BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Hotel Henry announced earlier this week it was closing its doors.
The announcement was not only a blow to the community, but to several couples who have planned to get married there.
Earlier this week, 7 Eyewitness News profiled the story of Jonathan Rowan and his fiance Nina, whose wedding is in limbo because of their venue's closure.
After he saw the story on 7 Eyewitness News, prominent Buffalo developer, Douglas Jemal called us and wanted to help.
"I am going to pay for their wedding," he said. "If I can get Hotel Henry, we will have it there. If not, we will have it at the Statler," he said.
On a four-way Zoom call, Jemal announced his plans to the couple.
"This is a wedding gift to you and Jonathan," he said. "I love the community, I love the city, and you will not be disappointed Nina. We're looking forward to having the wedding at either Hotel Henry or the Statler, so either way, babe, you're covered," he said.
Nina burst into tears.
"Thank you so much from both of us," Jonathan said. "We've been dealing with so much stuff this whole year. I kind of know you because I own a food truck. We've been there a couple of times for lunches and I hold you in such a high standard. Inviting us there for free, and now watching Seneca One and the Statler turned over. I don't think we can thank you enough," he said.
"This has just been horrible. Last year we were supposed to have it and because of COVID we couldn't. That date was my past grandmother's birthday. So we were really happy to have it then and we couldn't. Losing that killed me, and now losing it again it's just torn us a lot," he said.
"It is my pleasure to give you and Nina this wedding gift," Jemal said.
Jemal says he hopes to acquire Hotel Henry, and will know more in the near future.
