I had a bad experience with Samuel too.
During the 1st meet up, Samuel mentioned to us that he will be out of town and will be back a day before my wedding. We were okay with that.
After the meetup, I asked for an invoice and the deposit amount. No reply until the 2nd week and he informed me that he will not be able to make it for the morning session and his partner will be taking over. He told me that he will be back in time for the afternoon session (wedding lunch). We okay-ed it (thinking back, it was a huge mistake). Invoice was only sent to me 5 weeks after the meet up (I was left with 7 weeks to my wedding then).
Fast forward to a week before my wedding, we communicated via whatsapp regarding the actual day details.
On the actual day, in the morning, someone asked about his whereabouts and his partner mentioned his flight was delayed and he will be late. Samuel told his partner on the morning itself. He did not message me about the delay, or that he wasn't going to turn up at all. Things were already chaotic at that time and he was the last thing on my mind. True enough, he did not turn up for the afternoon session at all.
I waited 2-3 days for his apology. NOTHING. When I finally messaged him, he told me, in his actual words, "I forgot to inform you."
Still feeling weird about his whole story, I went to search for his "delayed" flight. Turned out it landed on time. With all the information I went to confront him.
To cut the story short, he gave excuses. I told him his plane was on schedule; he then told me he landed approx 10.41 (1st phonecall received); clear customs etc at 12-1 pm and then added "frankly speaking I am also abit tired and shaq due to the flight. And by the time I reached your hotel I am afraid the party is going to over.."
I have no words for his actions. He was irresponsible and unprofessional. He asked whether there is a way to compensate us. Is there any way to compensate anyone in such situation? I don't know.
The only good thing that came out from this whole incident is that at least his partner is professional enough, and at such a young age too.