A New Jersey couple’s wedding save-the-date photos went viral after they appeared to get permanent face tattoos—only to reveal it was all an elaborate prank. Here’s why this stunt resonated so deeply with audiences.
The Prank That Fooled Everyone
When Kristiana Squillante and Edward Wrixon shared their wedding save-the-date photos on New Year’s Day, they sent shockwaves through their social circles. The couple appeared to have gotten permanent face tattoos—bold black numbers “10.16.26” above Wrixon’s eyebrow and “Til death” in cursive above Squillante’s. The reactions were immediate and overwhelming.
“We had gotten endless amounts of texts and calls asking, ‘Are they real?'” Squillante tells People. The couple maintained the ruse for days, even as concerned friends and family reached out. The prank was so convincing that many missed the small disclaimer in the Instagram caption: “My fiancé was not harmed by a tattoo needle in the making of these photos.”
Why This Prank Worked So Well
The success of this prank hinged on three key factors:
- Authenticity: Squillante is a professional tattoo artist at Black Onyx Tattoo in New Jersey, making the fake tattoos look ultra-realistic.
- Timing: The photos were shared on New Year’s Day, a time when people are scrolling through social media and more likely to engage with surprising content.
- Context: Both Squillante and Wrixon already have extensive tattoos, making the idea of face tattoos seem plausible to those who know them.
The Art Behind the Prank
Squillante’s expertise as a tattoo artist was crucial. The couple used high-quality stencils and makeup to create the illusion of permanent ink. The photos, taken by Meagan Ovilda, captured the tattoos in such detail that even close friends were fooled.
“We wanted the element of surprise,” Squillante explains. The couple brainstormed several ideas for their save-the-date photos, including a pizza-themed shoot and an arcade setting, but none felt as unique as the tattoo prank.
The Viral Impact
The prank quickly gained traction on social media, with many praising the couple’s creativity. “We got a laugh out of it, but overall the reactions we got were all positive—once they knew they were fake,” Squillante says. Friends and family called it “one of the coolest save-the-dates they’ve ever seen.”
This stunt taps into a broader trend of couples using humor and creativity to announce their weddings. From fake pregnancy announcements to elaborate photo shoots, modern couples are increasingly turning to viral-worthy ideas to make their big day stand out.
What This Says About Modern Weddings
The Squillante-Wrixon prank is more than just a funny story—it reflects a shift in how couples approach wedding announcements. Gone are the days of simple paper invitations. Today’s couples are embracing digital creativity, humor, and personalization to make their weddings memorable.
For Squillante and Wrixon, the prank was also a testament to their relationship. “That was how I knew he was the one, he was the first man to let me tattoo him without the fear of ‘What if we break up one day?'” Squillante jokes. The couple, who met three years ago, will tie the knot on October 16, 2026.
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