All posts by lscjonathan

Lighting for Walking Paths

At The Lighting & Sound Company, we are frequently asked to provide lighting for a route that will be used by guests of an event during the evening hours. This could be a short path from a tent to a restroom or a windy walk through the woods to a remote parking lot.

We have many different options for light fixtures that can do this. A menu of different pathway lighting choices follows with average cost from lowest to highest:

Neon Tape

We have cool-white “neon-emulating” LED tape that can be placed along the edge of a path. The tape comes in 85 ft length sections. Many people call this a “runway” look.

Pathway Lights

Brass pathway lights that cast light downwards in a 12 ft diameter are placed along the path. The lights are 3 ft tall and blend in well with landscaping. They keep the light out of guest’s eyes while making the walking area well illuminated.

Three brass pathway lighting fixtures placed adjacent to a walkway illuminate it for evening guests

LED Light Tower

A tall light tower, with wide-angle flood lights like the kind used to illuminate construction sites and parking lots at concerts. It plugs to existing power sources so it is silent as compared to similar units with a noisy engine. This method ensures everything in a 200 ft radius surrounding the light tower is highly visible. They are extremely bright and can be a bit blinding. It is also useful for long-term installations where it might be inconvenient to refuel.

A bright LED light tower illuminating a large field

Pendants on Shepherd Hooks

Woven Pendant Lights with a bright lightbulb inside hang from sleek, head-height shepherd hooks. We space these evenly along a path every 15 feet to provide a very unique look that also illuminates the walkway very effectively.

Pendant Lights hanging on shepherd hooks illuminate stone stairs for good visibility at Maymont Garden Glow

Bistro Handrail

Black wire bistro lights with plastic LED (unbreakable) bulbs are attached to black plastic fence post stakes to provide a swagged “handrail” of bistro lighting along the pathway.

Pathway color wash

Wireless or powered uplight fixtures (Astera AX5) are set on the ground and pointed at the grass/ground. The colors can be set individually or all the same. When we do this with two alternating colors we call it a “candy-cane” effect on the ground.

A candy-cane look of colors aimed at a pathway

Orb Lights

Wireless uplight fixtures with domes on top cast a 360-degree light about 6 ft diameter. These look like orbs and since they are wireless, can be placed anywhere. The colors can be set individually so this can be a fun, whimsical effect in addition to providing utility.

Orb lights adjacent to a pathway provide a unique, colorful look

Overhead Bistro Lights

Bistro lights over top of the pathway supported on poles or attached to nearby trees. Option of placing paper lanterns on on some or all of the bulbs. The white light bulbs can be upgraded to color-changing if desired, which can be paired with white paper lanterns to change the color of the lanterns.

Bistro Lights suspended from trees with colored paper lanterns on bulbs

Titan Tubes

Wireless tube lights (Astera Titan Tube) which can be placed vertically on tripod stands and set to different colors and placed every 6 ft along the path. Some people say they look like light sabers. This is a very unique and very cool look.

Astera Titan Tubes in several colors suspended above a hallway

Tree Lighting

If there are many suitable trees nearby to the pathway then we can light all the trees in a color of your choice. This can be a high-impact spectacle for your guests that provides a wow factor as well as utility.

Geometric Shade Structure

Geometric shade structure made of taut pink, blue, and white triangular sails set up for an outdoor event

What if you could create an area at a festival that makes a statement, provides a shaded gathering point for attendees, allows for sponsorship opportunities, and is totally unique? That solution is now available with a Geometric Fabric Shade Structure supplied by Lighting & Sound Co in Richmond, Virginia. Your outdoor event venue can be transformed into an artistic visual icon.

This 80-ft diameter shade structure provides over 4,000 square feet of shaded area for your event attendees to use as a central hub. Your guests can comfortably stay for a longer duration and enjoy the entire event. This leads to higher attendance and increased satisfaction. Giving the space some character with hanging decor or seating arrangements encourages guests to relax and socialize.

An example of an 80-ft diameter shade structure with red and white triangular sails, with red covered support towers, set up for a festival

After dark, the shade structure can transform from a cool hangout spot to an immersive, bright experience. The sails serve as a canvas for creative lighting and visual effects; lighting, projections, and banners can enhance the atmosphere once the sun sets.

