Vendor rejection help!

krdonaldson

Warning: This is going to be long. 

I need photog help. 99% sure we have decided on who I'll call #2. How do I let #1 know we won't be using her?

Background: We love #1 in terms  of personality. She was our first appt and afterward I remember telling FH how much I like her etc etc. Her price is right too. Her pictures are not fantastic which we were on the fence about since day 1. She offered us free e-pics "to see more of her work." We took her up on them to see if we could be won over depending on how they turned out. IMO they turned out better than expected and in comparison with others on her site, I thought they were some of her better ones. I now feel horrible that we won't be using her bc she has been so sweet to us and so easy to work with. FH is still just not convinced and in all honesty, I don't want to be worrying over whether or not we'll have good weddings pics.

#2 is a little more expensive but the pics are way better, I know someone who gave them a glowing recommendation, and their package is for 2 photogs. We also liked them personality wise just not as much as #1. 

Deep down, I know it is the right decision and I don't know why I care so much about photog #1 except for how amazingly nice she has been to us. Ultimately, picture quality and having a second photog won us over. I just don't know how to tell #1.

Help me "break up" with photog #1 and tell me not to be dumb and become "attached" to other vendors before booking with them!! lol 

I'm just the type who will feel guilty forever for not going with #1 even though we will never see or deal with her again.

TIA!

sarahk915

You're just going to have to be honest and straightforward with her.  Thank her for what she's already done (E pics, etc) and tell her that you've decided to go with someone else. 

I had to do this with the florist...I met with two of them, and really loved them both...both were very sweet and helpful, but I like the "vision" of one slightly more.  I sent an email to the other one, thanked her for her time and told her we decided to go with someone else.  I did it over email, and I still felt bad...just keep in mind that you are not the first person to "reject" her...it's the nature of her job 

Good luck!

krdonaldson

Thank you! That is true, I'm sure I'm not the first and won't be the last. Guess I'll just have to bite the bullet.

meduzax

Just go with your gut feeling - remember you will have your wedding photographs for years to come - you need to love them!  you can't repeat your wedding day and retake your photos. Picking the right photographer is very important.

monique026

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_photos-video_vendor-rejection?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:30Discussion:f8035a6c-6d3a-4c26-b06a-f093aad6d137Post:8c362505-f20a-441b-9e87-d24a8ec76a5d">Re: Vendor rejection help!</a>:
[QUOTE]Just go with your gut feeling - remember you will have your wedding photographs for years to come - you need to love them!  you can't repeat your wedding day and retake your photos. Picking the right photographer is very important.
Posted by meduzax@earthlink.net[/QUOTE]
<div>
</div><div>Exactly what she said. Take it from this heartbroken bride who had HORRIBLE wedding photos, go with whoever you think is best, not who you built a rapport with first!</div>

LauraChristin

I think telling her that you've decided to go with someone else and even giving her a little constructive criticism would be a good thing. When vendors are not chosen over other vendors and aren't given a reason (or even told they've not been selected)  doesn't help them improve their business. So if you'd like to do her a favor for her kindness, be kind but truthful with her about your decision. 

Definitely don't feel guilty that she gave you a free session. The whole point of the free session was that she felt you would be so happy with the engagement photos that you would book her and feel confident with her. And it's okay that you didn't. She never had to offer the free shoot. 

I think a kind, sincere message will be much appreciated. You can even tell her that her personality and how well you felt you clicked on that level made it a difficult decision but ultimately you decided to go with photographer #2 because the actual photography was a better fit for you and your husband for x y z reasons. Of course, you're never obligated to give any reasons at all.

Congrats on finding a photographer that you love!