Arts & Entertainment

Dave Chappelle Photo Bombs Couple's 'First Look' Wedding Picture

The comedian made a surprise appearance in the background of the "first look" photo for Eleanor and Matt McLaughlin.

Comedian Dave Chappelle, shown here campaigning for Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang in January 2020, surprised a newlywed couple by photo bombing their "first look" photograph at The Line Hotel in Austin.
Comedian Dave Chappelle, shown here campaigning for Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang in January 2020, surprised a newlywed couple by photo bombing their "first look" photograph at The Line Hotel in Austin. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

AUSTIN, TX — Eleanor and Matt McLaughlin began planning their wedding for 150 guests just before the coronavirus pandemic began. The wedding went on earlier this month at The Line Hotel in Austin, but instead of the large guest count, the celebration was cut to just a dozen close family members.

And Dave Chappelle.

Chappelle surprised the newlywed couple by photo bombing their "first look" picture, the one captured when the bride and groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day.

Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"It was such an unreal moment, and we couldn't stop talking about it during the wedding day," Anna Szczekutowicz, the wedding photographer, said on Instagram.

Eleanor McLaughlin told NBC News Chappelle's appearance at her wedding was "icing" on the cake.

Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"My heart was racing, and I was so giddy to finally see Matt, and when he turned around to see me for the first time on our wedding day, we were both instantly filled with tears," she said.

Szczekutowicz captured the Chappelle photo bomb as the couple looked unaware he was in the background.

The comedian posed for a picture with the newlyweds and wished them luck in their marriage, NBC News reported.

Chappelle's wedding surprise came just days before he tested positive for the coronavirus. He is not experiencing any symptoms, according to The Associated Press.

The comedian known for his stand-up routines and raucous skits dating back to "Chappelle's Show" in the early 2000s had performed socially distant shows in Ohio and Texas during the pandemic

His Texas shows scheduled at Stubb's Walter Creek Amphitheater in Austin from Thursday to Sunday were canceled.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.