Rochester, NY – Local couple Alex and Emily got engaged during the pandemic and have been planning their dream wedding ever since. After searching all over Monroe County they decided The Wintergarden was the perfect place to tie the knot and decided to make it official last week by turning in their deposit check.

“We knew the venue wasn’t going to be cheap so we didn’t think anything of the amount they wanted for the check,” says Alex. “But now we’re wondering if $19,000,000 isn’t the standard rate in town. We’re facing a dilemma bigger than choosing between chicken or fish for dinner!”

The issue is the owner of several local restaurants including The Wintergarden was recently accused of defrauding Five Star Bank of nearly 19 million dollars in an alleged check-kiting scheme. For those who do not know how check-kiting works, please research it and send us your findings because we also do not understand what that means.

“It was supposed to be the happiest day of our lives,” lamented Emily, clutching her wedding planner tightly. “Now, I don’t know whether to cry or laugh hysterically.”

To come up with the money to secure the deposit, Alex had to pick up several part-time jobs and Emily started an OnlyFans account that she says involved “feet and garbage plates.” She was able to come up with the $19M in just about a month.

“The venue hasn’t deposited our check yet so we’re debating whether or not to call our bank and have them cancel it,” says Alex. “Ironically we use Five Star Bank.”