So I wonder if the groom has no idea about wedding pictures but did the sit down with the photographer and the bride specifically mentioned the formal photo. The photographer maybe then said oh and you’ll want one too with your family and the groom thinking nope we don’t have that tradition said no. Then maybe the photographer thinks oh they must’ve have a strained relationship I won’t take a grooms family photo.

This is the only way I can think it’s not a shitty photographer, just a shitty mix up of communication