Michael Simon Photo Maymont Garden Glow Outdoor Event Lighting Richmond

Event Lighting Design: Maymont Garden Glow

One of the best parts of fall is providing outdoor event lighting for events like Garden Glow. The first annual Maymont Garden Glow event just finished up and it was one of the coolest events to see in the city. Running for three weeks during the height of fall colors in Maymont’s Japanese Garden. Attendees were treated to magical views of the landscape bathed in colored light and tall pine trees were illuminated from below while rolling hills stood aglow. Boulders beneath the waterfall sparkled and shimmered with color-changing lighting.

uplighting Spanish moss string lighting tree

The Japanese Maple in the garden was beautifully lit with a combination of blue uplighting and Spanish moss string lighting.

Environmental Difficulties of Outdoor Event Lighting

The Lighting & Sound Co is always involved early in the planning process for events like Garden Glow. Outdoor event lighting provides a number of challenges, such as weather. We provide consultation to the event organizers about technical feasibility and lighting features. For Garden Glow, the remote outdoor site location of the Japanese Gardens provides additional obstacles to the event design.

It took over 3 miles of extension cable to provide all of our waterproof LED lighting throughout the garden with power.

With many events, our event technology equipment is operating indoors in climate controlled-spaces. However, Garden Glow was quite the opposite with lighting used outdoors exposed to the full elements for more than three weeks. This necessitated the use of waterproof lighting designed to be used outdoors. (IP65) Lighting fixtures, power supply cables, and control enclosures were all weatherproof. The Lighting & Sound Co maintains an extensive stock of suitable weatherproof LED lighting fixtures.

Our event partners, Temp Power, provided power for Maymont Garden Glow

Providing Power for an Outdoor Event

Electrical power is not available in Maymont’s Japanese Garden, so generators were required. Our event partners at Temp-Power were also involved, supplying mega-silent portable generators that kept the lights on while staying quiet to avoid distracting from the tranquil ambiance of the event. Remote monitoring, standard on all Temp-Power units, kept us aware of fuel levels to prevent running out of gas.

This amazing annual event was sold out nearly every evening it was open. We are definitely looking forward to next year’s Garden Glow.

Cover photo by Michael Simon Photo

Lighting for Sports Events: Boulder Bash

Providing Lighting for Sports Events.

Since our inception, we’ve provided high end lighting for sports events all over the country. We’ve created designs for some pretty unique events. Our crew has crisscrossed the country with Tough Mudder, setting up obstacles made out of entertainment truss. Lighting & Sound Co. Richmond works with VCU Athletics every year on the hype video for the VCU Men’s Basketball team, and works with Bleacher Report to provide production for their Honor Bowl Event in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Black Truss tough mudder Technician lighting for sports events

An LSC project manager oversees the building of black truss obstacles for Tough Mudder X.

Mile high custom aluminium truss structure lighting for sports events

An LSC technician tests the “Mile High Club” in Kentucky for Tough Mudder.

Production for VCU Basketball’s Hype Video shot at The Siegel Center in Richmond, VA.

Lighting Up A Rock Wall

One of the cool clients we get to work with every year is Sports Backers. Sports Backers is a non-profit aimed at getting people more active. They put on all of the large sports events in Richmond. Some of their events include the Anthem Richmond Marathon, Dominion Riverrock, and The Monument Avenue 10k, which is the 4th largest 10k in the country.

An LSC technicians ties up cables on the complex scaffolding structure.

Boulder Bash at Dominion RiverRock involves “the most unique bouldering wall ever constructed” and is over 20 feet high, which is a fitting challenge for the nation’s largest outdoor sports and music festival. 20 men and 20 women, some of the best rock climbers in the nation, compete for cash prizes worth up to $1500. Since the final stages of competition go late into the evening, lighting is needed for climbers to see the routes and spectators to view the action. We use waterproof lighting fixtures, Chauvet Colorado 1 Quad IP and Colordash H12 IP units, to light up the outdoor area. We provide an operator during all competition times, allowing for lighting effects to run during inter-race periods.

