NY: Joseph Anello Photo; Doris Mayo Carbone; Precious Mmnts; Video Life Prod.; The Wedding Style of Mike & Kate (aka MKPhotography)

[Reinhardt]

Dear all:

I am getting married at Bear Mountain Inn, New York. Bear Mountain suggested the following photographers and videographers:

Joseph Anello Photography and Video;
Doris Mayo Carbone;
Precious Moments Photographers;
Video Life Productions;
The Wedding Style of Mike & Kate (aka MKPhotography)

Does anyone have any word on any of the above, good or bad?

If you, a fellow bride-to-be, has gotten married at Bear Mountain, would you please advise me of your photographer and videographer or any other vendors (like florist or deejay)?

Belinda

P.S. I already know the prices for Les Howard, another Bear Mountain recommended photographer. I also received a recommendation from a fellow bride-to-be, who compares him to an artist. She paid $5,000 and would not take back a penny. I unfortunately cannot afford that regardless.
Phooey!
:-(

[HunBun9725]

Hello,

I live near Bear Mountain Inn. Prcious Moments had problems in the recent past. The original owner passed away and her daughter took over. Well she didn't complete anyone's orders. She had their money and they had no pictures. The local news station investigated and when they went to their office. They found couples albums and pictures out in the garbage! So I would steer clear from them. The couples all finally got either their pictures or Money back after a long legal battle. But I wouldn't go near them if I were you. I don't know anything about any of the other companies you mentioned. But I hope this helps you.

Kerri

[Tabatha]

I have been getting quotes from photographers, video people, and DJ's and the prices have been crazy! We are on a tight budget also. I found a website called www.the-pros.com. They are a national company and offer a variety of package deals. I am going with the Classic Package which includes all three and is only $1,995.00. I get to choose my own music, get a copy of the video tape and also get all of the negatives from the wedding. They are having a wine and cheese party near where I live and I get to meet and interview all three services. Sounds great! Good Luck!

[Reinhardt]

Tabatha:

Thank you for your kind reply and suggestion. But I must tell you (please forgive me if I hurt your feelings), I would never ever go with The Pros. If you go to the web site www.theknot.com and go to the message boards and type in Pros in the search section, you will come up with dozens and dozens of complaints. Complaints from brides who booked them and regreted it. I have heard good things about the Pros, but they mainly come from brides who have heard of great deals but have not actually worked with them yet. Just like you. And I have read one or two good things about a particular deejay with high-top sneakers who may not even work in your parks. (I have read these comments in either www.theweddingchannel.com or www.ultimatewedding.com, same thing -- search using their search engine.) But I have heard dozens of negative comments. The mildest negative comments I have read about the Pros is that once they take your money, you become a number to them.

I have not myself had the Pros. I am only warning and stating what I have read from others. But I take these NUMEROUS comments very seriously, as I take your comments very seriously. The Internet is my way of research; it is my tool. Granted, I sometimes take the advice with a grain of salt. Many times, vendors give brides glorious reviews of *themselves*, so you have to be careful. But when you read it TIME and TIME and TIME again negative reviews about a particular vendor, you watch out.

Take care and again thank you

Belinda

[Tabatha]

Belinda, No feelings hurt. Right after I posted I found all of those not so good comments on the knot.com. I live in Connecticut and maybe their services are better? I am going to post something on the Knot's message board and see if I can get some input from Connecticut Brides. I am frightened as we are on a tight budget and don't know what else to do. Am going to continue to research, maybe we will get lucky and find another company with a better reputation. Thank you for the warning! Tabatha

[Reinhardt]

Well, the cheapest I have ever seen and read mostly positive comments is Bob Rothman.

Bob Rothman is the most inexpensive one I have ever encountered. I already have my photographer, so I can't go with him. I read his video were not so hot, but maybe your opinion will be different. Though they do deejaying too, I have read nothing about that.

http://www.bobrothman.baweb.com/

The only negative comment I read is that they did not call back a bride when her promised photographer moved. And she was peeved.

And remember (I think I got his tip from the bridal bargains book), don't ask for references per se, as all will be wonderful, ask to speak to the brides of the last three events he did. Now that's different!

Good luck,

Belinda