7 Shocking Details About Ryan Ashley Malarkey's Private Wedding To Arlo DiCristina

The wedding of tattoo icon Ryan Ashley Malarkey to fellow artist Arlo DiCristina was everything fans didn't expect: a masterclass in privacy and non-traditional romance. Unlike the high-profile, televised drama she was known for on *Ink Master*, Ryan Ashley's journey to matrimony was a deeply personal affair, culminating in an intimate ceremony in October 2019 that was a world away from the spotlight. This article, updated in December 2025, dives into the surprising details of their union and the incredible life they’ve built together as one of the tattoo industry’s most respected power couples.

The couple, who first publicly announced their relationship in 2018, chose to bypass the typical celebrity fanfare, opting instead for a discreet, heartfelt commitment. From a proposal involving a unique, ancient-looking ring to a private Colorado ceremony, Ryan Ashley and Arlo DiCristina’s wedding story is a perfect reflection of their artistic, unconventional lives. Here are the most fascinating and little-known details about the wedding and the enduring partnership of the DiCristina family.

Ryan Ashley Malarkey and Arlo DiCristina: A Power Couple's Biography

The foundation of the DiCristina marriage is built on two distinct but complementary artistic legacies. Their individual biographies showcase a relentless pursuit of excellence that defines their relationship.

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• Ryan Ashley DiCristina (née Malarkey)
  • Born: April 29, 1987
  • Hometown: Northeast Pennsylvania
  • Education: Graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
  • Career Breakthrough: Made history as the first woman to win the Spike TV (now Paramount Network) competition series *Ink Master* (Season 8)
  • Signature Style: Known globally for her intricate, feminine, black and grey tattoo work, particularly her signature "jewelry style" tattoos and fine line detail
  • Post-Ink Master: Starred in the spin-off series *Ink Master: Angels* and later served as a judge on *Ink Master: Grudge Match*
• Arlo DiCristina
  • Hometown: Born in Albany, New York
  • Pre-Tattoo Career: Was a professional MMA fighter, wrestler, and boxer until the age of 21
  • Signature Style: Hugely influential pioneer of surrealistic imagery and a unique "morph style" of tattooing, blending realism with abstract elements
  • Studio: Owner of the prestigious Elysium Studio, a premier tattoo parlor in Grand Junction, Colorado, which houses several world-renowned artists

This couple’s shared life is a blend of high-profile media appearances and deep, focused artistry. Their relationship timeline began publicly in 2018, leading to their unique wedding and the birth of their son, Atheus, in May 2020, cementing their status as a family and a creative unit.

The Intimate, Non-Traditional Wedding Details

While the world of reality television tattooing is often loud and dramatic, Ryan Ashley and Arlo DiCristina chose a path of quiet, profound commitment. Their wedding was a stark contrast to their public personas, highlighting their desire for a truly personal moment.

1. The Private, Discreet Ceremony

The couple married in October 2019, but the event was far from a lavish affair. Ryan Ashley herself confirmed on social media that the wedding was incredibly private and discrete—just the two of them. This decision emphasized the commitment between them over the need for a grand spectacle, a surprising choice for two artists accustomed to being in the public eye.

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2. The Colorado Location

The intimate ceremony was held in Colorado. This choice is significant because Colorado is the home base for Arlo DiCristina’s renowned tattoo shop, Elysium Studio. It signifies a grounding in their shared life and artistic venture, making the location a deeply personal one rather than an exotic destination.

3. The 'Roman Looking Solid Marble Ring' Proposal

One of the most unique aspects of their engagement was the ring. Arlo DiCristina proposed not with a traditional diamond, but with a "Roman looking solid marble ring". This unconventional choice perfectly aligns with their artistic sensibilities and their rejection of mainstream norms. It speaks to Arlo’s surrealist style and Ryan Ashley’s appreciation for intricate, sculptural beauty.

4. The Blend of Styles: Black and Grey Meets Surrealism

Their marriage is a symbolic union of two major forces in the tattoo world: Ryan Ashley’s intricate, delicate black and grey realism, and Arlo’s bold, mind-bending surrealism. This blending of styles is reflected in their collaborative life, where they support each other’s unique artistic visions. The wedding itself, being a simple yet profound event, was a "morph" of their two personalities: Ryan Ashley’s elegant discretion and Arlo’s grounded, unique approach.

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Life After the Vows: Family and Artistic Collaboration

The wedding was not an ending, but a beginning. Since tying the knot, Ryan Ashley and Arlo DiCristina have expanded their family and continued to push the boundaries of tattoo artistry, often working side-by-side.

5. The Birth of Atheus

Less than a year after their wedding, the couple welcomed their son, Atheus, on May 16, 2020. The arrival of Atheus solidified their family unit and added a new dimension to their already busy lives. Their public sharing of family moments, including pregnancy photoshoots in publications like *Inked Magazine*, gives fans a glimpse into their life as parents and artists.

6. Elysium Studio: A Creative Hub

Post-marriage, Ryan Ashley became an integral part of the artistic community at Elysium Studio, which Arlo owns. This dynamic allows them to collaborate, inspire each other, and maintain a high level of creative output while balancing family life. The studio, located in Colorado, serves as a nexus for world-class tattooing, attracting clients globally eager to receive work from both artists.

7. A Shared Artistic Vision and Enduring Partnership

The true success of the DiCristina marriage lies in their shared professional life. Unlike many celebrity couples who maintain separate careers, Ryan Ashley and Arlo are united by the ink. They share a passion for high-end, custom tattooing and continue to be featured in major tattoo publications and conventions worldwide. Their commitment to each other, first symbolized by a private Colorado wedding and a marble ring, remains as strong and unique as their art, proving that in the world of tattoo royalty, the most meaningful ceremonies are often the most personal.

The story of Ryan Ashley Malarkey and Arlo DiCristina’s wedding is a powerful reminder that true love doesn't need a massive audience—it just needs the two people involved. Their intimate commitment in 2019 set the stage for a lasting partnership that continues to inspire fans and fellow artists across the globe in December 2025.