Company Fights to Uphold Malibu Wedding Venue Decision

The Dispute Over a Dream Wedding

A couple is now embroiled in a legal battle with a luxury property rental company over the cancellation of their wedding. Shane Foley and Leah Sanfilippo claimed that Living the Dream (LTD) abruptly pulled out of their agreement a month before their scheduled summer 2024 wedding at a Malibu mansion. The venue, which was supposed to offer stunning views, ample parking, and space for numerous overnight guests, has become the center of controversy.

Foley and Sanfilippo filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against LTD and the property owners on Piuma Road. Their allegations include breach of contract, fraud, false advertising, and negligence. They are seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

In court documents submitted on September 5, attorneys for LTD argued that their client did not commit any wrongdoing. According to the defense, the plaintiffs failed to pay the remaining deposit on time, and unforeseen circumstances forced the cancellation. The company claims they provided a full refund for the partial deposit paid.

However, the couple's attorneys present a different narrative in their lawsuit, filed on October 23. They argue that the couple was deprived of the opportunity to look forward to one of the most important days of their lives and instead had to scramble to ensure their wedding could proceed. The suit describes the couple’s experience as turning into a nightmare.

According to the lawsuit, LTD's actions have caused significant financial and emotional damage. The couple had to make last-minute arrangements to ensure their wedding could go ahead, leading to substantial expenses. The plaintiffs were reportedly distraught upon learning of the cancellation.

LTD advertises the property on its website for $65,000 a month and a minimum of $3,000 per night, describing it as a wedding and event venue. When the couple inquired about using the property for their wedding, a representative responded enthusiastically, saying, “We’re so excited to have the opportunity to host you at our gorgeous estate and welcome you to the Living The Dream family. We are specialized into making your event amazing and unforgettable.”

Convinced by the glamorous depictions of past weddings in LTD’s brochure, the couple put down nearly $11,000 and signed an agreement in January to be married there in August. The lawsuit states that the plaintiffs reasonably believed they were entering into a contract that committed LTD to hosting their wedding at the property.

They sent out wedding invitations, coordinated travel arrangements, booked vendors including bartenders, caterers, and a band, and relied on LTD’s representation that 20 guests could stay overnight for three nights. However, in July 2024, a month before their planned wedding, LTD notified the plaintiffs via email that they could not use the property due to unforeseeable circumstances. The company claimed its decision was made in adherence to the latest legal requirements and regulations.

Despite this, the lawsuit alleges that LTD refused to provide further explanation for the cancellation. It also states that Los Angeles County had sent the company cease-and-desist orders dating back to 2021, disallowing them from hosting events at the property. This information undermines LTD’s claim of an unexpected turn of events.

Foley and Sanfilippo had to wait two weeks to get their deposit back, causing additional stress. They have since learned from Yelp reviews that other couples who used LTD also faced late wedding cancellations.

The trial of the lawsuit is scheduled for August 23, 2027. This case highlights the importance of clear communication and transparency between clients and service providers, especially when it comes to major life events like weddings.