Estate owner says couple tried hosting wedding at property without permission

The owner of a mansion in Florida says a bride and groom attempted to hold their wedding at his property despite not getting permission, saying they believed it was God’s plan for them to get married at the estate.

Nathan Finkel, the owner of the 16,300-square-foot property in suburban Fort Lauderdale, said he called the police after he discovered strangers arriving at the gate of his home to set up for the wedding.

“I have people trespassing on my property,” Finkel told a 911 dispatcher, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “They say they’re having a wedding here and it’s God’s message. I don’t know what’s going on.”

A local man named Courtney Wilson, who was the groom in the wedding, had reportedly invited guests to celebrate his union to Shenita Jones at “our dream home and estate,” according to The Washington Post, though the couple had not secured the venue.

Southwest Ranches, Fla., Mayor Steve Breitkreuz told the Post that Wilson had months prior “presented himself as a potential buyer” of the home, which Finkel had placed on the market for $5.6 million. Instead of placing a bid, Wilson sought to rent out the estate.

“The owner said no,” Breitkreuz said told the Post. “He thought that was it. It’s done. Asked and answered. Not going to happen.”

Despite being turned down, Wilson reportedly moved forward with his wedding plans, saying that God had told him he was meant to be married at Finkel’s home, the Sun-Sentinel reported.