How we protect your day
Insurance, backups, and what happenswhen things go wrong.
The questions couples don’t always think to ask — and the ones that matter most. Here’s exactly how we keep your wedding photography safe.
$2M liability insurance
Hariel Xavier Photography carries $1,900,000 of general liability coverage. Most NJ venues require a Certificate of Insurance — we send yours directly to your venue at no charge. COI requests are turned around in 24 hours.
Dual-card backup at the camera
Every Mauricio shoots on are dual-slot bodies. Every photo is recorded to two memory cards simultaneously, in real time. If a card fails, your photos survive.
Triple-redundant file storage
Within 24 hours of your wedding, your files are backed up to (1) a local NAS in Sparta, (2) an offsite SSD, and (3) encrypted cloud storage. Files are kept for a minimum of 18 months after delivery.
Backup photographer if Mauricio is sick
In the rare case Mauricio is unable to shoot, a vetted backup photographer from our network will cover your wedding at no additional cost. You will be notified immediately and meet the backup before the day.
Weather, illness, and force-majeure clause
If your wedding is postponed for weather, illness in your immediate family, or unforeseen circumstances, your retainer transfers to a new date within 18 months at no additional cost. We will not leave you stranded.
Common Concerns
What couples actually ask.
What gear do you bring?
Two professional mirrorless camera bodies (Sony A1 / A7R series), six prime lenses (24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 105mm, 135mm), two flash units, on-camera and off-camera lighting kits, and a 16TB on-site backup drive. Every piece of gear has a backup.
What if my SD card or your camera fails during the day?
Dual-card recording means every photo is written to two cards at once. If one fails, the second card holds the same image. We have never lost a photo to card failure in 14 years.
What if you get sick or have an emergency?
A vetted backup photographer from our network shoots at no additional cost, with the same gear, the same approach, and the same delivery timeline. We have a documented backup roster of three photographers, all of whom have shot 200+ weddings.
How long do you keep my files?
Minimum 18 months after gallery delivery, across three separate backup locations. After 18 months, you are responsible for storing your downloaded files. We strongly recommend you download your gallery within the first 6 months.
Are you bonded?
Yes. We carry general liability coverage and equipment-specific coverage through a commercial photography policy. Bonded coverage available on request for venues that require it.
Still have a what-if?
Mauricio personally answers every policy question within 24 hours. No vague salespeak.