Lighting the wall was both aesthetic and functional. High-powered LEDs places strategically out of sight-lines illuminated the path for competitors.

Sound Reinforcement

What’s a sporting event without an announcer to let the spectators know who is winning? We provided powered speakers, the venerable QSC K12, flown high up from the top of the structure. This position enabled everyone to hear announcements and music far across the event site.

About The Lighting & Sound Co.

The Lighting & Sound Company provides high-end sports event lighting to the East Coast. We’re here to help make sure it’s perfect. With an extensive portfolio of beautiful events, we serve sports events of all sizes. Our team has worked many high profile projects, and has experience working and integrating with major TV networks.

The Lighting & Sound Co. offers many custom design & AV solutions for events of all sizes. Take a look at our portfolio and give us a call to start designing your sports event. Our knowledgeable and friendly designers will walk you through the process. Our extended office hours mean you can reach us at almost any time of day.

Wedding lighting company charlottesville

Charlottesville Wedding Lighting

Designing your Charlottesville Wedding Lighting

In Charlottesville, wedding lighting is more popular than it ever has been before. Adding lighting & drape to your event has become increasingly more affordable, production companies have never been more accessible to the general public. Charlottesville is filled with wonderful venues to have your wedding in. We put together some tips for you to look at as you plan your Charlottesville wedding lighting design.

Many Charlottesville brides are feeling string lights

Macaroni and cheese. Wine and cheese. Weddings and string lights.

String lighting has become the go-to for covering event spaces all over the country. Using string lighting is one of the more effective ways to cover large spaces with lighting. There’s also a big upside! String lighting is functional, it lights the space so people can see. In addition to functionality, the decor possibilities with string lighting are endless. You can’t top that charm that comes from a sunset wedding covered in string lights. The reds from the sun, the trees nodding to a lighting breeze, and classic bistro gently swinging in the wind above you event. The classic incandescent glow of Edison bulbs strung across the landscape definitely has an impact. Many Charlottesville wedding lighting designs are utilizing twinkle lights and bistro lights (also referred to as market lights, cafe lights, or Edison lights.)

Wedding String Lighting: Everything you need to know about stringing up your event.

All drape is not created equal, but it’s all equally AMAZING.

Drape is the workhorse of the decor department. When you’re designing your wedding, think of drape as a great way to do a great many things. It can serve as a backdrop, as a canopy, and even a sun shade. Drape can also be used to cover the ugly, or accent the beautiful. It can be translucent or opaque, and it comes in colors all over the spectrum. Typically brides will go with a white, ivory, or champagne to accent their Charlottesville event. Drape is a good look for both indoor and outdoor weddings, so don’t be afraid to use your imagination.

Don’t know where to start on wedding drape? Start right here.

Chandeliers can add elegant beauty to your Charlottesville wedding lighting design.

Chandeliers continue to be one of the more popular lighting accents for a Charlottesville Wedding. Charlottesville wedding lighting designs have always been Chandelier heavy. Gorgeous Charlottesville venues and event spaces, and the beautiful countryside lend themselves to a chandelier accent. Chandeliers let you customize your event with a classic centerpiece. In addition, Chandeliers can be turned into amazing centerpieces by creating groups. Most high end lighting companies will offer a wide range of chandeliers for your to choose from, often featuing 4 main themes: Industrial, Rustic, Modern, and Classic (or Traditional.) A chandelier’s style can set the tone for the whole event, make sure you pick the right one for your event!

Event Chandeliers in the Charlottesville Area

Uplighting. The good, the bad, and the cheap Chinese knockoffs.

Uplighting. If you’ve been researching wedding lighting at all, you’ve probably seen this term everywhere. You’re also probably familiar with what it is. For those that aren’t wise to it, follow the link under this paragraph to learn more. Uplighting is a great choice for your Charlottesville wedding, but be wary of budget services in this area. The differences between a cheap uplight that a DJ might be able to afford, and a powerful LED Par that a lighting company can field, are 3-fold.

1. Cheap uplights are not always bright enough to punch through and make a big impact on an event. If you’re looking for a small accent, this could be your solution. If you want the lighting to have impact, be wary of using a DJ for lighting.

