When the photos first hit the internet, they didn't look like your typical Hollywood "fairytale" wedding. There were no towering floral arches from a Beverly Hills florist that cost more than a mid-sized sedan. No stiff tuxedos or designer gowns that felt like they were wearing the person rather than the other way around. Instead, the Ruby Guest wedding was a vibrant, costumed explosion of joy in a backyard. It was bright. It was nerdy. It was, quite frankly, exactly what a wedding should be in an era where everyone is trying too hard to be "aesthetic" for Instagram.
Ruby Guest, the daughter of acting royalty Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest, tied the knot with her partner, Kynthia, back in May 2022. But we aren't just talking about a party. We are talking about a massive cultural touchstone for the trans community and for parents everywhere who are trying to figure out how to lead with love.
The Cosplay Element That Changed Everything
Most celebrity weddings have a dress code like "Black Tie" or "Coastal Chic." Ruby and Kynthia went a different route. They chose cosplay.
Honestly, it’s refreshing. Ruby is a known fan of gaming and anime, and she didn't leave that part of herself at the door just because she was getting married. Guests showed up in full gear. We’re talking wigs, capes, and elaborate face paint. Jamie Lee Curtis herself didn't just attend; she officiated the ceremony while dressed as Jaina Proudmoore from World of Warcraft.
Think about that for a second.
One of the most decorated actresses in cinema history—a woman who has an Oscar, for heaven's sake—stood in her own backyard wearing a tiered golden robe and carrying a staff because that is what her daughter wanted. It wasn't a stunt. It was a visible, colorful manifestation of parental support.
The wedding took place on May 29, 2022. It was a Sunday. The sun was out, the vibe was relaxed, and the photos showed a family that was genuinely having a blast. Ruby wore a stunning, intricate gown that leaned into the fantasy theme without looking like a "costume" in the derogatory sense. It was elegant. It was her.
Why This Specific Wedding Resonates Years Later
We see a lot of celebrity weddings. Most of them are forgettable. They blend into a blur of white peonies and champagne towers. But the Ruby Guest wedding stays in the conversation because it represents a successful "coming out" narrative that didn't end in tragedy or estrangement.
In 2021, Ruby came out as transgender. In an interview with AARP The Magazine, Jamie Lee described the experience of watching her daughter become her true self as "wonder and pride." That transition from "son" to "daughter" in the eyes of the parents can be a rocky road for many families. But the Guests? They leaned in.
- They learned the new terminology.
- They adjusted their own perspectives.
- They celebrated the new reality with a massive party.
It’s about the "how." How do you support a child? You show up. You put on the costume. You officiate the wedding in the backyard where they grew up.
The Backyard Setting: Intimacy Over Opulence
While many stars rent out Italian villas or private islands, Ruby and Kynthia kept it at home. This choice is actually pretty significant. Hosting a wedding in a family backyard—even a very nice one—creates an immediate sense of safety and intimacy. For a high-profile trans woman like Ruby, that privacy was likely paramount.
🔗 Read more: Michael Cunningham RHOA Net Worth: The Truth About His Wealth and Brit Eady Divorce
The decorations were DIY-adjacent. There were rainbow-colored decorations, custom signage, and a sense of whimsy that you just can't buy from a corporate wedding planner. It felt like a community event. It felt like a safe space.
Jamie Lee later shared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that the ceremony ended with a "hand-fasting" ritual. This is an ancient Celtic tradition where the couple's hands are literally tied together to symbolize their union. It’s where the phrase "tying the knot" comes from. In the context of a cosplay-themed wedding, it fit the medieval/fantasy aesthetic perfectly while grounding the event in deep, historical tradition.
The Aftermath and Public Reaction
Naturally, the internet had opinions. The majority were overwhelmingly positive, especially from the LGBTQ+ community. Seeing a high-profile family celebrate a trans daughter’s wedding with such unashamed glee provided a blueprint.
But it wasn't just about the "politics" of it. It was about the joy. People were obsessed with the cake. People were obsessed with the fact that the guests actually committed to the costumes. It looked like a high-end Renaissance Faire but with better catering.
Lessons in Advocacy From the Guest Family
Jamie Lee Curtis has used the platform generated by the Ruby Guest wedding to become a fierce advocate. She’s been open about her "learning curve." She’s admitted to making mistakes with pronouns early on. That honesty is human. It makes her advocacy more believable because she isn’t pretending to be perfect.
She often says she is a "student." That’s a powerful stance for a parent.
💡 You might also like: Does Eminem Drink? What Most People Get Wrong About His Sobriety
If you are looking at this wedding as a reference for your own life, the takeaway isn't necessarily that you need to dress up as a video game character. The takeaway is about radical acceptance. It’s about meeting people exactly where they are.
Practical Insights for a Creative Wedding
If you’re planning a wedding and Ruby’s nuptials inspired you, here’s how to actually pull off a "themed" wedding without it feeling like a five-year-old’s birthday party:
Choose a "Vibe" Over a Strict Script
Ruby’s wedding worked because it wasn't just one specific movie; it was a broad "cosplay" theme. This allowed guests to choose something they felt comfortable in. Some went full armored warrior, while others kept it subtle.
Invest in Quality Photography
When you have a lot of color and costumes, lighting is everything. You need a photographer who understands how to capture vibrant colors without making them look "neon" or cheap. The photos of Ruby and Kynthia were soft and romantic, which balanced the high-energy costumes.
Focus on the Ritual
The hand-fasting was the "serious" moment in a "fun" day. You need that balance. If the whole thing is just a joke, it loses the weight of the commitment. The Guest family understood that the costumes were the wrapper, but the love was the gift.
Keep it Private
If you're doing something non-traditional, the last thing you want is a bunch of judgmental strangers staring. A backyard or a private venue is usually better for "alternative" weddings than a public hotel ballroom.
The Ruby Guest wedding wasn't just a party; it was a declaration. It told the world that trans joy is real, vibrant, and worthy of a celebration in the family backyard. It showed that "tradition" is whatever we decide to make of it. Whether you are a fan of Halloween or just a fan of human rights, the story of this wedding remains one of the most heartening celebrity moments of the last decade. It’s a reminder that at the end of the day, a wedding is just two people promising to look out for each other—even if they’re doing it while wearing capes.
To move forward with your own planning or advocacy, start by evaluating how much of your "tradition" is for you and how much is for "them." True celebration happens when the costumes come off—or in this case, when they stay on because they finally fit who you really are. Look into local LGBTQ+ wedding vendors to ensure your space is as safe as the Guest backyard was that day. Support organizations like Free Mom Hugs or PFLAG that help parents navigate the same journey Jamie Lee and Christopher Guest walked so gracefully.