All posts by lscjonathan

Case Study: Garden Lights at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

Request: Create Immersive Walking Experience

For Garden Lights at MSV, the entire lighting design would need to involve colorful landscape lighting. Specialized looks, interactive exhibits, and utility lighting was developed for walking path illumination. MSV has several miles of paved walking trails as well as formal gardens, large fields and lawns, and a central water feature. Our design team evaluated various pathway routes and proposed a trail that would give the maximum number of ideal lighting locations and signature viewpoints. Once the path confirmed, we could get into the actual lighting design work. Of course, since the experience lasted for four weeks, all the equipment needed to be weather-resistant. We have an enormous inventory of IP65-rated lighting fixtures and power cabling available to handle the site conditions.

Planning Scope, Specials, Wash

Our design team performed a comprehensive site survey and photographed and mapped the entire path for easy reference. First we designated locations where special lighting moments would be most effective. For example, the Grand Allee provided a central viewpoint for a stunning interactive effect. This interactive lighting installation where visitors press a button to activate beams of light that choreograph vibrant patterns in the night sky was accompanied by synchronized ambient sounds. Once these spots have been identified, we filled in the remaining portions of the grounds with general landscape wash lighting. We look for locations where we can take advantage of the existing terrain to conceal fixtures and equipment, or rig a light fixture up in a tree to illuminate an area without an unsightly support structure.

Garden Lights Power Distribution & Show Control

Distributing power outside over tens of acres of wide open environment is never simple. Fortunately we are very experienced at handling this challenge of outdoor events. At this venue, we did not require generators as there was ample power available from the various buildings. We planned our power cable runs to be out of the way while remaining as short as possible. Everything has to be outdoors for several weeks so all the electrical distribution equipment was required to be weatherproof.

While many stage lighting fixtures are now available with IP65 ratings, most networking equipment is not. Therefore we placed the network switches, wifi access points, and lighting control DMX nodes inside specialized waterproof enclosures.

We located our production office trailer at a central but discreet location. This way we could run data networking to every corner of the event site. This enabled us to have centralized lighting control of all specials as well as WiFi and remote monitoring throughout the jobsite. Our lighting designers certainly appreciated programming from within a climate-controlled space

This enabled us to maintain the experience easily while the event was operating. The onsite technician could observe all areas of the event and dispatch immediately to check on any outages.

Garden Lights Lighting for Guest Experience

At certain areas where the direction is unclear or the ground may be less smooth, we planned for lighting that would effectively illuminate the walking pathway. The path had to cross a large open field and so we specified pathway lighting via bistro lights on stakes that was bright for safety and economical to install.
After everything is set up, we walk the route and often need to relocate a light fixture to keep it out of the scenic view or re-focus it to not be blinding another area of the trail.

Where cables crossing a walking path is unavoidable, we use low-slope ADA-compliant cable ramps so there is no trip hazard or impediment to strollers or mobility aids.

Other locations that also required lighting and courtesy power were ticket-taking and foodservice booths. Our team handled utility lighting and power for these locations so the client could focus on the guest-facing requirements of those locations.

Astera Titan Tubes provide a spectacular backdrop of hundreds of floating white and blue lines behind a pair of cars being showcased

Astera Titan Tube: The Ultimate Lighting Solution for Special Events

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the desired ambiance, mood, and atmosphere of an event or film production. Choosing the right lighting fixtures can make a significant difference in achieving the desired effect. Astera Titan Tube fixtures are one of the most versatile and innovative lighting solutions available in the market today. These powerful and reliable light fixtures offer a wide range of features and benefits, making them a popular choice for special event lighting and film lighting. The Lighting & Sound Company in Richmond, VA has Titan Tubes in stock and available for rental or use as part of a larger production.

