Steph Maggs Beauty

What happened at Kaitlyn’s venue was absolutely devastating to us as wedding vendors in the Niagara region. I am always more than happy to try and work things out when anything beyond anyones control comes up.

When Kaitlyn contacted me regarding the issue at hand, I had stated (in our written contract, of which there are two to be signed) that the $100 retainer fee that was paid is to hold the date of her wedding. This retainer fee is non-refundable as outlined in the contract and ensures we are available for her date. This amount is then used towards the balance owing on the wedding day, as is standard practice.

When the location changed to Durham, I let Kaitlyn know that I was happy to travel to her. Being from Niagara, this is a 2 hour drive per way. I quoted my standard travel fee that is calculated for all out of town events that I attend as compensation towards gas and the time taken from my day to make the commute.

When this was not acceptable (understandably due to an additional cost), I also offered to help find another makeup artist that would be able to assist in her wedding day that was in her area.

Kaitlyn demanded the non-refundable retainer fee back, though as stated in the contract signed, this is non-refundable. She states in her review that she has yet to hear from me again though there is nothing further to discuss about this matter at hand. Our contracts are in place for a reason and guarantees we are paid for a date we have taken off and refused other weddings for. I am unable to guarantee whether or not I will be booked for this date again. All wedding vendors provide contracts to protect themselves and their business and this is a standard practice.

Following this review, Kaitlyn also has posted negative reviews to other outlets mine and has encouraged her bridal party to do so as well. I refuse to be “review bombed” and unjustly bullied by her wedding party for sticking to my contracts after doing what I could to help Kaitlyn. I was also happy to change her contract three separate times as requested to accommodate her changes in requirements for her bridal party.

I understand and completely empathize with the situation at hand - I’m heartbroken myself to be in a region that experienced such a loss and she is definitely not the only bride affected. I stick by my contracts and offered several solutions to this situation Kaitlyn is unfortunately in.

Working with brides as a small part of their wedding day is truly an honor and I have been doing this for sixteen years. I am so sad that it has come to this as I am sure Kaitlyn’s bridal party will look fantastic on her wedding day.

Any brides whom read this review and have any questions about my contracts are more than welcome to contact me any time and ask for a copy for a review.

Thank you so much for your feedback! I was so happy to be a small part of your incredibly special day. Congratulations!

Thank you so much for this Megan! I was so happy to be a part of your special day and I’m relieved to hear everything held up perfectly despite the less than desirable weather. Congratulations again and I’m wishing you many happy years to come!