Alissa and Joe’s Backyard Circus Wedding

Alissa & Joe

I love the sense of fun at Alissa and Joe’s backyard circus wedding. The bride, who has many circus performer friends, had them perform during cocktail hour. Each part of the day filled with as much life, colour and festivity as a circus holds within its walls. The couple chose Amanda VanVels Photography to capture their day.

As for how they met, Alissa tells, “We met at the University of New Hampshire. I was a studio arts major and Joe was a chemical engineer. Luckily the arts building was across from the engineering building so we could have lunch breaks together.”

Alissa chose a gown from Dimitra’s Bridal Couture, Chicago.

The couple met before their ceremony for a first look.

Of their venue, Alissa remarks, “The venue was simple. A large tent in the forest. The ceremony took place in an opening in the woods down by the creek. It was important for us to be surrounded by nature. This was the place where I grew up catching frogs as a kid. It is my favorite place in the world and I always knew I wanted to get married there.”

Alissa notes, “I made the wedding invitations with my mom and Joe. We went up to the cabin for a weekend to make hand-made paper. We collected twigs and flowers from the house and woods. A tradition I did with my mom growing up. As artists it was so much fun to take the time to make every individual card with love. I also did a painting for the programs and my friend, Margaret designed the interior. With help from friends and family all the special details came together.”

Bubbly Creek Bluegrass Band as chosen for the musical aspects of the day, Alissa remembers, “We walked down the aisle to a waltz performed by Bubbly Creek, a blue-grass band based out of Chicago. Joe and I have always loved bluegrass and wanted the country feel at our wedding.”

Of their photographer, Alissa tells, “Amanda VanVels was the photographer and her team knew exactly what to do, no questions. They were so easy to work with and had great attitudes. They captured the day beautifully and with their own unique style.”

Day In May Events planned and executed the event, the bride noting,  “We collaborated with A Day in May, our wedding planners from Traverse City, MI. They were so fun to work with and brainstorm ideas.”

The cake was a handmade effort. “My friends Amaya and Anthony are a partner acrobatics duo, who also made the beautiful four-tier gluten free wedding cake! ”

The fun of the circus really came to life during cocktail hour, Alissa noting, “My friends are all circus performers so they entertained us at cocktail hour and during dinner with a variety of skills including; stilt-walking, partner acrobatics, hula hoop dance, aerial silks, and aerial hoop.”

Alissa remembers, “Our wedding was the most magical day of our lives. I don’t even know how it happened, but it did, like a dream come true.”

Of their first dance, Alissa recalls, “Our first dance felt long and awkward, but we enjoyed every minute of it.”

Congratulations on your marriage Alissa and Joe! Thank you for sharing your story with us! Thank you also to Amanda VanVels Photography for sharing today’s wedding with us!