State bars unreliable wedding caterer, but repayment unlikely
A Kennebec County Superior Court judge has permanently barred a Maine wedding caterer from operating in the state after hearing testimony from thirteen people who said she took their money and failed to deliver on their wedding plans.
The hearing, held June 25 before Judge Michaela Murphy in Augusta, centered on caterer Bethany Gregory, who operated under the business names Simply Catered By Bethany and Vistas and Vows. Thirteen witnesses described how Gregory collected more than $145,000 to cater their weddings and vow renewals, then either failed to show up, canceled at the last minute, or provided substandard food and service.
Gregory did not attend the hearing and offered no defense. Murphy described the evidence as "completely uncontested and overwhelming."
Seven of the complainants testified that Gregory canceled on them with little notice, forcing them to scramble to find replacement caterers, often at additional expense. Seven others submitted dollar amounts in writing as evidence, though those figures were not disclosed in court.
The complaints represent only a fraction of the people who say they were harmed. Between 2024 and June 2 of this year, 54 people filed formal complaints against Gregory with the Office of the Maine Attorney General. It remains unclear how many additional victims came forward outside that process or how much money Gregory collected in total.
Maine residents were required to testify in person, while out-of-state complainants had the option of appearing via Zoom. Assistant Attorney General Ben Dexter told the court that 20 witnesses were prepared to testify, though one dropped out and several others could not attend after the hearing was postponed twice.
Among those who testified was Kayla Cannon, who said she and her husband Chase are still out $18,000 after paying Gregory $22,963 to cater their 2024 wedding. Cannon was the only bride to receive any refund directly from Gregory — $4,000. Three others managed partial recoveries totaling $11,154 through credit card chargebacks.
"I thought I would have heard something by now, but nothing," Cannon said in an email exchange after the hearing. "Though it's unlikely, it would be nice."
Another complainant, Allura Morneau, said she lost more than $6,500 after Gregory canceled three weeks before her September 2025 wedding, citing a conflict with the venue owner. Morneau later learned she was among the more fortunate complainants because she was able to secure a different caterer on short notice rather than endure Gregory's food and service on the day of the event.
"I was absolutely gobsmacked to hear that one mother gave her $33,000 for two meals, and had to help prep and serve the food," Morneau wrote, referring to Patricia Bowman, who testified that Gregory sent two workers in an unrefrigerated U-Haul to prepare and serve 160 guests. Bowman also said the crew arrived two hours late, ran out of food, and that some of what was served had come from BJ's Wholesale Club. She described the next-day brunch as little better.
"I am really glad it's over," Morneau said. "I am skeptical I will ever see a penny, but I was fighting for the principal of the matter, and for closure at this point."
A private Facebook group of roughly 500 members has become a clearinghouse for stories, documents, and advice related to Gregory. Many members have posted about credit card chargeback requests being denied because the disputes were filed outside the allowable time window.
During the hearing, Dexter told the judge that the state was not optimistic about restitution for the victims. Gregory has reportedly left Maine, and investigators were unable to identify any assets. A large federal tax lien further complicated any potential recovery.
The state asked Murphy for injunctive relief under the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act to prevent Gregory from working as a caterer in Maine, which the judge said she would grant. The state is also seeking $20,000 in civil penalties, plus interest, in case any assets are ever discovered.
"I wish there was something more that the system could offer you," Murphy told the complainants. "But I just want to be candid with you that if she has no assets, the state is in a very difficult position. And the court can sign any order, but if there's nothing to collect it's a very difficult and sometimes futile endeavor."
