I booked my wedding at Atlantis Marine World late last year. We loved the venue, the service, our salesman/maitre'd. However, he has since left and now the service 'ain't so good'. I can't get replies, when I do get replies to questions, they are nasty or seem disinterested; I even had someone argue with me on the phone! I feel completely deflated. The last straw was when I was told I could not taste any of the food I choose for my guests. Apparently, they have bridal showcases, which we went to one, but everything on the menu is not out to taste! WTH?
Is anyone else booked with them? Are you also having problems? I don't know what to do. I'm thinking of cancelling.
tmshepard35
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
I composed and sent the following email to Help Me Howard:
I am a bride who booked my wedding with Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead, Long Island for November 10, 2011. We wanted November 11, because it is Veteran's Day and my fiance is a combat veteran, but we didn't have enough people to book that day, so we chose Thursday, November 10th. Everything was beautiful in the beginning. We loved the site, loved that it is an aquarium and would be different than a 'cookie cutter' wedding. My fiance and I have worked hard to save and pay for everything. Neither one of us make a ton of money, but wanted our guests to enjoy themselves in celebration of our union. We are proud to say that all our services (lighting, video, photo, dj) and the venue are all paid for in full. Like I said, it was beautiful... until our sales manager/maitre'd left the venue.
We have been bamboozled, Howard! Hoodwinked! By the charlatans that manage and own the wedding venue! After being treated poorly since March, we tried to cancel in May. On May 11th I sent an email asking how much of our money we would get back. We were told it would depend on if the date was rebooked and how much the new event was contracted for. So, with no choice left, we continued. We certainly can't afford to just GIVE this venue over $7,000!
I have been so depressed and sullen. A wedding is supposed to be a happy and joyous occasion. We have been treated poorly and almost ignored when asking questions or addressing the staff. Things we were told and counted on have changed. The last straw for me was when the tasting we were supposed to have 6 weeks before the wedding went poof! into thin air!
But then I found out on a wedding blog (LIWeddings.com) that Suffolk County Law that states I can cancel within 6 months (180 days) from the date of the wedding and receive all money except $100!
So, thinking we were still in the 6 month time frame, on June 11, 2011, my fiance sent a fax that we wanted to cancel and I followed it up with an email. They won't let us cancel, Howard. If we do, they take our money. But, my question is, why didn't they abide by this law when I tried to cancel on May 11th!?! That WAS within the 6 month time frame! It was (182 days out). I was deliberately misled! Deceived! Flimflammed! I have the email to prove it! But we contacted a lawyer and we were told that legally, we have no recourse, even with the email showing that they lied to us!
Now, no one will return my calls at the venue. No one is responding to emails. Howard, I don't know what to do! Can they really get away with this? Can you please help me, Howard?!?
missjess2011
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
I am having me wedding at Atlantis Marine World as well. And I can’t wait. I was reading your blog and I have to tell you I’m honestly shocked!!! The venue has such a magical feeling to it...and when I saw the way they light it up and tasted the food at the bridal showcase I knew I choose the most wonderful place to have my wedding. I worked with Ron and well and actually felt he was the one who was unreceptive and did not follow through on things. Since I met Bob I have been nothing more than at ease. He has been so kind and warm..and trust me I have a lot of special requests!! Bob and his whole team have helped me with my vision to make my night be spectacular. I have full confidence in them. To be truthful, I did not feel this way about the venue until Bob became involved...hence why I was so surprised when I read your message. I have spent time with all his staff during this planning process and they have been nothing but pleasant and helpful and always pick up the phone. I can’t wait for my wedding.
I wish you the very best and I hope my story can help you see the good in the venue and you are able to focus on the good and move forward at this venue...you are right, this should be the best time of your life and I know they can offer that to you.
Supermans
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
Posted by missjess2011
I am having me wedding at Atlantis Marine World as well. And I can’t wait. I was reading your blog and I have to tell you I’m honestly shocked!!! The venue has such a magical feeling to it...and when I saw the way they light it up and tasted the food at the bridal showcase I knew I choose the most wonderful place to have my wedding. I worked with Ron and well and actually felt he was the one who was unreceptive and did not follow through on things. Since I met Bob I have been nothing more than at ease. He has been so kind and warm..and trust me I have a lot of special requests!! Bob and his whole team have helped me with my vision to make my night be spectacular. I have full confidence in them. To be truthful, I did not feel this way about the venue until Bob became involved...hence why I was so surprised when I read your message. I have spent time with all his staff during this planning process and they have been nothing but pleasant and helpful and always pick up the phone. I can’t wait for my wedding.
I wish you the very best and I hope my story can help you see the good in the venue and you are able to focus on the good and move forward at this venue...you are right, this should be the best time of your life and I know they can offer that to you.
