It's billed as the most picturesque wedding spot in Wichita; with an elegant rounded staircase and the most breathtaking view in the city.
High atop the 19th floor of the Executive Centre building downtown, couples are lining up to say their vows, only to learn the truth behind Gallery One-Nine and owner Andrew Sandlin.
"It just makes my heart sink when I hear that name and know what he did to my daughter and what he has to be doing to other daughters out there," said Gina Soutiere. Her daughter, Jenni Rizzo was married August 8. Gallery One-Nine was hired months in advance to handle everything.
According to Soutiere, her daughter and son-in-law paid $3,842.50 in advance to book Gallery One-Nine for a wedding and reception. According to a loosely worded contract from last December, the cost of food, linens, a string quartet, and other options were included in the price. Soutiere said there was also an agreement that $400 would go toward 'a deal' on flowers and that Sandlin promised to get the couple limousine service for the bridal party. Sandlin was supposed to book the wedding vendors and pay them out of the money Rizzo gave him.
Soutiere said there were signs of problems for months, such as getting bounced from planner to planner at Gallery One-Nine. But things started to unravel just five days before the wedding. Her daughter learned the florist hadn't been paid, despite repeated promises from Sandlin that it would be done. Nervous and worried, Rizzo began calling other vendors and learned the caterer hadn't been booked. With no confidence in Sandlin, Rizzo was forced to move the wedding and throw everything together at the last minute.
"All we got was a big headache a lot of stress a lot of tears and it was an awful experience for her," said Soutiere.
Many Other Stories
FactFinder 12 Investigators spoke with eight couples who claim their wedding plans had to be cancelled or are in jeopardy because of Sandlin's unkept promises. Most declined to interview on-camera because they were afraid it might hurt their chances of getting refunds.
Many of those same brides and grooms have formed an online support group on Facebook (click on related link) to spread the word about Gallery One-Nine in hopes of keeping others from signing contracts and paying in advance.
"I hope no one ever has to go through what we went through," said Linde Hettenbach. Her wedding is set for September 18. "Being engaged was supposed to be a very happy point and time in my life and it's just been the most stressful time that I’ve ever had to deal with."
Hettenbach said last December, she wrote Gallery One-Nine a check for $2,250, to book her wedding and reception. In May, she learned Sandlin had not secured the wedding location she was promised in her contract. She also said Gallery One-Nine was double booked for her reception. Now, less than a month from the big day, she's scrambling to put it all together.
Businesses Get Burned
Andrew Sandlin is a pariah in the Wichita wedding scene. Mention his name or Gallery One-Nine and watch people wince at the thought of their painful business relationships with him.
FactFinder 12 Investigators spoke with more than a half dozen caterers, florists and businesses that are owed money for unpaid bills.
"It got to the point where there was just 'no paids' and bad checks and empty promises," said Tiffany Sporn, co-owner of Ray Party Rental. She called Sandlin a smooth talker who is good with excuses and poor with results. "I don't know how he's continuing to do this. It floors me that someone can sleep at night doing what they're doing to these brides," said Sporn.
"I use the analogy that it's like a snake eating its own head," said Ben Arnold, owner of Corporate Caterers. He described Sandlin as a shady businessman who has been borrowing from new clients to meet past obligations. He said Sandlin promises couples 'good deals', knowing that he can't follow through.
Arnold accused Sandlin of writing post-dated checks to businesses, with a promise of cash in the future. Instead, a stop payment is placed on the checks to prevent them from being cashed. Arnold believes the exploits put a black eye on the Wichita wedding scene. "What he's doing and that facility is doing ... it makes everyone question everyone in that industry," said Arnold.
FactFinder12 Investigators uncovered more than a dozen lawsuits against Gallery One-Nine and Sandlin for unpaid bills that date back to 2009. Some cases are still pending, but here are some examples:
- August 2010 - The Chocolate Fountain won a default judgment for nearly $1000
- July 2010 - Express Personnel Services (Oklahoma City) was awarded more than $48,000 for unpaid temp workers
- May 2010 - Action Tents was awarded more than $2500 and has tried to garnish Sandlin’s earnings.
Gallery One-Nine is on the 19th floor of the Wichita Executive Centre downtown. The building is owned by Minnesota based Real Development Corporation. FactFinder 12 Investigators inquired about the status of Sandlin's lease in what is surely an expensive location. Commercial leasing agent Craig Simon declined to speak about the specific terms of the lease and wouldn't say if Gallery One-Nine was in arrears. Simon said Real Development Corp. was aware of the complaints made by Sandlin's clients. Simon added that he was "growing concerned" about the negative impact Gallery One-Nine's problems could have on the building and other downtown projects for Real Development Corp.
Andrew Sandlin Reacts
Sandlin promised FactFinder 12 Investigators an on-ncamera interview for August 16th, 2010. He later called to cancel, offering only to speak by phone.
Sandlin blamed a series of “mistakes” and “management and accounting errors” for the failures of Gallery One-Nine. He apologized to the families he’s hurt and vowed to pay them all back. However, he gave no timetable for doing so. “I’ve got an entire city counting on me,” he said. “We’re (Gallery One-Nine) aware of our obligations and will do whatever it takes to makes things right.”
Sandlin was asked repeatedly what happened to the money that was supposed to be earmarked for weddings. He was unable to provide a clear answer, making several references to the emotional stress he suffered following the death of his mother, Margaret Sandlin, in December 2008.
Sandlin acknowledged the original business model for Gallery One-Nine was “flawed” and that he was unable to fulfill all the promises he made to clients for the prices he quoted. He pledged to keep the business afloat, but said it will operate only as a wedding and event venue. It will no longer offer wedding planning services. Sandlin referred to a three step plan for resolving his current dilemma, calling it “The Three R's”, which stands for “Regret, Restitution, and Reform”.
Sandlin apologizes
Sandlin sent the following email to Eyewitness News Thursday afternoon:
"I personally have mishandled some of our events along with vendor relationship management for which I want to apologize. I wasn’t trying to do anything wrong but the fact that I was wrong. I will and am doing everything in my power to resolve each and every situation to the very best of my ability. A restitution process is being finalized with the objective of resolving these situations in a timely fashion."
How Did This Continue So Long?
It’s the million dollar question: How did Andrew Sandlin stay in business so long?
According to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office, no one ever filed a formal complaint against Sandlin or Gallery One-Nine, though “some inquiries” had been made, a spokeswoman said.
The D.A.’s office tells FactFinder 12 Investigators the unpaid bills between businesses are likely nothing more than civil matters and wouldn’t trigger a criminal investigation.
However, those couples whose contracts with Sandlin were breached could be covered by consumer protection laws. Brides and grooms who feel they’re owed money should file a formal consumer complaint. The form is available on the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s website.
Dos and Don’ts of Wedding Planning
There are a number of pitfalls couples can hurl into when planning a wedding. Tinley Innes, owner of Jubilations, put together a short Dos and Don’ts list for Eyewitness News.
Do - Ask for referrals from vendors to learn about other people’s experiences
Do – Your own research and rather than follow “word of mouth”.
Do – Make sure every detail is written into the contract, including specific prices and deadlines for services.
Don’t – Pay more than 50% of the contracted fee for services up front. Although, some products such as invitations may require full payment early.
Don’t - Book a vendor unless you’re completely comfortable.
Don’t - Fall for gimmicks or promises that seem too good to be true.
