1. Non-Refundable Retainer & Date Reservation: A non-refundable retainer deposit equal to thirty-five percent (35%) of the Total Contract Investment is due upon execution of this Agreement. No wedding date is reserved or guaranteed until both this signed Agreement and the cleared retainer deposit are received by Weddings by Shaka. Because Videographer turns away other inquiries for the reserved date, this retainer is strictly non-refundable under all circumstances, including event cancellation or postponement by Client.
2. Final Payment Deadline (1 Week Prior to Event): The remaining sixty-five percent (65%) balance must be paid in full a minimum of seven (7) calendar days (one full week) prior to the scheduled Wedding Date (Balance Due Date: 7 Days Prior to Event). If full payment is not received at least 7 days prior to the event, Videographer reserves the right to suspend services, withhold attendance on the wedding day, and retain all prior payments as liquidated damages.
3. Travel & Service Area: Standard travel within Sullivan, Ulster, and Orange Counties in New York State is included at no additional charge. Venues located outside these counties may incur a mutually agreed travel or lodging fee documented in writing prior to signing.
4. Post-Production & Delivery Timeline: Edited films are delivered digitally within 8 to 12 weeks following the Wedding Date (except the Next-Day Social Media Teaser, which is delivered within 48 hours). Videographer retains creative discretion over color grading, pacing, and licensed music selection to maintain artistic consistency.
5. Rescheduling & Force Majeure: If Client reschedules the event with at least 30 days' written notice, Videographer will apply the paid retainer toward a new mutually available date within 12 months. In the event of severe illness, injury, equipment failure, or circumstances beyond Videographer's control (Force Majeure) preventing performance, Videographer will make every reasonable effort to secure a qualified replacement cinematographer or refund all fees paid (including the retainer), which shall constitute Videographer's sole and exclusive liability.
6. Meal & Venue Cooperation: For coverage lasting 6 hours or longer, Client agrees to provide a hot vendor meal for each attending crew member at the same time guests are served. Client is responsible for obtaining any venue permissions required for tripods, lighting, audio feeds, and aerial drone operation.