Several New Jersey brides say they are still waiting for their wedding photos months after their big day.
The photographer they hired, originally operating as Christina Hernandez Artistry and now doing business as Wandering Stardust Collective, has not delivered what was promised in their contracts.
Sara Venezzio of Toms River booked the photographer for her October wedding. Her contract stated she would receive at least 150 photos within ten weeks. More than 16 weeks later, she has received only five. She said the pictures are especially important because some of her elderly family members who attended will not be around forever.
Venezzio initially felt confident in her choice. She booked the photographer in 2023, and their early communication was strong. But after the engagement shoot, things changed. She noticed delays, with the photographer repeatedly citing last-minute issues.
As her wedding approached, Venezzio’s concerns grew. The night before the event, she saw a post from the photographer suggesting she was about to shut down her business. Venezzio messaged her in a panic. The photographer assured her she would be at the wedding. But on the day of the event, an hour before she was scheduled to arrive, she sent a message saying her Uber had canceled. She arranged for someone else to take her place. The replacement photographer showed up, but most of the promised photos never did. Venezzio paid $2,000 and is still waiting.
Caitlin Levine of Morganville had a similar experience. She hired the photographer for her June 2024 wedding, paying $8,000 for photos and an edited video. She has received about 200 photos but no video.
Levine described the experience as frustrating and exhausting. She said she had to constantly follow up to get what she did receive. She was unsure whether the photographer was facing real difficulties or if she was being deceived.
CBS News New York attempted to contact the photographer through the phone number listed on her business Instagram. The number was out of service.
In an email, the photographer responded, saying she changed her contact information due to harassment. She apologized for the delays and said she was re-editing the photos before sending them out. She insisted she values her work and wants to deliver the final product.
Venezzio and Levine said they spoke out to warn others. They do not want other couples to go through the same experience.
CBS News New York contacted the New Jersey Attorney General’s office. A spokesperson said the Division of Consumer Affairs has no complaints on file against the photographer or her business.
