by Glendale, California – A Southern California couple’s dream wedding turned into a nightmare when an uninvited guest allegedly stole a box containing nearly $100,000 in wedding gifts, including cash, checks, and gift cards, during their reception in Glendale.
The couple, George and Nadeen Farahat, say they are devastated after discovering that the theft happened while they and their guests were on the dance floor celebrating their new life together.
A Joyful Celebration Turns Sour
The wedding took place on August 30, 2025, beginning with a church ceremony in downtown Los Angeles before guests moved to the Renaissance Banquet Hall on South Central Avenue in Glendale for the reception.
For hours, the night went as planned—guests dined, danced, and celebrated. But shortly after 12:30 a.m., surveillance cameras caught a man wandering near the ballroom. He was not on the guest list and is believed to have entered unnoticed.
Footage shows the suspect pretending to be on a phone call before moving deeper inside. He reportedly ordered a drink at the bar, lingered near tables where guests had already cleared out, and then approached a box placed near the dance floor. That box contained thousands of dollars in gifts from friends and family. Moments later, he was seen exiting through a side door with the stolen box in hand.
A Painful Discovery
The groom, George Farahat, told KTLA that the theft was completely unexpected. “It was a wonderful party until the incident took place,” he said. “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.”
It was one of the bride’s girlfriends who first realized the gift box had been taken. She quickly alerted the couple, and in a matter of moments, the music stopped as panic spread across the hall.
Bride Nadeen Farahat said the experience left her speechless. “It’s such a memorable and happy day and 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.”
The Suspect’s Escape
In exterior surveillance footage, the man is believed to have fled the scene in a black Mercedes-Benz parked nearby. The Glendale Police Department has not confirmed the vehicle’s registration or whether the suspect has been identified.
The couple estimates the loss to be between $80,000 and $100,000, based on the value of gifts they had received. “We’ve contacted many of our guests since the incident happened, and from what we can gather, the box contained nearly all of their contributions,” the groom explained.
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Questions Over Security
What stings even more for the couple is that they had paid extra for security at the wedding venue. Despite this, the alleged thief managed to enter without being stopped and leave with the gift box unnoticed.
The Farahats said they are frustrated that security staff failed to notice someone loitering in the hall and later slipping out with such a valuable item. “You pay for security to have peace of mind on such a special day, and yet this happened right under their noses,” George said.
Both the Glendale Police Department and the Renaissance Banquet Hall have been contacted for comment. As of now, neither has provided a public response.
A Call for Justice
The newlyweds have filed a police report and are asking the public for help. They’ve set up an email address, [email protected], for anyone who may recognize the man in the surveillance footage or have information about the crime.
“We just want justice,” George said. “This day was supposed to be about love and joy, and instead, we are left with heartbreak and loss.”
A Cautionary Tale for Couples
This shocking theft has also become a cautionary tale for other couples planning weddings. Experts recommend securing wedding gifts in locked containers, assigning a trusted family member to oversee them, and asking venues detailed questions about their security procedures.
With weddings often involving large sums of money in the form of checks and cash gifts, such incidents highlight the importance of being prepared.
What do you think about this shocking theft? Should wedding venues take greater responsibility for protecting guests and their belongings? Share your thoughts in the comments on ibwhsmag.com.
