by Cleveland, OH – What should have been one of life’s happiest milestones turned into heartbreak for more than a dozen brides after an Ohio wedding photographer was exposed for running a long-term scam. Victims say the man allegedly conned couples since high school, luring them with steeply discounted packages before disappearing with deposits.
How the Scam Operated
According to victims, the photographer offered packages well below market value, promising additional discounts for early payments.
“I paid a 50% deposit thinking I had lucked out — but he vanished right before our engagement shoot,” one bride revealed.
When pressed for answers, he reportedly resurfaced with excuses like hospitalization, then urged clients to pay the remaining balance at further discounts. Once payments were made, he disappeared again.
A Pattern of Deception
The scam extended far beyond one bride. Victims discovered that he repeated the cycle with at least a dozen other women, frequently changing business names and using friends’ photos to promote a fake portfolio.
“It turns out he’s been running this scam since high school,” another bride said.
Some victims attempted to file police reports, while others recovered only partial payments via Venmo after repeated demands.
Legal Trouble Mounts
Reports indicate that a court case is ongoing, and the photographer faces additional charges, including car theft, adding to his mounting legal issues.
“Red flag alert. I’m a photographer and I would have called the police,” one professional commented.
Other professionals warned about unusually low pricing:
“That’s exactly why real photographers charge $4,000 to $5,000 — to avoid disasters like this.”
Brides Issue Warnings
As the story circulated, more Cleveland brides came forward, concerned they may have been scammed.
“Girl, can you DM me? There’s a lawsuit against a male photographer in Cleveland — this sounds exactly like him,” one woman wrote.
Another added:
“Wait, I’ve heard from another engaged girly that she got scammed by a photographer in Cleveland too. I think his name started with a T.”
The case serves as a cautionary tale for couples preparing to book wedding vendors. Experts advise that if a price seems too good to be true, it likely is.
Have you or someone you know ever been scammed by a wedding vendor? Share your experiences in the comments below and help others avoid similar situations.
