A striking departure from conventional matrimonial rites, Neona and Hickory, a couple whose bond spans 13 years since their high school days, formalized their commitment on June 6, 2026, within the distinctive confines of The Satanic Temple (TST) in Salem, Massachusetts. Their ceremony, steeped in personal expression and a deliberate rejection of traditional wedding grandeur, utilized TST’s specialized "666 Wedding Package," offered exclusively on specific dates concluding in the number six. This event not only celebrated a deeply rooted relationship but also underscored a growing trend of couples seeking highly personalized ceremonies that reflect their authentic identities, even if those identities challenge mainstream societal norms.
The Path to an Unconventional Union
Neona, who has forged a successful career in tattoo artistry, and Hickory, an enthusiast and professional in the hot rod community, have consistently supported each other’s passions throughout their extensive relationship. When the decision to marry arose, both expressed a shared desire to avoid the "pomp and unnecessary expense of a traditional wedding." Their mutual aversion to elaborate, months-long planning led them to seek an alternative that resonated with their individualistic spirits. The serendipitous discovery of The Satanic Temple’s "666 Wedding Package" proved to be the perfect catalyst, transforming a long-held intention into a concrete plan. The numerical significance of "666," often associated with the ‘number of the beast’ in Christian theology, is frequently reappropriated by The Satanic Temple and its adherents as a symbol of rebellion against arbitrary authority and a celebration of individual liberty, aligning perfectly with Neona and Hickory’s ethos. The package’s limited availability on June dates ending in six for 2026 provided the practical deadline they needed to move from "someday" to their chosen wedding date.
Understanding The Satanic Temple and its Salem Headquarters
To fully appreciate the context of Neona and Hickory’s wedding, it is crucial to understand The Satanic Temple. TST is a non-theistic religious organization that does not worship Satan or promote evil. Instead, it views Satan as a literary figure representing rebellion against tyranny, rational inquiry, and the pursuit of justice. Its core tenets, emphasizing compassion, reason, and individual autonomy, are often expressed through political activism aimed at upholding the separation of church and state, promoting religious pluralism, and advocating for human rights, including reproductive freedom. TST has gained significant public attention through high-profile legal battles, such as challenging religious displays on public property and advocating for the rights of its members to practice their beliefs freely.
The choice of Salem, Massachusetts, as the location for TST’s international headquarters and its Salem Art Gallery is highly symbolic. Historically infamous for the 1692 witch trials, Salem has become a contemporary hub for various spiritual and alternative communities, often seen as a place where the struggles for religious freedom and the right to individual belief are deeply ingrained in its narrative. The building itself, constructed in 1868 and formerly a funeral parlor, naturally lends a gothic and historically resonant atmosphere to the ceremonies conducted within, aligning with TST’s aesthetic and philosophical leanings. This setting, with its rich history and contemporary significance, offers a unique backdrop for couples like Neona and Hickory who seek a profound yet unconventional declaration of love.
A Personal Statement in Every Detail
Neona’s bridal ensemble was a deliberate blend of accessibility and bold self-expression. She chose a striking red 72styles Maxi Infinity Dress, purchased through Amazon, which she artfully wrapped into a crossed halter with a keyhole neckline and long sash tails at the back. This design not only exuded elegance but also intentionally showcased her extensive black-and-gray back piece tattoo, along with her fully tattooed sleeves and a rose inked on the shaved side of her head. Her footwear consisted of black Jessica Simpson Cali pumps, while her makeup (Colourpop) and nails (Apres Gel-X) were meticulously applied by Neona herself, highlighting her artistic skills and personal touch. The expert cut and color for Neona’s hair were provided by Keith Ford at Michael Thomas Salon in Manchester, New Hampshire, with Daelynne Boudreau from the same salon styling her hair on the wedding day.
Beyond conventional accessories, Neona’s appearance was marked by distinctive body modifications: permanent fangs, expertly crafted by Mann Family Dental in Manchester, and a split tongue. These features are profound statements of personal autonomy and aesthetic preference, embodying a radical acceptance of self that transcends societal beauty standards. Hickory complemented Neona’s striking look with a dark Van Heusen suit, a gray shirt, and a dark tie, adding a pair of black sunglasses for their throne-room portraits, which injected a cool, enigmatic flair. Hickory’s hair was also styled by Keith Ford, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic for the couple.
Sentimental Touches and Symbolic Rituals
The wedding rings held a deeply personal and poignant significance. Both bands, custom-made by the Etsy shop Whiskered Keepsake, incorporated ashes of the couple’s beloved Rottweiler, Shieba, who had passed away in November. This touching tribute ensured their "baby" was symbolically present at their ceremony, accompanying them into their new chapter as a married couple. Neona’s engagement ring, a unique design from Pandrid Design, another Etsy artisan, further underscored their preference for bespoke, meaningful jewelry over mass-produced items.
