A mom who thought her wedding gift would be the highlight of her son’s big day says it was all ruined by photographer Tersia Arendse.
Mom Michelle Abrahams, 48, from Lotus River says her son got married nine months ago already, but they have yet to see one wedding photo from Arendse.
Michelle decided to speak up after reading about another couple’s complaint about Tersia in the Daily Voice on Tuesday.
In that case, a Parklands couple also paid R4 950 up front, but six months later and Arendse is dodging them.
“My husband and I wanted to do something special for my son and his then wife-to-be and we decided we will pay a photographer to do their wedding as our gift to them,” says Michelle.
“I saw Tersia’s Facebook page and it drew me in as she had a Bible scripture on her page.
QUOTE: Photographer’s R4 950 invoice
“I contacted her and we chose a package of R5 000.”
The package included an A2 canvas, two A4 photos, two A5 photos, 300 jumbo photos with a wooden box and an unlimited amount of edited high-resolution digital photos, as well as a 48-page landscape hardcover book filled with photos.
“Late October, early November last year I paid her a R1 000 deposit,” says Michelle. In December, we paid the R4 000 balance as she said they would not come out unless the balance has been paid in full. When I paid the balance, she told me I made her day. My son got married on 6 January, and they were late. Tersia didn’t even pitch, she sent her sister as she apparently had another shoot in Blaauwberg,” the angry mother says.
COMPLAINTS: Tersia Arendse
Michelle says they took pictures in the church, gardens and at the reception, but nine months later, she is still waiting for her package.
“She keeps telling us she is waiting on the printers in Blue Route (Mall). I went there myself and they don’t know her. My son is so disappointed. The only pictures he has of his wedding are what friends and family took on their phones.”
She says when she threatened to take Arendse to court, she said she would claim unemployment.
DISSATISFIED: Parklands couple paid R4950 for pictures
“I just want my money back,” Michelle says.
On Wednesday, the Daily Voice tried to contact Arendse, who put the phone down and did not respond to calls.
Earlier this week, Arendse promised to reimburse the first couple with half their money, and that she’d give them a flash drive with their pictures on.