Death of a Wedding

Spike and Grace were to be married on August 20th 2011. Spike had been a close personal friend since 1996. He worked for my dad doing what he loved most in this world, Iron Work. Spike met Grace through the Stranger personals and proposed a few months ago. They were so happy. Grace already had her dress, two in fact. Spike had his suit all picked out. The ceremony was to be in Pt. Ludlow Washington during the Perry Rendezvous. It was a potluck wedding. They were going to play capture the flag. They were going to ride away on their yellow tandem bicycle. Their getaway car was Blue Belle, their blue Volkswagen bus. The cake, made by another close friend, was due for tasting in a few weeks. Grace was all set up to borrow 30 vintage blue Ball jars from me. The engagement picks were on hold until the tulip festival bloomed. Grace's wedding band was complete and Spike was waiting for his tax return to finish his up. They came over to discuss the details with me, their wedding photographer, a few weeks ago. I went over everything with them. We discussed the whole day and I asked them everything. Grace was really surprised at what she still had to consider and so thankful for my professionalism. I asked her things that were crucial to making her pictures a success. We went over the shot list and the contract. I told her I would not make her sign a contract or owe me a deposit because they were like family to me and I was not worried in the least about them screwing me over.

Grace also was very organized and she wanted the whole wedding paid for by the time it arrived. She had already given me $800 of the $1200 they owed. Then I got he horrible call. Spike had suddenly died of Acute Bronchial Pneumonia. Suddenly it was all over. A loud screeching halt. I felt as though the breath had been knocked out of me. I have had a lot of things happen to me with weddings, I feel like I have it all happen. Not this though. This did not need to happen. This wedding was supposed to be in Seattle Bride, I knew it was going to be that good. It was my style all over the place. It was going to be the epitome of a Unique Northwest Wedding.

The money that they had paid me was nearly out the bank and paying for an ad I have dreamed of having. That ad is now on hold until I can scrape together another $800. But you know, its nothing compared to the total loss and heartbreak that Grace must be feeling. She asked me for the money back to complete the $1000 payment she needs to make to get Spikes ring made. there was absolutely no question in my mind that I was giving it back.

This lesson has taught me a valuable lesson in having a contract. Always have one, always have it signed. I require a $200 deposit that is non-refundable. Its is to cover the cost of meeting with the couple, finding out every bit of detail regarding their wedding, making notes, going over shot ideas, explaining the contract and making some money in the possibility that they don't get married. I knew death was an option but I never considered it. Couples generally disagree and break up leaving vendors and themselves scrambling for money. I didn't want Grace to pay me so quickly but that is what she wanted to do so it was fine. Figuring out who you need to pay after a wedding can be daunting. Realizing how much you owe can probably make you sick. Its like paying for a meal after you have already eaten it, you sort of feel, why bother? I don't give couples their photos until I have received full payment. I also don't spend the money before the wedding. I am so glad I didn't in this case.

Words simply can not express the sadness I feel for the loss of my best friend and his hopes and dreams in this wedding. This experience will forever incorporate itself into the way I do business.