A couple in Florida tried to throw a wedding at a mansion that they didn’t own and didn’t have permission to use. Their two-day nuptials ended before they even started, as the owner called the police and turned them away at the gate.
Shenita Jones and Courtney Wilson had planned a lavish wedding at their 7.2-acre property in Southwest Ranches, Florida. They had invited friends and family to their “dream home and estate” for a ceremony on Saturday and brunch on Sunday.
Date
A Florida couple attempted to throw a two-day wedding celebration at a mansion they didn’t have permission to use. They sent elaborate invitations that detailed their love story and planned a ceremony on Saturday and reception on Sunday.
The couple’s plans were foiled on the day of their nuptials when the owner saw them and called 911, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. The groom and another person arrived at the $5.7 million estate early to set up for the wedding, causing the owner, Nathan Finkel, to call police.
The mansion is located on 7.2 acres of property in Southwest Ranches, Florida. It features a bowling alley, theatre, elevator, tennis court and nine bedrooms. It’s currently on the market for sale by its owner, a son of an early IHOP franchisee who has been trying to sell it for two years.
Venue
Choosing a venue for your wedding is one of the most important steps in planning your day. Your choice should be based on a few factors: style, capacity, and accessibility.
According to Lynn Easton of Easton Events, some couples scout two venues: one for the ceremony and one for the reception. It’s easier on your budget and guests, she explains, because it allows you to plan more accordingly for the number of guests you’ll need.
If you’re going for a more intimate gathering, consider a private estate or mansion that’s designed for just your wedding party. This kind of setup can be ideal for couples who want to avoid the hassle of traveling for a weekend wedding, says Tara Guerard of Tara Guerard Soiree.
But you’ll also want to make sure that your chosen destination is accessible for out-of-town guests. A venue that’s too far out of the way might cause some people to miss your wedding, she explains.
Reception
In most weddings, the reception is a big part of the party. This is where the couple celebrates their marriage and it’s a great opportunity for the newlyweds to take the first dance together.
When Courtney Wilson and Shenita Jones were planning their wedding, they sent out elaborate invitations inviting guests to a two-day wedding celebration at their “dream home and estate.” The couple planned to have a ceremony on Saturday and brunch on Sunday.
However, the owner of the 16,313-square-foot mansion, Nathan Finkel, was surprised to see someone set up on his property to host a wedding. He called the police and they escorted the groom and his girlfriend off of the property but no charges were filed against them.
Aside from a ceremony and reception, there are several other important parts of your wedding day that you’ll want to plan out before the big day arrives. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Ceremony
Before you begin the planning process, it’s important to sit down with your partner and make a list of everyone who you’d like to invite. This will help you narrow down your guest list and ensure that everyone who is invited will be able to attend.
This is especially true if you’re planning a large wedding. It’s best to keep the guest list to a reasonable number and only invite people who you truly care about.
During the planning process, it’s also important to create a wedding day schedule. This will make sure that all the events are on time and will keep everyone involved on track.
After the ceremony, guests can head to the reception venue where they will be able to enjoy dinner and drinks with their new spouse-to-be. It’s also a great way to get some photos of the happy couple together and spend some quality time with their guests before the party officially begins.