Compared with a tent, your event attendees will likely find that a shade structure feels more open and iconic. The perimeter height is much taller at 12 ft high compared with a typical 8 ft height of a tent, making the area much more inviting. Additionally, the structure’s customizable and colorful sail fabric is considerably more noticeable, remarkable, and memorable than a typical white tent.

A shade structure at night, with lighting illuminating the underside of the structure, at a music festival

Shade structures can be set up in a variety of outdoor locations, transforming an ordinary open space into an inviting venue. They provide event planners with the flexibility to create custom experiences in diverse settings.

The shade structures’ versatility allows for almost infinite design options. With several colors to choose from and rigging points for all kinds of lighting and decor, you can really give your event a personal and memorable touch that guests will keep talking about.

Top view of a 40 ft diameter geometric shade structure with four colors of sails

Printed fabrics also keep your branding consistent and can provide sponsorship opportunities. The support tower covers or corner gusset flags are great ways to subtly add a logo, or the main sails can make a big statement with custom patterns.

Multiple branding options are available to showcase sponsors. Here all the fabric covers are color-coordinated to match the title sponsor’s color palette and both the support tower and roof sails have been printed with the sponsor logos

The shade structure is manufactured by the leading supplier of stretchy fabric structures: Stretch Shapes. It is engineered in accordance with building codes and to withstand 40 mph winds.

Insomniac’s HARD Summer Music Festival had this to say about a similar structure:

Not only did these three geometrically beautiful shade structures set the tone of the festival, but these also provided the festival attendees a sanctuary away from the scorching UV rays. As thousands of posts flooded social media, featuring the Shade Structures as a backdrop, it’s easy to conclude these artistic structures were functional yet iconic elements of the festival

Shade structures can play a pivotal role in the success of outdoor events, offering both functionality and style. They aren’t only a practical addition to a hot summer day, they enhance the overall atmosphere and personality of the event. Event planners looking to create unforgettable experiences should provide the perfect setting to make lasting memories.


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Tent Lighting with Chandelier Rentals

When it comes to creating a beautiful ambiance for weddings or special events, lighting is key. One of the most stunning ways to light up a large tent is with the use of chandeliers. Chandelier rentals can create a romantic and elegant atmosphere, while also providing practical lighting for the event. Check out our full collection of chandeliers on our catalog.

Chandeliers are a timeless lighting option that has been used for centuries in homes, castles, and grand halls. In recent years, chandeliers have become increasingly popular for weddings and special events. One of the main benefits of using chandeliers inside of large tents is they create a stunning focal point that adds a touch of elegance to any event. Chandeliers come in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and materials, which means they can be tailored to fit the specific aesthetic of any event.

Photo taken by Terri Baskin
Photo taken by Jeremy Harwell

Safety

One of the most important considerations when hanging chandeliers inside of a large tent is safety. Chandeliers can be quite heavy, which means that they need to be hung securely to avoid any accidents or injuries. This is where a specialist event lighting company comes in. These companies have the experience and expertise needed to safely hang chandeliers overhead. This ensures that they are securely fastened and won’t pose any risks to guests or the tent itself.

Photo taken by Kir Tuben
Photo taken by Kir Tuben

Another benefit of using a specialist event lighting company to install chandeliers is the large selection of chandeliers that they offer. These companies typically have a wide range of chandeliers in various styles, sizes, and materials, which means that they can provide clients with a range of options to choose from. This is especially important for weddings and special events, where the lighting needs to be tailored to fit the specific aesthetic of the event. With a large selection of chandeliers to choose from, clients can find the perfect lighting solution for their event.

In addition to offering a wide selection of chandeliers. Lighting companies also provide clients with guidance and advice on the best method of of lighting your event. These companies have a wealth of experience and knowledge when it comes to event lighting. This helps clients create the perfect ambiance for their event. This could include advice on where to place the chandeliers, what type of lighting to use, and how to create a cohesive lighting design. A design that ties in with the rest of the event décor.

Photo taken by Rachel May
Photo taken by Rachel May

Chandeliers

Overall, using chandeliers inside of large tents can create a beautiful and elegant ambiance for weddings and special events. However, it’s important to work with a specialist event lighting company to ensure that the chandeliers are hung safely and securely. And that the lighting design is tailored to fit the specific needs of the event. With their experience and expertise, these companies can help create a stunning lighting design that will leave a lasting impression on guests.

