Epcot Wedding, NON-Disney Photographer ... What do we think of this?

[sambycat]

You can see the photos here: http://binaryflips.com/blog/2011/08/karrie-chris-disney-wedding/

I really hope the couple knows that no one is upset with them. They did nothing wrong! Now, Disney, on the other hand, had some serious explaining to do!

i know i am the cranky pants here, and maybe i'm misunderstanding, but, although i really have no ill will towards this couple - and the pictures and event look amazing! - can you say they did nothing wrong? i mean, i'm not gonna go dig up my contract, but isn't all the photographer stuff part of the papers you sign? or, in fact, are "we" sort of creating a mythology that you "can't" have outside photographers when its not written anywhere? maybe i've kind of imagined it?!?!

i don't blame them for whatever they did or didn't do and again the event is lovely (and looks more like a magazine spread!), but even if you can get away with something (something that seems like a dumb rule even) doesn't mean you should?

or i could just be spending too much time on the cruise boards reading the arguments for and against shorts in the dining rooms....

 

[princesswendy720]

i know i am the cranky pants here, and maybe i'm misunderstanding, but, although i really have no ill will towards this couple - and the pictures and event look amazing! - can you say they did nothing wrong? i mean, i'm not gonna go dig up my contract, but isn't all the photographer stuff part of the papers you sign? or, in fact, are "we" sort of creating a mythology that you "can't" have outside photographers when its not written anywhere? maybe i've kind of imagined it?!?!

i don't blame them for whatever they did or didn't do and again the event is lovely (and looks more like a magazine spread!), but even if you can get away with something (something that seems like a dumb rule even) doesn't mean you should?

or i could just be spending too much time on the cruise boards reading the arguments for and against shorts in the dining rooms....

You're not imagining it...it's in the special venue guidelines (for theme park venues, photography and videography must be secured through Disney). I haven't gotten my contract yet, but I think it would be in there as well (especially when you have a theme park venue).

I agree with your sentiments. Sometimes I feel like a cranky pants too.

 

[transfergirl]

My best guess is that these photographers were "guests." And what was DFTW to do?"

Precisely. Loophole.

 

[DisneyShamrock]

But my guess is that a "guest" wasn't really a guest, and that is how they got around the rule.

This is exactly what I started thinking about halfway through page one of this thread. I know at least three photographers (two in companies and one free-lance) who would happily go to Florida as a 'guest' for my wedding. It's very possible the bride knew someone (or someone she knew did).

Or, it could just be a matter of 'sneaking them in' or 'paying for it.'

Unless the bride or company steps forward, we may never know how exactly an outside photographer got to the wedding. But, I do agree that the poor DFTW planners are probably trying to figure it all out.

 

[LittleMissMagic]

I didn't make to to the blog in time to read the original post, but I believe Carly was posting it to say, look, they got away with this. Not supporting it, but for informative purposes.

or i could just be spending too much time on the cruise boards reading the arguments for and against shorts in the dining rooms....

Oh my goodness!!!! Are you on Cruise Critic? When will it ever stop???

 

[Ember]

i know i am the cranky pants here, and maybe i'm misunderstanding, but, although i really have no ill will towards this couple - and the pictures and event look amazing! - can you say they did nothing wrong? i mean, i'm not gonna go dig up my contract, but isn't all the photographer stuff part of the papers you sign? or, in fact, are "we" sort of creating a mythology that you "can't" have outside photographers when its not written anywhere? maybe i've kind of imagined it?!?!

i don't blame them for whatever they did or didn't do and again the event is lovely (and looks more like a magazine spread!), but even if you can get away with something (something that seems like a dumb rule even) doesn't mean you should?

or i could just be spending too much time on the cruise boards reading the arguments for and against shorts in the dining rooms....

