I am feeling for so many couples as I write this blog post. The Victims of what I will deem “The Monte Cristo Ballroom Scandal” deserve so much more than what went down.
Here’s what I know: Monte Cristo Ballroom suddenly went out of business with next to no warning to couples who put down money and were 100% expecting to celebrate their wedding in the coming months and even years. They don’t know when or if they will get their money back. Many to the tune of $8,000+.
According to King 5 News investigations, texts and emails went out to the couples booked from the following month through 2021. This message stated that they would no longer be operating “due to a recent major decline in the owners health.”
A sign posted on the door of the closed venue states “we are in the process of getting information on how this money will be paid back but rest assured that is our first priority, and we will have more answers very soon.”
Check out The King 5 News Article HERE
Couples are contacting lawyers. They are having to reschedule or cancel wedding celebrations to recoup their wedding budgets. They’re having to start the entire wedding planning process over after believing they were ready to relax and start their lives together as husband and wife with this all inclusive venue.
Monte Cristo Ballroom was a VERY respected wedding venue in the Washington Wedding community. They were even on my bucket list this year! I was fortunate to photograph a stunning wedding at this venue that went above and beyond for their couples! See that wedding HERE.
I can attest to the fact that they were passionate about serving their couples, their friends, and their families. They were one of the best staffed wedding venues have worked with. That’s why this news hit me hard…and why it is definitely hitting the couples who felt so cared for even harder.
I would like to extend a helping hand to these couples. Definitely reach out to me if you are one of the victims of Monte Cristo Ballroom. I have a unique creative idea that I think could help.
With all that said, I’d bet with 99% certainty the owners of Monte Cristo are sick to their stomachs every day as they navigate the details of what has happened here. As a business owner, I can imagine the pain of their mistake.
There is no excuse for how this has been handled. Certainly, the owners of Monte Cristo know that better than anyone. To the couples: Do what you need to do to get your money back. Even though we are compassionate and understanding as possible, Fight for that. Kindly fight. That day is yours. That money needs to go towards your wedding day that WILL happen on different terms than you had imagined.
Our Studio is feeling for the couples, and the venue. We’re feeling for the Venue Staff who likely suddenly lost their jobs. We’re feeling for the owner’s family as he/she battles with their health.
I will keep an eye on this case and hope all is resolved as amicably as possible. I pray everyone gets what they need, somehow.
Sincerely, Jaclynn Wilkinson | Studio of Fine Art.
Victims of Monte Cristo Ballroom
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