Vendor Spotlight: Nashville Event Lighting
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Rarely do great vendors brag about how awesome they are...so I thought I would take today to brag on Nashville Event Lighting, an Ashley's A-list vendor that would never brag on themselves. But, because they are behind the scenes, most brides will never know about how they add wow. Yes - we often leave a wedding thinking - who did her cake or what an amazing dress. But never will you hear "who did the lighting?". Lighting is something that wedding planners totally get. They know that effective lighting makes a huge difference and know that most venues require specialty lighting. I am here to give brides the inside scoop on how important event lighting is. That space that you love - it needs lighting...unless you don't care about ambiance or the quality of your wedding photography! One thing brides do get is that details matter, so lighting matters. For instance, when I had my Sex and the City party last year, the planners involved reached out to Blake at NEL. It was a no-brainer. They said, "You want a great event? Gotta get Blake to help make the space pop." And, take a look at pics from my event -
NEL also did the lighting for Sara Evan's wedding. Which is kind of a big deal! :) Here's a pic from her wedding.
They also have transformed so many other Nashville weddings. Here are a few of my favorites and more helpful info for you based on my interview with Blake, of NEL.
I love their colorful lanterns!
Ashley: How did you get started in weddings? NEL: My first experiences with weddings were as a DJ, and eventually I started doing weddings & receptions at a venue in Franklin, TN called CJ's Off the Square. I took the opportunity to become their exclusive Lighting Designer and that's where I got my start in lighting. Through experimentation and lots of hard work, I figured out how lighting works and how much it can affect special events, especially weddings. Ashley: What do you like most about weddings? NEL: We value the people we meet. Putting lights in a room or tent is the smallest part of what we do! For the most part, we make new friends and make their wedding special - and they and their guests know it. They experience what we do. It's not just something that looks good. It's something that feels good. Lighting sets the mood and defines the room. That's a big responsibility and and we love that our clients trust us with that!
Ashley: What's your favorite wedding pic/video and why? Why? NEL: My favorite wedding picture would have to be an Arlund Imagery shot from one of Angela Proffitt's weddings at Cheekwood in October 2008. It was our biggest challenge so far, and we got the chance to experiment with some cool new lighting techniques. We actually had the Nashville skyline behind the band and programmed a real looking moon to move across the skyline during the course of the evening (inside the tent!). Everything was perfect and just a total dream come true for the couple. The wedding is to be featured in some prestigious bridal magazines and we were happy to be the lighting vendor chosen for one of the premier events in Nashville. Ashley: ohhh...can't wait to see it! What is your service philosophy? NEL: "There are no rules here-- we're trying to accomplish something." Thomas A. Edison, US inventor (1847 - 1931) Ashley: What are your strengths compared to others in your category? / Why should a bride hire you? NEL: We are trustworthy. Ashley: I know that Nashville wedding planners trust their brides to you...I see you guys lighting every wedding! Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors - helpfulness, professionalism, style? NEL: There is just no way I could answer this question without leaving somebody out! We have a wide group of friends and I love referring vendors that I think would be a good fit for clients I work with. Usually, I like to get a sense of a bride/groom's taste, before I know who I might recommend to them. Ashley: What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends? NEL: I mainly listen to my clients. I am constantly meeting with brides who approach me with pictures from magazines, or something they've dreamed up, so that keeps me in touch. Ashley: Let's discuss current wedding trends...Which trend do you love? NEL: Pin Spots. I can't say it is a trend, but I can't believe what focusing a small but precise light on a centerpiece can do. When you want to draw your guests attention to your cake or a floral arrangement or other special details, a pin spot is the way to go! Ashley: Which trend do you hate? NEL: I don't like cheap string lights from Wal-Mart wrapped around columns. String lights are great, but you deserve ones with high quality and we deliver it. There are much cooler options - let us show you! Ashley: What are your favorite wedding resources? / Neatest wedding find? NEL: My wife, Misty. She's cool and anytime I want feedback on something I ask her. Ashley: Advice for brides? NEL: Relax and enjoy.
Gobos project light images onto floors, walls, etc. They continue to be hot, hot, hot!
About the Author:
Ashley
Hey - I'm Ashley! I started AshleysBrideGuide.com to give Nashville brides or brides planning a Nashville wedding a local resource for inspiration and resources. Hope to see you at a bridal show soon! Happy Planning.
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Posted on March 10, 2009 |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals, Luxury Wed Finds