In conclusion, chandeliers are a beautiful and practical lighting option for weddings and special events taking place inside large tents. They create a stunning focal point that adds a touch of elegance to any event, while also providing practical lighting. With their expertise and large selection of chandeliers, these companies can help create a stunning lighting design that will make any event truly memorable. Contact The Lighting & Sound Company today to arrange a chandelier rental.

Sassy Jones Fashion Show

Fashion Show Areas

Welcome Area

For the first annual Sassy Jones fashion show at Main Street Station. In the welcome area, the client provided a 30-ft long step & repeat backdrop which we lit with pink uplighting (the client’s preferred color) to provide a branded backdrop for a selfie station

We also supplied four tv screens with custom-created digital signage that advertised the client’s merchandise before the show and changed to let VIP customers know when it was time for them to go shopping after the event

Runway

We installed a huge fashion show runway in Main Street Station: 100 ft long and 12 ft wide so that all attendees could see the clothing being modeled.

Professional lighting was required to illuminate the runway from all angles, which we supplied via Chauvet R2 Wash fixtures for the side and Martin Mac Viper fixtures for powerful front light. The framing shutters of the Mac Vipers were particularly helpful in lighting only the runway and not blinding audience sitting behind the edge of the runway

Effect lighting for texture pattern projection on the runway was supplied by Robe Pointe fixtures. Blasts of pink light overhead were handled by Chauvet Nexus 4×4 panels.

Backdrop with client logo supplied by Atomic Design

VIP Press Conference Area

We provided an 12×16 stage for press conference with supplementary sound, stage lighting, and drape for the perimeter of the room

Pop Up Shop

60 4×4 platforms elevated models who were showing the latest fashions for sale

Equipment List

  • 30x Chauvet Rogue R2 Wash
  • 16x Martin MAC Viper Performance
  • 12x Robe Robin Pointe
  • 12x Chauvet Nexus 4×4 Panel
  • 4x Chauvet Strike Array 4 Blinder
  • 60x Astera AX9 PowerPars (uplights)
  • 24x Astera AX5 TriplePars (uplights)
  • 2x Look Solutions Unique 2.1 Hazers
  • 16x CM 1/2-Ton Chain Hoist
  • 6x CM 1/4-Ton Chain Hoist
  • 400 linear ft 12″ x 12″ Box Truss
  • 200 linear ft 16′ H Black Velour Drape
  • 200 linear ft 22′ H White Premier Drape
  • 4x 55″ LCD TV
  • 2x 70″ LCD TV
  • 2x Epson L1505 12K Video Projector
  • 12x QSC K12 Powered Speaker
  • 22x DB Technologies T8 Line Array Speaker
  • 56x Staging Dimensions 4′ x 8′ Stage Deck
  • 80x Bil-Jax 4′ x 4′ Stage Deck
  • 200 linear ft 16′ H Black Velour Drape
  • 200 linear ft 22′ H White Premier Drape
  • 1x Genie GTH-636 Telehandler (vertical access)

Reach out to us to schedule your fashion show!

Maymont Garden Glow 2020: Outdoor Lighting

The lush 100 acres of gardens at the Maymont Estate are gorgeous throughout the year. However, at Maymont Garden Glow, you can see the gardens in an entirely different light. There is no place like the Maymont Japanese Garden or Italian Garden anywhere else in the mid-Atlantic region. The Italian Garden has specially distinct patterned flower beds, while the Japanese Garden has many Eastern-style plants. In fact, the Maymont Japanese Garden is the oldest public garden on the East Coast.

During the annual Maymont Garden Glow event, you can see the marvelous gardens majestically lit up. An extensive lighting installation is setup by our professional technicians to make this event happen. We use hundreds of outdoor light fixtures to illuminate the landscape and provide beautiful evening looks. Guests can walk the path and see all the trees, structures, and water features washed in amazing colors.

Our clients often request assistance with outdoor lighting projects, so we are familiar with the challenges posed by long-term outdoor lighting displays. Indeed, we have an enormous inventory of weatherproof light fixtures plus many miles of power cable to enable lighting installations in remote locations.

Maymont Garden Glow Areas

As an attendee of the 2020 event, you could observe many distinct areas with unique lighting elements at each location.

The walk began with numerous patterns of natural textures projected on the stone barn. Afterwards, you could see the large fountain illuminated for a colorful moving water look. Finally, you were led down a stone path into the wooded walk, illuminated with multicolored kaleidoscope pattern projection.

