Kent Police Return Wedding Footage to Videographer, Leaving Brides Distraught
Dozens of brides who’ve waited years to receive their wedding videos have been left gutted after Kent Police confirmed they will return the footage, not to the couples, but to the videographer under investigation.
The footage, originally seized from Wallflower Weddings, a Tonbridge-based company owned by Sarah Stanton, was taken earlier this year as part of a fraud investigation sparked by growing complaints.
Couples had come forward one after another, sharing stories of long delays, broken promises, and total silence after paying for professional wedding videos that never arrived.
It was a mess. And police stepped in. But now, after months of hope, it’s over, and not in the way many had expected. Last week, officers revealed that no charges would be filed.
And to make matters worse for those waiting, the seized hard drives and memory cards would be given back to the business owner.
In a letter to those who had made complaints, police explained: “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.”
That decision has hit couples hard, especially those who saw police involvement as their last shot at recovering footage of their wedding day.
Roxanne Wood, from Rochester, was married in November 2022. She still hasn’t received any video. What hurts most, she says, is that her husband’s nan passed away in March, without ever getting to see their wedding.
“My husband’s nan, who passed away in March, never got to see our wedding video,” she shared. “The heartbreak caused is immense.”
After spotting similar complaints online, Roxanne reported the issue to the police. She was initially asked to provide a summary of her experience, and even sent over a photo from her wedding. She genuinely believed something would come from it.
“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 tied the knot in 2022. She tried to be proactive, sending Wallflower Weddings an extra £100 in hopes of getting the raw footage. She was told it was being sent. Then silence.
“She texted me after Christmas saying she was posting the footage,” Lauren 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 also reported her missing video to the police. She hasn’t been told whether her footage was among the materials taken during the investigation, but she’s trying to stay hopeful.
“Police told me they had seized an array of hard drives and footage from her,” Jasmine said. “So I hope, and assume, mine will be in there.”
She remembers still getting messages from Stanton shortly before the arrest, telling her the footage was coming. And then—nothing.
“As daft as it sounds, when the police got involved, 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.”
A spokesperson for Kent Police said officers had thoroughly investigated the claims against the company.
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.”
So, where does this leave the couples? In limbo. Again. Some are considering legal options, though many feel emotionally drained. Others simply want the footage, no compensation, no court battle, just the memories they were promised.
It’s not just about lost files. It’s about the loss of something deeply personal. A moment that can’t be recreated. A chapter that now feels unfinished.
This story is ongoing, and many couples say they won’t stop speaking out until something changes. For now, though, they’re left with unanswered messages, empty promises, and no videos.
