As guests entered through the gates of the private Bel Air estate, they were met by ringmaster-attired attendants as the sounds of ominous circus music played overhead. The boldly lit driveway was draped with circus fabric and embellished with an elephant and vintage circus truck. Guests checked in at carnival ticket booths and were then greeted by a brazen Ringmaster and Goth Circus Queen who directed them through a clown mouth entrance and in to a circus tent which featured funhouse mirrors and an oversized lit “Circus” marquis which directed them in to an illuminated vortex tunnel which was enveloped by fog.
Photos by Brian Tropiano Photography
As guests exited, they were greeted by a clown who ushered them in to a courtyard where they were met by Siamese Twins offering Lemon Shakeups. The rising sounds from a calliope filled the foggy air in the courtyard, which was transformed into a multi-dimensional circus side show spectacle complete with fallen Fellini lights, elephant stands and featured a fire eater, contortionist, trapeze artist, and ambient clown.
Photo by Brian Tropiano Photography
Guests were then led by a snake charmer down to the lower pool area where they were greeted by a sad clown offering additional cocktails and poorly crafted balloon animals.Upon entering the lower pool area, guests wandered through a carnival wasteland of expired ride parts, out-of-commission games, and funhouse pieces in disrepair, tangled in Fellini lights. A goth-styled clown wandered the foggy graveyard while quietly playing an accordion as guests meandered through the space, enjoying alcohol-infused snow cones. Greeted by a tattooed man and surly little person, they were then invited on to a dimly lit funicular which transported them to the lower area of the party.
Photos by Brian Tropiano Photography
Once they arrived, guests exited into a photo-booth area where they were met by a strong man who directed guests to a highly thematic Haunted House on the tennis court for those interested in a scare, or the lower level for entertainment and hors d’oeuvres. Upon entering the lower studio space, guests enjoyed music by the client’s band along with upbeat mixes by a highly acclaimed deejay. A custom nacho station set against a wood wall facade featured a lit BAR marquis sign which directed guests to the exterior lounge area.
Photos by Brian Tropiano Photography
A covered patio lined with circus fabric featured a cotton candy cart and ring toss game to win live goldfish. The exterior lawn was embellished with Fellini stringers and circus flags along with a collection of vintage circus banners which hung around the perimeter. A circular wooden Oddities and Curiosities bar was styled with a freakshow collection of unusual finds and served thematic custom cocktails while a nearby hot dog stand cured any late night cravings.
Photo by Brian Tropiano Photography
Lounge vignettes created from circus trunks and elephant stands along with rustic wooden bar tables allowed guests to enjoy tray-passed thematic nibbles and cocktails while watching entertainers such as contortionists, stilt walkers, fire eaters and tarot card readers perform throughout the space.
Vendors
Planning, Design and Production – Kristin Banta Events
Photographer – Brian Tropiano
Custom Bar – Scarlette Bartending
Decor Rentals – LA Circus, Archive Rentals
Performers & Fabrication of Haunted House – Cirque Berzerk
Basic Rentals – Town & Country Event Rentals, Atlas Pool & Decking
Lighting Designer – The Lighter Side
Sound Designer – Record Me In HD
Tunnel Fabrication – AOO Events
DJ – Jeremy Sole
Photobooth – FLIPBOOTH
Videographer – Walter Pawluk
