DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Wedding dreams are unraveling as a Daytona Beach venue abruptly shut its doors.
“Last Thursday, we received a call saying they had issues with the stairwell, they had issues with the elevator,” said groom Angel Soto.
More than 100 couples are left to find another place to host their big day, including husband and wife to be, Krista and Angel, with their wedding just 18 days away.
“We are going to start looking all the way around this area to find another venue, so it’s going to be coming out of pocket. God only knows, another $10,000, just to make my wedding happen,” said Soto. “At this point, I’m very disappointed in how they treat us and lying, saying the city shut down the building when that wasn’t the case. They just didn’t pay their rent.”
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According to Volusia County Court documents, back in February, the Crystal Ballroom received an eviction notice.
“We were fighting with the lawyers in the court all the way until the last minute,” said Lukasz Rogowski, Crystal Ballroom owner.
After a lengthy legal battle, they lost the space at the end of March.
“That my heart is with them, and I’m 100% devoted to making it all right for everybody, it’s unforeseen circumstances, it’s nothing I planned for or wanted to happen as I’m explaining to them I’m on their side when it comes to frustration,” Rogowski explained.
The Crystal Ballroom owed nearly $245,000 in overdue rental fees. Where, according to documents, they failed and refused to make payment.
Rogowski says he has been in constant communication with his couples since they were kicked out.
“We have reached out to multiple clients we started the relocation to my other venues, or we process a refund,” said Rogowski.
However, even with the option to relocate to one of the other four Crystal Ballroom venues, Soto says he’s done.
“I don’t know if I can trust him anymore at this point. I just would love for them to give me my money back,” said Soto.
Krista and Angel say no matter what happens, they are getting married May 2.