Recourse when photog doesn't meet deadline in contract?

If yesterday was just 10 weeks I'd give it a couple days it's a holiday weekend. Call her on Tuesday and Wednesday. Explain you need a more concrete answer then by the end of the week.

Eta: explain that you are both super exited to see all the pictures and were under the impression that you'd have them by now because of what the contract said.

It was 10 WEEKS, not days.

Oops I meant to type weeks not days

She JUST hit the 10 weeks yesterday, and it's a long weekend, and you're already talking about "recourse"? I'm sorry, but I think you're overreacting at this point. I would relax and follow up with her this week.

You've already emailed a few times when it had not even been 10 weeks. I would find that annoying. I'm sure she's working hard to get your photos done.

Gotcha. And that is what I said in my email to her last week. I didn't pester her until it had been 7 weeks. Each time it was "next week" and the the latest date passed. : / She has always been apologetic, but apologies don't put the pictures in front of us.

I agree wait until Tuesday or Wednesday to reach out. Since you've emailed her a few times already, I'd make this one a tiny bit more stern, something like this (but more professional sounding) "I know you have been busy understandably because it is wedding season. However, your contract does state 6-10 weeks and that has passed. Please send me a detailed update regarding the status of my pictures and a definite date the pictures will be ready by based on the work you have completed thus far and what you have left to do. " if you don't hear from her in a few days I'd send a certified letter.

I would wait until the end of week and than ask

Try to be patient i know your getting anxious but give her by Friday and then call her and see what is going on.

Thanks for the suggestions, and by recourse, I don't mean lawsuits or anything like that. Geez. And I do not plan on coming unglued or berating the woman. I have ALWAYS been kind in my exchanges with her. No need to assume otherwise.

What I mean, is there any sort of of "what do I get if she is late?" Or what can I ask for? When I contracted with my vendors, I never really thought about what kind of protections are there for me if they don't deliver on their end. I don't know that many of us do, as the contracts are designed to protect the vendor. Fees, non-refundable aspects of deposits are standard language. However, brides need to be mindful of their own protections. In hindsight, I wish I had thought about that.

You bugged her at 7 weeks when your contract specifically states she has 6-10 weeks. Chill out. Give her time. I know you're excited, but there's no reason to act like a child on Christmas morning pissed off that everyone isn't ready to open presents. Give her another week and then get in touch without talk of "recourse" or free stuff.

A lot of assumption about my behavior there, Elizabeth. I've been nothing but professional and understanding in my inquiries. I signed a contract. Had I broken it, there would have been financial penalties or complete loss of my date or deposit.

"Recourse" can mean lots of things, and that is what I am asking...what can I do? Can I do anything or am I stuck waiting for however long when the vendor did not meet their own, set, contracted time?

OP - you're stuck. The photog has the photos, has the power to edit them well or not, etc.

And Elizabeth is right. It's clear from your posts you've contacted her multiple times during the 6-10 week window, which is pestering.

I would also suggest reaching out at the end of the week. Now that the deadline has passed, you have a bit more of a case. If she gets them to you this week or next, leave an honest review reflecting that. If it's any later than that, it's time to talk freebies.

@Sarah, yes, I did. I messaged at 7 weeks just asking for an ETA. I also told her that I realize she is swamped and I thanked her for her time. She said the end of the following week (end of week 8). I emailed a few days into week 9 asking how things were going and for a firm ETA. I also said I realize it hadn't been 10 weeks and we were still within the contracted window. Again, "hopefully by the end of next week" (end of week 10). So, I emailed twice in a 4 week span. All of them were friendly emails.

ETA: we live in the same town. Shipping isn't necessary.

Wendy- we are suppose to get a 20 image album and digital copies.

"A lot of assumption about my behavior there, Elizabeth."

Actually, I didn't make any assumptions. My response was based on your posts. You asked specifically "what do I get if she's late?" and "what can I ask for?" That's pretty straight forward. I mean, you're waiting for photos. They were taken, they will be done and given to you. She's one day late -- literally, ONE day. You're totally overreacting.

She's ONE day late on a long weekend. I would not expect delivery of photos on a non-business day.

Another perspective: I would rather have late photos than poorly edited ones. I would be careful rushing her. I know it's hard to wait, though.

What you can "get" is from taking them to court over it. Other than that, I would wait, even a few more weeks, for quality pictures.