A Steampunk Circus Wedding With Corsets, Ringleaders, And The Best Flower Girl Youll See Today
Rachel’s unconventional love story unfolded on a picturesque day in May 2016 at the Pennridge Community Center in Silverdale, Pennsylvania. The free-spirited bride, Rachel, was joined by her partner Adam, who perfectly complemented her quirky charm. Kristen Kidd captured the joyous moments as their love shone through in a whimsical celebration that embodied the essence of an offbeat bride.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
When planning our unconventional steampunk circus wedding, we needed a theme to guide our decisions and make the process more manageable. We encouraged everyone – including guests – to embrace their inner steam punk by dressing up in costume. This approach proved to be a masterstroke, as it led to effortless conversations and connections throughout the celebration.
With a limited budget for flowers and centerpieces, I decided to roll up my sleeves and get creative.
Over several months, I handcrafted every decoration, using scrapbook paper to craft pinwheels, rosette garland, and boutonnieres. In total, I estimate we used over 2,000 rosettes to add a touch of whimsy to the setting.
To take things to the next level, one of our friends lent their artistic skills to create head-in-the-hole photo boards featuring an acrobat, lion tamer, strong man, and a couple joined at the hip – a true showstopper.
We even invited the wedding party to get in on the fun, suggesting they add flair to their outfits with corsets, goggles, timepieces, and hats. I opted for my trusty Doc Martens, which proved to be the perfect footwear for the occasion.
The result was a truly unique DIY celebration that was equal parts costume party, intrigue-filled adventure, and sing-along extravaganza – an unforgettable experience that will be cherished by all who attended.
Tell us about the ceremony:
Our ceremony was the highlight of the evening. We aimed for a concise yet meaningful experience, with just enough flair to make it unforgettable. Beforehand, we curated a playlist on an iPad featuring instrumental tracks from artists like Mogwai and Maserati to set the tone. Writing our own vows was crucial to us.
Adam’s spontaneous nature meant he didn’t want a scripted speech, so I convinced him to prepare his beforehand – though, in the end, I was the one who forgot my printed vows at my parents’ house! Luckily, having some structure allowed everyone involved to feel more comfortable with what to expect. I’m glad we compromised on using a script while still allowing our officiant, Adam’s cousin George, to add his own flair. It made for a truly personal and memorable experience.
In lieu of a traditional flower girl, we asked Adam’s grandmother, Nans, to accompany me down the aisle carrying a sign that read ‘Adam, here comes your bride.’ We were thrilled when she agreed to participate. As I walked towards Adam with my parents by my side, the song ‘Rise to Glory’ by Earth played, and it was an emotional moment for all of us. During the ceremony, Adam’s sister Holly even surprised him with a playful Rick-Roll – much to his surprise!
It was a fitting conclusion to our special day. To end things on a light-hearted note, we asked our guests to toss popcorn instead of traditional rice as we exchanged our vows.
Tell us about your reception:
Vendors
The team behind this stunning photoshoot brought together a collective of talented professionals to create a truly unforgettable experience. Kristen Kidd, the photographer, was joined by KvO Design’s corset, which added a touch of elegance to the overall aesthetic. Ann Nistor from Gypsy Tattoo and Tarot lent her expertise in makeup, while Kate at Xcentric Salon worked her magic with hair styling.
The beautiful flowers were provided by Ted at Cut Flower Exchange, adding a pop of color to the setting. The rings featured were courtesy of The Revolution Blazer Arts, offering a touch of whimsy to the overall look. The venue for this spectacular photoshoot was Pennridge Community Center, which provided a unique backdrop for the action. Finally, Starlite Entertainment kept the energy high with their DJ services, ensuring that everyone involved had an unforgettable time.
