News 12 at 11 o'clock, September 5, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga. --- The Palmetto House was a popular spot not only for a good meal but it was also the spot for a special occasion. The place was booked solid until next summer with scheduled events like birthday parties and weddings. Now one couple - scheduled to be married in November,will have to find a new location.

Jared Mankins and Amber Lloyd won't be having their wedding at the Palmetto House thanks to this fire, so now they have the tedius task of finding a new location for the wedding.

"Its a feeling of disbelief, really," says Jared. Mankins. "We're kinda up the river, like I said we have the engravings, everything's done and we're tied into a spot. We have to have the wedding on that date or else we have to go back and buy everything again."

First they lost the minister,then they lost three brides maids and then they lost their ceremony and reception hall. Jared Mankins and Amber Lloyd say just when they thought things couldn't get any worse - it did. As they sealed up wedding invitations Thursday night - the Palmetto House, the place for their "big day" went up into flames.

"Its our luck after as much stuff as we've been through with this wedding this tops it all,"says Amber Lloyd.

The pair has dated for five years now and a November 1st date is set. Now they have to reprint the invitations, the programs not to mention find a new location. But owner Robin Dunn says despite that none of her booked clients will have to worry including Jared and Amber.

Fire officials will continue to monitor this fire for hot spot over the next few weeks, but Jared and Amber will be busy over the next few weeks finding a new location.