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Just Said Yes September 2018

Help! Videographer mia 8 months after wedding - have some videos & need editing recommendations

Coastal Bride, on May 18, 2019 at 5:41 PM Posted in Community Conversations 0 9

We hired (and paid in full) the kindest videographer who had nothing but positive reviews on the Knot, Wedding Wire, Yelp, everywhere. Fast forward 8 months later and we still don't have our wedding video and it doesn't look like we'll ever get one because she's closing down her business.

We got married in September and in December, after we reached out about the status of our video, she told us that she was going through a tough time personally, but that she'd have our video done in the next few months. We've been nothing but compassionate, patient, and supportive, knowing full well that other clients were probably far less accommodating. We reached out to her in March, no response. So two weeks ago I tried again and she responded saying that she was closing down her business and gave us a link to the raw videos in Google Drive (and that she'd try to stay in touch to refund the work not yet completed).

I'm crushed. We're crushed. My husband's grandfather is getting older and we know his marrying of us will be the last big speech he'll make (big deal, because he was a pastor and it was my husband's dream to have him marry us and get the video so we could show our kids what the guy was like that raised him). From what I can see in the footage she sent, she only got snippets of his ceremony speech (this was honestly what we wanted more than anything and came as part of her package: a full ceremony video).


I doubt we'll see the money back, but most importantly at this point I just want to have the 3-5 minute video clip of our special day completed so we can watch it on our anniversary in September, and I can move past this seriously unfortunate experience that's emotionally clouding my thoughts of the day. Can anyone recommend a video editing professional or company? Super appreciate any advice you may have!

9 Comments

Latest activity by Nykole, on May 20, 2019 at 10:59 AM
  • Jessica
    VIP October 2019
    Jessica ·
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    Oh no.. I'm so sad to hear this is happening to you. I would think you could bring her to small claims court or demand all of the raw footage she took. I would rather have that from her than the edited video to be honest that way you have all the footage she has. If you go on fiverr.com and search wedding video editing you can find some people that offer their services for editing videos. I've had good luck on Fiverr just be sure to read reviews and message the sellers before you complete the purchase. I hope it works out for you ☹️
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  • S
    Dedicated January 2023
    Schyler ·
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    I understand having personal issues and that your business can close but you should never leave a client with out what they paid for. Especially there wedding video. I would tell her you want all the raw footage, and for her to pay the cost to have it put together for you. If she doesn’t take her to small claims. You have been more then patient with her. I would put my foot down. I hate when people do that to other people.
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  • Wendy
    Super August 2021
    Wendy ·
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    I agree!!! You are way too nice! I would have been sued her!! Unbelievable!!!
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  • Nykole
    Expert October 2019
    Nykole ·
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    Did you sign a contract specifying exactly what you’re supposed to get for the money that you paid her? Because if your contract states that you’re to receive an edited video (which I’m sure it does by the sound of things) then it’s time to pursue legal action. This is absolutely shady business practices. No wonder she’s having to close her business. Good luck to you! I hope you’re able to at least get all of the raw footage.
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  • C
    Just Said Yes September 2018
    Coastal Bride ·
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    Thank you for your response! Same. I just want all the raw footage (I'm praying there's more than what she sent). I hope it doesn't come down to court. I'm looking into what small claims would entail. Smiley sad Thanks for the recommendation on Fiverr! I'm taking a look at them right now. Unfortunately, a lot of the videos she sent are very dark and honestly, pretty poor quality (first dance, eating cake, etc.)... hopefully someone has the tools and skills to turn them into something usable. What a tremendously unexpected result after all the research and interviewing that went into this decision. Ugh. Smiley sad Super appreciate your kind words and recommendations! It really helps.

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  • C
    Just Said Yes September 2018
    Coastal Bride ·
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    Thank you for your response! It really helps. You're totally right on asking her to at least pay for the new editing to be completed. I doubt she has the means to do so unfortunately... which, if I take her to small claims court, means I lose out on more time and money filing the suit. Such an awful and annoying situation! Thank you again for your response on this. I'm going to look into my legal options.

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  • C
    Just Said Yes September 2018
    Coastal Bride ·
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    Definitely looking into it! Though it's not looking great for getting my money back (especially if she doesn't have it). And then I'm out more time and money. So rough. Going to reach out again and ask if she at least as the full ceremony footage. Praying she responds. It does feel unbelievable... especially after all the time, research, and care that went into selecting her. Seriously so confused and frustrated - it really doesn't make sense.

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  • C
    Just Said Yes September 2018
    Coastal Bride ·
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    Yes. The contract clearly says we'd receive: (A) 6-hour shoot with HD camera, (B) 3-5 minute highlight video, (C) Full Ceremony Video, (D) Filmed in 60 fps - 720p HD, (E) Clipped on wireless mic and field audio recorder, (F) Digital file delivery.

    What's especially shady is that when I went to DocuSign to review the contract this past week, I see that she voided the contract in December. Which makes no sense... that a person can just void a contract without the other party's consent (because then what's the point of a contract in the first place?). I can't imagine that voiding would hold up in court. Thank you for your response and the kind words. It really does help me feel better, which is truly appreciated right now.

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  • Nykole
    Expert October 2019
    Nykole ·
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    Oh no. She voided the contract?! Wow. Then she really does have no intentions in helping you further. It’s definitely time to threaten her with legal action. She’s probably under the impression that she can just get away with this, because most people won’t bother going to the trouble of hiring a lawyer and taking her to court. Get her!! And make her pay your legal fees, too! I am so sorry that you’re going through this. This absolutely blows and I can’t imagine how devastated you must be. I’ll be sending positive vibes your way and I hope you’re able to get this all worked out soon. Maybe just threatening to pursue legal action will kick her in the butt enough to do the right thing. 🙁
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