Wedding

Unique, Glamorous Sarasota Circus Themed Wedding | Circus Sarasota

 

Bride to Be Facebook Group Leaderboard AdJulia and Kellen's magical Sarasota wedding brought childhood dreams to life with their dreamy circus-themed celebration. With vintage glam decor, a photo booth and live performers, this unique wedding for 250 guests was a nod to the bride's family history.

“In honor of being a third generation circus performer on both my mother's and father's side, we went with a vintage circus themed wedding,” the bride shared. “It was very important for me to honor the legacy of my family and the Sarasota community. To really capture the ambiance we were going for, we incorporated plenty of glitz and glam. From sequins to feathers to pearls to lace, a lot of different elements played a role in helping me nail our look.”

MORE: SARASOTA WEDDING INSPIRATION 

Given the bride's historic family background, Julia and Kellen knew they wanted their special day to pay tribute to her grandfather's legacy.

“My late grandfather was Lou Jacobs, a famous circus clown who performed with Ringling Brothers for over 60 years. He was featured on the cover of Time magazine and was on a U.S. postage stamp in the 1960's. He can also be seen in the movie the Greatest Show on Earth in his famous tiny car,” the bride beamed. “Choosing our theme was the best way I could pay tribute to my grandfather and luckily, Kellen is just as fun and energetic as me and he completely embraced my vision!”

The couple's hometown is known for its rich entertainment history, making Sarasota the perfect backdrop for their circus themed wedding.

“Kellen's grandfather was involved in the foundation and development of Sarasota in the early 1950’s, and my grandfather came to Sarasota with Ringling Brothers Circus and he made it his home,” the bride shared. “Our wedding really was a spectacle. With the tent, performance, and costumes, we really tried to keep the theme included in as much as possible. The circus is truly a magical place, and it was a joy to be able to share that magic with all our family and friends.”

Looking back on their fabulous day of bliss, the bride and groom felt more than blessed with their magical celebration.

“Our invitation envelopes said ‘Once in a while in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives you a fairytale,' and our wedding day was a beautiful dream brought to reality,” the bride reminisced. “As I walked to the center ring as I have so many times in my life, having the first dance with my husband was surreal, and everything leading up to it was more than perfect.”

Oval Diamond Engagement Ring with Halo, Silver, Rhinestone Embellished Open Toe Wedding Shoes

White, Lace Isabella Talya Wedding Dress, Sarasota Bridal Portrait

Mother and Daughter, Oval Diamond Wedding Ring with Halo, Holding Hands

Florida Bride and Mother Getting Ready Photo, Putting on Veil

Florida Bride and Father Walk Down the Aisle, White and Green Floral Bouquet, Sarasota Wedding Ceremony Venue Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church

Florida Bride and Groom During Wedding Ceremony, Sarasota Wedding Ceremony Venue Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church

Florida Bride and Groom During Wedding Ceremony, Sarasota Wedding Ceremony Venue Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church

Florida Wedding Party, Bride and Groom, Siesta Key Trolley, Circus Sarasota, The Big Top, The Ringling

Glamorous, Circus Inspired Wedding, Sarasota Bride and Groom, Bridesmaids in Long Gold Sequined Dresses, Flower Girls in Gold Sequined Tops with Full Tulle Skirts, Groomsmen in Black Suit with Ringmaster Style Detailing

Glamorous Florida Bride and Bridesmaids Fun Photo, Bridesmaids in Long Gold Sequined Dresses

Sarasota Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait, Groom in Circus Inspired Suit with Gold Ringmaster Detailing

Sarasota Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait

The Proposal:
Kellen proposed during my birthday party in January of 2018, when all of our friends and family were gathered for a spectacular night. When it came to the gifts, everyone insisted that I open the largest one last. Box after box, nothing was found until Kellen dropped to one knee professing his love and asked for my hand in marriage assisted by his family and friends with balloons spelling out “Marry me?”

