Last Friday night, Rhiannen Skelley was just settling down to watch TV with her husband-to-be when she received an email that would change everything.
The 26-year-old, from Melbourne, was due to get married this Saturday (June 30) at iconic venue, The Willows, when she was informed that with only eight days to go, she and her partner were without a venue.
‘At first I thought it was a joke,’ the teacher told FEMAIL. ‘But when I figured out it was serious, I had this sick, vomiting sensation in my stomach. What were we going to do?’.
Rhiannen Skelley, 26, from Melbourne (pictured with her partner), found her wedding plans in tatters after iconic venue The Willows closed its doors on Friday night
The Willows (pictured) is a historic and iconic venue for events and weddings in Melbourne
‘At first I thought it was a joke,’ the teacher told FEMAIL. ‘But when I figured out it was serious, I had this sick, vomiting sensation in my stomach.’ (pictured with her partner)
In the email, Rhiannen explained that the Melbourne mansion, The Willows, said that they had ‘undertaken voluntary liquidation’ (pictured) – they also suggested alternative venues
In the email, Rhiannen explained that the Melbourne mansion, The Willows, said that they had ‘undertaken voluntary liquidation’.
‘It said: “We understand that the business’ immediate closure is both an inconvenience and shock. We apologise in advance for the disruption and undertake that this was very much a last resort”,’ Rhiannen said.
She added that The Willows then listed ‘a handful of venues close by that might be useful’, and they hoped ‘that this goes some way to demonstrating our sincere remorse’.
When she tried to get in touch with The Willows – which she first booked for her wedding two years ago – Rhiannen claimed no one would take her call.
‘We’ve been left $8,000 out of pocket and I know couples who are far worse off from this,’ Rhiannen said.
‘It’s so strange as I was talking to them just last week about flower arrangements and the bar tab.’
‘We’ve been left $8,000 out of pocket and I know couples who are far worse off from this,’ Rhiannen (pictured with her partner) said – she added it was strange as she was only speaking with the venue last week about flower arrangements
Knowing that the show must go on, the bride-to-be (pictured) said she and her partner immediately went into ’emergency mode’ – they have a new venue in Baxter Barn where they will wed
Knowing that the show must go on, the bride-to-be said she and her partner immediately went into ’emergency mode’.
‘We have guests flying in from international destinations and knew we couldn’t just cancel the wedding or change the date,’ she said.
I’m looking forward to my day, in spite of everything, and am going to enjoy my fairy tale wedding because that is what I deserve
Rhiannen’s sister has since launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds to save the couple’s nuptials.
Setting a target goal of $2,000, in just one night the couple’s plight has already raised $760.
Rhiannen also said that several venues have come forward to offer her and her 60 guests accommodation for the wedding on Saturday.
She and her long-term partner have settled with Baxter Barn, close to Melbourne.
‘I’m looking forward to my day, in spite of everything, and am going to enjoy my fairy tale wedding because that is what I deserve,’ Rhiannen said.
She also praised online wedding directory Easy Weddings for working with her, and helping to facilitate with the new venue.
‘I’m looking forward to my day, in spite of everything, and am going to enjoy my fairy tale wedding because that is what I deserve,’ Rhiannen (pictured) said
The teacher (pictured) also praised online wedding directory Easy Weddings for working with her, and helping to facilitate with the new venue
The Willows (pictured) is a Victorian mansion that was built in 1890; located on Melbourne’s famous St Kilda Road it’s recognised as one of the most popular venues
The Willows is a Victorian mansion that was built in 1890.
It’s located on Melbourne’s famous St Kilda Rd, and is recognised as one of the city’s most popular wedding venues.
At present, it remains unclear why the popular venue has closed its doors. The website and social media page for the venue have all been shut down, while brides are uncertain whether they will be re-imbursed.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted The Willows for comment.