My youngest brother Darren recently wed the love of his life Teagen. We followed their journey through the Wedding Countdown, and on the seventeenth of January we got to see how it all came together. For me, this was one of the most exciting aspects, as I had been overseas for a couple of months and wasn’t across all the tiny details.
Entering both the ceremony and reception venues was pure joy – the team had truly transformed these spaces – so today I want to shine the spotlight on AVIdeas Wedding Lighting and Styling who played a large part in making this a Pinterest-worthy wedding.
Greg, you were the Lighting Designer and Stylist for Darren and Teagen’s wedding. What was the brief they gave you for their wedding?
Darren and Teagan’s wedding was such a thrill to be a part of! We really clicked with the couple and their family, we were able to immediately see the vision that they had been dreaming of. We always like to hear the Brides ideas and desires and then see how we can achieve that look within their budget.
They were looking for Vintage Character and warmth but with a twist. They had created some mood boards on Pinterest that portrayed great depth in lighting by use of light bulbs and beautiful table features. We loved the creativity and originality so with a combination of rigging, ladders, hanging bulbs and our custom made vintage light boxes we delivered what we believe to be a stunning room.
How did you incorporate lighting for their ceremony at Powerhouse, New Farm?
The Powerhouse looked amazing, and yet all we did was add white uplights on the greenery that was brought in to hide some handrails and then light the natural room features. We have learned to give the photographers natural white light that can be dimmed to bring out the best in everything.
Their reception set up at Lightspace, Fortitude Valley, was incredible! Talk us through their styling, especially how you used lighting as a feature.
This wedding really gave us the opportunity to showcase some new lighting products we have been working on. Our vintage light bulb boxes were used to create a truly stunning table centrepiece that fitted exactly with our brief. We sourced old timber crates and boxes and then had to manufacture battery operated light bulbs to ensure that it was safe to use on a dining table.
Above each of the tables we hung timber ladders from the roof which had greenery (supplied by the florist) and vintage light bulbs to create the intimacy and warmth they were looking for. We had simple white uplights positioned around the outside of the room, which accented the dark walls and created the depth and atmosphere we believe Darren and Teagan were looking for.
Why do you think lighting is such an important consideration when planning a wedding?
Lighting sets the atmosphere, it’s the difference between the fluros off and candles on. Too many people rely on the Venue having everything onsite. We always plan on setting the right ambience in the room, to light the bridal table, the cake table, the speech area and any natural highlights that a wedding needs. We love Lightspace… and we love lighting! We have been able to grow the idea of “Wedding Lighting” to create the extra ambience, feel, and WOW that couples are often looking for.
What would be your top tips/ideas for those wanting to incorporate lighting into their wedding styling?
- When you inspect the venue ask them to show you where the light switches are, and if they have the ability to be dimmed.
- Can lighting features (ie chandeliers, lights, signs, screens etc) be used/hung?
- Ensure that you liase with your DJ in regards to their use of coloured lighting and effects if need be.
- Is your idea achievable and realistic for your venue? There is always a way around doing things but you may have to be flexible.
- Discuss with venue about access time and ask how much time you have to set up and pack down. Sometimes it can be the difference between achieving or not achieving what you set out for.
My own personal tip for incorporating lighting into your wedding ceremony and reception is to become aware of it in the first place! Don’t simply assume that it’s all going to be well-lit, but intentionally take the time to consider each aspect – from the entrance, to the speeches, to the cake cutting, and first dance. Lighting truly can make or break the atmosphere.
Images by Alcorn Images
Love the cluster of vintage Edison bulbs hanging from the ladders with greenery — the combination of the 3 elements (wood, green plants, and warm old-style lighting) go great together! The table centerpieces are beautiful too. I don’t know how many people put in the time and/or cost to focus on lighting for their wedding, but it’s nice to see how well this paid off for them.