Atlanta Couple's Honeymoon Fund Vanishes Overnight
Wedding days are supposed to be filled with joy, laughter, and memories to last a lifetime. But for Paul and Sherida McCallum, their big day in Midtown Atlanta took a shocking turn that no couple ever expects. Imagine planning your dream wedding, only to discover that a trusted vendor might have turned the celebration into a nightmare by walking off with thousands of dollars meant to fund your honeymoon. That's exactly what happened to the McCallums, whose story is a heartbreaking reminder that even on the happiest days, trust can be shattered in an instant.
A Day of Celebration Turns Sour
Paul and Sherida McCallum tied the knot in September 2024 after nearly a year of careful planning. Like many couples, they set up a donation box at their reception, hoping that family and friends would contribute to their honeymoon fund. The couple had hired Kendarries Powell as their wedding decorator, a decision reportedly influenced by glowing recommendations from loved ones. After all, when you're planning a wedding, you want someone reliable, someone you can count on to make your day perfect.
But as the reception unfolded, guests began to notice troubling behavior. Paul reflected on the situation, telling WSB-TV Powell was "by the bar, and he's not acting professionally. He's drinking all the alcohol. He's intoxicated," as reported by PEOPLE. Despite concerns and requests for him to leave, the couple allowed him to stay, perhaps hoping the night would proceed without incident. Unfortunately, the next morning brought a devastating discovery: the donation box, containing an estimated $10,000 in cash gifts, was missing.
The Shocking Security Footage
Determined to find answers, Paul returned to the venue the day after the wedding to review security footage. What he saw was chilling. The video allegedly showed Powell wrapping the donation box in a tablecloth and walking out of the reception hall with it partially concealed — a clear betrayal of trust on a day meant for celebration.
The couple immediately filed a criminal complaint with the Atlanta Police Department. Paul reportedly attempted to confront Powell, urging him to meet at the police station to discuss the situation like a responsible adult. Powell allegedly refused and disappeared, prompting authorities to issue an arrest warrant. According to Police, he was eventually arrested on November 19, 2024, on an "outstanding warrant for theft by taking related to this incident," as reported by PEOPLE. He was subsequently released on a $2,500 surety bond. His court date is set for March 2, 2026.
A Breach of Trust That Cuts Deep
What makes this story particularly painful is the breach of trust. Weddings are intimate events where couples open their hearts and homes to family, friends, and vendors. To have someone entrusted with making the day special allegedly steal from that sacred space is a violation that resonates far beyond the missing money.
Sherida expressed how the incident affected not just themselves, but their entire family, telling WSB-TV, "To end on such a negative note, it broke everyone's heart. It didn't just affect my husband and I. It affected the entire family," as reported by PEOPLE. Despite the betrayal, the McCallums said they still managed to go on their honeymoon, chosing to "focus on the good memory of [their] wedding," rather than letting the theft overshadow their new life together.
How to Protect Your Family Wedding Gifts
While wedding gift theft is rare, it's a risk that couples should be aware of. Experts recommend several strategies to safeguard your gifts and cash donations:
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Hire a trusted wedding planner or gift attendant: These professionals can monitor gift tables, periodically secure gifts in a safe location, and keep detailed records of who gives what.
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Use an online gift registry: Encouraging guests to send gifts directly to your home or a secure address reduces the risk of theft at the venue.
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Inquire about venue security: Ask about surveillance cameras, lost and found protocols, and consider hiring additional security personnel if you have valuable gifts.
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Strategically place gift tables: Position them away from exits and in well-monitored areas. Use locked boxes with small slits for cash gifts to prevent easy removal.
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Invest in wedding insurance: This can cover losses due to theft and provide peace of mind during your big day.
Moving Forward With Caution and Hope
The McCallums' experience is a cautionary tale for couples planning their weddings. It underscores the importance of vigilance, even when surrounded by loved ones and trusted vendors. But it also highlights resilience — the ability to focus on love and commitment despite setbacks.
If you're planning a wedding, take steps to protect your gifts and cash donations. Assign someone you trust to watch over them, consider the security measures at your venue, and don't hesitate to ask tough questions. Your wedding day should be about celebrating your union, not worrying about theft.
For Paul and Sherida McCallum, the theft was a painful chapter, but it didn't define their story. They chose to remember the joy, the vows, and the beginning of their life together — a testament to the power of love overcoming even the darkest moments.
So, as you prepare for your own special day, keep this story in mind. Trust is precious, but so is caution. And sometimes, a little extra vigilance can make all the difference between a day remembered for love and one marred by loss.
References: Couple's Wedding Decorator Allegedly Steals $10K in Wedding Cash Gifts | How to Prevent Wedding Gift Theft With a Gift Attendant | Wedding decorator from hell got drunk on free booze at reception then stole honeymoon fund using tablecloth, distraught couple says
