A bride and groom have lashed out at an iconic theme park, accusing them of ruining their dream wedding after a series of mishaps on their big day.
Rebecca Stone and Richard Johnson chose Luna Park in Sydney on April 22 as the venue to exchange their vows and pledge to spend the rest of their lives together.
But the pair claim their magical day was completely ruined after a series of misadventures that saw the pair accuse the theme park of “inhumane treatment.”
Threats of cancellation by staff and incorrect food portions were some of their top complaints – as well as employees calling the police.
The couple’s complaints have led to a war of words with the Harbourisde theme park disputing the disgruntled couple’s claims.
Rebecca Stone and Richard Johnson (pictured on their big day with an elderly relative) chose Sydney’s Luna Park as the venue when the couple exchanged their vows on April 22
The newlyweds are now urging other brides and grooms to consider Luna Park to think twice before booking their special day at the popular harborside destination after a day they’ll never forget, but to get the wrong reasons
Ms Stone erupted in a heated diatribe on Facebook a few days after the wedding.
She claimed the nightmare started on the eve of the big day when the venue “threatened” to cancel the wedding.
“Luna Park threatened multiple times the day before to cancel our wedding while we waited for the final payment of $1700, despite having written on the receipt that payment had been made,” she wrote.
“I was told if it wasn’t clear by 5pm my wedding would be canceled due to bank transfer delay issues. I didn’t need this stress 24 hours before my wedding.”
Ms Stone claimed that the threat of cancellation was just the tip of the iceberg and much worse was to come that day.
Ms Stone said the bridal party was waiting at the hotel for transport to the venue on the day of the wedding when the next string of problems began.
She said she was inundated with calls from the DJ and balloon decorator claiming they could not access the venue.
“The balloon decorator was not allowed into the room to set up her arrangement and was treated very badly and only insulted by the Luna Park staff,” Ms Stone said.
When Ms. Stone arrived at Luna Park, the wedding party was met with angry guests forced to stand outside in the pouring rain, including her 90-year-old grandmother, who uses a mobility frame.
‘Definitely not appropriate if the bad weather conditions would have allowed them to be easily admitted to our banquet hall,’ said Mrs Stone angrily.
“So inhumane, especially for our elderly guests.”
Rebecca Stone and Richard Johnson smiled for wedding photos, but inside they were furious over a series of mishaps
She walked into the venue and was horrified after claiming she didn’t think it was properly decorated.
“We were faced with a half-completed banquet hall which was an embarrassment to myself as a bride as I pride myself on my attention to detail which is always on par and 110% complete and exceeding expectations,” she said.
Ms Stone claimed that the run sheet detailing the procedure was ignored by theme park staff.
“I wanted photos of selected rides as part of my package I paid for, but that didn’t happen and on one ride my personalized bouquet was stolen,” she said.
“These were personalized photo charms from my relatives who are sadly no longer with us. Another very bitter and disturbing moment.
“The bridal party was supposed to be greeted with snacks and drinks (and) this didn’t happen at all. The services were so bad it felt like we were treated like second class citizens.
“We walked into a room where the tables were not set as instructed, again not enough seats for all the guests.”
The couple then claimed that the portion sizes served at the ceremony were significantly smaller than the portions they had enjoyed while tasting the food.
“The food, if you can call it that, was disgusting,” said Mrs Stone.
Not cooked properly, chicken was raw, both for the kids and the adults. The beef medallions literally seared for 5 seconds on each side and floated on the plate in a pool of blood.
“As soon as the meals and drinks were put down, we didn’t even get time to eat or drink and the staff would take them away.”
She alleged that guests were forced to leave the venue so they could purchase snacks sold at the theme park.
Ms Stone said the reception closed early at 8.30pm despite agreeing with staff that the party could last until 11pm that night.
“My maid of honor spoke personally to…the dispatcher, and she told her she has never been in this situation before and would get back to me soon with what would happen next. How can you be in a role and not know what to do,” she said.
“Why was there no discussion to resolve any issues when we did pay for the event to end at 11pm?
“I bet if it had been her marriage she would have been just as upset and said I understand, but doing nothing to help solves nothing.”
The rolling disasters came to a head when police were subsequently called to the site.
Ms Stone claimed the nightmare started on the eve of the wedding when the venue ‘threatened’ to cancel the wedding
Ms Stone and her partner said they want “reasonable compensation” for the harrowing ordeal.
“If we don’t get compensation, I’ll continue with this, we need to be compensated. This wedding did not go as planned and for all the guests traveling from QLD, inside and outside NSW it was so unfair for them to be part of anything. so poorly run on behalf of Luna Park,” she said.
“Our experience was absolutely heartbreaking and bad to say the least.
“Hopefully Luna Park will do the right thing because they’ve already ruined what should have been the most important day of my and my new husband’s life.”
Luna Park hit back in a fiery response to dispute the bride’s claims and offer a very different version of events.
“After numerous incidents involving this wedding party, Luna Park Sydney can confirm that NSW Police have been called and the event closed,” a spokesman said.
“We strongly contest the claims made and maintain our track record as the wedding venue of choice for nearly two decades.”
The newlywed couple (pictured with a guest) are seeking damages after their reception was shut down two and a half hours before it was due to end at 11pm
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Luna Park for further comment.
Luna Park describes itself as one of Sydney’s most desirable wedding spaces, offering unique and elegant venues with unparalleled views of the Harbor Bridge and Opera House.
‘Our team of experienced Wedding Event Managers will assist you every step of the way with all the details to create your memorable event in a magical venue.’
There are five rooms to choose from, with the Grand Ballroom having a capacity of up to 450 guests.
Packages start from $165 per head for a five-hour cocktail package and up to $205 per person for the “signature” reception.