To be fair, I never even considered that this could have been an instance of willful rule breaking. I figured Disney must have let them do it (I mean, how could you miss a pro photographer or 2 shooting an in-park event?). The planner would have been present, so someone was there who knew the rules and could have stopped it. So it makes sense that Disney must have given it the green light.

If it's more a case like the brides in the parks, where no one seems to know what the rule is and so no one stops them, then that's a different kettle of fish... The photographer isn't one of the usual ones Disney brides use, they may not have known. Maybe the couple didn't know either, and it was basically pulled off in blissful ignorance.

However, if it was willful rule breaking, then that is very wrong. I agree with you 100%.

But no matter how it happened, Disney allowed it. They either bent the rules or failed to enforce them. This is not fair, and it's wrong. It's also terribly upsetting for those couples would would very much love to have an in-park event and my heart truly goes out to them.

 

[roxysmum123]

This makes me wonder how many potential DisBrides change their mind because of the strict photography rules.

You've got one here. If, when I'm able to book, the photography rule is still there I'll give up my dream of getting married in the parks and just stay home and have a "backup" wedding here. This is why we're waiting to get engaged, but we want kids darn-it and can't wait forever for Disney to start playing well with others.
It breaks my heart, but not as much as the risk of having DPS doing my wedding, screwing it up like I've seen on so many TR's, and losing all love for Disney I have over it.

 

[princesswendy720]

You've got one here. If, when I'm able to book, the photography rule is still there I'll give up my dream of getting married in the parks and just stay home and have a "backup" wedding here. This is why we're waiting to get engaged, but we want kids darn-it and can't wait forever for Disney to start playing well with others.
It breaks my heart, but not as much as the risk of having DPS doing my wedding, screwing it up like I've seen on so many TR's, and losing all love for Disney I have over it.

I just don't think Disney's ever going to change the rule. The quality and price of their photography can not compete with outside vendors. If they gave people the option, 90% of the time people would bring in outside vendors. Their only purpose would be the theme park bridal portraits and escape weddings.

Not being able to bring in an outside photographer did prevent me from having a theme park wedding, but not a Disney wedding. I found venues that I'd be happy with outside the parks because having the Disney ambiance was enough. I'm also having our rehearsal dinner and welcome party in the theme parks...although I am undecided if I will have Disney photograph them.

 

[belleinpink]

I'm a little upset and very bewildered by this. I have always wanted to get married in Disney, and for quite some time now have wanted to have the reception at AA because it reminds me of the ballroom from Beauty and the Beast. However I changed my mind when I found out about the no non disney photography. And now this?! I mean props to the bride and groom for being able to pull this off... But goodluck to DFTW in defending how this happened..

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

Is anyone else slightly paranoid that this will cause disney to disallow outside photographers all together?

 

[vickxo]

I have a question...I'm a photographer (seriously, i have a blog & everything ) If my brother let his future bride get her way and have a disney wedding and i take a few images at their reception at the living seas and i post them on my blog what would that be viewed as? Cheating? Getting away with having an outside photographer? I'm not charging them, I'm not offering Disney World Photo shoots as an option to ANYONE. I'm a guest and a family member taking pictures just like you see at every wedding the only difference is that instead of facebook i'm showing them off on my photography blog. Now again, I would NEVER try and "sneak in" a photographer and I have actually had my own dream wedding plans altered because of this stupid rule so I understand completely why everyone is annoyed and angered. My whole point is that there are so many loop holes it's silly, Disney will never stop a guest from taking a photo at a wedding or in their parks. I just honestly think they need to get rid of the rule completely and actually let you have the fully customized weddings they advertise, I'd take a Roots Photographed wedding over a David Tutera Couture wedding any day!

 

[Chilly]

They also used an outside vendor for videography in the park. That's a bit harder to sneak in as a "guest".

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Is anyone else slightly paranoid that this will cause disney to disallow outside photographers all together?

If they did that I think they would lose a HUGE number of brides. Many on here have stated that the main reason they have had their ceremonies and receptions outside the park is to utilize outside photography.

