Brides-to-be say Palm City reception hall owner ruined their party plans and took their money

PALM CITY, Fla. -- Kathryn Burns is marrying Sean Wright this year.

"He pulled out a ring, and I was like, 'Oh my gosh! Of course!,'" Burns said.

But a trip to the altar now includes a scramble to alter wedding reception plans for several Treasure Coast brides-to-be.

Burns' parents say they deposited $890 to book her celebration at Crystal Reception Hall in Palm City.

Burns said owner Marc Bergeron made everything seem "wonderful, easy and perfect."

That was about a month ago. Then, she said the nightmare started.

"We found out that he was having an auction on Saturday to sell everything to the bare walls," said Burns.

The auction ad shows DJ equipment, lighting, even the dance floor were up-for-grabs. The Burns family approached Bergeron, asking to have their deposit back.

"He said no and closed the door in our faces," said Burns.

The Martin County Sheriff's Department said it's handling several similar cases from other brides-to-be and their families. Investigators are trying to determine whether there was any criminal activity.

Meanwhile, other Treasure Coast wedding planners are stepping up to try and help get wedding plans back on track.

Burns counts herself as lucky. Her wedding date is in October, so she has time to make new reception plans.

"It's sad what he's done. I mean, he's really taken everybody's day away from them," said Burns. "Nobody wants their special day to be ruined by something like this."

We were not able to reach Crystal Reception Hall owner Marc Bergeron for comment.