A Magical Circus-Themed Wedding at Mapperley Farm: A DJ’s Perspective
A Circus-Themed Wedding
The circus-themed wedding I DJed for The Best Men Wedding DJs at Mapperley Farm Events Venue last Saturday (25th May 2024) for Joe and Kim was a delightful blend of nostalgia and celebration. As someone who used to work for a circus company as a stilt-walker and angle grinder (and very occasionally still does!), I was particularly excited for Joe and Kim’s big day. The unique theme brought back fond memories and set the stage for an unforgettable event.
When I arrived, the Flambé Circus performers were midway through their captivating knife-throwing act. Their skill and showmanship had everyone on the edge of their seats, and they even enlisted one brave wedding guest to stand as the target, adding an extra thrill to the performance.
A Change of Plans
Originally, Joe and Kim had planned to have their reception in a big top tent. However, due to the recent heavy rains, the ground was too soft and the big top company were forced to deem the wet ground unsafe to put up the tent. Despite this setback, the wedding was relocated to the barn at Mapperley Farm. The barn, decorated in vibrant red and yellow, perfectly captured the circus theme, ensuring the party atmosphere remained lively and fun, beginning with Joe and Kim’s fantastically choreographed First Dance.
Dance Floor Highlights
The night was filled with memorable moments on the dance floor. One young guest and her mother danced almost the entire night, their joy infectious. Then there was Bob, a 75-year-old veteran of the Ibiza scene, who was the first to hit the dance floor once the music resumed after Flambé Circus’s spectacular fire and LED show later in the night. His enthusiasm for Daft Punk and The Chemical Brothers set the tone for an energetic evening. We had a guest’s Great Dane joining in on the dancefloor, and the simply heartwarming Father & Daughter Dance between Kim and her dad to “I Loved Her First” by Heartland.
Sparks Flew!
Flambé’s incredible fire and LED performance out on the field was phenomenal. Sparks flew and flames leapt into the air as the three performers dazzled the crowd. They finished up with some handheld whirling programmed LED props that spelt out the name of the bride and groom and various other messages to the guests as the performers twirled them around their bodies. It was a breathtaking spectacle that left everyone in awe.
Special Moments
Around 11:30 PM, I shared a poignant moment with Joe and Kim. After bidding farewell to their last guests, they finally had a moment to themselves. It was the first time since 6 AM that morning that they could relax and enjoy each other’s company without any distractions. I played some slower tunes from our meticulously crafted playlist, and the couple slow danced around the room, basking in the love and happiness of their special day. In that serene moment, I felt a bit like Doug Judy on a cruise ship— and if you don’t get that reference, you need to watch more Brooklyn 99!
Kudos to Mapperley Farm Events Venue
A special shoutout to Mapperley Farm Events Venue. The owners were incredibly accommodating and friendly, handling the last-minute changes with grace and efficiency. Their dedication to ensuring everything went smoothly was evident in every detail, and they made me feel right at home. It’s clear they are truly committed to making their guests feel welcome and ensuring their events are a success.
Overall, Joe and Kim’s circus-themed wedding at Mapperley Farm was a night to remember. From the breathtaking performances by Flambé Circus to the heartwarming final dance, every moment was filled with joy and love. It was an honour to be part of their special day and help create lasting memories for such a wonderful couple.
If you’re planning a circus-themed wedding or any unique celebration, Mapperley Farm Events Venue is a fantastic choice. Their flexibility, attention to detail, and beautiful setting make it an ideal location for creating magical moments. And for performers, Flambé Circus will dazzle your guests! And for a DJ… why, little ol’ me, of course: A circus-performer DJ!
Here’s the Setlist:
First Dance
- Apart Together – Tim Minchin
The Party!
- Everywhere – Fleetwood Mac
- September – Earth Wind & Fire
- Heart Of Glass – Blondie
- Dead Ringer For Love – Meat Loaf
- Accidentally In Love – Counting Crows
- You And I – Ingrid Michaelson
- Photosynthesis – Frank Turner
- Coffee & TV – Blur
- Too Much Too Young – The Specials
- This Charming Man – The Smiths
- Perfect 10 – Beautiful South
- Hungry Like The Wolf – Duran Duran
- Antmusic – Adam & The Ants
- Rock And Roll All Nite – KISS
- Get It On – T. Rex
- Come and Get Your Love – Redbone
- Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher – Jackie Wilson
- Let It Go – James Bay
- Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
- Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off – Panic! At The Disco
- Everlong – Foo Fighters
- Whiskey In The Jar – Metallica
- It’s My Life – Bon Jovi
- When You’re Gone – Bryan Adams feat. Melanie C
- I’m Still Standing – Elton John
- Mamma Mia – ABBA
- I Loved Her First – The Heartland
- Lady Of The Sea (Hear Her Calling) – Seth Lakeman
Break for Flambe’s Fire and LED Show
- Tribute Medley – Freejak Remix – Daft Punk
- Hey Boy Hey Girl – The Chemical Brothers
- I Gotta Feeling – The Black Eyed Peas
- Let’s Dance – David Bowie
- Mr. Brightside – The Killers
- She’s So Lovely – Scouting for Girls
- I Knew You Were Trouble – Taylor Swift
- Grace Kelly – MIKA
- If I Didn’t Have You – Tim Minchin
- Me, You and Steve – Garfunkel and Oates
- Wake Me Up – Avicii
- Radio/Video – System Of A Down
- Holy Diver – Killswitch Engage
- Plug in Baby – Muse
- Can’t Stop – Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Friend Like Me – Robin Williams
- King of the Swingers – James Copeland
- U And Ur Hand – Pink
- Faith – George Michael
- I Want You Back – The Jackson 5
- Love Really Hurts Without You – Billy Ocean
- Come Alive – Hugh Jackman, Keala Settle, Daniel Everidge, Zendaya & The Greatest Showman Ensemble
- I Write Sins Not Tragedies – Panic! At The Disco
- Welcome To The Black Parade – My Chemical Romance
- Big Yellow Taxi – Counting Crows feat. Vanessa Carlton
- Freebird – Lynyrd Skynyrd
- First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes
- All Of Me – John Legend
- I Will Follow You Into The Dark – Death Cab For Cutie
- Ironic – Alanis Morissette
- Little Lion Man – Mumford & Sons
- Bed of Roses – Bon Jovi
- A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
- I Do – Aloe Blacc & LeAnn Rimes
- Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
- Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay – Otis Redding
- You Know I’m No Good – Amy Winehouse
- Lovesong – The Cure
- The Girl – City and Colour
- Secrets – Mary Lambert