Astera Titan Tubes set to a rainbow of colors hang above a main entrance hallway — Astera Titan Tubes create a grand entrance hanging above a hallway

Features

Astera Titan Tube are a battery-operated, LED-based lighting fixture that offers a wide range of features and benefits. Some of the most notable ones include:

Wireless Control:
- One of the most important features of Astera Titan Tube fixtures is their wireless control capability. The fixture’s built-in wireless DMX receiver allows them to be controlled without cables. You could use a standard lighting console, or the feature-rich Astera App to easily operate the lighting. This feature makes it easy for you to control and adjust the lighting after you installed it in a hard-to-reach location.
RGBWA+UV Color Mixing
- Titan Tubes offer a wide range of color options, thanks to their RGBWA+UV color mixing capabilities. This feature allows the user to mix red, green, blue, white, amber, and ultraviolet colors, creating endless color options. Additionally, you can easily adjust the color temperature from 1750K to 20,000K.
High CRI:
- Astera Titan Tube fixtures offer a high color rendering index (CRI) of 96. This feature makes them ideal for use in film productions and other applications where accurate color reproduction is essential.
Long Battery Life
- Titan Tubes come with a powerful, long-lasting battery that can last up to 20 hours on a single charge. This feature makes them ideal for outdoor events and productions where access to power sources may be limited.
Durable and Waterproof:
- Astera Titan Tube units are built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. You can take advantage of the fixture’s IP65 rating, which makes them waterproof. You can use them outdoors in rainy or wet conditions without concern.
Versatile Mounting Options
- Titan Tubes come with a variety of mounting options, including magnetic mounts, eye bolts, and adjustable tripod stands, making them easy to install and use in any location.

Astera Titan Tubes as Special Event Lighting

Titan Tubes are an excellent lighting solution for special events of all kinds, from corporate events to weddings and concerts. You can conveniently use these fixtures at outdoor events with limited access to power sources thanks to their wireless control capability and long battery life. Furthermore, you can create a wide range of lighting effects, from vibrant color washes to subtle accent lighting using this fixture.

Astera Titan Tube fixtures are also ideal for use in themed events, where the lighting plays a critical role in creating the desired ambiance and atmosphere. You can create dynamic lighting effects that change throughout the event, creating a truly immersive experience for your guests.

Film Lighting with Astera Titan Tubes

Astera Titan Tube fixtures are also an excellent choice for film lighting, thanks to their high CRI, wireless control, and versatile mounting options. You can create a wide range of lighting effects, from natural daylight to warm tungsten tones.

Their wireless control capability allows for easy adjustments on the fly, making them ideal for use in fast-paced film productions. Not only that, the long battery life also makes them perfect for use in outdoor locations, where access to power sources may be limited.

Astera Titan Tubes are an incredibly versatile and powerful lighting solution, offering a wide range of features and benefits that make them an ideal choice for special event lighting and film lighting. Their wireless control capability, long battery life, and RGBWA+UV color mixing make them perfect for creating a wide variety of special looks.

Contact The Lighting & Sound Company today to arrange a rental of Titan Tubes in Richmond, Virginia. We have them in stock for rental or delivery.

A 60 ft wide sailcloth tent is adorned with gold chandeliers and white drapes gathered identically at each tent side pole

High-Impact Tent Drape

In the world of luxury weddings, where every detail matters, tent drape becomes a pivotal element in transforming a simple structure into a breathtaking canvas of sophistication. As you plan memorable tented weddings, high-end decor, such as drape, stands as a testament to refined taste and meticulous craftsmanship. Here, we delve into three key methods used by the experienced designers at The Lighting & Sound Co to dress up tents with exquisite drapery, ensuring a setting that resonates with timeless charm and unparalleled beauty.

Side Pole Drape Gathers

Imagine the gentle billow of sumptuous fabric, artfully gathered and secured along the sides of a sailcloth tent. This technique, known as side pole drape gathers, epitomizes classical elegance. By utilizing the highest quality fabrics — from luxuriously flowing silks to intricately woven linens — skilled decorators create cascading waves of fabric that add depth and texture to the tent’s perimeter. Each fold and gather is meticulously crafted, ensuring a seamless integration with the natural contours of the tent poles. The result? A softly enveloping ambiance that envelops guests in an atmosphere of refined splendor.