The ceremony itself took place in the heart of The Satanic Temple’s Salem headquarters. The building’s interior, described by the couple as "cozy and old world," offered a rich tapestry of gothic décor and art. The eight-and-a-half-foot bronze Baphomet statue, a central figure in the Temple, presided over the proceedings. In TST’s context, Baphomet represents the summation of all opposites, embracing reason, logic, and the pursuit of knowledge, rather than being an object of worship. This powerful symbol served as a fitting backdrop for a union founded on individuality and critical thought.
During the ceremony, the couple’s joined hands were bound in a braided black-and-red cord with trailing ribbon tails, signifying the ancient ritual of handfasting. This practice, with its roots in Celtic traditions, symbolizes the binding together of two lives and is offered as an add-on ritual by The Satanic Chapel, appealing to those who appreciate historical and symbolic gestures of commitment outside of conventional religious frameworks. Hickory’s close friend, Keith, served as his witness, while Neona’s sister, Timeya, stood by her side, reinforcing the intimate and personal nature of the gathering.
Professional Support and Aesthetic Mastery
The seamless execution of the unconventional wedding was largely attributed to Ivy McKenna, the dedicated wedding coordinator at The Satanic Chapel. Neona and Hickory specifically praised Ivy for her prompt responses and consistent communication throughout the planning process, highlighting how she made the entire experience "easy and comfortable"—a descriptor not commonly associated with "Satanic rituals," thereby challenging preconceived notions.
Capturing the unique ambiance and the couple’s personalities was Katlyn Reilly Photography. Reilly expertly navigated the Temple’s eclectic rooms, utilizing its extensive collection of books, furniture, and art as evocative props. The "throne room," with its plush red flocked damask walls, a grand red satin curtain, and two ornate carved wooden thrones upholstered in tufted red velvet, provided a regal and dramatic setting. Adorned with horned helmets and round shields, this space offered a powerful visual narrative. Another room, featuring deep blue velvet drapes, black damask wallpaper, and a mirror-tiled goat head perched above a display of red gowns and candelabras entwined with roses, added another layer of gothic romance to the photographic narrative.
As dusk settled over Salem, the photographic journey extended outdoors. Katlyn Reilly captured striking images of the couple traversing the brick pedestrian streets, passing iconic local landmarks like the patio at Rockafellas. The most ethereal shots were taken in a historic cemetery, where Reilly’s strategic use of flash from behind the couple illuminated the grass with an otherworldly neon green glow against the backdrop of ancient slate headstones. The final frames captured Neona and Hickory at a white colonial house featuring black shutters and urn-topped gateposts, completing a diverse visual chronicle of their wedding day. The couple expressed immense satisfaction, stating, "We love how much personality came through in the photos."
The Hearse That Stayed Home: A Minor Setback
An anticipated highlight of the day was Neona’s planned arrival in her meticulously restored 1984 Cadillac hearse, intended to deliver the couple to the former funeral parlor. However, fate intervened with a series of mechanical failures; first, the brakes gave out, and despite the earnest efforts of a friend and neighbor to assist Hickory in making the vehicle roadworthy, the power steering pump subsequently failed, rendering the hearse immobile. While the absence of this symbolic vehicle was a minor disappointment, the couple deeply appreciated the "effort put into trying to make it happen," emphasizing the spirit of camaraderie and support that surrounded their special day.
A Deadline and a Deeper Meaning
The "666 package," initially a novelty offering, ultimately served a practical purpose for Neona and Hickory. For a couple 13 years into a relationship, it provided a distinct, narrow window that transformed the abstract notion of "someday" into a tangible date on the calendar. This element highlights how even seemingly provocative or niche offerings can fulfill universal human desires for commitment and celebration, albeit through unconventional means.
Neona’s succinct summary on Instagram beautifully encapsulated the essence of their wedding: "I married my best friend on June 6, 2026." Despite the hearse’s mechanical failure, the presence of their chosen community and the welcoming atmosphere of The Satanic Temple ensured a truly memorable experience. The couple concluded, reflecting on their day, that they were "surrounded by the people we wanted there, in a place where our love and true selves felt welcome." This sentiment transcends the unique trappings of their ceremony, speaking to the universal desire for acceptance, love, and authenticity at the heart of any wedding, regardless of its setting or symbolic language. Neona and Hickory’s union stands as a powerful testament to the evolving landscape of marriage, where personal truth and genuine connection are increasingly prioritized over traditional expectations.
