimentary). All remaining photographs not chosen for their wedding album were also given to them. Since it was typical June Hampton Roads weather, we had our lab tone down all facial shine to keep them from looking HOT and SWEATY !
To my knowledge they were happy with the finished albums and all the extras - it was not until the negative review appearing on Wedding Wire was brought to my attention did we find out their discontent.
Needless to say, Custom Photography has been licensed in VA Beach now going into our 26th year of pleasing couples with the images we have captured of their celebrations.
Someone once told us that if you please every single client - you must not be dealing with enough people ! As a studio, we do over 100 weddings each year, and to my knowledge, this is the first negative written review we have been made aware of. It is not almost the end of 2010, and it still concerns me. I contacted the Support Group at Wedding Wire, and they suggested that I write this response to accompany the bride's negative review.
Check out our website - we must be doing something right - all of these people are smiling throughout their weddings and receptions -and sending us referrals because they were pleased with Marian & Michael Linett of Custom Photography.
Mary is fabulous! She is creative and so easy to work with. She easily took from our conversations exactly what vision I was looking for and it turned out perfect. The flowers were fresh and beautiful and I received lots of compliments! I would definitely recommend her to any bride!
Gourmet Bake Shoppe Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
The cake was beautiful and looked exactly like I wanted it too. It was delivered on time and in perfect condition. Parts of the cake were delicious, but at least the bottom layer was pretty dry, which was a little disappointing.
Jared's Galleria of Jewelry Virginia Beach, Virginia
We went to Jared for my engagement ring and again for our wedding bands (and have been since for non-wedding related items). The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and not at all pushy. My ring is gorgeous and we were very happy, I definitely recommend it. They also have a great insurance policy and free cleanings!
Although the linens were fine and arrived on time, the customer service experience was so awful I would never reccomend them. I was lied to about the shipping costs which ended up to equal the actual rental costs, almost doubling what I was told I would have to pay. Beyond that, they mischarged my credit card twice, one time charging me more than $1,000 over the price I actually owed, and it took 3 days to get that charge taken off. Overall it was a horrible experience and I ended up reporting them to the Better Business Bureau.
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