Bad Experience
I signed a wedding planning contract with Christine at the end of January 2023, and paid her 500 dollar fee on February 2, 2023 after finding her here on Wedding Wire. During our first phone call her presentation of her services were wonderful. She explained that this is her own small business and is always available for her clients, especially her brides, and while she does not have an office, we can meet somewhere in Long Island that worked for both of us (we never met). We shared emails and text messages trying to plan my wedding in Punta Cana for April 2024. The first red flag was when she got annoyed with me because I sent her a text message and email early in the morning. I only did this because she said I can text her anytime, if I would have known it bothered her, I wouldn't have sent it. She called me during her vacation and sent me pictures of herself which I thought was odd, but albeit friendly. During a later conversation, thru it in my face, saying "Well, I called you on my vacation". (thank you, but I didn't ask you to, and it wasn't necessary) She prepared a contract that stated she will book all my guests accommodations, room transfers and airfare (if necessary). She did state the 500 dollar planning fee was non-refundable over the phone and in the contract I signed at the end of January, explaining that ensures she gets paid in the event that I cancel the wedding. She then prepared a room block contract that we did not sign because she was unable to explain and answer several questions about it. I attempted to text Christine about the room block and she responded rudely telling me to stop texting her. I was very confused and hurt as I trusted her. Christine then cancelled on me by sending me an email on March 24, 2023. I tried to call her and she would not answer. I was devastated as I thought I had found an agent to help me. I never imagined she wouldn't refund the money as she is the one who breached our contract, but she refuses to give our money back. Because she made sure to put "non-refundable" in there, she protected herself. So, from the time I paid her, to the time SHE CANCELLED on me was 51 days. She may be able to keep my 500 dollars although she never booked one guest, not even me. I learned a harsh lesson doing business with Christine. I was not protected, and it was my fault, because I signed the contract never imagining Christine would cancel on us. I requested my 500 dollar planning fee back as she cancelled on me and she refused to refund my money. I am currently in a dispute with my credit card company to hopefully recover the money. This experience made an exciting and special time very stressful. I DO NOT RECOMMEND Christine of You and Me by the Sea.