When Emily Campeas realized that Marriott had allegedly canceled the 300 room block for her destination wedding just two days before the event, she turned to TikTok to share her frustration. But it was her father, Dave, who took matters into his own hands. Dad is a lifetime elite Marriott customer and emailed Marriott’s CEO in a desperate attempt to resolve the issue.
Dave wasn’t going to let his daughter’s big day be derailed without a fight. His persistence, combined with the viral power of social media, caught widespread attention.
In a follow-up TikTok, the Campeas family shared an update: Thanks to public pressure and Marriott’s responsiveness, they were eventually able to secure accommodations for their 300-person wedding party.
In the video, Dave expressed his gratitude, acknowledging how the online community played a crucial role in their resolution.
“Thanks to the power of social media, the Marriott came through both nationally and locally, and we got our wedding party situated at a different hotel with their help,” Dave said. “We could not have done it without everybody from TikTok, so thank you all so much. And if you ever need a dad to stand up for you, let me know!”
Emily’s story resonated with over 28 million people, sparking outrage and solidarity among viewers who encouraged Marriott to respond. What started as a personal crisis quickly turned into a viral movement, proving that online platforms can be a powerful tool for advocacy.
Photo: Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images