Cinematic Impressions

What a disaster! I met with Cinematic Impressions (owners Chris and Alyssa) in early February to discuss hiring them. I met with them at their home/office/studio. I was impressed by the samples they showed me and enjoyed talking with them in their home. Their young daughter was there as well, and we all had a nice time chatting. I explained to them that we only wanted the ceremony filmed, as the reception would be more of a party and we wanted the ceremony on DVD so we could watch it on our anniversaries in the future. We also wanted to be able to share the ceremony with several family members who, due to illness, would not be able to attend our wedding. They explained that the basic package would suit our needs, as it included 2 edited copies of the ceremony, and the first dance and cake-cutting at the reception. I told them that package is most likely what we would choose, but I wanted to take it home and discuss it with my fiance. They said that was fine, that they would hold the date and wait to hear from me.

I took the contract home to discuss it with my fiance. We decided on the basic package - which was to film the ceremony and the first bit of the reception (first dance, cake cutting, toast, etc.). I mailed the deposit check (half of the total amount) for $447.50 at the beginning of March. Cinematic Impressions received the contract and cashed my check. I called to confirm the details and to see if there were any questions. There were none, and I said I looked forward to seeing them on March 29th (the wedding date). I double-checked to make sure they had my cell phone and email address if they had any questions. On the day of the wedding, Cinematic Impressions did not arrive at the ceremony. We hired a day-of coordinator who had called them earlier in the day, but they did not take the call. Chris Wentzel of Cinematic Impressions later told my day-of coordinator (he finally called her back after she repeatedly called him and left messages for him to return her call) that he thought she was someone else calling and he was ignoring the call. Fortunately, our day-of coordinator told him to come directly to the reception site. He did, although he filmed the reception with only one camera (the contract stated there would be one manned camera and one stationary camera).

After the wedding, I had to contact Cinematic Impressions, as they lack the professionalism to contact us first to apologize for the mistake. I requested two edited copies of the DVD (in the contract originally), all the raw footage, and a complete refund. I also requested that Cinematic Impressions not use any of the footage from our reception in any promotional or advertising manner. They agreed to all of the above, but I had to push to receive our DVDs and footage, and as of May 22, 2008 I have not received any of the refund, although Cinematic Impressions has promised a few times already that it would be "in the mail" in a few days.

WARNING: DO NOT HIRE CINEMATIC IMPRESSIONS! Although the final product samples they showed me were impressive, by hiring them, you are gambling with whether or not you will even have a "final product."

I found Cinematic Impressions at a local bridal show. Everything seemed perfect with this vendor until time to get my video. I didn't receive my video until 4 months after my wedding. They apologized, took $100 off, and gave me my video. It was the worst video I have ever seen. According to the owners, there was "camera failure" at my wedding. Because they had no backup plan, the entire processional was filmed from the back, therefore you saw no faces, only everyone's backs as they walked down the aisle. They even missed part of my bridal party-my honorary bridesmaid isn't even in the video! The video was shaky and there was lots of background noise. The reception video included the the entire electric slide. And they missed a very important part of my reception as well. Upon giving feedback to the owners, they agreed to give us back a portion of what we paid, as well as our raw footage. It has been a year now, and after several emails, they have yet to send us anything!! They were by far our most disappointing vendor!!