Photographer bailed...

Aaaah I'm so glad you found a replacement!

Glad it worked out. I can't even imagine.

Make sure you review her to warn other brides! Soo not cool. And fingers crossed it works out with one of them!!

Calm down. Two Options:

1) Tell her that you have a contract and you expect her to find a suitable replacement in order to execute that contract or you expect a full refund of your money. MOST photographers have a pipeline to others in the industry and can help you out in a situation like this--so call her back, remain calm, apologize for hanging up on her, and try to deal with her on finding someone who can fill in.

2) Check Wedding Wire vendors and craigslist to see if you can find anyone who is not booked on that date. Be sure to do your "due diligence" on checking their work. Some of the less expensive ones can be incredibly talented.

Getting stressed won't help. Calm down, breathe--and make some calls.

Glad it worked out!

Glad it worked out! Now, you'll leave her a scathing review, right?

Our contract says that in case of sickness, she will provide a an equally experienced photographer. This seems like a similar issue. Go on thumbtack.com and put out a request for a quote. Explain the situation and you may find someone you love more. And take her to small claims court. Good luck!

I know you've found someone and that's fantastic; this is a great lesson for everyone out there.

1. get a contract from EVERYONE; friendor or pro, free or paid.

2. pay a retainer; if there is nothing to lose, there is no compelling reason for a sorta pro to fulfill their obligation.

3. Thumbtack requires vendors to pay to contact you. Only the desperate vendors use it. Craigslist doesn't require a fee, but also used by the desperate.

4. Check references and past clients. Don't be blinded by a great price or a recommendation from someone who knows the vendor.

5. Check reviews here, yelp, where ever possible

6. Ask your other vendors if they know them/refer them/recommend them. While we will probably never say something outride derisive, crickets say a lot....

I'm glad it's resolved; have a wonderful wedding!

Gaga, Thumbtack would likely generate more people like she had originally. This thread proves that a camera owner with a few dubious decent shots does not make a photographer.

Happy that things worked out for you!

Glad you were able to find someone so quickly! I agree with everyone else that a true professional would never go back on their contract, and would at least give you a few suggestions for a replacement.

@jay I definitely see that, but we found ours on Thumbtack and after researching her fully, are very happy with the find. I posted a few weeks ago about experiences with thumbtack before hiring (I was wary) and everyone had overwhelmingly positive things to say about their vendors. It's definitely not for everyone, and you should def fully research anyone you find, but in an emergency like this, it's a viable option.

I am so glad you found someone!

I'm glad you found another photographer!

That's not cool at all. I'm glad you were able to find a replacement.

Crisis averted! Happy to hear you found someone new (and probably better!)

Glad you found a solution and I hope it goes smoothly for you.