A unique wedding celebration that incorporated a custom-made guillotine as a cake cutting tool has gone viral, capturing the attention of social media users worldwide. Sabrina Harb, the bride, infused her special day with a Marie Antoinette theme, making the creative choice to use the infamous execution device as a dramatic statement for her red velvet wedding cake. The event unfolded on 18 March at Buddy Todd Park in Oceanside, California, and has since generated significant online buzz.
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At 31 years old, Sabrina is the founder of Moody Solace, a platform dedicated to hosting themed gatherings at affordable prices. As a co-founder of the Just Because Supper Club, she often holds monthly events aimed at cultivating community spirit. Given her passion for hosting, it was only natural for her to choose a captivating theme for her wedding to Kurt Brossman, 33. Harb was inspired by a childhood exposure to a bust of Marie Antoinette and envisioned an over-the-top celebration befitting her vision.
The historical significance of Marie Antoinette, who met her end by guillotine during the French Revolution, directly informed Harb’s decision to include the execution tool. For her, it represented a fitting nod to the theme. “You can’t have a Marie Antoinette-inspired wedding without a reference to her beheading,” Harb explained. Despite the unconventional choice, her groom was supportive, understanding her creative vision. “He was on board with the theme; he doesn’t usually mind my unique ideas,” she added, playfully noting Brossman’s initial reservations about the necessity of the guillotine.
The wedding cake, designed by Susara Vermaak from The Cake Atelier, was a striking confection that resembled a melting candle and was flavourfully infused with red velvet. However, sourcing a guillotine was not as straightforward as picking up a standard cake knife. Harb needed a custom-made design, which was crafted by a colleague, Neil Karstetter, who typically designs sets for her events. “When I asked him if he could build a guillotine, his immediate reaction was surprise, but together we figured it out,” she recounted.
To soften the ruthless image of the guillotine, Harb decided to make it more whimsical. The execution device featured sparkles, dainty bows, and pearl accents, all while maintaining a surprisingly affordable price of just £200. The total cost for the wedding, including all elements, was around £1,200, showcasing Harb’s talent for themed yet budget-friendly celebrations.
As she walked down the aisle to the haunting notes of Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor,” Harb donned a vintage-style wedding dress, which was beautifully altered by Sheila Reyes. Creating an air of whimsicality, the officiant playfully referenced the grim history associated with guillotines, assuring attendees that the bride was being treated like royalty—“Marie Antoinette, without the treason.”
The moment arrived for the unconventional cake cutting. Given that the couple had prepared their intimate guest list of ten, friends and family were unsurprised by the playful gesture, fully aware of Harb’s passion for themed events. “The guests found it amusing and entirely on-brand for me,” stated Harb, as she revealed her family’s supportive reaction to the quirky choice.
Following the event, Harb shared a video of the cake cutting on TikTok, which quickly amassed approximately five million views and received around 750,000 likes. In the post, she quipped, “Who needs a cake cutter when you can just use a guillotine?” The video was accompanied by captions expressing her delight and highlighting her dream of having a guillotine for the occasion.
When reflecting on her establishment of an online community from the viral success, Harb stated, “This level of attention feels surreal. It’s wonderful to share such a personal moment with an audience and connect with extraordinary individuals through this shared experience. I’ve gained new friends and more visibility for my events page — it truly feels like a blessing.”
As for the future of the guillotine, Harb is not ready to retire the dramatic accessory just yet. She teased potential future use for the device during an upcoming gender reveal party, indicating she had already considered further thematic possibilities. With a spirit of creativity and a knack for unique celebrations, Sabrina Harb continues to make waves, blending history with contemporary merriment in ways that leave a lasting impression.