Wooded Walk

As you arrived at the wooded walk, a spectacular view of the Italian Gardens bathed in bright colors appeared. While walking through this area, you could see the surrounding nature lit in corresponding colors that changed in sync with the Italian music played in this area.

Moving towards the Maymont Mansion, guests first looked out over the pond towards the statue of Three Graces. A low lying fog slowly billowed out over the pond while lights shined below creating an eerie look. Furthermore, around the mansion, you could see patterns projected on the exterior walls showcasing the magnificent building. Additionally, you could see the mausoleum silhouetted against the backdrop of the James River.

Mansion Area and Interactive Effect

Coming around the front of the Maymont Mansion was one of the event’s centerpieces. A large lighting display controlled by guests walking through it changed depending where you stand. Accompanying this were sound effects to remind the user of playing a piano. Around Halloween we changed these to spooky themed sound effects. Following this scene, guests were treated to spectacular views of the large illuminated trees north of the Mansion. Wherever you looked, the nature was bathed in majestic colors.

Looking towards the exit pathway were two more major installations. A triangular sculpture made of chinese parasols was set in the middle of the path. You could take fantastic selfies in front of this structure as each parasol was lit from behind with different colors. Then, as you walked down Magnolia Row, over your head were over 2500 bistro light bulbs strung between the trees. Multiple colored paper lanterns hung over some of the bulbs adding color to this area which was already aglow. More than half a mile of bistro string lighting was hanging in the trees over this area.

Maymont Garden Glow By The Numbers:

  • 116 Chauvet Professonal ColorDASH Par H12IP weatherproof LED wash fixtures illuminated gardens, trees, and buildings
  • 32 Astera AX5 LED fixtures with 360-degree diffusion domes used in the peninsula
  • 10 Chauvet Ovation E-260WW IP fixtures that projected colored texture gobos and the event logo
  • 3000 linear ft of bistro string lighting between the west mansion turn and magnolia row, totaling 1500 bulbs
  • 500 linear ft of Chauvet Festoon color changing bistro string lighting on the ramp, light tunnel, and parasols
  • 250 paper lanterns on the magnolia row string lights adding color
  • Two Interactive Technologies CueServer units for show playback
  • Two Mega-Silent 30 KVa Diesel Generators for reliable event power supplied by Temp-Power
  • ~6250 linear ft of electric power cable
  • ~3000 linear ft of DMX control data cable
  • 24 cable ramps to protect cables run over walking paths

What You Should Know Before Using an In-House AV Provider

Once you’ve inked a contract to rent a venue for your event, your next thought is probably choosing the vendors that will provide services at your event. Sometimes the venue has requirements, such as, they must handle the catering.

Many times, the venue will also offer to provide your audio-visual and lighting services. Unlike the catering staff, who are likely employees of the venue, the AV provider is most commonly a contractor of the venue who they recommend to their clients. (Sometimes this is not the case, and the venue does have employees who handle AV needs)

Pros and Cons of using in-house AV

Is it a problem that your venue provides AV services for your event? Not necessarily, but consider all the aspects. Here are the details:

Hotels and even some wedding venues say that it is more convenient for you to use their in-house AV team. After all, they work at the venue regularly and they (might) keep their equipment there. In case of last-minute changes to your event, the house can just grab more gear from their closet. You have one contract for the space, food/beverage, and audio-visual. Maybe there is a required penalty you have to pay if you don’t use their AV provider.

Many times, the in-house AV provider has a commission agreement with the venue. This means they pay a percentage of your AV contract total back to the venue. If you don’t mind spending extra money then this is not a concern. But if you want to reduce your AV budget, a local lighting company can usually provide better service at a better price.

These venues might neglect to tell you that the in-house AV vendor is almost certainly paying a large commission back to the venue, charged directly to you. The venue will likely forget to mention that the “on-site equipment” has indeed been onsite for 25 years and is outdated and unreliable. And there will be no mention that the “dedicated technician” for support during your event will have to service all of the rooms at the venue. Just when you need help connecting your laptop at the start of your presentation, the technician might be fixing the sound in another room, and will come over to you when available.

Quality AV Services are Key

The lighting and AV play a key role in having a perfect event or wedding. If nobody can hear the bridal party speeches because the sound was bad, all your guests will remember. Imagine if the projector breaks and nobody can see the presentation. Your audience’s key takeaway will be that your event was poorly planned. You can see that the selection of an AV company dedicated to ensuring your event runs smoothly is critical.

