Darren & Naomi’s Vintage Circus Wedding

June 15, 2011

The theme for Darren & Naomi’s romantic wedding was Vintage Circus. “We wanted a day packed full of fun, totally relaxed and whenever anyone thought back on it they would smile,” the groom told me. “The theme was a total surprise for all 200+ that were invited, with the first clue being as we walked down the aisle together as man and wife, and Entry of the Gladiators (the traditional circus theme tune!) was played by the organist.”

The ceremony was held at Clifton Cathedral, which with it’s dramatic architecture had been described by many as “a monstrosity of a building” in the past. However in recent times this building style has come right back in vogue and the building has  even just been used used for British design store Habitat’s most recent photo shoot.

“Following the Catholic ceremony (where we snuck in some Fatboy Slim by the organist), we travelled in a vintage Hillman Imp to the reception to be welcomed by a 11ft tall ringmaster,” Darren continued. “On arrival, guests were greeted with pomegranate Mojitos, English afternoon tea sandwiches and home made scones with lashings of clotted cream and strawberry jam. Each guest also had a welcome bag containing a red nose, home made moustache-on-a-stick, kazoo, fortune fish, popping candy, an invite to an after party and a CD with the soundtrack of the day.”

“Next to the main hall we created a ringside retreat with old black and white circus movies played on a projector, hay bails, typewriters to write us a message, cupcakes, home made lemonade, Original Viewmasters with circus 3D images and a suitcase full of circus props and toys. In the main hall, we made our own popcorn and candy floss stand, which was next to our own Face Cut out stand for people to poke their head through and have their photo taken. We also projected on to the wall the table plans, which included a picture of every guest which we had a red nose superimposed on their face.”

“As the evening went on, an old photobooth arrived for every guest to have their photo taken as our guest book, retro cocktails were made with glowsticks and slices of pizza and cake pops were served. Our first dance ended with all 220 guests joining in a mass conga round the room and finishing on the dance floor where people danced the night away, and then a magician did close up magic while our entertainer juggled knives.”

Just wow! Huge love and thanks to Darren & Naomi for sharing their super fun day with us today.

Photography Credit: Steve Watkins Photography
Ceremony Venue: Clifton Cathedral
Reception Venue: The Elmgrove, Bristol (18th century old church)
Bride’s Dress: Temperley
Bride’s headpiece: Aphrodite by Polly Edwards
Bride’s Make Up: Sarah Alexander
Bride’s hair: Russell Lambard
Bride’s Bouquet & Reception Flowers: Helen Steward Floral Services
Bridesmaid Tutu’s: CandyBows at www.notonthehighstreet.com
Music: Seb Jamous and Rich Lonbay