Wedding Forum - Our photographer has cancelled; gutted...

I feel sick.

Photography is one of the most important things to us, and we plowed 10% of our budget into it because of that. We fell in love with a photographer ages ago, and booked them last April. They cancelled on us tonight, with 4.5 months to go.

I am so stressed out. We have recently had major issues with OH's mother, and I've had two nervous breakdowns since Christmas. I have anxiety and depression and the smallest thing triggers an attack. I cried for 2 hours this evening after receiving the email because I feel I can't cope; I'm trying to juggle major stress and family issues with planning a wedding, studying full-time for a PhD, and working 2 part-time jobs. I really don't need this.

I've spent hours this evening trying to find photographers, but we want a really specific style. There is no way we will find someone we truly love at this stage, and the thought of spending what we are on someone who's just OK in our eyes makes me want to hit someone.

There's no real purpose to this, I just need to rant. I hope that our photog falls in a massive cow-pat and drowns.

Oh no, sorry to hear that hun, everything seems to happen at once doesn't it. Try and look at the bigger picture though. You're marrying your loved one - everything else is just dressing. Yes I know you want your photographic memories - and you'll still have them. I hope you find another photographer that you like (Im positive you will) But try not to make yourself poorly with it.

We're not having a photographer at all - my FMIL didn't at her wedding either. And she has some fantastic photo's of the day, all taken by guests. I know that's not what you want but all Im saying is your day will still be amazing and you'll still have photo's no matter what. Big hugs to you - I hope they fall in massive cow-pat too! xxx

Oh dear that's awful. What reason have they given ?
We're not having a photographer (gasps of horror!) , my dad is doing them - well most of them! He used to be a wedding photographer....as did my fiance.....I'm sure that with all first pics too we'll end up with some great candid shots.
I really hope you find someone - you'll probably find someone even better as clearly it wasn't meant to be. Xx

Ruth I've sent you details of our photographer in case he can help and if you wanted it. Good luck, keep us posted with how you get onffinding a replacement x

So sorry to hear that; I really hope you find someone you like. You never know; maybe the one you do find will be even better :D

Try doing the quote me thing on here .. At least that will put you in touch with people who maybe able to help .

Had you paid anything to your photographer ? Had you signed a contract .. If so was there a cancelation clause?

Thank you so much guys.

I've been on the phone all morning, and am quite overwhelmed TBH. A lot of the photographers we shortlisted (and by 'shortlist' I mean about 40 down from 300... I am not joking) are booked, but a couple have had cancellations for our date (yay!) and a few have put word out in the photography community, and the response has been crazy.

I'm currently trying to look at all of them so that hopefully we can shortlist a view and then go see them in person. Trying to think positive and see it as a blessing in disguise.

Re why he cancelled: when we booked him we knew he was moving back up North (we're in London, where he was at the time) but he assured us he would come back to photograph our wedding. Basically, he now can't be bothered. The worst thing is that he had the gall to say that he was cancelling now as it means we have 'plenty of time' to find a new photographer: umm, yeah, whatever!

The worst thing is that we had set aside a lot of money for photography because it's so important to us, and a year ago would have pretty much had the pick of the top photographers. Now, because it's so close, we don't have that luxury.

Gutted.

PS: Thanks for the details InDreamland, I'll look into them! Also Velcro if you could send me the details of yours that would be great :-)

Aww no that's a nightmare! At least you are getting somewhere but with 4 months to go, he could had given you more notice! I know exactly how you feel tho as I feel like this about our photographer, his style is so different to anyone else we've noticed
I really hope you find someone, and don't get yourself upset xxx

Hey Barbie, Ive posted a FB girl I know from the islands we grew up on. She has lived in London a while and now lives in Glasgow, but travels for weddings. Her photography is simply amazing, and her engagement shoots are beautiful. I do hope you find someone hun, Im sure you will, just take everything a day at a time xxx

That's awful hun! I'd definitely leave a bad review if possible. That's so unprofessional. Hope you find one that's even better xxx

Thank you guys for the support and suggestions.

We met a photographer last night and he just wasn't the standard we want, plus we didn't click with him at all.

We're meeting another lady tonight, who was lovely on the phone and who I clicked with, but she isn't really the style we're after so seeing her more 'just in case'.

Also meeting someone tomorrow; I like what I've seen of his work but want to see some albums and some more full weddings (only seen 2 so far).

Then there are another two photographer who's work is amazing, but they cost even more than we were originally spending; which was a lot :-s Just trying to work out the numbers and see if we could make it work at that price-point eg I'm getting 2 rings, a plain palladium one at £100 and a custom-made platinum one at £1000, so if it means me delaying getting the custom ring for a few months to extend the budget, that could be a consideration.

So, so angry that we've been put in such an awful position. If we didn't care about photography it wouldn't be so bad; but it seriously is one of the most important things to us. The food and cake get eaten, the drinks get drunk, the decor forgotten; but the photos live on. Urgh.