I agree with you, Jonathan. I'm getting married at the Riu Ocho Rios, and have decided to hire an outside photog. By the way, Riu ladies, I would consider this - yes, I am paying more (about 2k) but he will be with me all day - and will come with me to my off-site reception, and he is fantastic.
Anyways, I guess I will be the test case because I'm telling Michael and the resort that I'm not paying a breach of contract fee. I'm an attorney - and I write/review contracts everyday. What I do know is that I am not, and have never been, a party to a contract with Michael. His contract is with the Riu - not me. To charge me a "breach of contract fee" - with the alternative being Michael's interruption and sabotaging of pictures is nothing more than extortion. I won't stand for it.
My guess is that when someone stands up to him/them, they'll have back off. The resort is already nickel and diming me for "included" options. There's no way I'm paying this ridiculous fee.
Sorry - I'll get off my soap box ... I just can't believe that they're making people do this.