Le sigh

So, finally, I have my wedding album back. And now, I can write my letter to them, expressing my disgust with their professionalism, service, quality, etc. etc. So, if you're getting married in the Greater EC area (or know ANYONE who is) DO NOT use Van Helden Photography. Under any circumstances. Spread the word.

They fucked up everything possible -- the guy was using a digital camera for the FIRST time on our wedding -- and they didn't even offer us a discount or a deal, since he was learning to use digital photography instead of the regular kind of camera. The woman was fine -- she had used the digital camera before. The proofs -- and they took 800 pictures (I know, b/c I asked) -- were only 250 or so and they were really the best they took and some of them were TERRIBLE. Blurry on the edges, some were completely out of focus. Which if he took two seconds, he would have noticed and taken a second pic.

Finally, when we did order pics from them, the prints (which were upwards of $5) had a stupid orange line on them, which they did manage to eliminate. But, too much money, too much time, too much effort on my part. 3.5 years is WAY too long to complete a wedding album. Which, as almost a final insult to me, they ordered the wrong fucking color. It's ivory with gold trim. We wanted the white, which would have matched our proof album.

Luckily, we have a good scanner and photo printer now, so I don't have to order pics ever again from them.

And I pretty much have plans to just disassemble the album they sent and make my own. The pictures that I picked I really love, but the ivory is horrible! I might still take her to work tomorrow, just to show people. Why not? I'm only having a baby in the next month and a half. Why not show off my wedding pics? ha ha.

So, long story, short: Find a friend or a smaller operation that gives you your proofs on DVD or CD, so you can print your own. And doesn't cost $1300.00. I have always said I would have rather given $1300.00 to Amy Bowen and had her do our photography. Or, do better research and make sure that the style of the photographer is something that gels with your style. And if you want something REALLY cool, check out the blog on the side, entitled "A Life in Transition". This is a friend in town, Julia, who makes wedding albums like books for a very reasonable price. I believe her business is J.Lorene Design. I don't know if she's taking new orders right now, but kept it in mind for the future. :)

Photos were one of my most important things I wanted for my wedding and I totally made a snap decision. Still, service and satisfaction are everything. And I really shouldn't have to DEMAND that the people return my photos after trading emails for 2 YEARS.

So, le sigh.

This, seriously, has been the LONGEST week ever. I swear the full moon was out to get me this week. I had one crazy thing at work after another. Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday. I'm thrilled about that. :)

Nims is coming down for basketball a week from tomorrow. That means basketball, Red Lobster and totally sweet times. I even took at half day on the 20th to hang out, since if def will not be a snow storm this year. I can tell. I'm sure it will be, like, warm and 60. Maybe. That would be sweet.

Not much else going on. I just want to rage about the wedding album, because it was ivory. And I'm good at raging nowadays. All those horomones. :)