My friend and I are doing the wedding photos free for the mother of the bride (a good friend of ours). The bride is a total WITCH, not bridezilla, she has always been a witch according to mom. It's like she takes pride in being as rude as possible. My friend said he had no problem walking out if it got too bad, especially since he is doing this for FREE. I know it is the bride's day but the rehearsal dinner was a nightmare! I don't want to have to walk out in the middle of her wedding photos but I just met her last night and I have already been insulted several times. What do I do?!
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Apr 30, 2005, 9:36 AM)
This truly is a tough call, especially since the mother, your good friend, already warned you in advance that her daughter is a witch. If you're truly doing this as a favor to your friend, you will have to overcome the obstacles placed in your way in order to fulfill your promise. If nothing else, it will make you reflect next time as to whether a favor is worth the hassle.
There are several things you might consider, and weigh each in your mind before embarking on the course:
1) The bride was rude to you, but if you mention to the mom, who is stressed as it is trying "to do" for her daughter, you might make the problem worse, and possibly jeopardize a valued friendship. Remember: Mom has ALLOWED daughter to be witchy for quite a while, therefore she is accepting of the behavior, and probably expects everyone else to be accepting as well.
2) If you react to the bride by confronting her regarding her rudeness, it could backfire if she complains to her mom, or make it more difficult for you to get good photos, since her anger would be directed at you for accusing her of something she probably feels didn't occur.
3) If you treat her with extreme courtesy and kindness, it will take away her ammunition for an argument, and might actually make her realize that her behavior has been unacceptable. Want to throw her off guard even more, then give her a hug in greeting next time you see her.
4) If she continues to treat you badly, you might want to let her know that she will be invoiced for the release of the negatives and quote her your usual photography fee, then add $500. If she wants her pictures, she will either shut up or pay for them, and if nothing else, it may make her more amenable.
In lore, iron negates a witch's power. Perhaps wearing a suit of armor during the photo shoot will provide you with the protection needed to complete your task. If all else fails, walk out during the middle of the shoot and take your partner out for a good lunch and forget the "witch". Copen Cabana DJ Audio Visual Production providing Custom Wedding Coffee Table Photo Book with DVD Services http://www.knowareland.com
Great answer and suggestions! Love the iron reference.
I always try to be as polite as possible. However, if this were me, I would remind the lady that she was rude to me (you) on our last encounter and that I am doing this for free as a favor to her mother and her. And, I would also remind her that no one wants to be someone else's punching bag, so I (you) would not accept this behavior again. Some people need to be shown their boundries.
She is a grown girl and should now accept the consequences of treating others badly. Hey, we run away.
It is about time she grew up and started acting like a grown woman and not a spoiled little girl who can throw tantrums and treat everyone as if they owe her. You and your partner should not be treated badly by anyone.
Well I do believe that this wedding ranks as one of the top most nightmare weddings in history.
There was no rehearsal because the bride was out running last minute errands and then just plain refused.
She purchased flowers for her bouquet that she INSISTED on making herself. She never got around to making the bouquet and threw a bunch of roses together at the last minute. It looked horrible.
She locked herself in the bedroom for an hour refusing to come out. The wedding was supposed to start at 7:30, it started on hour late.
Because the wedding started an hour late some guests left.
Because there was no rehearsal the minister had to make up the ceremony on the spot.
In the middle of the ceremony the groom decided not to read his preprepared vows and just "wing it" as he announced to the audience.
The bride announced that she had a poem she was going to read but didn't think it was "worth it" now.
After lighting the unity candle the couple started to walk down the aisle and suddenly remembered the ceremnoy wasn't over and ran back up to the alter.
When the minister announced them and said to kiss they deep throated for 5 minutes.
At the reception the bride refused to enter the hall until all of the guests had arrived. Only about 25 people (including the bridal party) showed up for the reception. There were maybe 50 at the wedding, at least until some left.
The DJ never showed up.
Because everything ran so late the cleaning crew came in to the middle of the reception and started cleaning. The contract said they had to be out at midnight. It was midnight.
Most of the formal shots were never taken.
There were lots of other small things but then the list would go one forever. Thanks for the advice, though.
free wedding photography foir friends
