Morgan and Morgan is pleased to announce that the case of an Army soldier and his military bride against their wedding florist has resolved without court intervention. Florist Christine Hackett has agreed to refund half of the $640 deposit after Army reserve specialist Justin McIlwain received a change of orders, forcing the couple to put the ceremony on hold. The Marriot, where the reception was to be held, also had a change of heart, offering to use the couple’s $4800 deposit to throw a going away party for Mr. McIlwain when he is redeployed.
When Mr. McIlwain and his wife Victoria were forced to put their dream wedding ceremony on hold, many of their vendors, including their photographer, agreed to work with the couple. Ms. Hackett and the Marriot, however, said they would not be able to refund their deposits. Ms. Hackett admitted that she hadn’t purchased any of the flowers for the renewal of their vows in January, but had spent time planning arrangements with Mrs. McIlwain and turned down another wedding for that date. After a small, simple wedding, the couple wanted to plan a large ceremony to celebrate their five-year anniversary.
Met with resistance from the hotel giant and local florist, Mrs. McIlwain contacted Billy Howard, the founder of Morgan and Morgan’s consumer protection department for help. Mrs. McIlwain expressed the frustration and disappointment she shared with her husband when they were unable to get their deposits back - even though the circumstances were out of their control.
Mr. Howard is glad the case has since resolved without having to go to court, and the couple feels like they have reached a fair solution.
Mr. Howard joined Morgan and Morgan in 2004 and founded the firm’s Consumer Protection Department. He has represented consumers against debt collectors, banks and other individuals and companies attempting to collect money in an abusive manner. Mr. Howard has received notable media attention for his work on CNN and NBC, among other networks, as well as international press for a legal action concerning debt harassment on Facebook.
About Morgan & Morgan
Morgan & Morgan is one of the largest plaintiff’s law firms in the country with multiple office locations throughout Florida and the Southeast. The firm handles auto accident cases, personal injury cases, and medical malpractice cases, as well as claims against drug and medical device manufacturers. Visit Morgan and Morgan online at http://www.forthepeople.com/ for a free case evaluation and information about your legal rights.
