Wedding Photographer Vanishes, Couples Left Without Photos

Several engaged couples have reported losing significant sums of money to a local wedding photographer who allegedly failed to provide promised services. Rubi Salgado and Matt French booked photographer Grace Avalos Sanchez for engagement and wedding photos, paying a $1,000 deposit. She allegedly missed their engagement shoot, citing an emergency, and did not return the deposit after the contract was terminated.

Another client, Josee Ladzinski, paid $1,650 for wedding videography but claims Avalos Sanchez never arrived. After initial promises to refund, Ladzinski, like Salgado and French, had not received her money back. Investigations revealed numerous similar complaints against the photographer.

Salgado filed a police report, after which Avalos Sanchez reportedly returned half of the $1,000 owed. The photographer provided a written statement acknowledging client issues and refund delays, attributing them to personal emergencies and a business downturn. She denied intending to scam clients and committed to resolving outstanding obligations as financially able.

Following media involvement, Avalos Sanchez fully refunded Ladzinski's $1,650. Salgado still awaits the remaining $500. The Aurora Police Department has deemed the situation a civil matter, pending any further information indicating criminal activity.