Disappointing wedding photos

Alyssachu made pretty much the same point I was about to make. The contract limits the damages for things that are not the fault of the photographer. This was the fault of the photographer so that damage waiver doesn't appear to apply here, leaving the photographer liable.

ETA: liable to the point of a full refund plus a re-shoot including your expenses for the re-shoot (obviously it would be for portraits, not a complete re-do wedding, but still) if you really wanted to take it that far- and you'd probably have to take them to court to get the additional expenses covered, which likely isn't worth it, but could, technically, be possible.

She should offer some kind of post wedding incentive. That is just sad and upsetting.

Oh, no This is a terrible situation. I can't add much more that wasn't said, but I would definitely recommend asking for a refund, or at least partial refund. She spent time away from the hours you paid for buying new equipment and then couldn't capture all the photos you wanted/requested for your wedding day. Be polite and respectful, but firm. It's important she know how big of a deal this is. I interpret her contract to cover a refund for the "malfunction" and lack of being able to get back on track and photograph as needed. I realize no refund can ever make up for photos and moments not captured on your day, but it's something. Since you didn't get many bride and groom photos, you might want to look into getting bridal photos done with another photographer, so at least you can have a few formal photos of you two in your wedding attire.

Sorry this happened to you Let us know what happens.

Oh, and whatever happens -- full refund or partial refund -- do not agree to waive your right to leave an honest review in exchange for that refund.

The longer I think about this, the more upsetting it is.

Nothing else to add more than the PP said but just wanted to say that really sucks and I'm sorry it happened to you!!

I'm a photographer and that is highly unprofessional. If she was experienced with wedding photography she would have back up equipment and plenty of it. I would never not have enough charged batteries, memory cards, lenses, and cameras. Unfortunately there are a lot of people who buy a "fancy" camera and think they can do photography and sometimes actually steal other peoples work and posts it as their own. Did she have a second shooter? I'm guessing not since you got so little of pictures and had to stop while she went shopping. I'm sorry this happened to you. Did you look at her website, facebook, instagram, etc and see consistent work and reviews throughout? When meeting in person, did you see printed work, like albums? You can probably work out a refund but is a shame that you cant re-create the day to get the pictures you had originally hoped for. Again, I'm sorry. The photographs are the most important part of my day and I am splurging on a good professional photographer. I did tons of research before booking plus I know what questions to ask. I am so sorry this happened to you. I wish you the best of luck with at least getting a refund.

Update: she emailed us and offered a 50% refund for "any stress she may have caused".

I would re do pictures but I already sent my dress to be preserved

It just looks like we have to work with what we have and move on. I appreciate the thoughts, support and empathetic advice. It is still shocking this happened - but our wedding day was flawless aside from this epic f*ck up and at the end of the day we got married - and that is all that matters! We have a few lovely photos of the ceremony that surfaced from wedding guests and we will use the 50% refund towards a photo shoot on our honeymoon!