Dane Cook Marries Kelsi Taylor in Intimate ‘Garden Party’ Wedding in Hawaii: ‘Dream Come True’ (Exclusive)
The comedian said “I do” to fiancée Kelsi Taylor on Saturday at a private estate in O’ahu, Hawaii, in front of 20 guests
Dane Cook is married!
The comedian and actor, 51, said “I do” to his fitness instructor fiancée Kelsi Taylor, 24, on Saturday at a private estate in O’ahu, Hawaii, in front of 20 guests.
“We chose Hawaii because it has such a special place in our hearts and our relationship,” Cook tells PEOPLE. “It was one of the first trips we ever went on together and we continue to go back often. It’s such an oasis, and we couldn’t be more excited to have spent our wedding week surrounded by the beauty of Oahu.”
For the couple’s intimate nuptials, which were planned by Katie Jansen from Stylish Details Events, the decor blended “minimal garden party vibes with bright bold florals,” explains Taylor. “Beautiful but still understated.” Designs by Hemingway created the ceremony’s stunning florals.
Adds Cook: “We envisioned something that was more along the lines of a gathering of our closest family and friends,” he says of the celebration, which included a welcome BBQ, and a night out at a jazz bar, plus a pool party and beach day.
“Something intimate, connected, and filled with fun. We decided to do a full week vacation with a wedding right in the middle, and we wouldn’t want it any other way! Nothing better than spending this special time with all of our favorite people,” says Cook.
For her walk down the aisle, Taylor wore the “Solstice Gown” from Grace Loves Lace which she paired with the “Grace” veil and clear heels from Amina Muaddi.
“It was one of the first dresses I tried on, and I immediately fell in love with it,” she says. “There’s just something about the simplicity and comfort of it and the beautiful stitching design and detail. So happy to have found this gem!”
To kick off the ceremony, the bride made her entrance to “Marry Me” by Train. “Every time I heard this song it made me so emotional,” she says. “I knew it was the pick for the ceremony.” When it came to deciding on vows, Taylor jokes there was only one option.
“We went for traditional vows — because to be perfectly honest, I had a feeling that Dane would totally outshine my speech,” she says with a laugh. “He has the best way with words, and I knew I wouldn’t even be able to match up to his delivery. I also really just wanted to keep our more intimate vows private and to give him a handwritten letter the morning of.”
Following their “I do’s,” the newlyweds walked out to “You Make My Dreams” by Daryl Hall & John Oates before joining their guests at the reception, where Taylor changed into a blush fitted gown by Katie May that featured a draping neckline. ”I wanted something a bit more soft and sultry for the dinner, and I think this definitely provided that!”
Guests were greeted with fresh coconuts at the table and dined under “dreamy” string lights as ’80s music played all night. “We both grew up listening to the ’80s and it’s such a massive part of our life! We’ve always bonded over it,” says Taylor.
Dinner by Memoirs Hawaii included wedge and local green salads with a yuzu honey dressing, seared beef tenderloin and roasted carrots. For dessert, cake options from A Cake Life and Erin McKenna’s Bakery included vegan, gluten-free vanilla and traditional vanilla cake. They also had a dessert bar with chocolate strawberries and mini donuts. “Because you can never have too many desserts on your wedding day or ever,” says Taylor.
Cook, who proposed last July after five years together, says that he feels lucky to call Taylor his wife.
“My mom, Donna, always instilled in me that the person you love and who loves you back, you have to be a team,” he says. “Championing each other, supporting one another through life’s ups and downs. With Kelsi that’s been at the core of who we are since we became a couple. I’ve long imagined having a family, a home filled with laughter and dogs, and most importantly feeling the mutual desire to embrace this life, sharing the adventure.”
Cook revealed during an Instagram Story Q&A in 2018 that the pair first met at a game night that he hosted at his home. “We were friends for a while & soon after fell in like with each other and then upgraded to love,” he shared.
For Taylor, getting married “is the ultimate commitment to each other. Vowing to be there through thick and thin, loving each other through every moment, and promising my heart to the man I love for eternity.”
As the couple enjoys their honeymoon in Hawaii, they are looking forward to their future “building a life and home together and a family of our own,” says Cook.
Adds Taylor: “Our wedding is an absolute dream come true. It is exactly what both of us envisioned. Staying in a beautiful home next to the ocean, saying our ‘I Do’s’ in the lush green grass under the palm trees with the best view, and all of our favorite people there to witness.”
Following the wedding, Cook will be doing a benefit show at The Laugh Factory in LA on October 5 to support the Maui Strong Fund. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the foundation.
“I’ve always loved the genuine appreciation and pride Hawaiians have for their beautiful land, and they are always so kind, accommodating and welcoming. So to learn about the fires last month was beyond heartbreaking. But in the face of tragedy and loss, it’s been inspiring to see the strength and resilience of Hawaii,” he says.
“The people and land of Hawaii are near and dear to our hearts, and while there’s no way to bring back what’s been lost, I’d like to do what I can to help.”