Bride and Groom Hold Hands, Oval Diamond Engagement Ring with Halo, Lion Head Inspired Wedding Band

Florida Bride, in Romantic, White, Lace Isabella Talya Wedding Dress, Illusion Cap Sleeves, Sweetheart Neckline with Fitted Bodice

Romantic, Garden Inspired White Mixed Floral Wedding Bouquet with Greenery, Feather, Pearls, Roses,

Glamorous, Circus Inspired Wedding, Sarasota Bride and Groom, Bridesmaids in Long Gold Sequined Dresses, Carrying White Feathered Bouquet, Bride in Isabella Talya Wedding Dress with White and Green Floral Bouquet | Historic Wedding Venue The Ringling

Florida, Creative, Unique Wedding Venue Circus Sarasota under the Big Top

Box Office Sign, Florida, Creative, Unique Wedding Venue Circus Sarasota under the Big Top, The Ringling

Glamorous, Circus Inspired Wedding Party, Unique Venue Circus Sarasota under the Big Top, The Ringling

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Vintage circus themed, in honor of being a third generation circus performer on both my mother's and father's side.

What were your colors?
To really capture the ambiance we were going for, we incorporated plenty of glitz and glam. From sequins to feathers to pearls to lace, a lot of different elements played a role in helping me nail our look.

Florida Bride, in Romantic, White, Lace Isabella Talya Wedding Dress, Illusion Cap Sleeves, Sweetheart Neckline with Fitted Bodice, Unique Wedding Venue Circus Sarasota under the Big Top, The Ringling

Glamorous, Circus Inspired Wedding Reception, Under The Big Top, Suspended Chandelier Lighting, Gold Chiavari Chairs, Gold Drapping, Tall Floral Centerpieces, Circus Sarasota | Circus Sarasota under the Big Top at UTC

Unique, Modern Circus Inspired Tall Floral Centerpiece, White Hydrangeas, Red Roses, Greenery, Black Pillars with White Candles,

Elegant, Modern Circus Inspired Wedding Reception, Black and White Linens, Vintage Wedding Flutes,

Unique, Modern Circus Inspired Floral Centerpiece, White Hydrangeas, Red Roses, Greenery

Glamorous, Modern Circus Inspired Wedding Reception, Under The Big Top, Suspended Chandelier Lighting, Gold Chiavari Chairs, Gold Drapping, Tall Floral Centerpieces | Venue Circus Sarasota under the Big Top at UTC

Modern Circus Inspired Two Tier Buttercream Wedding Cake with Red Floral and B Monogram Topper, Gold Textured, Black and White Stripes,

May All Your Dreams Be Circus Days Sign | Circus Sarasota Wedding

Oval Diamond Engagement Ring, Bride and Groom Sunset Portrait

Circus Sarasota under the Big Top Wedding Venue Sign

Wedding Entertainment, Sailor Circus Academy, Florida Bride and Groom, Creative, Unique First Dance,Circus Sarasota under the Big Top

Florida Bride and Groom, Creative, Unique First Dance,Circus Sarasota under the Big Top

What advice would you give to other Sarasota couples?
Give yourself plenty of time to plan, but when it comes to the big day, soak up every minute, enjoy your vendors, dance, eat, and love!

Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church
Reception: Circus Sarasota under the Big Top at UTC and The Ringling
Photographer: Christine Wozz Photography
Videographer: Bill Wagy Productions
Planner: SRQtees Events
Florist: Victoria Blooms & Purple Lotus Flower Shop
Caterer: Mattison’s
Food Trucks: Chic-fil-A, Polpo Pizza Co., Manny’s Tacos to Go
Rentals: Palacio Events
Cake: Crave Cakes SRQ
Violinist: Divina Strings
Band: The Kara Nally Band
DJ: DJ Imminent Jay Gordon
Officiant: Father Jerry Hogan & Father Michael Scheip
Invitations: Etsy
Transportation: Siesta Key Trolley
Dress Shop and Designer: Something New Bridal Boutique, Isabella Talya
Veil: The Perfect Dress Sarasota
Hair: Bottle Blonde 76
Makeup: Makeup by Simone
Photo Booth: Hello Gorgeous Photo Booth
Entertainment: Sailor Circus Academy