At The Lighting & Sound Co, we believe that service before and during your event is the most important aspect of our relationship with you. We work with you to determine a lighting and AV scope that fits your specific needs. We don’t provide cookie-cutter equipment that is barely related to your event vision. Our skilled technicians are dedicated only to your event when onsite. If you call your account manager for help, the response will be “someone is coming to fix that issue.”

Generators and Temporary Power for Events and Concerts

Generators and Temporary Power for Events and Concerts

Electricity: without it, nothing could happen easily. Your event needs power for anything to work. Tent lighting, sound systems, catering equipment, phone chargers, fans/misters, point-of-sales, video screens- all need power. If the event is outdoors or otherwise in a temporary location, you need safe, reliable power distribution for all these items. Of course, this doesn’t mean running orange extension cords out of the window of a nearby building. Reliable power is required for your event to run smoothly. Temporary power enables your event to take place in any venue without concerns about power outages. Sometimes you are bringing in generators specifically because you have a power outage.

Generators

45 kva quiet run diesel generator is delivered to provide temporary power for an event in Richmond VA
A 45kw quiet run generator provides additional power for an event taking place at the Siegel Center in Richmond, VA

There are several reasons you might need a generator for your event. If your venue is in a field, under a tent, far from a building, or even in a building but electrical service is insufficient, a portable generator is the easiest way to supply your power needs. Common sizes run from 1-kw all the way up to 220-kw to supply even the largest concert or major event.

Quiet-Run Generators

A generator that sounds like a lawn mower might be distracting from your event. Ensure your power supplier uses only quiet run generators for event power. Small Honda units (aka putt-putts) are great for lighter needs and are fairly quiet. These can sit nearby wedding tents without bothering guests. However, as the generator gets larger (to supply greater power needs) it doesn’t need to get louder. Trailer-mounted units can supply larger power needs. Certain mega-silent units have extensive sound abatement treatments and are so quiet you can stand next to it and not know it is running.

A portable quiet-run generator and mobile stage are set up for an event
A mega-silent generator will not distract from the main event, even when placed nearby

Reliability and Runtime

Of course a generator provides no value at your event if it stops running. You want to ensure your guests have a seamless experience at your event. An electrical failure will certainly be noticed by all in attendance. To prevent this from happening, a professional power supplier will take many precautions. These include performing maintenance on schedule, monitoring performance telematics remotely, having a technician remain onsite, using two units in parallel or with transfer switch, refueling in advance of empty, and having additional equipment on standby ready to roll out 24 hours a day. A generator company dedicated to perfect events will offer to do all of these items. Some of these come with additional cost while some are included with standard rental price. Be sure to discuss your exact needs and requirements with your power supplier.

Most trailer-mount generators carry enough fuel on board to run constantly for a day or two without requiring refueling, and external fuel tanks are available to increase runtime.

Temporary Power Distribution

With a generator that can supply upwards of 100 amps, there needs to be a safe electrical system to distribute power where it is needed. Feeder cable runs from the generator to portable distribution panels. From there, single or multi circuit cables run from these panels to supply the electrical needs around a venue. There are many variations of panels and cable to suit every event’s unique needs. With a tented wedding, you might drop a spider box at the catering area and for the band. For a larger stage concert, a larger distro or dimmer racks will be placed on stage and socopex multicable ran to the stage lighting positions. For tradeshow booths, a 3-circuit cable with quad box outlets every 10 feet might be used.

Equally important is getting an estimate of the electrical loads so the proper size of equipment can be used. In addition, a qualified technician should specify the distribution equipment so that there is no risk of overload.

Cable Ramps (Crossovers)

Generators provide power for a special event. Cords cross a roadway inside cable ramps protected from vehicle traffic
Cable Ramps (cable crossovers) provide protection where vehicles or pedestrians must cross power cables and allow generators to be located out of the way

A concern with temporary power is that there will be a lot of wires. It’s usually not feasible to hide the wires inside walls or under surfaces. The best power suppliers will take care to run cables out of the way or overhead as much as possible. However, there are many times cases where wires have to cross a walkway. In these cases it is imperative that you use cable ramps to protect attendees and equipment. You might also hear these called yellow jackets or cable crossovers. Additionally, some styles can accommodate the weight of heavy vehicles so you can run cables across a roadway. If heavy foot traffic or accessibility is a concern, you can use ADA cable ramps with very minor slope.

