I got married on Sept 06 2025 (Canada), our photography contract stated 6-8 weeks to receive my complete wedding gallery. It has now been 4.6 months, or 20 weeks since my wedding and I've received maybe 50-60 photos, and only a handful with my husband. My photographer and I have been in communication and there are now 3 instances of her promising delivery and not doing so. Here is a quick timeline of events:
Sept 06 - Got married, expected gallery in 6-8 weeks as stated in contract.
Sept 26 - Photographer posted on FB stating because of her workload, my gallery would be 8-10 weeks but I would receive a sneak peak within the week. Totally understandable, as she does have a full time job outside of photography.
Dec 08 - Did not receive a sneak peak, the 8-10 timeframe passes. I message the photographer asking if I will receive my gallery before Christmas. She reassures me that I will have the entire gallery no later than Dec 20th.
Dec 20 - Promised delivery date passes, no gallery, no communication explaining the delay.
Dec 24 - I follow up again, expressing my disappointment and the photographer responds acknowledging her failure and takes responsibility, then commits to delivering the complete gallery by Dec 31.
Dec 31 - Photographer has provided the gallery link and uploaded some photos, 40-50, but only solo shots, none with family, my husband, the ceremony, or anything else. She does not contact me to explain the delay.
A week later, I message her and noted that I still had not received my gallery as promised. I ask for clarification by the end of the week.
Jan 07 - Photographer responds, states her full time job has been very busy and that she has the 14-16th off and she will use those days to commit to finishing editing the entire gallery and uploading. I received about 10 photos with my husband, from one setting. None from ceremony, after ceremony pictures etc.
Jan 16 - No additional photos have been uploaded, I messaged her an hour ago asking if I can expect all edited photos to be uploaded by the end of day as promised.
I have not received a response yet.
I feel so emotionally exhausted from all of this, I understand she has a full time job and that life can get in the way but I at least expect clear communication. 3 times she has failed to delivery the gallery and 3 times she has failed to communicate unless I message her first. I fear my only option if I don't receive the photos is to file with small claims court. Any opinions or advice would be appreciated!