It happened to a couple over the weekend in Washington Township, Gloucester County.
After a beautiful wedding and reception at Renaissance Catering, everything was seemingly fine for a young couple until they went back into the private bridal room and found all of their belongings gone.
"I just started bawling. I was so upset," the bride, Michelle Westenberger, said. "Because all day I was like nothing is going to ruin my day, nothing is going to ruin my day."
It was indeed honeymoon to heartbreak for Jason and Michelle Westenberger. The couple says a man caught on surveillance camera snatched their wallets, phones, and other personal items while they celebrated their nuptials.
"When I went to get my purse, nothing was there. I went to the maitre'd, and I said, 'Did you move stuff?' And he said he didn't touch anything," explained Michelle.
"It was upsetting, seeing her cry on her wedding day. It was bad," Jason said.
The newlyweds say the thief walked through the back door. They say it was left unlocked. While some relatives have blamed management at Renaissance Catering, the couple blames themselves and the wedding party who was going in and out the back door.
"He stole our video camera. My son's first birthday is there, Easter, my daughter's show, things I'll never see again," another family victim, Colleen Westenberger, said.
While the emotional loss is heavy, the financial gain to the crook is minimal. He didn't get any cash, and it doesn't appear he made any fraudulent charges, but with a honeymoon to Aruba planned for Monday, Michelle has no bank or credit cards, and no driver's license.
So on a day that should've been relegated to relaxation has turned into a frenzied scramble to get her affairs in order.
"I still had a beautiful wedding so the guy is not going to ruin my day," said Michelle.
Washington Township police is investigating.
Action News reached out to the owner of Renaissance Catering for comment, but the phone calls were not returned.
