(10k) Favorite wedding photographer hasn't opened her books 12 months out from our date

18 months out I filled a form for my preferred wedding photographer. Of all the photographers I looked at I loved her style the most. She replied with her approximate pricing for 2027 but said she wouldn't open her books until later in the year and that she would waitlist me. At the time I thought, okay whatever. But she hasn't posted at all on social media this year.

Now I'm 12 months out and I feel a bit shafted. I sent emails to my 2nd and 3rd choice photographers just now. Our wedding date is a Saturday in August and not very flexible. I wouldn't be surprised if the other photographers are getting booked up for 2027. And then I don't know what to do if I have to choose to pay a deposit to secure a spot, without knowing if my first choice will even open her books or not.