Dustin and Chera 07-07-07

Written by: Bobbi Powell Photos by: RoppOp Photography

On July 7, 2007 at 7:00 in the evening, Dustin and Chera Thiel vowed to spend the rest of their lives as husband and wife. These two found a way to make their wedding truly unique and set themselves apart from the crowd of couples who would take vows on the most sought after wedding date of the year. Thousands would wed on this day, but you would be hard pressed to find another dubbed a"Great Gatsby" theme, and full of guests ready to dress the part.

Dustin asked Chera to marry him at the Sun Valley Lodge in a suite overlooking the ice rink. He orchestrated a huge surprise with help from family (the plot to get her there), and much of the staff at the lodge who were enlisted to help decorate their suite while he took her for dinner. Dustin said of the room "Even I was sur-prised at how well it looked." As she thought back,Chera commented "He did a good job pulling it off, and though completely surprised, I had no trouble saying YES".

Engaged for nearly two years before their wedding day, this couple was able to avoid many of the issues others would face. Fully booked venues and already taken photographers weren't a problem for them when planning to wed on the most popular wedding day of 2007. They had plenty of time and took full advantage of it. Selecting the theme came about after hearing of a Great Gatsby party that was being planned in Boise. "It just sounded like fun" they said, and a few months in advance, Save the Date cards were sent out inviting everyone to "Dress the Part" announcing their plans to have a wedding set in 1920's style. The invitations would also offer a similar request that guests dress accordingly. The wedding took place at private estate owned by a friend of the bride's parents. This site offered a beautiful scene with the mountains as a back drop for the ceremony. It had plenty of room for the reception, and the relaxed atmosphere they were looking for.

Looking sharp in a 1920's style zoot suit with hat intact, and accompanied by five of his closest friends (similarly dressed), Dustin would take the alter and wait for his bride to make her grand entrance. The bridesmaids displayed a well designed mix of three Calla lily bouquets and beautifully put together roses, as they lined up to witness the joining of this couple. Two flower girls prepared the aisle with white petals while sporting their feathered headbands and little white dresses. Chera chose to wear a modern dress (from BridalCouture), carried an all white floral bouquet,and looked stunning when she combined it all with pin curled hair straight out of the 1920's.

Rod Ritchie, officiant for the ceremony offered prayer, for "they had chosen to become man and wife". This reference of choice would be heard throughout the ceremony. It was present as this bride looked up at her groom and spoke her vows, "I choose to love you alone for all the days of mylife." It was apparent that this choice was supported by their family and friends who would see her wink at him as she secured the ring on his finger. They were surrounded by witnesses, and blessed by the presence of their loved one's. Dustin's father and stepmother, Daveand Kim Thiel, his mother and stepfather, Jodi and Lamar Potter, and Chera's parents, Dawn and Steve Joslin, showered them with an abundance of love and support as they were pronounced husband and wife.
The reception kicked off immediately following the ceremony. A great variety of music was provided by Rockin Rooster DJ, and it wasn't long before the dancing queen in a little pink flapper dress claimed the dance floor. Hints of the 1920's theme would be present all through-out the reception area, classy, yet not over done. Most who attended were happy to take on the theme, from zootsuits to flapper girls, these guests weren't afraid to deck themselves out with such items as feathers for their hair, wallet chains, knitted hats with bead adornments, and the always popular suspenders. Chera and Dustin both agreed, "this gave all the guests a great way to be in-volved".

?One of the most touching events of the evening happened when it was time to make a toast to the happy couple. It was immediately following a speech from the best man, Aaron Reimers, and a welcome to the family, offered to Dustin by Chera's two sisters, Brennan and Hope Joslin. It was a tender speech, and then a surprise for his daughter, when father of the bride, Steve Joslin, set up a special dedication, requesting that "Tupelo Honey", by Van Morrison be played in her honor. This was the first thing that came to mind for Chera when asked about the most memorable moments of her big day. She knew her dad was nervous about a speech and never expected a dedication like that.?The night was long, and just about every guest made their way to the dance floor at one point or another. There were plenty of photo opportunities to be had by RoppOp Photography, who not only photographed the wedding, but also joined in the fun by dressing in 1920's attire. "It was just like a scene out of the movie", Jason commented as he talked about this event. As the night came to an end, and the couple headed off to prepare for a honeymoon in Cabo SanLucas, Mexico, they found themselves climbing into a vintage, white, Roles Royce which was only fitting for a true Great Gatsby get away. Aside from the theme, there were many other unique and fun parts of this event. Catering was done by Phoenix Catering Company, who not only provided a great spread for the adults, but also offered a separate menu including popcorn, and snow cones for the kids. As if popcorn?wasn't enough of a treat, the bride and groom brought in Kipp Sherry, a magician with plenty of tricks up his sleeve. While the children were certainly entertained, the adults were able to enjoy not one, but two cocktail bars. "The SpeakEasy Lounge", as Chera and Dustin called it, and the martini bar were both big hits.