One theme I have discussed at length in this blog is the importance of capturing as many memories as you can on your wedding day. Any pictures or videos (professional or otherwise) are a testament not only to the preparation that goes into a wedding day, but to the love between the new couple. Some people choose to have a professional photographer take the portraits before, during and after the ceremony, but leave the banquet hall reception shots to guests by leaving disposable cameras on the tables.  Generally, wedding reception pictures are taken by a professional so that the guests can have a good time.

However, one story from the United Kingdom should show you how carefully you have to go about choosing a photographer. From The Mirror:

“Instead of treasured moments of their big day, preserved for ever, Martin and Heidi Shubrook got amateurish shots taken from too far away, snaps of grass, guests’ feet and backs – and strangers. Even worse, the calamitous cameraman’s video of their big day missed the newlyweds signing the register, leaving church, arriving at the reception, cutting the cake and most of the speeches.”

Obviously, the slighted newlyweds decided to file a lawsuit against the photographer who so terribly botched a simple wedding job. Little did they know that the problems would extend on for more than a year:

“[The videographer] was paid £350 to video their wedding in July 2009. But after seeing the video, the couple started a year-long battle to bring Bennett, later trading as We Photograph Your Wedding, to the small claims court for breach of contract.

A judge at Durham county court ordered Bennett to pay a total of £600, including a £150 refund to the couple, court costs and expenses.”

The couple is still waiting for the payment from the photographer, but they don’t expect to get their money. I think they’re being a little cynical – he seems like a reliable guy!