Still no photos! wedding 4 months ago

Can I ask you a question? How long have they been in business? You mentioned they do this as a "side gig". Did they express a desire to make photography a F/T profession? After a few years, they should be able to do that if they're good at what they do. If they just take photos to supplement their regular income, the photography is going to be secondary to their F/T work obligations. I suspect they know that, which is why there is nothing about turn-around time in their contract. I'm assuming you saved some money by hiring them. Sometimes, it's really not worth the money you save by hiring someone who does something on the side. I'm not lecturing you -- you're already upset enough. That comment was directed towards brides who may be considering using someone who isn't a F/T pro.

At this point, I'd get a little tougher with the threat to file a small claims suit against them. You may want to write them again. Don't threaten to review them negatively. They are already aware of that. Remain cool and unemotional. I would tell them that you are planning to solicit affidavits from three area photographers who will state, in a court of law, that a 6 - 12 month turn around time is not the industry standard, and it is unfair to expect a newly married couple to wait up to a year to receive their photo package. It would be better if you could actually have a photographer with you in court, but if you can't, see if you can't find a few who'd be willing to put it in writing. You might have to pay them a few bucks for their time to get the statement notarized, but it's probably worth it. It might put some teeth into the threat (that they've probably received before), but it will show this pair that you are serious and you're making a plan. It couldn't hurt.

And scour that contract. What does it say will happen after they finish shooting your wedding and pack up their equipment?

Good idea, Briggitte. I wouldn't trust them to edit the photos either -- too much negativity in the air. Just try to get the raw data and pay someone else to finish the job.

The other couple did finally get their pics 10 months after their wedding. They went through a lot with this photographer. They let up on them after the company responded. Then the no relies started all over again.

I sent them an email again noting my disappointment in their lack of communication. And stating what we want from them at this point. My husband had to leave a voicemail again yesterday. They better repsond

That's nucking futs. I don't know of anyone who does proof books or contact sheets unless they're either 70 years old, or still exclusively use film. Hadn't heard that term in over 10 years. It's prettty weak there's no turnaround time in the contract, and I could see where a busy bride could overlook one important detail in the contract. It's important to communicate up front and understand the contract but their major breach was being incommunicado. I don't blame you for threatening legal action. Not sure what recourse you have as far as time goes, but I guarantee mine to be delivered in 30 days. Album is then a different process, an additional 30-45 days. But 6-12 months, no. They're living in the past, or the never was.

Ten months? Unbelievable. I can see it now, "Happy Anniversary, honey. Here's your gift -- our wedding photos have arrived".

Centerpiece Flowers...they've been in business since 1999. They were our 2nd splurge outside of our venue. We gave them $2000 paid off for their service one month prior to wedding. Not a a bad idea at all to get statements from area photographers. We're gonna go through that contract again and again. Thanks for the advice.

Jay Farrell...thanks as well. Very helpful info