Plus, logistically I'm not sure how they could stop it? They can't really prevent photos at the resorts or in the ballrooms/reception venues etc.

 

[PirateBride08]

I had my DFTW in 2008 while we were still allowed to use outside photographers for inpark events, however I believe you had to sign your contract by October of 2008 to be able to do that. My wedding was in December so we had long since signed.

To be honest, I don't think banning outside photography would hurt Disney as much as we may think. My husband and I go to WDW 3-4 times a year and see loads of weddings- more often than not with a Disney photographer. Had I not found these boards I wouldn't have known that I had the option for an outside photographer. I still would have had the wedding there though. Having said all that, I hate my wedding pictures. It has nothing to do with who took them though I just hate them. I don't even want to look at them. I want a vow renewal just to re-do my pictures!

I don't think its right that Disney does things like this and it happens ALL the time. They rules change based on who it is, who asks, and things like that. It's not fair. I had something like that happen to me but I won't hijack the thread with all that. Complaining doesn't seem to get anywhere with Disney but if enough brides do it- you just never know. This is so unfair to all the upcoming/past brides.

 

[roxysmum123]

I don't think its right that Disney does things like this and it happens ALL the time. They rules change based on who it is, who asks, and things like that. It's not fair.

Not wedding related but my friend just got back from Disney with the swarms of Brazilian tourists, and her being in a wheelchair resulted in her being hit in the face numerous times with them flinging their backpacks around and other lack of respect for peoples personal space. It also ruined a number of rides for them with the chanting and whatnot. She complained and was basically told "I'm sorry but we can't really do anything, they spend a lot of money here". If you or I were hittin people in wheelchairs in the face with our backpacks, I expect we'd be swiftly escorted from the property.

Like a PP said, money talks. Combine that with the fact that Disney is really first and foremost a business, we're going to be seeing things like this happen till the end of time. Frustrating yes, but they'll never change the rules to make a few happy when the masses (which majority of Disney brides don't use this site and prob know any different regarding photography if you look at the numbers of people who get married there vs number of people doing PJ's) are still willing to pay and follow the rules.

 

[LittleKittyMarie]

Not wedding related but my friend just got back from Disney with the swarms of Brazilian tourists, and her being in a wheelchair resulted in her being hit in the face numerous times with them flinging their backpacks around and other lack of respect for peoples personal space. It also ruined a number of rides for them with the chanting and whatnot. She complained and was basically told "I'm sorry but we can't really do anything, they spend a lot of money here". If you or I were hittin people in wheelchairs in the face with our backpacks, I expect we'd be swiftly escorted from the property.

Like a PP said, money talks. Combine that with the fact that Disney is really first and foremost a business, we're going to be seeing things like this happen till the end of time. Frustrating yes, but they'll never change the rules to make a few happy when the masses (which majority of Disney brides don't use this site and prob know any different regarding photography if you look at the numbers of people who get married there vs number of people doing PJ's) are still willing to pay and follow the rules.

I hate to get involved in such a hot button topic (and let me preface this with I think your friend was treated very poorly by all involved) but.... Unfortunately, you don't sign a contract when you pay for your Disney vacation that states Disney will prevent other guests from annoying you/being rude/lacking self-awareness. On the other hand, you do agree to use only DPS when you sign a contract for an in-park DFTW. And really, what is one cast member going to do when faced with such a complaint? Evict every tour group (Brazilian or otherwise) for being rude? Did the cast member even witness such an incident when it happened? Could she have proved it was done with malicious intent and not accidentally? Again, not to say your friend didn't get the short end of the stick, but what can Disney honestly do about careless, self-absorbed guests, and then especially ones that spend a lot of money.

Also, back to the original topic. I wonder if the bride actually did use DPS (or at least paid for DPS) and then hired a second outside photographer/videographer without informing DFTW. Then these outsider vendors showed up on the day and no one wanted to rain on the couple's "happiest day of their lives" by telling them the photographers had to hit the road. That being said, this thought probably doesn't match up too well with the story about the grandfathered contract, which implies they did have knowledge of what was going on.