2. Cheap uplights can have color variances. Many cheap Chinese lighting manufactures use different LED chipsets in their lights, causing color to vary from light to light. This gives your event an uneven and sometimes can cause an event to look cheap.

3. Cheap optics vary drastically. Optics are the lenses that are used to focus the light coming off of the diode, and make an even field of light. Cheap lights utilize cheap plastic optics that throws the light unevenly. Unmixed colors are often visible near the bottom of the wall, but high enough for your guest to see.

Lighting is the same as anything else. The cheap stuff works on a budget, but you’re going to notice the difference in quality.

Cutting the cord: is wireless the right solution for your rural Charlottesville event?

With wireless technology, access to lighting for areas with no power is no problem. Gone are the days when you had to bring out a generator or run hundreds of feet of power cable for a rural event. These days, having lighting, or even audio on the in a remote area is no problem. A well-equipped lighting company has the quiet-run generators needed for an event located where there may not be easy access to power. But sometimes events don’t call for all the bells and whistles, and budget is almost always a factor. Wireless, or battery-powered solutions make events with limited power options affordable. LEDs, string lighting, speakers and area lights with batteries can make your remote event run flawlessly.

The Lighting & Sound Co. provides Charlottesville wedding lighting, audio, video, and drape.

About The Lighting & Sound Co.

The Lighting & Sound Company provides high-end wedding lights in the Charlottesville area. We’re here to help make sure it’s perfect. With an extensive portfolio of beautiful events, we serve events of all sizes. From small weddings with a touch of bistro lighting and sheer drape, to extravagant weddings and more. We offer a very large selection of options and want to help make your special day as easy as possible. Lighting, drape, uplighting, gobos, projections, audio, string lighting and marquee letters are just a few of our wedding lighting services.

The Lighting & Sound Co. offers many custom design solutions for weddings and events, such as custom drape backdrops and chandelier displays. Take a look at our portfolio and give us a call to start designing your wedding lighting. Featuring a 5 minute quote process, and easy online payment options. Our knowledgeable and friendly designers that will walk you through the process. Our extended office hours mean you can reach us at almost any time of day.

Top 5 Rustic Wedding Lighting Looks

Explore the Top 5 Rustic Wedding Lighting Looks of 2018

Rustic & barn weddings have never been more popular. You want your decor to stand out and there are almost endless possibilities with rustic wedding lighting. We put together this short-list of wedding lighting & draping options for your rustic feel.

1. Bistro Lighting

Bistro lighting tops the list, and for good reason. Not only do most rustic weddings have bistro lighting, most outdoor or tent weddings do too. Some of the reasons may be less obvious than you think. Obviously, bistro looks amazing when done right. It also fits into most themes, and you can set it up in almost any venue. Bistro lighting is also one of the easiest and most aesthetic ways to cover large areas. Because bistro lighting is strung overhead, it doesn’t get in the way of festivities.

Bistro light provides a warm, incandescent glow that makes it one of the best rustic wedding lighting options available.

Learn more about bistro lighting here.

2. Chandeliers

Chandeliers are #2 in the rustic wedding lighting category. With a little help from the florals, the possibilities are endless. Chandeliers come in all shapes and sizes, so there is a suitable match for any theme. You can use chandeliers at your wedding to add accent and drama. Decorate with a single chandelier, group chandeliers, or hang them from distinguished areas such as tents, arches or gazebos. You can also suspend chandeliers from trees to create a look of enchantment and sophistication.

Learn more about chandeliers here.

3. Pendants

Pendants are those classy old school Edison bulbs hanging from above, and you just may need them for your rustic look to be complete. It’s hard to top the vintage charm of this effect, and because of that, it is number 3 on our list. With dozens of classic bulb options available, pendants can fit any kind of rustic or vintage wedding. Pendants are great over bars, head tables, and buffets. They can add a subtle accent to a bistro look, or stand alone for an intimate low-light look.

4. Marquee Letters

There is no better way to light up your dance floor than a set of full-sized marquee “LOVE” letters. The warm incandescent glow creates a perfect center piece for your dance floor. Marquee letters are a good fit in both indoor and outdoor venues.

