Dozens of brides have been left devastated after police confirmed footage seized from a videographer documenting their special day would be returned, but not to them.
Police launched a fraud investigation into Wallflower Weddings in January after couples reported waiting years for the videos they had paid for.
Many brides and grooms had hoped police involvement would finally help them receive some form of footage from their weddings.
But last week, police confirmed no further action would be taken against the owner, Sarah Stanton.
In a further blow, the force has now confirmed the footage seized would be returned Ms Stanton, meaning couples must try contacting her directly once more.
A letter from the police read: “I have carefully considered the circumstances surrounding the seizure of this property, which was lawfully taken while the investigation was active and ongoing.
“However, now that the investigation has ceased and there is no criminal outcome—i.e., no court proceedings or finding of guilt—the items remain the property of Sarah and must be returned.
“It is important to be clear that the police cannot interfere with this process, as doing so would render the Chief Constable liable for unlawful retention.”
The investigating officer acknowledged the disappointment, adding: “Our role is strictly governed by law. While an investigation is active, we are empowered to seize items that may constitute evidence or have been used in the commission of a crime. Once the investigation concludes without charge, our authority to retain such items ends.”
A spokesman for the force said: “Officers have carried out an extensive investigation following allegations of fraud across Kent and outside of the county, involving a business based in Malling.
“The investigation has found no evidence of any criminal offences and no further action will be taken. As part of their enquiries, the investigation team seized a quantity of digital media storage devices.
“As no criminal offences have been established any property seized will be returned to the business owner.
“The complainants have been made aware and advised of their rights to pursue a civil claim, in which they can address any alleged breaches of contract or service failures. “
Roxanne Wood, who got married in November 2022, still hasn’t received any footage.
“My husband’s nan, who passed away in March, never got to see our wedding video,” said the 31-year-old from Rochester. “The heartbreak caused is immense.”
Ms Wood said she reported the business to the police after seeing other brides share similar experiences.
An officer contacted her for a summary and a wedding photo, but she later received a letter saying no further action would be taken as it was considered a case of “poor business management.”
“We are devastated, if I’m honest. I think about our wedding video every day,” she said. “I thought contacting the police would help, but we’re in the same position as two years ago. Communication with police hasn’t been great, and after my first conversation, I was filled with hope. It’s disheartening. It would be lovely to get some good news soon.”
Lauren Yates, from Sittingbourne, also married in 2022 and says she feels “very frustrated” with the delays from both the videographer and the police.
The 30-year-old says she even paid Wallflower Weddings an extra £100 in an attempt to get her raw footage before the investigation began.
“She texted me after Christmas saying she was posting the footage,” Mrs Yates said. “Then suddenly she put up a status saying she couldn’t speak to us anymore because it had gone to the police.”
“I’m not feeling very hopeful. I’m frustrated and angry. I’d just like the raw footage now and don’t expect any answers.”
Jasmine Leah Medows is another bride who reported the matter to police but has not had confirmation her footage was among the seized items.
“Police told me they had seized an array of hard drives and footage from her,” she said. “So I hope, and assume, mine will be in there.”
She reported the incident after Ms Stanton was arrested in January to ensure her name was on the police’s records.
“It has been difficult. We’ve really tried to hold on to hope that we’ll get something,” she said. “As daft as it sounds, when the police got invovled, I felt a bit deflated because just three weeks before, I was still getting messages from Sarah saying I’d receive our raw footage.
“It was bittersweet. I’ll never know if she actually would’ve sent it. But I thought it was safe with the police and we’d get something soon, maybe even justice. Of course, nothing has come of that.
“Now, all I want is our footage. I’m not interested in taking it further. I just want to be done and to show our family our wedding day.”
Ms Stanton has been approached for comment.