(pardon the terrible pun, but) this post is very very fishy... BOB, is that you????
btw, the profile says the bride was engaged on 7/09/11, and has been a member for two weeks, but has only posted on this one thread.
MarryingMyBFF1110
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
Posted by Supermans
Posted by missjess2011
I am having me wedding at Atlantis Marine World as well. And I can’t wait. I was reading your blog and I have to tell you I’m honestly shocked!!! The venue has such a magical feeling to it...and when I saw the way they light it up and tasted the food at the bridal showcase I knew I choose the most wonderful place to have my wedding. I worked with Ron and well and actually felt he was the one who was unreceptive and did not follow through on things. Since I met Bob I have been nothing more than at ease. He has been so kind and warm..and trust me I have a lot of special requests!! Bob and his whole team have helped me with my vision to make my night be spectacular. I have full confidence in them. To be truthful, I did not feel this way about the venue until Bob became involved...hence why I was so surprised when I read your message. I have spent time with all his staff during this planning process and they have been nothing but pleasant and helpful and always pick up the phone. I can’t wait for my wedding.
I wish you the very best and I hope my story can help you see the good in the venue and you are able to focus on the good and move forward at this venue...you are right, this should be the best time of your life and I know they can offer that to you.
(pardon the terrible pun, but) this post is very very fishy... BOB, is that you????
btw, the profile says the bride was engaged on 7/09/11, and has been a member for two weeks, but has only posted on this one thread.
My thought exactly. ???
DANAnPATRICK
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
Posted by Supermans
Posted by missjess2011
I am having me wedding at Atlantis Marine World as well. And I can’t wait. I was reading your blog and I have to tell you I’m honestly shocked!!! The venue has such a magical feeling to it...and when I saw the way they light it up and tasted the food at the bridal showcase I knew I choose the most wonderful place to have my wedding. I worked with Ron and well and actually felt he was the one who was unreceptive and did not follow through on things. Since I met Bob I have been nothing more than at ease. He has been so kind and warm..and trust me I have a lot of special requests!! Bob and his whole team have helped me with my vision to make my night be spectacular. I have full confidence in them. To be truthful, I did not feel this way about the venue until Bob became involved...hence why I was so surprised when I read your message. I have spent time with all his staff during this planning process and they have been nothing but pleasant and helpful and always pick up the phone. I can’t wait for my wedding.
I wish you the very best and I hope my story can help you see the good in the venue and you are able to focus on the good and move forward at this venue...you are right, this should be the best time of your life and I know they can offer that to you.
(pardon the terrible pun, but) this post is very very fishy... BOB, is that you????
btw, the profile says the bride was engaged on 7/09/11, and has been a member for two weeks, but has only posted on this one thread.
HI BOB!!
kshea23
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
pathetic. utterly pathetic.
ewecki825
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
Can't stand when vendors think they are sneaky and try to make themselves sound good!!!
kerryums
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
I am gullible I guess, I kind of believed 'MissJess' lol.
I am so sorry you are having difficulty. Your letter to HMH was a great start. If that doesn't pan out, ABC has a thing, 'seven on your side' that serves a similar purpose. Good luck!
Wow. I had no idea there were any more responses! Okay, we can all see that's Bob! Hahaha. Yeah, that is pathetic.
Just had an update: We contacted the owner, Mr. Bissett. (even though everyone was telling me Bob was the owner!) I forwarded all correspondence to him and we are getting our money refunded! Yay! I explained the situation and my fiance did too, and he was very nice and understanding and was worried about his reputation. Bob and his crew can hug a nut! Yaaaay!
Thank you all for your words of encouragement and advice!
I feel such a weight is now lifted off my shoulders. Too bad, because I loved this venue.
5272012
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
YAY! so where are you having your wedding now?
Im gonna be honest..i spoke to two people on the phone..Ron and Bob..Ron was wonderful to me..but then Bob started calling..when i met Bob..i cant tell you my disgrace for some of the things he said.
so we didnt book.
I loved the feel of the place and if we met with someone else..i thinkw e would have booked!
so im glad u r getting out :) goodluck and hopefully now ure wedding will be ahppy time!
kerryums
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
Posted by tmshepard35
Wow. I had no idea there were any more responses! Okay, we can all see that's Bob! Hahaha. Yeah, that is pathetic.
Just had an update: We contacted the owner, Mr. Bissett. (even though everyone was telling me Bob was the owner!) I forwarded all correspondence to him and we are getting our money refunded! Yay! I explained the situation and my fiance did too, and he was very nice and understanding and was worried about his reputation. Bob and his crew can hug a nut! Yaaaay!
Thank you all for your words of encouragement and advice!
I feel such a weight is now lifted off my shoulders. Too bad, because I loved this venue.
CONRGATS!
Make sure you email Howard and tell him not to release the hounds... lol.
