Texas Wedding

Brianna & Brad's Circus Wedding filled with Fun and DIY

Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas

My baby sister got married!
All three McClane girls are now married. It seems so strange that we're no longer little girls, and yet, here we are.

Brianna has always been the most adventurous of us three girls. She was the first to move permanently away from Texas, first to grad school in Chicago before settling in Washington D.C. It was in D.C. where she met the man of her dreams, Bradley. He's a keeper. And they are the opposites that perfectly compliment each other. They're about to pick up on another adventure and move to his home state of Idaho. But no matter where Brianna is - Texas is still home. She chose to have her wedding in Dallas (Plano to be exact), but picked a pole barn in the middle of the city! It was a perfect union of city meets country, with a circus twist.

Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas
Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas
Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas
Circustheme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas
Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas
Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas
Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas

We have always loved going to the zoo, so I expected Brianna to incorporate animals,
but her reason for choosing the circus theme was so much better than that:

The circus theme came about because I wanted something that involved a lot of color, animals, and was fun for kids. We had a lot of children that came to the wedding, and the circus theme allowed for fun items for all partygoers – including red clown noses, coloring sheets, fake tattoos and animal themed tables.

Honestly, I’m a huge perfectionist. It was really hard for me to chill out about the whole event. That’s why I decided to go with a theme that was focused less on perfection and more about fun. If you looked at most of the items that we used to decorate the wedding, it mainly consisted of gold spray paint, Martha Stewart glitter and glue sticks. Even the pinwheels were bought for a few bucks and spray-painted gold (and they looked great).

Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas
Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas

Because their officiant (our godfather) is not a licensed minister, our parents (who are both pastors) officially married Bri and Brad!

Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas

Great tip - divide and conquer! Not just to be resourceful, but to have your loved ones really involved.

Several pieces of our wedding décor were created all around the country. The backdrop for the ceremony itself was compiled in Idaho. The “Mr.” and “Mrs.” that hung on the back of our chairs was made by one of my friends in Chicago. And I painted the jars that were used in the centerpieces in DC and slowly shipped them back to Texas. I even had a friend volunteer to cut out the mask/fan programs (she said it was a fun task to do while watching TV).

It made the wedding even more special that so many of our friends and family members played such a big part in the wedding. We really couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help.

Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas
Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas
Carnival theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas
Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas

Tell us about your dessert!

I really love pie. The great thing about doing pie for the dessert, rather than cake, is that there is a lot more variety. People can pick and choose which ones they want to try. It also leant itself again to the theme (thankfully, no one ended up with a pie in their face), and it was a lot easier and cheaper than buying a large wedding cake.

We did decide to have a small cake to cut. It was red velvet, which I love, and the toppers were an elephant groom and bride. They were actually created by the daughter of a friend, so not only did we save money there, but also another great way to incorporate more people into the event. What 8 year old doesn’t love pointing to the sculpture on top of a wedding cake and saying “I did that”?

Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas
Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas
Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas
Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas

Unique centerpieces that double as favors!

My mom really doubted the idea of spray-painting plastic animals gold, but she loved it once she saw the final product (and she actually spray painted them all herself). We also let guests and family members take the animals home with them, and I have a ton scattered around our apartment. It’s a fun reminder of the wedding, but also a unique accent piece.

Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas
Circus theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas

Brianna's advice for other brides:

Nothing went "right" on our wedding day. A downpour started before the ceremony, so we had to move most of the décor inside and had to rush to take photos when it cleared up for a few minutes. Thankfully, it didn’t rain again that night. So many people say that their wedding day was “the perfect day” or “the best day of their life.” Brad and I both agree that our wedding wasn’t perfect. But it was a great day because we got married and we spent time with our loved ones.

For a perfectionist like me, it can be hard to look past all the things that didn’t go right and focus on what did. But when it comes to your wedding, that’s what you have to do (or you’ll go crazy). Nothing is ever going to be Pinterest perfect unfortunately. Thankfully, I had my lovely sister and her husband working in the background, holding the whole event together. Without their help, I have no idea how anything would have gotten done. I suggest that every bride have a wedding planner, it’s essential that someone else has the responsibility besides you.

Carnival theme barn wedding for a Washington D.C. couple in Dallas, Texas

Guest Count: 90
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Heritage Farmstead Museum
Photographer: Evan Godwin Photography (Charlie Roch)
Planner: Megan Scurlock, Locklane Weddings & Events
Pianist: Sister of the groom
Florals - Bouquets: We + You
Florals - Centerpieces: Mother of the bride
Baker: Bake Rejoice
Pies: Angela's At the Crosswalk
DJ: Friend of couple
Hair & Makeup: Amanda Teel
Officiant: Kelly Nicolello and parents of the bride
Catering: Spring Creek Barbeque
Dress: Moonlight from The Blushing Bride Boutique
Linen Rental: AM Linen
Chair Rental: Hunt County/Lakeside Party Rentals

Texas Hill Country Wedding: Sarah + Bart

Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding

Texas Hill Country is home for me. It's where my sisters and I spent most of our childhood, which made it  the perfect setting for my older sister's wedding.

20 years ago, Sarah and Bart met outside our parents' church in Bandera, TX.  They became friends until Bart went off to college and they lost touch. In 2012, their friendship rekindled over Facebook and grew into a relationship. When they said I do, it was gorgeously placed on a hill overlooking the Texas countryside.

Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding

Many items throughout the wedding were DIY by the Bride, Groom, and the Mother of the Bride and her friends. The collaborative efforts were impressive and cohesive!

DIY details included: the sign in table that was an old post office sorter they restored and personalized, a wooden sign they made for the guestbook, two old windows that were transformed and now hang in the couples home, and the mother of the bride created hand drawn coloring books for the kids.

From the Bride:
"I really enjoyed putting everything together and it was awesome to see how it all created our style. Hearing people say how gorgeous our wedding was is just the best compliment."

Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding

When Sarah looks back on their wedding day, she's happiest to remember...
"That it all came together in the end, how beautiful the day was, and that I got to marry my best friend."

Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding

Sarah's advice for other brides:
"Don't let one small thing (or person) affect your day, because in the end, you are marrying your best friend and it's going to be beautiful - and it will be a funny story to look back on.

Also, don't be afraid to barter or bargain shop for what you want!"

Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding

While our grandmother's wedding dress from the the 1950s was too damaged for any of us to wear, she still wanted us to use a piece of it in each of our weddings. Sarah wrapped her bouquet in the sleeve. Above our grandmother is reunited with a part of her dress.

Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding
Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding

Guest Count: 115
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Ring Mountain Event Center
Photographer: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography
Planner: Megan Scurlock, Locklane Weddings & Events
Guitarist: Joe Sanchez
Florals: Mother of the Bride, Bride's Friend
Baker: Leticia Valdez
DJ: Sheridan Productions, DJ Fred
Hair & Makeup: Amanda Teel
Officiant: Rick Mitchell
Catering: JimmyLyn's Catering
Videography: Reel Texas Productions
Dress: Bought at a boutique in Mexico

Locklane Weddings & Events, Planner | Texas Hill Country Wedding