Before I share my experience with Steven Vance, I would like to state that everything below is 100% true and not a misrepresentation (thought I would include that since Steven had a lawyer send a letter threatening to sue for libel---- yes that actually happened. Makes you wonder how he got such great reviews on WeddingWire and The Knot...)
We entered into the contract on January 24, 2020 to provide entertainment services at our wedding. This was before the Department of Health and Human Services declared a Public Health Emergency (January 31, 2020) and before the President declared a National Emergency (March 13, 2020).
We could not safely and responsibly hold the event based on the prevailing State/Federal guidelines at the time. I will include these at the bottom of the review for reference.
Based on this situation and the uncertainty into the future, we asked Steven for a refund of our deposit. He refused and below are his reasons, which give you some insight into his character.
Steven's Response: Another wedding took place at the same venue/time of our event. His performers were ready and willing to perform.
Truth: Venues have been losing a ton of money because of COVID and are pushing people to hold their events regardless of the health/safety guidelines. I shared the State/Federal guidelines (below) with him, but Steven justified ignoring them by saying that if the venue was okay with hosting an event, he was okay sending performers. Yes, admittedly, we could have held our large event and the venue would have allowed for it, but it would not be compliant with guidelines or remotely responsible to do during a pandemic.
Steven's Other Response: None of my performers want to stay home for half the money.
Truth: I called the DJ that was to perform at our wedding to ask if Steven has been paying him for all of the COVID impacted events. He responded that he had not worked, nor been paid since February. To avoid Steven's threat of litigation, I will be clear in stating that I do not know for certain whether the performers for our event were paid or not. But based on my conversation with the DJ, I have serious doubts.
In summary, I would strongly recommend against using Steven Vance and his company. We feel that we made a reasonable request to have our deposit refunded given the circumstances (which we acknowledge are beyond his control). At the end of the day-- we could not safety and responsibly hold our event, no services were provided, but we are out nearly $700.
Guidelines:
PA Reopening FAQ: All retail food service businesses, including restaurants, private event spaces and wedding venues with food service, licensed clubs, and bars located in counties designated as being in the Green Phase are permitted to provide take-out and delivery sales, as well as dine-in service in both indoor and outdoor seating areas, so long as they strictly adhere to the requirements of the Restaurant Guidance.
PA Green Phase Restaurant Guidance: Ensure maximum occupancy limits for indoor and outdoor areas are posted and strictly enforced. Maximum occupancy, to include all customers and employees at the facility, is calculated using the following two methods. The more restrictive number must be used.
Method 1. Limit to 50% of stated fire code maximum occupancy or 24 people per 1,000 square feet if there is no applicable fire code maximum occupancy. When no fire code number is available for outdoor dining, the 24 people per 1,000 square feet number should be applied.
Method 2. Arrange the restaurant or retail food service business so that customers sitting at a table are not within six feet of any customers sitting at another table in any direction and calculate the maximum number of customers that can be accommodated read more
