My photographer came recommended on our vendor referral list. We loved her work and after a great conversation with her, we booked her. She was responsive up until she received the signed contract and our $1200 non refundable deposit.
Part of the package we selected came with engagement pictures. Many months after our signed contract, I emailed her to schedule an engagement session that way we could mail out our “Save the Dates”. I didn’t hear back until almost three weeks later, which was slightly concerning. When she responded back, she claimed that her assistant already spoke to me and scheduled a day (this was untrue). I felt like she was saying that to protect herself. She also said she had emailed me previously, and sent a phony and doctored looking email that looked copied and pasted in (I never received anything). In my gut I felt like she was not only acting unethically, but there were some major red flags. I expressed concern over the email and the fact that I never had a conversation with her assistant. Her response back didn’t acknowledge my concern but instead she just scheduled an engagement session date. She also said that we could be in contact two weeks prior to confirm the day for sure, weather permitting. I felt as though my hands were tied because she had our non refundable deposit. If I walked away at this point I felt like I didn’t have a leg to stand on to fight and get my money back.
I agreed to go ahead with the engagement session. Two weeks prior to the date we agreed upon, I emailed her to confirm the day as she asked. I have not heard from her at all. At this point I refuse to have her photograph my wedding. Should I be entitled to receive my non refundable deposit back? It seems like she breached our contact by not providing me with an engagement session and by blowing me off. Not to mention her unethical behavior.
This is like a punch to the gut, having great pictures on my wedding is so important to me. I feel like her actions now are a glimpse of what would be to come if I worked with her. I would love to hear your opinions on how I should proceed with this situation.
