Well, here's a business to never support...in Tampa

[ghettodub]

http://www.9news.com/news/article/27...Army-reservist

Army reservist fights for wedding deposit after called to service

TAMPA, Fla. - After a small, simple wedding the first time around for their 5th anniversary, Justin and Victoria McIlwain decided to go all out.

"I've always wanted a big wedding," said Victoria of her childhood dream.

The two planned to renew their vows in January of next year with a cake, DJ, photographer, and florist.

"I had my dress, the bridesmaids were getting all ready," said Victoria, who then got some unexpected news from her husband overseas.

Justin, an army reserve specialist based in Tampa, received a change of orders. Where he'll be in January is unknown, meaning Victoria's dream wedding is now on hold.

"When you're part of the military and they tell you to go, you don't ask any questions," said Victoria of her husband's career in the Army.

Victoria said she immediately began contacting everyone involved after learning the news.

"We will work with you because it's out of your control," she recalled businesses telling her. "Every single vendor, except for one, worked with me."

Christine Hackett is Victoria's florist.

"My heart goes out to her," said Hackett, who operates a small wedding flower business called "The Bridal Florist" out of her north Tampa home.

Hackett said she feels bad, but also said the $640 deposit paid by the McIlwain's is non-refundable.

"I have a contract on it and the date was saved for her," said Hackett.

Hackett admitted she hasn't purchased any flowers for next year's wedding, but did spend valuable time with the bride planning arrangements and even turned down another wedding for the same date.

"It's just business! I'm trying to earn a living in this lousy economy too," said Hackett, who said brides cancel and lose their deposits for many different reasons.

But Victoria is upset that, given the circumstances, she's not being issued a refund. "With nine months notice, what have you done with my deposit that you can't refund me my money?"

She said she's especially disappointed given the fact her husband is serving to protect his country and the circumstances are out of their control. "I don't understand how people can disrespect the military. They don't understand what he does," Victoria said in tears.

But the florist said Victoria knew ahead of time what she was signing and even sent an e-mail articulating her willingness to forfeit the deposit.

"She knew he was still getting booted around everywhere... now everybody has to stop and make her happy. I can't do that."

Hackett went on to point out the Marriott Hotel in downtown Tampa also was unable to refund a $4,800 deposit for the reception.

[aahorn]

can't say i agree with her decision. she ought to refund for a situation like this when you still have 9 months, but as a private business it's her decision. Hopefully people avoid her business as a consequence

[HBARleatherneck]

delete

[Lex_Luthor]

Why not just hold the deposit and just reserve a later date for the wedding and still supply the flowers. That lady just already spent that money.

[aahorn]

Why not just hold the deposit and just reserve a later date for the wedding and still supply the flowers. That lady just already spent that money.

well that is a good idea for both parties

[Jeff350]

Hackett went on to point out the Marriott Hotel in downtown Tampa also was unable to refund a $4,800 deposit for the reception.

The florist seriously needs to work with these people. I don't understand why they don't just put the deposit on hold and set a later date.

The article was kind of a hack job though. The entire thing was about a florist that is refusing to refund $640, then the last sentence is about the hotel not refunding $4,800 but no comment on that? It also said earlier in the article that all vendors except one (being the florist) had refunded her deposits, then mentions Marriott later.

[Ronin13]

The florist seriously needs to work with these people. I don't understand why they don't just put the deposit on hold and set a later date.

The article was kind of a hack job though. The entire thing was about a florist that is refusing to refund $640, then the last sentence is about the hotel not refunding $4,800 but no comment on that? It also said earlier in the article that all vendors except one (being the florist) had refunded her deposits, then mentions Marriott later.

This is what I was thinking... and why are we getting that info from the florist and not the bride? Perhaps the florist is just trying to put the attention elsewhere or they messed up their facts and it wasn't all but one, instead all but two... ??? I am confused ???

[HBARleatherneck]

delete