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“Just magical” — those were the words Karla Anderson used to describe her wedding day this week at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.
She made her grand entrance on the Sky Ride during the July 7 ceremony, meeting her mentor at the end who walked her down the aisle toward the old fashion Ferris wheel where she joined her groom to exchange “I dos”.
Anderson, 48, is a longtime employee of Butler Amusements, which provides rides and attractions for the local fair each year as well as other carnivals throughout the state and country.
She told Pleasanton Weekly that since she’s dedicated her life to the carnival business, it was only fitting for her and now-husband, Edward Anderson, to tie the knot at one of the largest stops on their fair route.
“I live, eat, breathe and sleep Butler Amusements, so it was just the right thing to do,” Anderson said. “It was here with everybody around us — my family traveled in — and the atmosphere.”
The newlyweds had the fairgrounds all to themselves for the occasion Tuesday, as the fair’s days of operation are from Wednesday to Sunday.
Although they started planning the wedding just two months ago, the Andersons’ marriage was six years in the making after the couple met during the COVID-19 pandemic and officially became engaged two years ago.
In the years since they met, Edward joined the carnival world as an independent contractor who “keeps the sparkle,” mostly handling beautification for Butler, according to Anderson.
The Atwater native said much of her family made the trek to Pleasanton from the Central Valley as well as a sister who came from Arizona and her mentor who traveled from Oregon. Between family, friends and colleagues, Anderson said there were nearly 200 people in attendance for her wedding day.
Anderson’s work family was instrumental in putting her special day together. The ceremony was officiated by Butler Amusements Chief Operating Officer Sean Butler.
“It’s one thing when someone officiates and they don’t know you but when someone knows you and gets the right words out there, that was important,” Anderson said, adding that it was special to be surrounded by everyone she loves for the occasion.
The reception was held at The Farmhouse restaurant on the fairgrounds property and the cake was handmade by another member of the Butler family. Anderson said her best friend coordinated the day with a “classy, carny” flare.
“My family is not involved in the carnival — I’m the only one in the carnival business — and then I have my whole carnival family. Having everybody in one spot to celebrate a union like that was just amazing,” she said.
The couple ended their night staying downtown Pleasanton at The Rose Hotel.
While the newlyweds had to join the rest of the Butler Amusements crew back at work the next day, Anderson said more celebration and a possible honeymoon will follow during the off-season. In the meantime, she is still basking in the magic of her wedding day.
“Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful ceremony all in the atmosphere of what I know so well and my comfort zone,” Anderson said.
