Tag Archives: Event

Case Study: Maymont Garden Glow 2024 Lighting & Audio

Bringing the Garden to Life: CHAUVET Professional and The Lighting & Sound Company Create an Immersive Experience at Maymont Garden Glow

The Robins Nature Center Valley at Maymont Garden Glow is beautifully illuminated at night with light-up flowers and a backdrop of colorful trees — The Robins Nature Center Valley is beautifully illuminated at night with light-up flowers and a backdrop of colorful trees

Nestled in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, Maymont Estate’s annual Garden Glow event is a local treasure—a celebration of natural beauty, artistry, and light. In 2024, The Lighting & Sound Company once again transformed this historic 20-acre park into a wonderland of color and motion, and CHAUVET Professional was proud to be at the heart of it all.

From the tranquil lakes of the Japanese Garden to dramatic rock formations and lush foliage, every corner of the park pulsed with energy and atmosphere. Under the expert leadership of Jonathan Blake, Director of Technical Services at The Lighting & Sound Company, this year’s event was more than a visual showcase – it was a fully immersive experience.

“We aimed to highlight the ground’s horticulture in a way that respected and elevated its natural elegance,” said Blake. “To make that happen, we needed fixtures that were not only powerful and vibrant but rugged enough to handle unpredictable outdoor conditions.”

In the Japanese Garden, textured patterns are projected on treacherous rocky terrain during Maymont Garden Glow — In Maymont’s Japanese Garden, abstract textured patterns are projected on treacherous rocky terrain

With over 300 CHAUVET Professional fixtures powering the experience, the lighting design was as technically impressive as it was visually stunning. The inventory included:

84 COLORado Panel Q40s, delivering bright, saturated light across large swaths of the park, especially across the lake in the Japanese Garden.
163 COLORdash Par H12 IP units and 40 COLORado 1QS fixtures, offering vivid color washes across the landscape.
22 Ovation E-260WW IP ellipsoidals, used for projecting custom gobo patterns on rock formations, gates, waterfalls, and even walkways.
16 Ovation REVE E-3 IP ellipsoidals used for colored gobo projection
40 ÉPIX Strip IP units, forming a dynamic light tunnel that connected Glow Village to the serene Japanese Garden trail.

All CHAUVET Professional units used were IP65-rated, ensuring optimal performance throughout the three-week outdoor installation, no matter the weather.

“Using the Q40s was a game changer for us,” Blake emphasized. “Their long throw and powerful punch let us light features across the lake with stunning clarity. We’ve done this show before without them, and the difference this year was undeniable.”

The lighting was orchestrated over an advanced control network utilizing 10 universes of DMX around the lake and an additional 24 universes for special features like the ÉPIX tunnel. sACN protocol ensured seamless communication from the show control hub to each strategically placed DMX node, making every flicker and fade count.

The result? A breathtaking blend of nature, light, and sound. As visitors wandered through glowing pathways, under illuminated archways, and past shimmering reflections on the lake, traditional Japanese music emanated from hidden rock-shaped speakers, completing the sensory experience.

CHAUVET Professional are honored to support creators like The Lighting & Sound Company who use our technology to push the boundaries of what’s possible in live and environmental design. Maymont Garden Glow wasn’t just a walk through the park—it was a journey into the extraordinary.

The Grotto in Maymont's Japanese Garden is transformed by an illusory projection of moving water during Maymont Garden Glow — The Grotto in Maymont’s Japanese Garden is transformed by an wondrous projection of moving water

The Importance of Tent Canopy Lighting

As event lighting specialists at The Lighting & Sound Company, we understand the pivotal role that lighting plays in transforming any space into a captivating and immersive environment. Among the many elements that contribute to creating the perfect ambiance, tent canopy lighting wash stands out as a key method in enhancing the atmosphere and setting the mood for any occasion.

Setting the Stage: Tent Canopy Lighting Wash

Tent canopy lighting wash refers to the placement of battery operated lighting fixtures on tent poles to cast a soft, even glow over the ceiling or canopy of an outdoor tent. This technique not only provides functional illumination but also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any event, whether it’s a wedding reception, corporate gala, or outdoor concert.

*Photo Credit: Birds of a Feather Photography*

Embracing Innovation: Battery Fixtures and CRMX Control

At The Lighting & Sound Company, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of technological innovation to deliver unparalleled lighting solutions to our clients. One of the innovations that have revolutionized the way we approach tent canopy lighting is the use of battery-powered fixtures combined with CRMX control. After countless successful events, we’ll only use Astera fixtures moving forward.

Battery-powered fixtures offer several advantages, chief among them being the ability to minimize visible cabling, ensuring a clean and uncluttered aesthetic for the event space. This is particularly crucial for outdoor events where running cables can be impractical or visually distracting. By eliminating the need for extensive cabling, battery fixtures allow for greater flexibility in positioning and configuring lighting elements, enabling us to achieve precisely the desired ambiance without compromising on aesthetics.

CRMX, or Wireless DMX, takes this innovation a step further by providing reliable and robust wireless control over the lighting fixtures. Unlike Bluetooth or other 2.4GHz wireless technologies commonly used in most battery uplights, CRMX offers superior performance and stability, making it the preferred choice for professional lighting applications.

The Superiority of CRMX

CRMX operates in the 2.4GHz frequency band, similar to Bluetooth and other wireless technologies. However, what sets it apart is its advanced frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technology, which ensures interference-free communication even in crowded RF environments.

