1920's Wedding Inspiration: Deconstructed Gatsby Circus (Forbidden Love)

When I came up with the concept for this shoot, I wanted it to be inspired by elements of the “The Great Gatsby,” with a special subtle twist of the Circus. The story behind the inspiration Forbidden love Gatsby Circus is the tale of the ring master’s beautiful assistant (Nicolette) and the Circus Veterinarian (Domonique). They run off to elope with nothing but some costumes, props taken from the circus and the dollars in their pockets; their destination, unknown in the middle of nowhere. All they know is that they are passionately in love with one another and can no longer stand to be apart. All though they come from the same world of Circus they are two different classes of wealth, which made their love frowned upon and made it impossible for them to truly be together. This shoot is an inspiration to brides to never let anyone or anything stand in the way of being with the one you are truly love. Money comes and goes, but love of forever and stands through of the test of time.

Things that I absolutely love about this shoot, everything! But I will share my top three, starting with the bride’s hair and makeup. From the soft finger waves to the smoky eye and red lips, I felt like I was warped into the 1920’s. Do not get me started on her dress from Kelly’s Closet Atlanta; super elegant, chic, and festive, without being too fancy and over the top. I love it because it looks like something she could have found in a chest full of dress up clothes and threw on. The cake was definitely another favorite detail of this shoot. I wanted it too look like they picked up a simple white cake and threw something together that encompassed them as a couple. This piece was so perfect for this shoot because it was grand and elegant like Gatsby, yet festive and fun like the circus. I mean who doesn’t think of caramel corn when they think of the circus! My next favorite detail, the florals. The bouquet and centerpiece are a beautiful mixture of reds florals, wild feathers dipped in gold sparkle, and dusty millers. I loved how the feathers dipped in gold glitter give you a glimpse of Gatsby glam, but not in the traditional way because they are animalistic like the circus. And how the red anemones really pop along with the striped ribbon wrapped around the bouquet to bring you front row at the circus as you envision the ring masters costume and man on the stilts with the wacky pants.

I cannot forget the special DIY detail of the shoot; the tablescape. We had some obstacles with finding the right size tablecloth, but the incredible designer More de Vivre made some serious lemonade out of lemons. Using only some cut up fabrics and a sheet, she made the table runner and napkins look fabulous and beautifully imperfect. I especially loved the maroon table runner’s pattern because reminded me of both a fancy brooch and a circus elephant’s headpiece. This shoot was not your typical Gatsby or Circus wedding theme, but when you pay attention to all the details and understand the story behind it, you will see a beautiful melting pot of elegance and quirk that create Gatsby Circus.