FACT CHECK: Setting the Record Straight

Amit Patel surgeon NJ

 

In 2021, Amit V. Patel, a vascular surgeon from Morristown, NJ, contacted Clane Gessel Studio (The Studio) to photograph the wedding of his daughter, Anisha Patel, and Arjun Mehta in Bodrum, Turkey, in May 2022. Recent media reports have inaccurately claimed that The Studio “pulled out at the last minute” due to demands for a five-star hotel. Here are the facts:

1. The Agreement and Changes to the Terms

The Studio and Patel originally agreed to a $76,000 contract, including travel and accommodations for six team members. Patel requested a discount from the original price (more than $80,000) based on his assurance that The Studio could stay at the wedding’s host hotel, which he later said was unavailable just days before the wedding and the Studio would have to stay far away. Despite this, The Studio agreed to stay off-site to accommodate the last-minute change.

2. The Studio Was Willing to Work

The Studio was already on a plane to Turkey when Patel informed them that their services were no longer needed, as he had hired a replacement photographer. The Studio was ready and willing to fulfill its obligations, even under the altered terms.

3. The Lawsuit and Dismissal

Patel filed a lawsuit in 2022, which was dismissed in June 2024. The Studio had offered a $76,000 settlement to be donated to charity as a gesture of goodwill, which Patel declined, requesting the money for himself instead.

4. Clarifying Misconceptions

“A New Jersey dad was forced to replace the photographer at the last minute.”

False.
Patel made the decision to replace The Studio, despite their willingness to perform under altered conditions.

“The photographer pulled out at the last minute because they weren’t booked at a five-star hotel.”

False.
The Studio did not pull out. The Studio agreed to stay off-site and was on the way to Turkey when Patel canceled their services.

“The bride was left in tears after discovering her photographer pulled out.”

False.
The bride may have been upset due to her father’s decisions, but The Studio did not cancel or withdraw from the wedding.

Moving Forward

As wedding professionals, our ultimate goal is to ensure joyful, memorable experiences for couples. We regret that this situation became unnecessarily contentious and overshadowed what should have been a beautiful celebration. We remain committed to honesty, professionalism, and accountability in all our work.

 

The Lawsuit that Charity Won

I’m excited to share the good that came from it. At Clane Gessel Studio, we make it a point to give back each year by supporting charities that open our eyes to the struggles of others.

For our donation in 2024, I’m proud to announce our partnership with Shanti Bhavan, a boarding school for children born into India’s lowest socioeconomic class, as featured in the Netflix docuseries Daughters of Destiny. Shanti Bhavan follows students through graduation, breaking the cycle of poverty through the power of education.

Their mission deeply resonates with me, and I’m honored to support their incredible work.

How we chose this year’s charity:
In 2022, we faced a lawsuit from a former client, Dr. Patel, regarding a wedding we were contracted to photograph in Turkey. A week before the wedding, the client decided to cancel and requested a full refund, which we were unable to provide due to the terms of our contract. However, I offered to donate the full amount—$76,000—to this charity that I thought aligned with both of our values.
Patel declined the charity offer, he wanted the money for himself. The lawsuit was later dismissed, but I felt compelled to reconnect with the cause we identified. Supporting Shanti Bhavan is a way to turn a challenging experience into something meaningful and impactful.

In past years, we’ve proudly supported organizations such as Kids Beating Cancer, Dress for Success, Soulumination, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and many more. Giving back is at the heart of what we do, and I hope to inspire others to do the same. It’s cool to care. Join us in making a difference—give to Shanti Bhavan.

 

Honesty. Accountability. Compassion. Always.
#ClaneGessel #FactCheck #Charity #GivingBack

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