Help Me Howard: Wedding Photographer

WSVN -- When Jennifer and Jason got married, they made sure the day would be perfect.

Jennifer Kornblau: "The best day of my life. It was wonderful."

Jessica's wedding day was special as well.

Jessica Cespedes: "Best wedding I've ever been to."

Michelle's was just what she hoped for.

Michelle Hofkin Silverman: "It was absolutely spectacular. I wouldn't take a second of it back."

Three South Florida women with memories that will last a lifetime. But what they are all missing are the pictures from their perfect day.

Michelle Hofkin Silverman: "I was devastated. Our memories are gone forever."

Michelle paid Richard Miller Photography in Delray Beach $5,000 to capture her wedding day.

Jennifer paid Miller $3,100.

Jennifer Kornblau: "I wanted my pictures. I wanted the album. I'm entitled. I paid for it."

Jessica paid $2,800.

Jessica Cespedes: "How is he getting away with this? It's upsetting."

Great question. And so many people are complaining about Richard Miller Photography that Delray Beach Police are now involved.

Detective Casey Thume, Delray Beach Police: "I have approximately 30 brides complaining that they contracted with Richard Miller Photography and they have not received the albums and photos that they were promised."

But Richard Miller told the brides he has a reason: it's the fault of his business partner who once happened to be his bride.

Jennifer Kornblau: "He basically told us he's going through a very messy divorce. 'My ex took everything: the equipment, my money, and I have nothing.'"

The Millers are now in the process of divorcing. Miller's soon-to-be ex-wife Maja says it's Richard's fault. But while they point fingers at each other, Detective Thume's case is becoming more serious.

Detective Casey Thume: "I am looking at this as a criminal matter. I'm looking at an organized scheme to defraud. I'm looking at grand theft. I'm looking at extortion, because there have been cases where he would call them and say, 'I'm not going to show up at your wedding unless you pay me more.'"

Richard Miller told us the same thing he told the brides: it's his estranged wife Maja's fault. In an e-mail, Maja said he was the sole owner of the company and it was his responsibility to deliver the photo albums.

Michelle Hofkin Silverman: "There's nothing I can do now. I can't replicate that day."

Well Howard, the police are investigating criminal charges, lawsuits have been filed, but the newlyweds still can't get their wedding pictures. What are their legal options?

Howard Finkelstein, 7's Legal Expert: "The couples clearly want their photo albums, and there are two ways to get them. In their civil lawsuit against the photographer, don't ask for money damages. Ask for what the law calls 'specific performance.' In other words, 'Give me my photo album.' And the second way to get the pictures is to get them charged with a crime and have a judge order the pictures turned over as part of the sentence."

If the Millers are hoping the newlyweds will give up, they are in for a surprise.

Michelle Hofkin Silverman: "Because I'm going to be the kind of person that's going to keep going and keep going and when he thinks it's over, I'm going to keep going again."

Keep going till the 30 couples get their pictures from their perfect day.

Michelle Hofkin Silverman: "If one person doesn't suffer like all of us did because of this, then I've done my job. Then I've done the right thing."

Patrick Fraser: "Who has the wedding pictures? Hopefully the photographer, but a few brides gave up and got copies of their pictures to make their own albums. By the way, Detective Thume from Delray Beach says if you have had the same problem with Miller Photography, she would love to hear from you."

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
EMAIL: helpmehoward@wsvn.com (Please include your contact phone number when emailing)
REPORTER: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com 
MIAMI-DADE: 305-953-WSVN
BROWARD: 954-761-WSVN