'Robbed of those memories:' Wisconsin brides say they were scammed by photographer

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- At least two Wisconsin brides say their wedding photographer never showed up on their big day. In both cases, the brides -- one from Beloit and the other from Lake Geneva -- booked the photographer in advance and paid a deposit. However on their wedding day, the photographer never showed up with no notice or explanation. 

"I immediately started crying," said Magdelyn Chandler, bride. 

July 27 was supposed to be the best day of Magdelyn Chandler's life.

"It makes me really sad because it's something I can't do over," said Chandler. 

The wedding photographer that she booked, Maelynn Anne Photography out of Walworth County, never showed up.

"Not a single text message, not a single phone call, nothing," Chandler said.

Guests jumped in and took photos with their phones but the quality just wasn't the same.

"I would have loved to have had a picture with my mom and grandma that was professionally done... not standing in front of a door frame," said Chandler. 

Not only were the memories not captured...

"I was hoping for art that I could cherish, hang on my walls keepsakes that I would have for the rest of my life," said Chandler.

Chandler also never got her $200 dollar deposit back.

The photographer was also a no-show at another wedding this past weekend. This time, a $300 deposit gone. 

"There was zero service provided and zero explanation to why or what or anything. There was nothing, just cut off contact," said Jessica Venegas, bride.

Jessica Venegas was able to scramble to get another photographer last minute.

"Trying to get a photographer the day of is absolutely insane," Venegas said.

Amber Temme is getting married next fall and booked makeup with the same woman. She read the other brides' stories on social media.

"I said oh my gosh, I have to get out I have to get our right now," said Temme. 

When shed asked about getting her $50 deposit back, she heard nothing in return. 

"It hurts," Temme said. 

Each of the women say the vendor offered them a "good deal." 

"If it sounds too good to be true it usually is. If you're shopping around you know what DJ's cost, you know what photographers cost especially if they're quality. If someone is cutting you a big discount there's a reason why," said Jim Temmer, with the Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin. 

The BBB says always pay for wedding services with a credit card and get everything in writing.

Chandler is encouraging brides to do their research.

"I don't want anyone else to be robbed of those memories," Chandler said. 

CBS 58 reached out to the photographer several times for comment. She did respond to one Facebook message and declined an interview. 

One of the brides filed a report with the Bloomfield Police Department. They say they are investigating. 

For more tips for brides from the BBB, CLICK HERE.