Electrical Consultation

There are a number of considerations when ensuring your event wont shut down due to lack of power. Fortunately, at The Lighting & Sound Co, we have years of experience supplying power for events of all size. We have handled power needs for hundreds of concerts, food truck rodeos, tradeshows, campgrounds, tented events, weddings and other unusual setups. And we know that sometimes you need a generator immediately to resolve a power outage. We can help on an emergency basis with rapid response. We work exclusively with our friends at Temp-Power Generator Rentals to get only top-of-the-line equipment anywhere, anytime it is needed.

Get in touch with us and assure a perfect event by leaving power distribution to the professionals. Give us a call at 804-893-5066 or send an email to events@lightingandsoundco.com and we will do what it takes to power your event.

6 Common Event AV Mistakes to Avoid

At The Lighting & Sound Company, we have been involved with thousands of events. While most events result in positive experiences for all, there is often opportunity to make the event even better. We see some missed opportunities for improvement frequently enough. Here are six of the most common Event AV Mistakes we see. Take note and use these tips to improve your next event!

Bad Sound

Effective sound reinforcement can make or break your event. Nothing will leave your attendees with a bad feeling about the event more than not being able to hear a presenter speak or performer sing. There are many aspects that contribute to good event sound. Microphone choice, speaker placement, venue construction, weather, and distance can all have impacts on the ability of attendees to hear. Perhaps some part of the event layout prevents your av supplier from placing a speaker or mic in an ideal location. Or, the proper speakers to provide good sound comes with a price that is problematic for your budget. A quality AV company will know the right sound system to use in a venue. Sometimes the cost may seem expensive, but you definitely get what you pay for. Cheap sound systems will frequently fail to cover the venue adequately or blare feedback while your presenter has to shout to be heard in the front row.

Coordinate the Powerpoint layouts

If your event will involve video screens displaying powerpoint presentations, ask your AV company about the screen size. Modern screens and projectors will have an aspect ratio of 16:10, while older screens are 4:3. (If your av company only has 4:3 screens, this is an indicator of outdated equipment!) When creating your presentation, configure the powerpoint layout to match the screen at your event. This avoids any lost space or black bars on the sides of the screen.

Waiting to hire your AV company

Bringing in your audio-visual vendor as early as possible always has a positive impact on your event. An experienced production company will be able to point out venue challenges, suggest efficient event layout, observe power availability, verify equipment access, and related items. It is much easier to plan for any of these items or make changes long before the event, instead of the week of the event when custom items cannot be ordered or layouts cannot be adjusted. The AV vendor is one of the first to arrive for an event and is onsite for the full duration, so they have a wealth of knowledge to make recommendations that improve the event experience.

No rehearsal

You might think that since your AV company has brought the best equipment and talented technicians, nothing can go wrong during your event. While this will likely be the case, you do not want to be using a wireless mic or seeing your presentation on stage under the lights for the first time in front of your audience. Having a rehearsal allows you to get familiar with all the event technology. You can know exactly what to expect during the real event.

Using your own laptop

Using equipment you already own often seems like a great way to save some money when planning an event. Indeed, using your own laptop can be acceptable for small breakout room presentations that can be informal. However, for a full general session with many attendees and VIPs, it can be very risky to try to run the presentation from your own computer. You don’t want to be advancing the slides when suddenly your iMessage pops up a chat you’d rather keep private or the computer slows to a crawl because Windows started running updates. A professional av company will have specific presentation laptops ready to go, with all updates completed, all notifications minimized, and no unnecessary programs that could slow down the computer

Plan the load in and load out time

If you have several vendors providing services at your event, they will most likely all need to deliver materials to the jobsite. Some locations have physical limits on simultaneous access. Perhaps there is a narrow driveway, single loading dock, or small freight elevator. Or maybe the venue is doing renovations that restrict loading zones. This could present a problem if all of your vendors arrive at the same time. Frequently your AV company will need to do aerial lift work. This can be challenging if tables or drape have already been setup. Plan for separate load in/out times for all of your vendors so they don’t conflict. Also ensure that one vendor’s equipment setup will not prevent a later setup from occurring.

All in all, you will want to partner with an experienced event audio-visual production company to handle the technical aspects of your event. Let your av company’s offer tips to improve the flow of your event. Looking for a good team to work with? Give a call to The Lighting & Sound Company at 804-893-5066 and ensure a perfect event!

