Jan 07, 2022, 1:20amUpdated 3m ago
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A Middlesex County couple is out hundreds of dollars when their wedding videographer abruptly shut down the business.
“I’m nine months away and I have nothing. I have no videographer, no money back,” says bride-to-be Briana Martin.
The Dunellen resident says that she was stunned when videographer Trevor Barnes Media Group announced that it was closing.
“He never emailed any of us, nothing. He posted on Facebook and within minutes he deleted all social media so you couldn’t even find him if you didn’t see that post,” Martin says.
The Landing-based videographer posted a lengthy statement on his website stating that because of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the industry, he was permanently closing his business and canceling all future bookings.
“As far as deposits, we are in absolutely no position to give any sort of refunds,” Barnes wrote, adding that clients should reach out to their credit card companies.
Martin says that she is now out her $260 deposit and is waiting to hear from her credit card company.
“It’s not fair that he gets to walk away with all of our money. Did nothing for us and basically just says, ‘Well I don’t have the money to give back to you, so I’m sorry, but that’s it,’” says Martin.
Martin has connected with other couples in the same position via a bride Facebook group run by New Jersey Bride Editor Molly Gregor.
Gregor says that couples should always read reviews before booking and read contracts before signing. They should never pay a vendor in full months or years in advance and always use a credit card to pay for deposits if possible.
“Another red flag is the least expensive, like the cheapest vendor out there. I think what happened is in this case with Trevor Barnes is that he was very popular because his price was very, very low and attracted a lot of couples,” Gregor says.
News 12 New Jersey reached out to Barnes via phone and email, but did not hear back.
