A California newlywed couple’s dream wedding turned into a shocking crime scene when an intruder slipped into their reception and allegedly walked away with a fortune in gifts.
Newlywed couple loses out on thousands in wedding gifts
The theft happened in the early hours of Sunday morning at the Renaissance Banquet Hall in Glendale, where George and Nadeen Farahat had been celebrating their nuptials with nearly 300 guests.
Authorities said the suspect, dressed in dark clothing, managed to remain undetected for nearly 90 minutes before seizing a large decorative box stuffed with envelopes containing cash, checks, and gift cards.
The ill-gotten wedding haul is believed to be worth between $80,000 and $100,000.
The theft occurred around 12:30 a.m., long after the ceremony at a downtown Los Angeles church and just as the reception was in full swing.
Surveillance footage and cellphone video captured by a guest showed the suspect moving through the ballroom and then making off with the box.
“As soon as we found out what happened, you know, the music shut down, everything immediately stopped,” Nadeen recalled.
“I ended up sitting on the dance floor sobbing with my friends and cousins around me.”
Security cameras caught the suspect wandering the hall outside the venue before entering the reception area.
Newlywed couple shocked after wedding crasher steals cash
In the video, he can be seen pacing with a cellphone, ordering a drink at the bar, and weaving between tables while the dance floor was crowded.
“It’s very brave. I think he even tipped the bartender,” George said.
Moments later, the man was spotted rushing across the dance floor, grabbing the ornate box filled with wedding gifts, and dashing out of a side exit.
Another camera showed him fleeing the scene in a black Mercedes Benz.
The theft devastated the couple, who had spared no expense in planning the lavish reception and even hired additional security.
“It was a wonderful party until the incident took place,” George told KTLA5. “As is tradition in our culture, most people give cash or checks as gifts for the newlyweds, so there was a box containing all the envelopes, the cards, the money from family and friends that were invited.”
Nadeen said she only learned what happened when a close friend showed her the disturbing footage.
“At that point, the music stopped, everyone was aware of the situation,” she said.
“It’s such a memorable and happy day that you’re having so much fun. You don’t think about this stuff. It’s the last thing that could’ve been on anyone’s mind.”
Despite their precautions, the thief managed to slip through unnoticed, rattling the couple and their guests.
“Watching the dance floor, he’s even watching our family. It’s just so scary to look back and see that there was a stranger at such a private event, and such an intimate event,” Nadeen told ABC 7.
The Farahats quickly filed a police report and are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
They have also asked all of their guests to share any photos or videos from the reception that might help investigators.
Although shaken, the couple said they are determined to focus on the good memories of their wedding day.
“We had a wonderful ceremony at our church, we had a really fun party with our family and friends to celebrate until the incident,” George said.
Nadeen added, “Someone said that, you know, when it rains on your wedding day, it usually means good things are to come. When someone steals money and your box and everything on your wedding day, we’ll follow that same trend. We’re just really thankful.”
The couple made clear they are not seeking donations, but want justice. “We’re just hoping this person gets caught,” George noted.
New bride slain by husband
In another disturbing case involving newlyweds, tragedy struck in Arizona when a bride was fatally stabbed by her husband outside a Home Depot.
Police say 37-year-old Aliccia Grant had recently married 36-year-old Stephen Dennis when he turned on her during an argument over annulling their marriage.
Grant was found bleeding in the driver’s seat of a red Prius in a Phoenix parking lot.
Witnesses reported hearing her screams in the early morning hours of September 9, 2024.
Despite desperate efforts by officers to stop the bleeding, Grant used her final breaths to identify her husband as the attacker. She was rushed to a hospital but later died.
Dennis fled on foot, taking a bag from the car and clashing briefly with a bystander before disappearing.
A short time later, he called 911, admitted to the killing, and revealed the location of the knife. He was later arrested and charged.
On August 18, 2025, Dennis was sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell condemned the crime. “This wasn’t just a violent crime – it was an act of betrayal carried out by someone who should have been a source of safety, not fear,” Mitchell said.
“There is something especially cruel about a murder that takes place within a relationship that’s intended to be built on trust. We will continue to aggressively pursue and hold violent domestic abusers accountable.”
She added, “As one of the officers continued to apply pressure to the victim’s wounds, the victim made a dying declaration identifying Dennis as her attacker.”