MarryingMyBFF1110
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
Posted by tmshepard35
Wow. I had no idea there were any more responses! Okay, we can all see that's Bob! Hahaha. Yeah, that is pathetic.
Just had an update: We contacted the owner, Mr. Bissett. (even though everyone was telling me Bob was the owner!) I forwarded all correspondence to him and we are getting our money refunded! Yay! I explained the situation and my fiance did too, and he was very nice and understanding and was worried about his reputation. Bob and his crew can hug a nut! Yaaaay!
Thank you all for your words of encouragement and advice!
I feel such a weight is now lifted off my shoulders. Too bad, because I loved this venue.
Good for you !
tmshepard35
Posted:
Member since
Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
Posted by 5272012
YAY! so where are you having your wedding now?
Im gonna be honest..i spoke to two people on the phone..Ron and Bob..Ron was wonderful to me..but then Bob started calling..when i met Bob..i cant tell you my disgrace for some of the things he said.
so we didnt book.
I loved the feel of the place and if we met with someone else..i thinkw e would have booked!
so im glad u r getting out :) goodluck and hopefully now ure wedding will be ahppy time
---------------------------------- we are still trying to figure out if we want a wedding. They ****** the desire to have a wedding out of me and my fiance! I guess it depends on the other vendors - we paid them all, so we will probably have to go ahead and have it.
tmshepard35
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
[ Im gonna be honest..i spoke to two people on the phone..Ron and Bob..Ron was wonderful to me..but then Bob started calling..when i met Bob..i cant tell you my disgrace for some of the things he said.
so we didnt book.
I loved the feel of the place and if we met with someone else..i thinkw e would have booked! ----------------------------------------------- I'm glad you didn't book. Ron made us feel like he would have gone above and beyond for us. But Bob and Craig, and even, unfortunately, Mr. DeLuca, just seemed like it was all about our money. Like since we paid, there is no point in being 'nice' to us anymore.
Thank God I didn't send out the invites yet...
Where is your wedding?
IrishAli
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
So glad this worked out
Where do you think you will look to move it to?
tmshepard35
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
Posted by IrishAli
So glad this worked out
Where do you think you will look to move it to?
I'm not sure. We need to relax for a minute and rebuild the excitement. We are just totally drained at this point. They ****** all the excitement and joy out of the planning.
christinajimmy06
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
Posted by kerryums
I am gullible I guess, I kind of believed 'MissJess' lol.
I am so sorry you are having difficulty. Your letter to HMH was a great start. If that doesn't pan out, ABC has a thing, 'seven on your side' that serves a similar purpose. Good luck!
really?? So you all know this is NOT Bob! My name is jessica and I AM having my wedding at the aquarium and I AM VERY HAPPY. My apologies to whom ever noted my engagement date. I was engaged july 9th, 2010 in Bermuda. not 2011...thanks so for pointing that out!! ATLANTIS MARINE WORLD is Wonderful and so are thier staff. Im so sorry you all have a problem with that. Im new to the blog circle and this is ridiculous. Why would i make somehting like this up?? Im thrilled and every thing I have written is TRUE. There is no reason to be disappointed with this venue and Im sorry that someone is able to bash them in the way you are doing. That in it self is WRONG. I was actually reaching out to let you know you should try to work with them because my experience has been wonderful. what you choose to do with that information is up to you. BOB and his staff are fantastic and Im sooooo happy I chose this venue. and that is the bottom line.
tmshepard35
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
Posted by missjess2011
really?? So you all know this is NOT Bob! My name is jessica and I AM having my wedding at the aquarium and I AM VERY HAPPY. My apologies to whom ever noted my engagement date. I was engaged july 9th, 2010 in Bermuda. not 2011...thanks so for pointing that out!! ATLANTIS MARINE WORLD is Wonderful and so are thier staff. Im so sorry you all have a problem with that. Im new to the blog circle and this is ridiculous. Why would i make somehting like this up?? Im thrilled and every thing I have written is TRUE. There is no reason to be disappointed with this venue and Im sorry that someone is able to bash them in the way you are doing. That in it self is WRONG. I was actually reaching out to let you know you should try to work with them because my experience has been wonderful. what you choose to do with that information is up to you. BOB and his staff are fantastic and Im sooooo happy I chose this venue. and that is the bottom line. -------------------------------------- I'm sorry, did you say BASHING? Excuse me, you responded to MY POST. I'm going through REAL ISSUES. How dare you! I'm happy YOU are having a wonderful experience! Good for you, but don't dare to diminish what I went through with them. If you feel that way, float on to another blog! BOB!
tmshepard35
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Re: Atlantis Marine World - Problems!
Posted by missjess2011
I was actually reaching out to let you know you should try to work with them because my experience has been wonderful. what you choose to do with that information is up to you.
Perhaps you would like to see some of the correspondence I had with them? The fact that the owner looked at it, agreed with me and is refunding our money is the proof in the pudding.
