WARNING Misti Abner aka Douglas Studios

[Thomasjsgirl]

I'm posting this today with mixed feelings. Misti Abner (now Douglas), formerly of Expressions by Misti and now operating as Douglas Studios, has turned out to be a huge disappointment. Like others who have hired her, she was absolutely great to work with in the beginning. She responded to every email promptly, she was friendly and enthusiastic and myself and Chika (another member on this site) were excited to have her shoot our weddings. As Chika and I were getting married one day apart we decided to share her services. The price was right, her work appeared to be OK, and she was seemingly thrilled to be joining us. Well, I guess the old cliche "if seems too good to be true ...". I waited almost a year before letting Misti know that it was time to finally order my album. In my defense, DH and I were a little busy -- renovating and selling 2 houses, then purchasing and renovating a third. I was comfortable knowing I had the CDs of my wedding pics, and that there was no deadline in our contract for when I had to have my order in. Granted, Misti left our link up on her site a few months longer than 9 months (as per the contract), and I did appreciate that. To make a long story short -- she eventually took it down, but when I asked her if she could re-post for a short time as one of my CDs had gone missing during one of our moves, I never heard back from her again. It seems I've been stiffed. You might think this is my fault since I waited so long, but unfortunately, I'm not the only one she has stiffed. Chika ordered her album over 1 year ago -- she's still waiting. Misti won't return her emails (I think phonecalls too, but not sure). Then I did a bit of research, and guess what? This is becoming her trademark. I don't know if she's overwhelmed with work and can't keep up, or if she's a scam artist who takes your money, mails you some CDs and then is never heard from again. Either scenario is unacceptable. Luckily for me I had backed-up my CDs onto an external hard drive. So even though one CD is lost, I'm safe. I've since dug out the hard drive and will no doubt have a grand old time trying to figure out how to make my own album. I'm disappointed, upset and at this point, really mad. This is no way to run a business and she owes me an album, or a refund. I'm not holding my breath for either. What I will do though, is share some of the things I've found. I invite other brides who have been treated this way by Misti to reply to this thread. Together, we can help others from falling into the same trap.

 

From The Knot: TheKnot Boards

 

From Wedding Wire: Expressions By Misti Reviews & Ratings, Wedding Photography, Tennessee - Nashville and surrounding areas

 

Misti's Better Business Bureau rating (Surprise!! It's an 'F'): BBB Review of Expressions by Misti in Hendersonville, TN

 

I will also delete my post singing her praises shortly after she originally mailed me my CDs. If I can't do it, I will ask one of the mods to help me out.

 

Moral of the story -- research, research, research. If I had known her history, I NEVER would have used her. It's too late for me and Chika, but not for YOU.

[TammyWright]

oh no...this is horrible...she used to be a member of the forum but hasn't been for awhile now.

 

i didn't go to the other links, but you paid for a photobook and she didn't get it or is there more?

[Thomasjsgirl]

Hi Tammy! I just sent you a PM! Yes, the photobook was part of our package. Neither Chika, nor I, are holding out any hope that she will deliver as promised. We're both really upset, and just want to make sure others don't end up in the same boat

[drm6285]

I completely agree as I also (and two other brides on the knot that I know) had trouble with her after booking. We all actually had to find another photographer because of her inability to keep her professional contracts. You can find my post the wedding wire link.

It's so annoying because I did research her in the beginning, only for her to begin to act this way after. DO NOT USE MISTI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AishaB]

Wow! I am a member at Wedding Wire and I read her reviews, it seems that she has gone AWOL and is no longer dependable. Thank you guys so much for sharing this information.

[~Melissa~]

Wow that's crazy! I remember Misti and I think she even ran a BDW special at one point.

 

Sorry this has happened. It's not right. If you need some help with album design when I get to my down time ( about 2 weeks) I don't mind helping you out. That's terrible that she left you high and dry with her no where to be found.

 

I hope we don't have any future brides using her services, if so I guess this is a good warning.

[AlexsBride]

It breaks my heart to read about things like this re: photography. I mean, a messed up cake or something going wrong with guest favours or something is something you can live with. But photos are just such a treasured thing with weddings and when photogs mess around with their clients wedding day or after orders its just really too bad. Thankfully there are lots of good ones for every bad one!

[~Stephanie~]

Wow, This is surprising and sad to see. She was so helpful on this forum offering name in the sand pictures a while back. I was one of the brides that recieved one from her free of charge.

 

It's too bad this has happened, I am so sorry. It must taint your happiest day memories and that is not cool. Thank you for the warning, hopefully this will help other brides. I wish you the best of luck in getting your album complete.

[pvbeachbride10]

I agree, DO NOT USE MISTI! Please read the reviews.

 

I booked Misti and she was so helpful and nice. She had received such great reviews. I felt confident using her because she was so active on this board and other members had booked.

 

She changed her name and email part way through. She did not let her current clients know. Finally, I found her new information and contacted her. She was incredibly rude. Things came about where I realized I needed to cancel working with her. She offered 1/2 of my deposit back and promised I would have it within 30 days. I emailed and called her many many times after 30 days passed. She didn't respond to a single call or email. Now I'm out about $350.

 

Luckily, I realized this before booking her travel or even using her for my wedding. Many brides have yet to receive photos from her!

[vdaybride]

Oh my goodness!! I am so sorry that this happened to you guys. Thank you for being thoughtful of other brides and posting your frustrations. I hope that you are able to come to some solution. Shame on her, as they say "karma is a _____" wow!