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Newlyweds Allege Wedding Decorator Stole $10,000 Donation Box; Arrest Reported

12:54 AM, 12/04/2025
Newlyweds Allege Wedding Decorator Stole $10,000 Donation Box; Arrest Reported

The McCallums allege that their wedding decorator, Kendarries Powell, stole a donation box containing about $10,000 from their September 2024 reception in midtown Atlanta. Security footage reportedly shows Powell carrying the box partially wrapped in a tablecloth as he left the venue. The couple filed a police report and an arrest warrant was issued; police later confirmed Powell’s arrest on Nov. 19, 2024. Despite the incident, the newlyweds say they went on their honeymoon and are focusing on the positive memories of their day.

A midtown Atlanta wedding in September 2024 ended with the newlyweds alleging a major theft. Paul and Sherida McCallum say the decorator they hired, identified as Kendarries Powell, walked out of their reception with a donation box containing about $10,000 that had been intended for the couple's honeymoon.

The couple say guests had raised concerns about the decorator’s behavior during the reception. Paul says he noticed Powell near the bar and behaving unprofessionally, and although he initially allowed him to stay, the couple discovered the donation box missing the next day.

Returning to the venue to review security footage, the McCallums say they watched video that appears to show Powell bringing a tablecloth into the hall and leaving with the donation box partially wrapped inside it. Paul described what he saw on camera as chilling and said Powell looked around quickly as he exited.

“When I saw the camera spot that box, the hair on my skin went up. You can tell when someone is suspicious,” Paul said.

The couple filed a criminal complaint with the Atlanta Police Department. According to police, an arrest warrant was issued and Powell was taken into custody on Nov. 19, 2024, on an outstanding warrant for theft by taking related to the incident.

Despite the loss, Paul and Sherida say they were able to go on their honeymoon and are trying to focus on the positive memories of their wedding day. “We want to focus on the good memory of our wedding,” Paul said, adding that they don’t want this incident to overshadow the planning and celebration their family worked for.

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