5. Drape

Last but not least, drape is a fantastic way to add to your rustic theme. Canvas drop clothes can cover up ugly barn walls, and sheer waterfall curtains serve as awesome backdrops for your head table. Custom drape displays are a great way to have a unique look and feel.

Learn more about drape here.

Event AV: Who should I hire?

Things to know before hiring event AV

If you’re interested in working with an AV company for your event, there are a couple things you should know before you start the hiring process.

What is the goal of your event?
- Before you contact your the company you want to do your event AV, make sure you know what you want your event to be. Will it be a educational presentation? Will it be an engaging activity? Different equipment can drastically change how the event feels.
What are your needs vs. wants for the event?
- Your basic needs may be a screen, projector, a few speakers, and a microphone, but adding small details will go a long way to help your audience stay engaged. Lighting, drape, projection mapping, and much more can all help make your event unique and fun. It’s up to you to decide how important everything on your list is, especially when budget is on the line.
How big is your event?
- The size of the venue and the amount of people in the room can call for a wide range of equipment needed for the event. The dimensions of the room and the head-count should be enough for a technician to know what is required.

The Elby's at Main Street Station in Richmond, VA

2 screens, face-light, and a PA flying from truss at Main St. Station in Richmond, VA

Choosing an Event AV company

After you know your plan, the next step is to choose an event AV company. The most important job of an audio visual company is to provide solutions, not products. Instead of trying to sell you equipment, they should look at your goals and needs and provide the answers that will result in a successful event. Many companies will use the same equipment, so you should make your choice based on how knowledgeable they are and how their solution fits into your budget.

Event AV and lighting for a church event

Event AV can help to make your presentations unique, lighting backdrops are very versatile

The Lighting & Sound Company is a full event production company, not just an Event AV company. Maybe you need just a TV for a presentation, or maybe you need a full stage with a velour backdrop, projectors and screens, key lighting for a speaker, and a PA system. Allow us to make sure your event is perfect.

Concert Lighting Production

We offer concert lighting production for events all over the country. As with most of our events, we have the scope to cover any size, whether they are small, intimate affairs or large festivals.

Every concert is improved with a lighting system that does more than just light the performers. Why not liven up your event with lighting that accentuates the musical performance? A professionally operated concert lighting system will include many lighting effects that match the music, increasing audience engagement and entertainment. Additionally, the pictures turn out great, which ensures they will be looked at for years to come.

Concert lighting production for any size show

On the simple end, concert lighting might involve two towers that hold up fixtures for stage wash (face light) and some static LED units behind the performers.

Small to mid-size concert lighting production involving a few moving heads and static LED fixtures

Moving into a more involved rig, we use the same lighting but installed differently. We suspend the lights above the stage via two truss spans, one upstage and one downstage. The face light is more evenly distributed across the stage and there is also the opportunity to hang effect lights such as crowd blinders close to the audience. The rear truss might have some moving lights hanging on it and haze to allow the beams of light to show up is provided.

For a top-notch show, we place even more moving lights on the ground and on the upstage truss. Some movers would be beam units while others would be profiles. The downstage lights become LED wash units that can change to any color. We fly the lighting on chain motors rather than ground-support since the venue is likely capable of having significant loads hung from the roof.

Full Service Event Production

No matter the scale you need, we provide full service, turn-key production services to include all setup, operation, and takedown. Not enough power to allow all the lights to turn on? We will arrange a portable quiet-run generator to power the rig. We can supply sound reinforcement as well as giant video screens and concert stage barricade. We’ll handle all the details so you just have to sit back and enjoy the show!

Technicians from The Lighting & Sound Co set up stage lighting for Punk in Drublic, a large outdoor concert in Richmond, VA

LSC Technicians set up stage lighting for Punk in Drublic

Chandeliers for Weddings & Events

Using Chandeliers at Your Event

You can find beautiful chandeliers in homes all across the world. They represent elegance and class in a way no other fixture can. It’s no wonder that hanging chandeliers for events has become increasingly popular. While event chandeliers are popular among those planning the event, providing chandeliers for events is difficult for many companies due to the expense of acquiring them and the delicacy of transporting them. This, however, is not an issue for The Lighting & Sound Company. We saw the writing on the walls many years ago and have not only acquired the prettiest chandeliers, but have developed ways to transport and hang them to be efficient and safe, allowing us to bring the cost down to the client!

