A Quirky Thrift Store Wedding Sealed With A Kitsch

Captivating visuals courtesy of Eighty8 Studios. We’re delighted to team up with the eclectic duo, Elly Buck and Jessee Buck. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience at The HideOut in Kirkwood, California on August 16th, 2022.

Fabulous kitsch reigns supreme at this Hollywood luau tiki wedding

Keely and Gunnar’s Hollywood luau tiki wedding was an unforgettable celebration of love, style, and kitsch. Building on their intimate New Zealand elopement, they hosted a vibrant Polynesian-themed reception in California that was equal parts nostalgic charm and modern flair. As a nod to the city’s iconic status, the Hollywood sign made a cameo appearance.

Keely stunned in a vintage Hawaiian print dress, accessorized with bamboo bangles, turquoise nails, a jade necklace, and a radiant yellow orchid. For anyone seeking a visual respite from reality, this tiki wedding is a must-see treat.

Tell us about the ceremony:

As I surprised Jessee with our dog Porkchop, the tears began flowing, and I felt an adrenaline rush like no other in my life. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of a ceremony that would leave everyone in stitches. My friend Gary had prepared a script for the occasion, one that would have us all laughing and tearing up. He started by saying, ‘Marriage is a funny thing. You spend your whole life wondering what the future holds, who you’ll marry, and when you’ll meet them.

‘ He went on to share with us how Elly and Jessee’s story had unfolded, starting with that fateful day in July 2016 when they met at Disneyland through their mutual friend Sadie. It was as if they’d known each other their whole lives. Maybe it was the shared attraction to incredible-looking people – or in this case, Jessee’s undeniable hotness – but whatever it was, Elly and Jessee hit it off immediately.

The Tower of Terror wasn’t the only ride they wanted to take together; they had already realized that there were many more adventures waiting for them. As Gary continued to share their story with us, the anticipation built. Our plan had been to start blasting Mötley Crüe’s ‘Kickstart my Heart’ during the first kiss, followed by a WWE- esque introduction from Gary – and that’s exactly what happened.

But just as we were pronounced husband and wife, a huge clap of thunder boomed, leaving everyone in awe.

Tell us about the thrift store wedding reception:

Our reception was a true celebration of quirks and whimsy. The pièce de résistance was the massive disco ball suspended above the dance floor, courtesy of my adventurous bridesmaid who’s mastered an impressive 50 knots for her rock climbing exploits. To create a unique atmosphere, I set up a photo booth with a working lava lamp and repurposed furniture from garage sales, transforming it into a cozy, nostalgic space reminiscent of Grandma’s basement.

The result was a kitschy vibe that perfectly captured the essence of our special day. As we mingled and danced, guests enjoyed a range of activities, including cornhole, giant Jenga, billiards, and even a hockey goal game. To add to the ambiance, the HideOut staff lit a bonfire, inviting everyone to gather ’round for s’mores and lively conversations. We also received heartfelt voicemails from loved ones thanks to a thoughtful gift from The Tone – a bright orange rotary phone.

As the night wore on and the music slowed, we all piled into our 30-person granite hot tub to soak under the stars and marvel at a breathtaking meteor shower.

What was the most important lesson you learned from your wedding?

Learning to adapt to unexpected circumstances was a significant challenge for me during this time. The devastating forest fires that swept through the Sierra Nevada region last year had a lasting impact on my beauty team’s preparations for the event. When loggers worked tirelessly to clear damaged trees from the roads, it caused traffic delays and left us scrambling to adjust our timeline.

With no cell service in the mountains to rely on, I found myself having to get creative with stress management techniques. Breathing exercises became a trusted companion as I prepared myself mentally for the chaos that was sure to ensue. In hindsight, I’m grateful that I was unapologetically myself during this experience. Our wedding reflected our unique personalities and love story, and I hope that our guests felt the sincerity of it all.

Thrift store wedding vendors

The picturesque wedding celebration was captured by the talented Eighty8 Studios. The beautiful bride opted for a stunning Starstruck dress, which she procured secondhand. The ceremony took place at The HideOut At Kirkwood, a serene and intimate venue that set the tone for a romantic day. Fresh flowers courtesy of Idlewide Floral added a touch of whimsy to the decor, while the bride’s hair was styled by Paige Hall. Her radiant look was completed with makeup artistry from Marissa M Artistry.

The couple’s coordinator, Married Poppins, ensured that every detail was meticulously planned and executed to create a truly unforgettable experience.