November 25, 2008
Brides across New Jersey have been distraught over the last couple of years as wedding photographer Celebration Studios took their money but provided no photographs or videos of the happy occasion.
But the story has a happy ending, as the state's Division of Consumer Affairs has retrieved the stashed merchandise and begun distributing it to customers of the now-defunct Morris County photography company.
Earlier this month, a state court ordered the photographers and videographers who had worked with Celebration Studios to turn over their merchandise to the Division of Consumer Affairs and ordered the Division to commence distribution of the materials.
The company abruptly closed its doors in January, prompting anguished complaints to ConsumerAffairs.com.
"I hired them for both photo and video for my wedding on December 5, 2004," said Jennifer, of North Bergen, NJ. "I received my proofs but didn't receive any prints, albums or video footage. They were never available to make appointments and never attempted to help me get all that I paid for."
Brides complained that they paid as much as $6,000 in advance at their weddings, years ago, and have yet to receive a single picture. One said the best man at her wedding has since died, but she has not received the pictures or video from the happy occasion.
The return of the long-sought items culminates a process that began shortly after Celebration Studios closed its doors in January. The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs filed suit against Celebration Studios and obtained court permission to seize and impound all items in the company's warehouse. Consumer Affairs staff then sorted and catalogued approximately 4,000 items. Company records were scrutinized and the contracts, receipts and bills submitted by approximately 1,400 consumers were reviewed as part of the process to unite customers with their items.
"It's a joyous day, perhaps almost as joyous as the wedding day these couples experienced, as we begin returning their keepsakes to them," said David Szuchman, New Jersey's Consumer Affairs Director. "The sheer volume of materials made this a major undertaking, but for our staff, it was a labor of love because we know these photos and videos are cherished keepsakes."
Szuchman reminded Celebration Studios customers that they must file complaints with the Department of Consumer Affairs in order to arrange for the return of their merchandise. Customers who have filed complaints with the state will be individually scheduled for appointments to pick up their photos and videos.
Consumers can file complaints on the Division's web site at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov or calling 1-800-242-5846.