Creating That Extra Spark

Do you feel as if your event is missing that one statement piece? Or the venue you picked is almost perfect but could use a little more spark? Chandeliers can lift your venue into the place of dreams and create memories for you and your guest forever. You will have known you chose correctly when your event is taken into the next level and the warmth and light from your chandelier is spread throughout the event venue.

The Right Style for You

When many people think of chandeliers, they think of the large crystals ones that hang in ballrooms. But the truth is there are several different styles that make picking the correct one for your event an easy task. Are you having a wedding? A rustic event? A gala? There’s a style that is right for your event. From elegant to rustic, the many styles The Lighting & Sound Company can offer will make a statement in any venue or any type of event you may be having. Below are a few examples of the several styles out there:

To see more pictures, head over to our gallery!

VEX Robotics State Competition

The Lighting & Sound Company was onsite for the Virginia state competition of VEX Robotics. This event featured challenges and other events from multiple competitors and took place at The Meadow Event Park’s Farm Bureau Center in Doswell, Virginia.

Robot Competition Fields lit by stage lighting

VEX Robotics

The VEX Robotics Competition aims to challenge students to build a robot which competes in games and engineering tasks. Students who are inspired to solve problems now might consider careers in STEM fields.

Lighting Equipment

The centerpiece of this event involved six competition fields on raised platforms. It was important for the teams and audience to see the action the fields, so the event coordinators requested spotlights on the playing areas. In addition, it was important to not block sightlines with ground-support towers, so we supplied a system that hung from the roof.

Lighting consisted of 120 feet of 12″x 12″ box truss in two 60-foot spans. This supported 24 ETC Source Four Lekos for stage lighting. Also used were Chauvet Colorado 1 Quad units for wall uplighting. Additional stage effect lighting was provided by Chauvet Intimidator 375Z moving head units.

LSC Technicians assemble fixtures and cables on a lighting truss

We raised the lighting safely out of the way of audience view on eight Columbus-McKinnon chain hoists. Our friends at Hanging Concepts LTD provided rigging services. In addition, Main Stage Productions supplied the competition stages.

All in all, we enjoyed being one of the first providers to provide a flown light package in this venue. We have already marked our calendar for next year’s event.

Do I need uplighting for my wedding?

Do I need uplighting?

Short answer: no. The only thing you need are a ring and a marriage license. You probably don’t need uplighting. But if you’re having a party, you may want to look into how lighting can drastically affect your event space. Uplighting is one of the more popular wedding lighting options, and for good reason too. The proper placement of the fixtures can do wonders for your space. And just as importantly: your pictures. Pair that with the relative affordability vs other decor options and you begin to understand its popularity. Uplighting services are among the many lighting options available for your wedding. Check out the many possibilities in our Color Picker!

Need uplighting science museum of virginia — Powerful narrow-beamed uplighting project all the way up the columns of the Science Museum of Virginia, in Richmond, Va.

Choosing the right wedding lighting service.

While uplighting is a popular option, if you think it’s not the right service for your event, you may be right. If you’re having an outdoor event, look into bistro lighting. String lighting effects such as bistro lighting are great for lighting rustic and traditional weddings. Perhaps you don’t need lighting at all. With custom drape, there are thousands of possibilities. A well-placed drape backdrop looks fantastic behind a head table, or as a backdrop for pictures.

Bistro lighting is ideal for outdoor events because of both its classic feel and it’s ability to cover large areas with light.

Your wedding

When it comes to your wedding, we know how tough it can be to manage your budget. Here’s an easy list to help you decide if you need uplighting for your wedding.

Amber uplighting commonwealth club wedding — Amber uplighting for a wedding at the Commonwealth Club, Richmond, Virginia.

