MAYFLOWER, Ark. — Wedding venues across central Arkansas are stepping up to the plate to help couples quickly put together a wedding after Noah's Event Center went bankrupt.
"When we got the news, we were like, okay we have got to help out," Uche Onyeyiri said.
Uche and Monaia Onyeyiri knew they had to do something when they heard dozens of couples are suddenly without a wedding venue.
"I can only imagine, just being a woman and being a bride before, how that would feel," Monaia said.
Their venue, Angelo's Garden, is located in Mayflower. They are offering up to 50% off to couples affected by the shutdown.
"If it was up to me, I'd give it for free," Uche said.
They feel it's the right thing to do.
"That's all that we want is to just get some of our costs covered and then pretty much we will be making zero profit on it, just as a way to help out," he said.
Vendors have also reached out.
"Who have told us they would match the discounts they have, so we're really excited," Uche said.
The Onyeyiri's are hosting an open house Saturday at 1 p.m., so couples can quickly make a decision.
"Even if they don't book with us, at least they have the opportunity to book with vendors who reached out to us," Uche said.
Hillbrook Farms in Twin Groves is also offering 20% off the venue. Event Manager Karen Baker said brides just need to provide proof they were originally booked with Noah's.
"That is a big event in a bride's life, so I can't imagine being that person and that happening. It's an unfortunate circumstance," Baker said.
Uche said some of the brides were out $7,000, so they are doing all they can to reduce the sudden financial burden.
"That way, at the end of the day, this story is one of people coming together to help out, as opposed to just a disappointment of losing money and losing a venue and a date you've held so passionately," Uche said.
The following locations indicated Friday they would offer special discounts to anyone set back by the closing:
- Angelo's Garden
- The Grandeur House
- Hillbrook Farms
- Legacy Acres
- Maumelle Event Center
- The Osage
- Rusty Tractor Vineyards
- St. John's Chapel by the Creek
- The Wedding Barn and Event Center
- The Venue at Stonebrook Meadows
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A fundraiser has been organized by a groom-to-be who was affected by the sudden closing of Noah's. You can learn more about how to help here.