A wedding day is meant to be one of the happiest of a couple's new life, but a real-life wedding crasher in Monrovia ruined it by stealing a box full of wedding cards, cash, and gift cards.
Maribel Nolasco and her now-husband Anthony said everyone they invited had been family or friends they'd known for years. But one man stood out on the surveillance footage.
"As soon as I saw the video, he stood out. I said, I don't know that guy because everyone we invited we have known for years," Anthony said.
Anthony, a nurse, and Maribel, a respiratory therapist, met at the hospital where they both work, so they know each other's colleagues and guests.
"He slides the box to the corner of the table, looks around, takes off his jacket, puts it in his jacket and starts walking out," Maribel said of the bridal bandit.
It was a crime of opportunity. The couple is stunned anyone would do that at a wedding.
"Everyone is oblivious because everyone is having a good time," Anthony said.
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They're hoping someone will recognize the suspect, or he'll have a change of heart and return the cash meant for the couple. Regardless of what happens now, these lovebirds say no one can steal their happiness.
"It's a terrible thing, but we didn't let it ruin our night. I'm still happy I have my beautiful wife," Anthony said.
Monrovia police are attempting to use facial recognition technology to identify the man, and contacting other police departments who may have seen the same type of crime.
