Keith Wilson and Marie Thurman are due to tie the knot in three weeks' time, but have not heard a word from the photographer, Eric Hodgson of Wesleyan Studios in Hetton, since they booked him 18 months ago, paying a deposit of £250.

Bride-to-be Marie broke down in tears when the Houghton couple heard that Wesleyan Studios was no longer in business and other couples had been left out of pocket.

Keith, 28, said: "We booked him 18 months ago and paid a £250 deposit. As part of the package, we were supposed to get some pre-wedding shots done in the six months running up to the wedding."

When the couple did not hear anything, they tried contacting the photography studio in Hetton's Front Street, about four months ago – but, despite numerous phone calls and visits, could not get an answer.

Keith said: "For about four months we have been trying to get in touch, but nothing. I have rang dozens of times, left messages and emailed, but haven't had any response.

"We had a direct debit set up with the bank so the remainder would be paid to him last week, but we cancelled that."

The couple finally gave up hope of getting Wesleyan Studios to turn up on their big day when staff at The Quality Hotel in Boldon, where they are getting married, said other couples had experienced similar problems.

Keith and Marie, 28, who live in Earsdon Road with their children, Charlotte, 10, Marc, seven, and two-year-old Bobby, have now had a last-minute panic to find a replacement photographer.

Keith, a production worker, said trainee nurse, Marie, managed to find another photographer for the day, but the cost is going to be slightly higher than the original package of £995.

He said: "We had to find another £200 for the new deposit, but the photographer has been good, saying we can pay the rest after the wedding."

The Echo was also unable to contact anyone at Wesleyan Studios for a comment.

* Have you been left in the same position as Keith and Marie? Contact the Echo newsdesk on 0191 501 7208.