Action 9: Couple fear some wedding photos lost forever

YORK COUNTY, S.C. — Wedding photos are some of the most important pictures you'll take in your life, and you get one shot at them.

So, when a York County couple noticed they didn't get all the photos they ordered, they turned to Action 9 for help.

Like any couple, Josh and Monica Gates were excited about their wedding photos. They hired photographer Amy Sapp and her company, Frankly, Daisy Photography.

Months after their big day, the couple noticed they'd never received some of the shots of Monica Gates by herself.

"Memories. That's what I feel she deprived my wife of, is memories," Josh Gates said.

They complained. Sapp looked into it.

Sapp's lawyer Elizabeth Hyatt told Action 9 that Sapp always uploaded the wedding photos to a certain third-party website, but by the time the Gateses realized pictures were missing, Sapp had stopped her membership with that site.

Sapp had to go back and forth with the host. The Gateses hoped those pictures hadn't been deleted.

It was a full year after the wedding and, even though their contract said, if something happens to the photos, Sapp is not responsible, they turned to Action 9.

“To have something that special that we don't have, it does bother us," Josh Gates said.

A few days later, Sapp sent them their pictures.

Sapp's Message

The following message is posted on the Frankly, Daisy Facebook page:

Dear Friends:
It has been my privilege and honor to capture some of your memories over the past several years, and I truly believe it is a calling and a blessing to be able to provide people with physical reminders of their families and special events. I have always been up front and honest that my photography is a passion, but my priorities are always rooted in God first, my family second, and then my passion and business.
This year has been particularly difficult for me in many ways, and I have had to cut down on the amount of time I spend on my business. I have had to limit the amount of business I take on. Of course, this leads to a vicious cycle of less money, more bills, etc. I have worked tirelessly to ensure that the commitments I have made to clients have been fulfilled, and I understand some of the frustration people have.
Right now, I am working solely to gain the needed funds to purchase a new computer with which to edit the photographs I have taken. With the ones I use that are in and out of the shop I have not been able to produce the quality images I provide and it has been devastating.
I am working diligently and privately with everyone who has expressed some form of displeasure with my business to ensure that they receive their memories. If you have an issue with any of my work or my business ethic, please come to me and let me know what you need. I do apologize for the unprofessionalism I displayed when I was distressed and hurt, and I look forward to the future of Frankly, Daisy and continuing to capture priceless memories for my clients.
Very Sincerely,
Amy

 Two Pieces of Advice

Sapp didn't want to go on camera, but Hyatt sent Action 9 a statement, giving all couples two pieces of advice:

WATCH -- Action 9's Jason Stoogenke on advice for wedding photos:

1. Know the contract
2. Make sure you receive all items you ordered. Don't wait. Because, no matter what photographer you use, those pictures may eventually get lost.

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