A minister working the wedding of a Portland couple was arrested Tuesday for stealing thousands of dollars in wedding gifts.

Portland detectives said Shawn and Kyra Sonnenschein hired 27-year-old Shey Silveira to conduct their September wedding ceremony after finding her on Craigslist.

The couple had asked for gift cards and registered at Home Depot since they were in the process of remodeling their home.

Police said the couple became concerned after finding very few gift cards after between 75 and100 guests attended the ceremony. But they didn’t want to appear ungrateful, according to police.

Portland Police

It was only after friends started questioning the couple about how they were spending the gift money that they called police, suspecting possible theft.

Shawn Sonnenschein said there was a time when all of the guests were outside during the wedding and Silveira was in the house alone, but they did not suspect her at first.

"We just couldn't think of anybody that was capable of doing something like that," he said.

Detectives found out who had purchased cards for the couple, and information led them to the Sherwood Home Depot. That’s where Silveira was caught on surveillance camera redeeming the gift cards.

Police arrested Silveira and booked her on second degree misdemeanor theft charges, but the investigation was continuing.

Sonnenschein said cash was also stolen form some guests' purses that were inside the house.

"She's finding her way into people's houses through religion and trust and abusing that. I find that to be one of the biggest crimes of all, " he added.

The couple was unsure if any losses would be recovered.

"It's caused more havoc than anything," according to Sonnenschein. "Just kind of have to cut your losses. If we get anything back it'll be a nice surprise. It's depressing -- but we'll make it through."

He added that the couple just wanted to make other Craigslist users aware.

Silveira also used photos from the Sonnenschein wedding to advertise, police said.