Bride Books Wedding Venue to Accommodate 130 People. Then They Cancel Unexpectedly, Leaving Her Scrambling (Exclusive)
The pair got engaged in August 2024 and eagerly began wedding planning in January 2025
Five months after securing the venue and a majority of the vendors, Sweatt received an email no bride wants to readAfter nearly five years with her fiancé and a picture-perfect engagement, one bride thought she had everything lined up for her dream wedding.
With the venue booked and most vendors secured for their April 2026 celebration, the planning seemed to be on track – until an unexpected email changed everything.
In June 2025, Dara Sweatt was blindsided by a message from her venue: her reservation had been canceled.
Now, the 31-year-old from Florida is scrambling to secure a new location for the same date, all while trying to stay within budget and hold onto the vision she spent months building.
'Honestly, I thought I was hallucinating at first. It didn't feel real,' Sweatt tells PEOPLE exclusively. 'I had to read the email three more times before it sunk in – and I just sat there like, 'Oh my God, we have to find a new venue.' '
Her fiancé, Doug Carlisle, 42, was equally shocked but remained calm to help manage her anxiety and keep them both grounded.
The couple had chosen the Casa Marina Hotel in Jacksonville Beach, Fla., as the centerpiece of their wedding plans.
With the date locked in since January 2025, they went on to book a photographer, videographer, hair and makeup artist, DJ, florals, and a coordination team for planning and day-of support.
However, five months later, Casa Marina informed the bride that the property was under contract for sale.
"This email comes with a very heavy heart," the email read. "I have just been notified that Casa Marina is no longer able to confidently conduct any business for the calendar year of 2026. I understand what this means for you and your family, and I'm at a loss as to how to properly say we're sorry."
Although the business will continue operating as usual through the end of 2025, starting in 2026, new ownership will take over, and the hotel will close for a complete renovation. PEOPLE reached out to the Casa Marina Hotel for comment but has yet to receive a response.
Sweatt is now in search of a new venue with availability on the couple's original date. Fortunately, the Friday wedding is far enough out that a few options are available.
'Now it's about finding a space that fits our vision without blowing the budget we originally planned for,' she explains. Her mom and grandma have been incredibly supportive, offering advice, helping her stay true to her vision, and assisting with plans to DIY much of the additional decor.
After experiencing an unexpected cancellation, Sweatt emphasizes the importance of having backup options and staying flexible throughout the planning process.
'I also recommend being proactive: if something goes wrong, like a venue cancellation, allow yourself a moment to freak out, and then pivot,' she shares. 'It'll feel like the end of the world, but I promise it's not. Sometimes the outcome is even better than what you originally planned.'
Sweatt shared her viral reaction on TikTok to find humor amid the chaos, never expecting it to gain such widespread attention. The video resonated with many brides who understood the experience of plans falling apart and having to regroup with a smile – and perhaps a few tears.
'At the end of the day, all the little details are fun, but the real goal is marrying your best friend,' she says.
'You'll be stressed no matter what, but if you can stay grounded in why you're doing this, the journey becomes a whole lot sweeter.'
Read the original article on People
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