You may need uplighting if…

Your venue could use some additional ambiance. Couples pick venues for dozens of different reasons. Couples sometimes pick venues for sentimental reasons. Sometimes they pick them based completely on the location. Sometimes a venue has fantastic food, but just needs a face lift. Uplighting can do wonders for a bland slab of drywall or an unimpressive corner, tying it into the look of the rest of your party instead of sticking out.
Your wedding is in a beautiful space. If you’re getting married in a remarkable old hotel, a modern gem or a building with some history, lighting will often highlight the beauty in an already impressive space. Architectural features like columns, windows, and ceilings can be lit for ambient effect. Materials like unfinished brick and plaster often look dynamic and beautiful when uplit. Like most things, if done wrong, uplighting can be tacky. If designed correctly, uplighting will take the look of your venue to the next level.
Your wedding is in a familiar space. Increasingly more couples are using old barns, non-conventional event spaces, or just using their parents back yard for their weddings. This offers a new perspective on familiar items. This adds a flash of drama that is crucial in an otherwise ordinary space.

Lighting drape ugly room — A little uplighting and drape goes a long way in an otherwise ordinary room. See the final product below!

need uplighting drape — Think big: Lighting and drape can completely change the look of your event space.

You probably don’t need uplighting if…

You need to cut costs to the extreme. Not everyone can afford everything they want for their wedding, we completely understand. Things like entertainment and rentals all need to be taken care of first and sometimes lighting doesn’t make the cut. That’s okay, uplighting isn’t a prerequisite to have a good time.
Your venue includes it. If your venue already provides uplighting, make sure they show it to you in action. Photographers often edit pictures to make dim lights appear to be brighter, so you’re going to want to see it with your own eyes. Venues can often provide uplighting packages included with your rental fee, just make sure they’re giving you the same thing a professional lighting company would.
You have a daytime wedding. While professional lighting companies carry powerful uplighting, fighting against the sun can be futile. Bistro lighting (because of it’s classic look) and drape are more effective choices for daytime events.

The Mill Fine Creek Uplighting Wedding Lighting — Sometimes daylight washes out uplighting, but other times it’s a fantastic accent. A designer can help you decide what’s best for your wedding.

Still unsure if you need uplighting or not? Reach out to one of our friendly designers to ask questions, or start planning for your perfect event…right now.

Lighting Company Richmond Virginia Cover

Lighting Company: Do you need one?

Why do I need a lighting company?

So you’re planning an event and wondering if you should hire a lighting company? If you want your event to have a visual impact, chances are you should! If you already know you need lighting, hiring pros is the way to go. Professional lighting companies have experience and rugged equipment that will ensure your event runs smoothly. They also have the knowledge to handle unexpected issues. Lighting companies hire designers that can work with you to achieve your vision. If you can’t picture what you want, designers can help find the lighting that best suits your event. Lighting will affect every aspect of your event, so if you want to stand out, hire a pro.

Lighting companies like The Lighting & Sound Co. field trained and experienced crews for coordinated event setup.

What kind of events should I hire a lighting company for?

Every company is different. Some companies work exclusively on weddings. Some work exclusively on concerts. Companies like The Lighting & Sound Co. are made up of many different departments that service any type of event. This can include, but isn’t limited to: concerts, weddings, corporate events, sports events, conferences, meetings and galas.

bistro wedding lighting john marshall ballrooms

Experienced crews like The Lighting & Sound Company can service any type of event.

Where can I find lighting companies in my area?

The Lighting & Sound Company is based in Richmond, Virginia, but services the continental United States. You can also check sources like Richmond Weddings for more wedding lighting information.

An LSC tech sets up for a concert at VCU’s Siegel Center.

What should I look for when hiring a lighting company?

You should hire a lighting company the same way you buy anything else. That is to say: do your research. Don’t just believe what companies tell you- verify it. Since most professional production companies maintain social media accounts, be sure to check those out. Ensure that the company you hire has up-to-date pictures and reviews proving what they are capable of. You want a company that responds to you quickly. One of your vendors is taking a while to get back? That’s probably not the vendor you want on the day of your event.