Lighting & Decor for The Estate at River Run

Creating classic wedding lighting designs in a new space


The Estate at River Run

Everyone in Richmond’s robust event industry is talking about the estate at River Run. In case you missed the news in Richmond business and wedding magazines, the Massey Manor in Maidens Virginia has been purchased. By this Winter, it will be in use as a wedding and event venue. Doug & Tamra Adams (Adams International School, Virginia Barn Wedding), along with one of Richmond’s most prominent planners and designers, Kim Moody Design, are the new owners. Kim will take on the role of In-House planning and design work at the New River run estate venue. 

River Run Estate Event Lighting Back patio

River Run will be a high-end, corporate and wedding event venue that can serve up to 299 guests. The venue plans to be somewhat selective about their vendors. However, there is no official list as of this post. Kim Moody explains “While we would love to have vendors from all over Richmond work in [The Estate at River Run], we plan on hiring from a small list.” This will keep the property in better shape, and also create a more cohesive week-to-week game plan between vendors that are used to collaborating with each other in the beautiful space.

Our wedding lighting designers were called on to provide lighting for the inaugural event at River Run Estate. The event, a networking event for our good friends at Richmond wedding magazine, a monthly occurrence. The excitement of the new venue brought out all of Richmond’s best wedding vendors. Everyone was excited to inspect the new venue and create ideas for our Richmond brides.  

Photo by Hayes & Fisk Photography

The Design

Our first design at River Run used our extensive collection of powerful outdoor RGB LEDs to highlight and accent the property. The view from the back patio of the manor is perfectly framed, the sun setting perfectly over the James could not be a more picturesque moment, as the deep reds and warm pinks of the sunset blend seamlessly with our our fiery uplighting. Our wireless capabilities means that even outside, we can change the lighting to completely affect the mood. Uplighting is just the tip of the iceberg. With a space like this, anything is possible. We expect to see a lot of Uplighting, bistro lighting, pendants, chandeliers, drape and of course texture gobos to go up in this space.

Event coordination

Event Coordination (Everything Needed for a Perfect Event)


If you are holding anything more than the smallest gathering, you probably have a few vendors providing event services. As your event increases in scale,  you may suddenly be coordinating with tens (or hundreds) of suppliers. If your event has multiple dates or locations, your vendors multiply!

This is where it becomes helpful to get as many services as possible from your suppliers. A single company that provides many related services will be of great help. A company that has contacts with every local event-related business can additionally coordinate other tangentially-related services for you.

The Japanese Garden lake is filled with reflections of glowing trees
Large events require careful planning and expert execution.

Event Coordination is a full-time job!

Imagine an outdoor wedding. You’ve decided who will attend, where to have it and, who will provide catering. But now you have to sort through tent rentals, DJ services, tables and chairs, decor, and lighting. Suppose you handle all of that only to get to your special day and be told that the caterer tripped the only circuit. Now your DJ can’t play and your guest’s can’t see in your tent.

Consider a large concert event. Your band demands a huge stage with a bunch of instruments (backline) and you have 8000 people coming who need to hear the band. The show goes into the evening so the stage needs to be lit up, and the venue has no electrical power. You need fencing to channel the attendees where they need to go, and security staff to make sure there is no trouble. Portable restrooms and parking lot lighting are of course required, as well as illumination for vendor tents…

Concert Lighting Generator

 LSC Production Manager Jonathan Coordinates Generators with Temp-Power

 

Associated Event Services

Enter The Lighting & Sound Co. After being onsite for thousands of events, we know everyone in town who provides top-quality event services. We also have partners nationwide to assist with rare requests or distance events. It helps that we are often one of the first to arrive and last to leave. We can either provide what you need or know the best providers in the area. Make one call and let us handle your event technology needs, so you can focus on other aspects.

We will be glad to provide lighting, sound, AV, drape, and coordinate the best mobile stages, generators, band backline, tents, security fencing, multi-site logistics, and anything else you would rather not have on your plate. Rest assured that we vet all of our event partners and only work with vendors who offer the same top quality standards and reliability we are known for.

A portable quiet-run generator and mobile stage are set up for an event

The best event partners make for smooth events

If you need assistance with event technology or other event services, get in touch and we’ll be glad to assist. (804) 893-5066 or events@lightingandsoundco.com

Want to learn more about event technology? Check out one the articles below!