Further enhancing the allure of side pole drape gathers is their impressive visual impact. From every angle, the tent exudes a sense of balance and grace, with evenly-spaced drapes encircling the structure like a symphony of elegance. This meticulous arrangement not only enhances the physical space but also ensures that photographs taken during the event capture a scene of enduring beauty. The structured symmetry created by these drapes frames each moment, casting a backdrop that elevates every detail of the celebration, from the bride’s radiant smile to the shimmering dance floor under the starlit sky.

Tent Perimeter Valance Drape

For those seeking a touch of architectural finesse, the tent perimeter valance technique offers a structured yet graceful approach to tent draping. Here, decorators meticulously install a valance along the upper perimeter of the tent, framing the space with a tailored band of fabric that exudes sophistication. Utilizing fabrics of unparalleled quality ensures that every fold and pleat maintains its pristine form, even as gentle breezes play with the edges. This method not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the tent but also provides a sophisticated backdrop for the festivities within.

Drape Swags

To elevate the ceiling of a sailcloth tent into a soaring canopy of beauty, decorators employ drape swags overhead. This method involves artfully draping luxurious fabrics across the tent’s ceiling, creating a series of graceful arcs and swoops that draw the eye upwards. Whether using sheer fabrics to diffuse natural light or rich velvets to add warmth and depth, the choice of material is pivotal. Here, the expertise of our trained decor professionals shines through, as we skillfully manipulate fabric to create fluid lines and balanced compositions that complement the overall design scheme.

The Craftsmanship Behind the Magic

Central to the success of tent draping lies not only in the choice of materials but also in the skill and dedication of the experienced designers at The Lighting & Sound Co. Our talented decorators understand the nuances of fabric manipulation, ensuring that each drape hangs just right and each fold enhances rather than detracts from the tent’s natural beauty. We will work tirelessly to transform visions into reality, employing a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence that is evident in every pleat.

As you curate unforgettable experiences for your discerning clientele, remember that the installation of elegant tent drapes is more than a rental line item — it is an art form that elevates tents into realms of timeless elegance. By partnering with The Lighting & Sound Company, where we prioritize premier drape materials and an unrelenting eye for details, you can ensure that every event unfolds amidst an atmosphere of unparalleled beauty and sophistication.

How Much Does Wedding Lighting Cost?

How much does wedding lighting cost in 2024?

Wedding lighting cost can vary dramatically and the reasons for this can be a bit confusing. We set out to make this guide to give you a general idea of what you’ll be paying for your wedding lighting. Because prices for lighting vary between A/V vendors, we’ve made this guide with price ranges based off of industry averages. Understanding pricing for your wedding decor can help you use your budget efficiently. You want to get the best bang for your buck!

Before we dive into how much wedding lighting costs, let’s take a step back for a second. In order to understand prices, you need to understand the services they’re attached to. If you’ve been doing your research and know what you want, continue on! If you don’t know the difference between uplighting and pin-spotting, take a look at our wedding lighting services page. There, you can learn about the fantastic options available to light your wedding.

How much does wedding lighting cost? It depends on the scope of your wedding!

Lighting it up!

Lighting can completely transform your venue. It impacts your space in a way that nothing else can. The flowers, linens, and drape can make the room look nice, but lighting can change the way your venue feels. Without the proper lighting, your guests are going to miss out on the details. In a dimly-lit reception space, the details of a beautiful centerpiece can be lost without the proper pin-spotting. Some weddings, especially daytime events, don’t require lighting. For a large majority of weddings that extend into the evening, you are going to want to consider lighting. This applies to outdoor events as well, as most tents don’t come with very aesthetic lighting. A traditional bistro look can go a long way in a tent wedding. Free-standing bistro is great for covering large, uncovered, outdoor affairs.

When you’re deciding on your lighting budget, make sure you know what you want. Uplighting is great in almost all scenarios, but it can be used to hide the wall color. This is great if the color doesn’t match your theme, or if you just hate the color! If you want to cover something up completely, pipe and drape is a practical and elegant defense against ugly art and unsightly rooms.

