Unholy Matrimony: How Cult of the Lamb led to two unforgettable weddings

As I read through this heartwarming tale, my heart brimmed with admiration and joy for these extraordinary couples. Having spent most of my life in the corporate world myself, I can only imagine the courage it takes to stand out from the crowd and embrace one’s unique identity – particularly in a setting as big as PAX, let alone a global gaming event like this!


At PAX Australia 2024, two pairs exchanged vows in an extraordinary fashion. The spectacle took place at the eye-catching Cult of the Lamb booth, where the unique expression of love was adorned with a charmingly sinister touch. Here’s how an Australian indie game played a significant role in fostering affection.

Upon its launch in August 2022, Cult of the Lamb surpassed all anticipations, leaving Massive Monster pleasantly surprised as they had only hoped for the project to simply break even. However, the level of success that followed was far beyond what Creative Director Julian Wilton could have imagined, he shared with us.

After numerous editions sold and countless content updates, the game remains as popular as ever. With such a vast audience, fans have played a significant role in shaping it, fostering an active community filled with diverse artistic expressions beyond the playable content. Wilton commented, “It’s their creation now. It’s developed its own identity.

At PAX Australia 2024, it was strikingly clear as two couples exchanged vows at a booth themed after Cult of the Lamb. Initially, one might assume it was just a clever marketing trick to generate buzz and draw more attention to the game. However, the truth turned out to be quite different.

In clear and conversational language: Undeniably, two genuine pairs tied the knot because of Cult of the Lamb. This is not open to debate; it simply happened. From the unique idea to the joyous ceremony, here’s how a captivatingly quirky video game won everyone’s affection.

A couple held their marriage ceremony in the Cult of the Lamb booth at PAX Australia

— TopMob (@TopMob) October 13, 2024

It started out with a tweet, how did it end up like this?

In April, the playful Cult of the Lamb (previously known as Twitter) posted a sincere query on their platform. “Are there any couples looking to tie the knot this year using the Cult of the Lamb wedding tradition?

Initially, many responses were sarcastic or humorous, as people tagged their friends jokingly. However, some individuals who genuinely wanted to participate followed the guidelines and contacted the organizers. As reported by those involved, more than 200 serious couples expressed interest. Unfortunately, there was only space for two couples in the end.

Enter Tanner & Jasper alongside Shania & Blake. Neither couple could believe their luck.

Anyone wanting to get married this year in a Cult of Lamb married ritual?

We. are. dead. serious.

— Cult of the Lamb (@cultofthelamb) April 19, 2024

In the past, they felt a blend of apprehension and eagerness upon receiving the news that had them pinned down. Having been together for more than three years and recently engaged, this duo decided to reply to the tweet since they both were enthusiastic fans of the sport.

After being together for more than 13 years, high school sweethearts found it deeply moving when they ultimately had the special, one-of-a-kind wedding they’d long desired.

Blake shared, “We’ve had the desire to get married for quite some time now, but each time we try, something unexpected happens or our living expenses intervene. Just thinking about it… I ended up shedding tears all day.

Initially overlooked the initial email from the Cult team, including a follow-up, which was later clarified with a prompt phone call. During this call, I phoned [Shania] while she was at work and proposed, “So, are you up for getting married in October?

It’s a pleasure to discuss it now, as we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some truly courageous and eager couples. There’s so much more we’re eager to reveal!

— Cult of the Lamb (@cultofthelamb) August 29, 2024

According to co-founder and COO Graeme Struthers of Devolver Digital, the concept they’ve encountered is unlike anything they’ve ever experienced before. Although they’re no strangers to outlandish proposals, this one took them by surprise in a positive way. When presented with the idea of hosting real weddings, it wasn’t something they had ever considered, but upon hearing it, they were eager to jump on board.

It takes a culty village

Organizing not just one, but two weddings is no simple task, especially when planning them around the most bustling gaming convention in Australia – that’s a challenge indeed! The fortunate couples were set to get married at PAX Aus 2024, gracing the stage at the Cult of the Lamb booth.

Although most of the planning was handled by Massive Monster, the couples were given ample opportunity to guide the process towards their desired path.

Shania reassured us that we were granted significant autonomy for the ceremony. They made certain that every couple’s wedding was customized, avoiding the impression of simply being placed on a stage.

From the specific rituals and traditions each couple asked for, to the presentation of it all, they were giving input from the very beginning and kept in the loop all the way through. As a neat touch, the game’s writer even got involved with them to “write new material for the ceremony,” Jasper revealed.

The entire team here is exceptional, truly wonderful individuals. They said, ‘It’s your event, feel free to decide what you’d like to accomplish.’

Unholy Matrimony: How Cult of the Lamb led to two unforgettable weddings

For Tanner and Jasper, it was their intention to mark their unique day while dressed in their Furry attire. This choice did bring about a little additional tension, but everyone made sure to express their unwavering support for the couple.

Tanner explained that they eased our concerns, understanding that this isn’t generally viewed as a good thing. They promised to stand by us come what may.

As a gamer, I donned my Gryphon gear, while Jasper sported their homemade Jackalope costume. With the tight deadline looming, we knew that reaching out to pros to craft a custom Furry suit wouldn’t be feasible, so we had to get creative and DIY our own!

In about a month and a half, Jasper accomplished building it entirely by themselves – this was their inaugural endeavor of such magnitude.

A heartwarming day for all involved

On the morning filled with noticeable enthusiasm, around fifty individuals from Devolver and Massive took the final steps to set up preparations ahead of the event’s opening. Every detail mattered as they aimed to create an unforgettable experience for each couple on their special day. Behind it all was a sincere concern and dedication.

Simultaneously, at a neighboring hotel, the couples were trying to suppress both anxiety and tears, as they prepared for not only their personal, significant weddings, but also two rather extraordinary and distinctive wedding ceremonies.

24 hours ago, Shania expressed surprise that PAX was so enormous, far more than she had anticipated, as the convention center overflowed with thousands of visitors and long lines formed every hour for Cult of the Lamb merchandise.

“We saw the temple and it’s even bigger than we expected,” Blake chimed in.

Shania chuckled as she shared, “Dad called me up the other day and said something like, ‘There’s going to be around two thousand people in attendance!’

The part that’s going to be most uncomfortable is the hotel, it’s quite posh. I’ll make my entrance through the grand lobby wearing this fur suit, Tanner explained as he gestured towards it. “There’s something amusing about sophisticated businessmen in a high-class hotel, and then there’s me – a Furry character.

11AM marked the moment when the bells began chiming, signaling Jasper’s approach towards Tanner, as he walked along the aisle. The gathering was filled with a mix of friends and family, while many more, enchanted spectators, looked on from below and balconies above.

Over the past three years, starting from our virtual meeting in VRChat, they’ve progressed to sharing the daily life of a dairy farm. Their affection for each other was evident as they exchanged vows during their wedding ceremony, officially sealing their bond as husband and wife.

Following them next was Blake and Shania, the Sydney duo who’ve clocked countless hours in Cult of the Lamb – their heartwarming wedding vows had everyone tearing up, just like an onion-chopping session for Shrek’s banquet. I was watching from my balcony, but it felt as if I were preparing a feast myself!

Both sets of lovers received a torrent of applause, some even in rhythm with the song “Followers” from the game, while the online display of affection towards them has been truly remarkable too.

For those unable to attend in person, they’ve undoubtedly expressed their appreciation digitally, applauding the couples for bravely making their move on the gaming stage.

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2024-10-14 07:49