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With the exception of a champagne toast and a couple high-fives among the staff, we have never really celebrated an anniversary at the Cass House. After 3 years of being open I decided it was time, not to mention I have been itching for a fun event to plan. I'm not sure how I first got the idea for the theme in my head, but once I did I couldn't let it go: vintage circus. Everything from the poster design to the costumes to the stories lured me in and, after researching for a couple of days, I have discovered an infinite amount of inspiration:
Vintage Circus Posters
I have always loved vintage circus posters, now I am obsessed. The colors, the hand drawn text and illustrations, the exaggerated claims of brilliance. Circus marketing campaigns were incredible, I wish I could travel around the country with Jensen and send someone a day ahead to plaster the town we are visiting with gorgeous illustrations of food to pique interest and pack the house for our (one night only!) restaurant ... For now I think we'll stick to our own backyard.
We decided to hire a local graphic designer (Jeremy Limpic from 805 Collective) to create a poster for our event, and I couldn't be happier with the results. My favorite part is the hand drawn 'Cass House' title (a little nod to the Ringling Brother's).
Circus Costumes & Swanky Accessories
A couple of months ago a woman named Kat Swank asked if she could use our grounds and a couple of our rooms for a photo shoot. We had empty rooms and no one on our grounds so I said "why not?" When she arrived with a pile of gorgeous women, cameras, costumes, and elaborate headpieces I thought "what have I gotten myself into?" They fluttered about for a couple of hours, respectfully taking pictures here and there, and to be honest I was very intrigued but too busy to pay attention. Kat handed me a business card on her way out and that was the last I thought about her, until I started researching accessories for the girls to wear to the circus. I poured over the internet, visited vintage shops and costume stores and still I found nothing to inspire me. Then I decided to clean out my business cards (it was a slow day), and I came across Kat's. I looked up her site and I was blown away, not only were her headbands and accessories gorgeous, they were exactly what I was looking for! She graciously offered to let us borrow a couple of her pieces for the dinner and I can't tell you how excited I am to wear one. Check out her full line up here on etsy.
The Circus, 1870-1950 (a book by Taschen)
The internet never ceases to amaze me. I spend far too much time getting lost in the abyss that is the world wide web, however I still prefer a little tangible inspiration, and this book has provided me just that and more.
Decor
I have found quite a few vintage circus themed weddings, baby showers, birthday parties and photo shoots on wedding and event design blogs since I began my search. This wedding in particular was just what I had in mind for our event, stylish and classy yet fun and a little wild, it is absolutely gorgeous! I can't wait to get together with Nikki from Fluid Bloom to start talking flowers (and feathers!).
A Silent Film (put on by Cinema et VIno)
Charlie Chaplin was a true genius, and his film The Circus is one of the best I have seen in a long time. Not only did Chaplin write, produce, direct, and star in the film, he also sang the opening song. It is hilarious, wholesome, sweetly romantic, at times a little sad and above all highly entertaining. I hope that you will all enjoy it as much as I did at our dinner on May 14th!
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." -Charlie Chaplin
