Joe Keery recently made headlines for wearing his Steve Harrington Scoops Ahoy costume from Stranger Things while officiating the wedding of his close friends Matt Williams and Veronica Capaldi in Simi Valley, California. The unique attire choice, which has piqued fans’ curiosity, was not random but a nod to the wedding’s Halloween theme, adding a layer of playfulness while also highlighting Keery’s connection to his iconic television character. The event showcased the bond among Keery, his fellow Post Animal bandmates, and those closest to him, blending his public persona with personal celebration.
The Origin of the Costume and Its Significance
Keery clarified that the Scoops Ahoy sailor suit was not a replica, but his actual costume from Stranger Things season three. Amy Parris, the show‘s costume designer, provided him with this memorable outfit for the occasion.
“Amy Parris, who does costumes for the show, lent me the costume,”
Keery revealed during his appearance on The Tonight Show, mentioning that there are multiple versions of the iconic uniform.
The actor explained the context further, noting that the Halloween-themed wedding called for all guests to arrive in costume. It was Veronica Capaldi, the bride, who suggested Keery should dress up as Steve Harrington.
“I was on tour earlier this year, and Matt and Veronica, who are in this picture, they’re getting married,”
Keery recalled.
“Veronica was like, ‘I think it’d be great. It’s a costume wedding. It’s Halloween. You should go as [Steve].’”
The Wedding and Guest Reactions
Contrary to what some images might suggest, Keery was not the only guest in costume. He explained that the atmosphere was festive, with everyone embracing the theme.
“I mean, it looks like I just did this for two random people,”
Keery commented as he referenced a photo.
“These are my friends! There’s a bunch of people in costumes!”
He even pointed out another Post Animal bandmate, saying,
“We’ve got Wes [Toledo] as the Riddler,”
further emphasizing the lighthearted nature of the event.
Keery’s participation as an officiant while dressed as Steve Harrington highlighted the close-knit relationships within the band and friend group. Veronica Capaldi and Matt Williams, both tied to his musical life, were celebrated by Keery with enthusiasm and humor. The choice to wear the actual Netflix series costume brought an extra sense of excitement to the affair, blending personal memories from the set of Stranger Things with a significant moment in his friends’ lives.
Steve Harrington’s Costume in Stranger Things
The Scoops Ahoy uniform holds its own place in Stranger Things history. The character Steve Harrington adopted the sailor persona in season three, working with Maya Hawke’s character Robin Buckley at the fictional ice cream shop within the mall. Throughout that season, Steve and Robin teamed up with the others in the group to decipher secret Russian codes and tackle supernatural threats.
Keery reflected on the lengthy time spent in costume while filming, saying he wore the uniform
“for a good year of my life,”
and shared his ideas for possible changes during the action-driven storylines.
“I kind of had thought, you know, we’re in the action, there’s Russians we’re fighting, we’re in an underground lair and stuff… shouldn’t I take off the blouse part?”
Keery recounted, adding,
“Maybe the handkerchief? I could lose the handkerchief.”
But, he explained,
“And the Duffer Brothers [said], ‘Oh, no, no, no — I think you should keep the whole thing. It’s a look. The whole thing is a look.’”
Wearing the Costume Again and Upcoming Stranger Things Episodes
Returning to the Scoops Ahoy outfit for the wedding came with its challenges.
“It was a little tighter this time around, I gotta be honest with you,”
Keery admitted, adding with a sense of humor,
“The shorts didn’t fit quite the same.”
The timing of the wedding appearance also coincides with Keery’s return in the final season of Stranger Things, which recently released its first set of episodes. The show will conclude with additional episodes to be released on Christmas Day and the series finale planned for New Year’s Day, drawing attention to Keery and the ensemble cast’s ongoing connection with fans and viewers.
Bringing Fiction to Real Life and Lasting Impact
Joe Keery’s choice to officiate a friend’s wedding in his Stranger Things costume stands as a memorable fusion of pop culture and personal relationships, delighting guests and sparking new discussions among fans. By including his original costume, provided by Amy Parris, and celebrating his friends Matt Williams and Veronica Capaldi alongside other creatively dressed guests, Keery reinforced the sense of camaraderie present in both his on-screen and off-screen circles. His appearance also serves as a reminder of Stranger Things’ enduring popularity as the series approaches its final episodes, ensuring that the legacy of both Joe Keery and Steve Harrington continues to captivate audiences.
