Tag Archives: Event Lighting

Case Study: CW Lights at Colonial Williamsburg

Illuminating Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Gardens: A Spectacular Lighting Experience

In April, our team embarked on an extraordinary endeavor to bring the annual CW Lights event at Colonial Williamsburg to life with a dazzling outdoor lighting spectacle. For the third consecutive year, we had the honor of illuminating the esteemed formal gardens of the Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg, Virginia, transforming these historic grounds into a mesmerizing nocturnal wonderland. Timed to coincide with the spring bloom, this unique lighting event offered guests a captivating glimpse of the gardens in an entirely new light, igniting the senses and fostering an atmosphere of enchantment.

Unveiling the Beauty of the Night:

As dusk descended upon the Governor’s Palace, our team’s meticulous planning and innovative lighting designs unveiled the hidden splendor of the formal gardens. The carefully curated illumination not only highlighted the architectural marvels and natural beauty of the surroundings but also created immersive experiences for guests to enjoy.

Interactive Delights and Enchanted Pathways:

Among the myriad of captivating exhibits, guests embarked on a journey through the garden’s hedge maze, where an interactive display awaited to guide those who found themselves lost within its labyrinthine twists and turns. Through strategic placement of lighting fixtures and dynamic programming, we seamlessly integrated technology with nature, illuminating the maze exit route to aid wayward explorers.

Elsewhere, textured patterns and vibrant washes of light adorned enchanted garden architecture and historic buildings, transforming each corner of the estate into a canvas of visual splendor. Guests reveled in the opportunity to capture stunning photographs of themselves amidst the ethereal glow of the gardens, creating cherished memories against the backdrop of colonial charm.

Crafting the Experience:

To bring our vision to life, we meticulously selected a range of cutting-edge lighting equipment tailored to the unique requirements of the event. Our arsenal included 140 Chauvet Professional Colordash Par H12IP fixtures, 60 Colorado Panel Q40 units, and 40 Colorado 1QS fixture, each meticulously positioned to accentuate the architectural features and botanical wonders of the gardens.

Complementing these fixtures were 30 Chauvet Professional Ovation E-260WW IP lights, renowned for their exceptional color rendering and versatility in outdoor settings. To add depth and dimension to the landscape, we deployed 600 linear feet of Chauvet DJ Festoon 2 RGB lighting and 1500 linear feet of S4 Lights controllable net lighting, casting a mesmerizing glow across the foliage and pathways.

To enhance the ambiance further, four decorative pendant sculptures from Hybycozo served as captivating focal points, infusing the gardens with a touch of contemporary elegance. To power this symphony of light, we meticulously laid out 5000 linear feet of power cable, supported by a range of power distribution equipment from Lex Products, ensuring seamless operation throughout the event.

LED Neon Tape is placed on both sides of a bridge to designate it for walking

A Night to Remember:

As the evening unfolded, guests were transported to a realm where history met innovation, where the timeless beauty of Colonial Williamsburg’s gardens was reimagined under the veil of darkness. Through meticulous planning, innovative design, and cutting-edge technology, our team had the privilege of creating an unforgettable visual spectacle that illuminated the heart of Virginia’s rich cultural heritage, leaving an indelible impression on all who attended.

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.

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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.

Bistro Lighting Styles for Weddings, Corporate Events & More

Bistro lighting is one of the most popular wedding lighting options, and The Lighting & Sound Co provides every style of bistro lighting you may need!

Also known as string lighting, festoon lighting, or cafe lighting, what we refer to as bistro lighting, is an individual strand with bare lightbulbs dangling down at even intervals. Bistro lights provide a classic, timeless look with a warm glow. The lights are often hung over a reception area, but can also go over a dance floor, patio, or entrance area. Typically, our technicians will install multiple strings of bistro at an event site, arranged in a particular pattern.

One of the best features of bistro lighting is that it can be used nearly anywhere. We commonly install bistro light strings in tents, but have hung them in barns, over open fields and courtyards, in hotel ballrooms, on top of swimming pools, and around food courts and skating rinks. It also neatly complements other types of lighting including uplighting and chandeliers.

Styles of Bistro Lighting

Following are several styles of lighting installations. This is by no means an exhaustive list but includes our most commonly-provided services:

Tracing Bistro

Typically installed in a frame tent or other space with exposed rafters, this style follows the roof supports. This style uses simple bistro which, while not as bright as classic bistro, offers a great look when used for tracing, and is great for shorter tents.

Tracing bistro lighting on a tent for a wedding at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

Fanning (or festooning) Bistro

Often used outside, all of the strands of lights fan out from one point, on a building or other support structure.

Festooning Bistro Lighting for an Event at Tredegar Ironworks in Richmond, VA.

Traditional (or Zig-zag) Bistro

Our most common service which provides a classic glow in any space, be it a ballroom, tent, or open field. If there is no place to hang the bistro from, we will bring appropriate support structures that don’t distract from your event.

Gathered Bistro

Commonly used to gather all the strands together over a key spot like a dance floor.

Gatherered Bistro Lighting for an outdoor event.

Parallel Bistro

Effective where there are balconies, buildings, or roof structures that create a long rectangular area.

Bistro lighting paper lanterns dance floor

Parallel bistro lighting with paper lanterns over a dance floor.

Crossing Bistro

An excellent style for tents, because some tents are shorter than others. A stylish way of hanging bistro lighting, great for frame tents and long but thin indoor or outdoor areas.

Crossing Bistro Lighting with chandeliers at a networking event for Richmond Weddings.

Bistro Arch

Also good for shorter tents, but works in any tent; bistro strings follow the angles of the roof to leave plenty of headroom for guest.

Bistro Arch inside a tent for an event at Tredegar Ironworks.

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