I guess I'll also continue to wait to hear if DFTW has more to say about this issue.

 

[PirateBride08]

My planner flat out told me that weddings are not a big money making deal for them. Sure we as brides think that our 10, 20, 50K is a lot but not when you compare it to what the big corporations spend on conventions. He gave me an example....a bride wanted special seats at some hoop de doo review thing and when she couldn't get two tables (areas) together she threw a fit. He explained to her that they paid for those seats just as well as she did and just because she was spending more didn't mean she was more important. Then asked her how she would feel if he said that a larger (more expensive) wedding group wanted HER seats- how would she feel then? It makes sense. Crummy as it is.

I don't know if I think this bride snuck in this photographer. It could have been that Disney allowed it, for whatever reason- maybe marketing if the pictures are going to be published in a magazine or something. My planner also told me not to believe everything you read on the internet. I loved him beacuse he told it like it was.

I just wish that the people at DFTW's would be up front with the current brides that are obviously very upset by this. If they allowed it- own up to it and say that it was allowed for whatever reason and that's it. Trying to put the blame on Carly's blog is nonsensical

 

[v_misses_epcot]

Not wedding related but my friend just got back from Disney with the swarms of Brazilian tourists, and her being in a wheelchair resulted in her being hit in the face numerous times with them flinging their backpacks around and other lack of respect for peoples personal space. It also ruined a number of rides for them with the chanting and whatnot. She complained and was basically told "I'm sorry but we can't really do anything, they spend a lot of money here". If you or I were hittin people in wheelchairs in the face with our backpacks, I expect we'd be swiftly escorted from the property.

Like a PP said, money talks. Combine that with the fact that Disney is really first and foremost a business, we're going to be seeing things like this happen till the end of time. Frustrating yes, but they'll never change the rules to make a few happy when the masses (which majority of Disney brides don't use this site and prob know any different regarding photography if you look at the numbers of people who get married there vs number of people doing PJ's) are still willing to pay and follow the rules.

You just reminded me of how Disney doesn't keep true to their rules!! Two weeks ago my fiance worked a shift at the World Showcase showplace (which used to be open to the public back in the day next to the UK pavilion and Canada.) Anyhow, he was working a "Farewell Brazilian Tour Event" and you know how you've seen the tour guide leaders carry their video cameras?? Well there were several in the party!! SEVERAL!! It's an event right? Wouldn't those be considered "OUTSIDE VIDEO cameras?" Money does talk indeed and we've seen it time and time again starting with that Bride (no offense to the wedding, it was amazing,) that had her reception in fantasy land near the carousel. And now this? Gran fathered in? RIGGGGGHT!!

I've seen Disney shut off two whole fast pass machines at Toy Story Mania while feeding tons of Fast passes to the tourist! Moola talks! and sadly, that's not fair to a lot of us.

 

[connorlevismom]

OK - I have a question about all of this.

We are have an in-park ceremony next year as well as an in-park dinner and fireworks party. My neice is truly a guest at our wedding and happens to do photographer as a hobby. I was planning on asking her to take some pictures during the day....would that REALLY be a no no? I mean, she is a true guest, who happens to love taking pictures.

 

[jshora]

OK - I have a question about all of this.

We are have an in-park ceremony next year as well as an in-park dinner and fireworks party. My neice is truly a guest at our wedding and happens to do photographer as a hobby. I was planning on asking her to take some pictures during the day....would that REALLY be a no no? I mean, she is a true guest, who happens to love taking pictures.

I have a friend of mine, who kinda invited herself to the wedding, that is a professional photographer. So, she is genuinely a guest. I told my planner that she will be there and she will be taking pictures. My planner said that since she is guest and not hired to do "photo sessions" that it is just fine.