Our gallery might be able to give you some ideas.

Like any other service, lighting scales with your event. Larger weddings mean more wedding lighting.

Budgeting for Wedding Lighting

The quickest way to find out what your wedding lighting cost will be is to get a quote from one of our designers. It won’t take long- our designers get back really quickly! To get a general idea of what you will be paying, we’ve provided some industry average numbers below.

How much does wedding lighting cost?

Uplighting for the Entire Ballroom: $700-$2000
Monogram Gobo Light: $400-700
Texture Lighting: $75-$100 per light fixture/pattern
Cake Spotlight: $30-$100
Pipe & Drape: $10.00 – $25 per linear foot (10 ft sections)
Pin-spot Lighting: $25-$45 per light/table
Bistro Lighting: $3-5 per linear foot
Chandeliers: $225 – $500 ea
Pendants: $15 – $25 ea
Low Fog: $250 – $350

Note that these prices don’t include labor or delivery. Typically, labor costs $300 – 600, but if your scope is large, more techs will need to be added. Delivery locally is usually between $50 and $150, depending on distance.

A little bit of drape goes a long way.

What do most people pay for wedding lighting?

To those who have never heard of wedding lighting before they start planning, wedding lighting costs can look prohibitive. Is it worth it? If you are spending any kind of money on your venue, your flowers, or even your name cards, lighting is a must. You don’t always need multiple lighting features. If budget is tight, a single feature such as uplighting, or bistro is probably the way to go. It will add a gorgeous ambiance, and provide the lighting your guests need to see. We typically advise clients to budget $1100-$1300 for a small, one feature wedding. If your wedding fits inside a 40 x 60 tent outside, a simple bistro lighting hang will do the trick. For a mid-sized, multi-feature wedding, you should budget between $1500-$3500. Most weddings fit into this category. Large and multi-day events vary widely so we suggest getting a rough quote during the early stages of planning.

Pin spots add to a wedding lighting design by pulling attention towards your beautiful centerpieces.

Getting the most out of your wedding budget

Many venues and DJs will offer lighting to couples at competitive prices. While these prices are often attractive, there are a few things you should understand. There are many lights available at very low prices for venues & DJs to purchase and rent to couples for $800-$1200. Often, you’ll end up paying only slightly less for a product that has a fraction of the quality. There are a number of problems with this low-quality lighting. Often, the Red/Green/Blue LEDs within the lights that are used for mixing to different colors are not purchased from the same place. This causes the lights to have slightly different colors. Many venues will show pictures of lighting that a professional company did and claim that as their lighting package. Others will heavily edit the photos they show you so the lighting looks more impressive.

Professional lighting companies not only have higher quality equipment, they often have specialized gear for different situations. Do your research before accepting uplighting from a DJ or Venue- more often than not they are charging you for an inferior product. You wouldn’t shop for your catering this way; there is no reason to think lighting is any different. Look at it this way: You can get really affordable catering from your local fast food restaurant. Technically, that and what you’d get from a high-end caterer are both food, but they have large differences in the level of quality.

Wedding lighting and your venue

Wedding lighting is one of the most affordable ways to transform your event space. It’s also one of the best ways to enhance the finer parts of your venue. Remember, lighting is what makes your event feel special. Everything from the cake to your dress will be affected by lighting. Good lighting can completely transform your venue, instantly enhance the reception décor, and create amazing photo ops for you and your guests.

Hiring a pro

The Lighting & Sound Co is a national design and production company based in Richmond, Virginia. We provide event production services, including lighting, live sound, video, and drape services for events of all sizes, and a diverse range of clients. Our quote process is quick and easy, you can get started right now.

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.

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.

Bistro Lighting swagged on shepherd hooks adjacent to the walkway during a wedding

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.

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.

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.

A long line of trees are illuminated in blue light at the Richmond Jazz Festival

Geometric Shade Structure

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.

GET IN TOUCH

Get a shade structure today!

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.

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.

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.”