Attempting to determine whether a flight took place
That flight did indeed happen:

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL2953/history/20190516/1632Z/KSAV/KORD

It was scheduled for 12:22PM, but actually left the gate at 1:43PM (about 1 hour and 20 minutes late).  

It was scheduled to land at 1:28PM, but actually landed at 3:25PM (about 2 hour late).

It looks like it took an extended detour to Missouri to avoid a weather system, resulting in the extra delay.

While the flight was not canceled, it is possible that passengers were offered free re-booking opportunities due to the weather system.  Your house guests may have taken that on the belief the flight might be canceled.