Furthermore, CRMX offers enhanced security features, such as encryption and authentication, to protect against unauthorized access and interference. This level of security is crucial, especially for high-profile events where privacy and data integrity are paramount concerns.

In addition to its reliability and security, CRMX also boasts exceptional range and coverage, allowing us to control lighting fixtures across large event spaces with ease. Whether it’s a sprawling outdoor venue or a multi-level indoor space, CRMX provides the flexibility and scalability to meet the demands of any event.

Tent canopy lighting wash is more than just functional illumination; it’s an art form that sets the stage for unforgettable experiences. By harnessing the power of battery-powered fixtures and CRMX control, we’re able to elevate the ambiance of any event space, creating magical moments that leave a lasting impression on guests.

At The Lighting & Sound Company, we’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with lighting design, embracing innovation to deliver exceptional results every time. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or outdoor festival, trust us to illuminate your vision and bring it to life with unparalleled creativity and expertise.

Illuminating Elegance: Introducing the Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier

cecilia chandeliers hanging in tent — *Photo taken by Shannon Moffit*

We take great pride in curating an exceptional collection of lighting fixtures that elevate and transform any event space. Today, we are thrilled to introduce a dazzling addition to our repertoire—the Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier. This exquisite chandelier not only brings a touch of old Hollywood glamour but also adds a timeless elegance to any occasion. Check it out in our catalog!

The Classic Charm of Cecilia

The Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier boasts a classic shape that pays homage to the golden era of Hollywood. Its design is a nod to the sophistication and grace that defined that era, making it an ideal choice for events that seek to capture the essence of vintage glamour.

Artisan Craftsmanship: A Closer Look

One of the standout features of the Cecilia chandelier is its artisan loomed hourglass silhouette, meticulously crafted for eye-catching elegance. Each chandelier is a masterpiece in itself, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship that goes into creating this stunning piece.

The honey-toned, Patinaed Brass band that encircles the chandelier adds a warm and luxurious touch. This detail not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also ensures that the Cecilia seamlessly blends into a variety of event themes and color schemes.

Natural Rope Elegance

The material used for the hourglass silhouette is none other than natural rope. Which not only adds a unique and rustic element but also brings a sense of organic warmth to the ambiance. The combination of the Patinaed Brass band and the natural rope creates a visually striking contrast. This makes the Cecilia a statement piece that draws attention and admiration.

Versatile Elegance for Every Occasion

Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate event, or a social gathering, the Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier is a versatile choice that adapts effortlessly to various settings. Its timeless design ensures that it remains a centerpiece, captivating guests and creating a memorable atmosphere.

Illuminate Your Events with the Cecilia

In conclusion, the Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier is more than just a lighting fixture—it’s a symbol of sophistication, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. When you choose the Cecilia, you’re not just renting a chandelier. You’re making a statement and setting the stage for unforgettable moments.

Visit our showroom or explore our online catalog to witness the captivating beauty of the Cecilia 8-Light Chandelier. Elevate your events with the magic of old Hollywood and let the Cecilia cast its radiant glow on your special occasions.

Richmond Weddings Expo Fashion Show Lighting

Richmond Wedding Expo Fashion Show

Richmond Weddings just released this amazing video from the Richmond Weddings Expo Fashion Show we provided production for back in July. If you’re getting married in Richmond, you need to be familiar with these folks.

You can check out some photos of the show below!

All photos by Third Eye Studios:

Our beautiful high definition wedding chandelier gobo!

Uplighting gives the stage a great look.

Total Room Transformation

To show the power of event lighting, we set up some of our most popular wedding lighting services in an abandoned basement. This helps to give a better idea of what wedding and event lighting can do to completely transform a room for your wedding reception, ceremony, or any event or party you have at all.

While all the individual pieces that make up the perfect wedding or event are equally important, lighting is the only one that can change how everything is perceived. Lighting can change the look and feel of the entire event, from the mood, to the color the place setting appear to be, make sure you have the right team handling your event. You can learn more by checking out our informational article on wedding and event lighting. Take your event lighting to the next level.

Check out a full display of our services here.

Conditions Pop Punk Lighting at the Canal Club in Richmond, Virginia

Conditions Anniversary Show

Local pop-punk legends Conditions reunited on the 5th anniversary of their album Florescent Youth. Richmond, Virginia locals that are familiar with the band might have attended their disbandment show at the National in Richmond in July of last year, where The Lighting & Sound Co. provided concert lighting, giving the band a proper send-off. We once again coordinated with Conditions, in association with Syke, on their anniversary show to provide a show four times as big.

Check out Brandon Hambright’s awesome photography at the Canal Club in Richmond, Virginia!

Conditions Concert Lighting Design The canal Club

Photography by Brandon Hambright

Conditions custom concert lighting rig:

6 x Elation Platinum Beam 5R
4 x Chauvet Intimidator 350
6 x Elation Design Wash 60
2 x DTS Jack Spot
6 x ADJ MegaFlash
4 x Chauvet Slim Panel 24
2 x ColorTran 1000W Floods
2 x Chauvet Funfetti Confetti Cannons
1 x Chauvet Nimbus Low Fog Machine
1 x Look Solutions Unique 2.1 Hazer

ETC Ion 1000 Control Surface
20x Fader Wing
2 x 19″ ELO Touch Screen