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Uplighting???

MrsMorgan2be2011MrsMorgan2be2011
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in Virginia-Richmond
Where can I fing uplighting?  Is there a specific company or is this something that I can DIY?
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Re: Uplighting???

  • CvilleClaireCvilleClaire member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I'm going to DIY it using this company: http://diyuplighting.com/
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  • missowensmissowens
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_virginia-richmond_uplighting?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:607Discussion:425e3305-9bd5-4349-aa0e-6cc52efe9457Post:dacaf35f-f396-4f1e-b82c-9c12013e972e">Re: Uplighting???</a>:
    [QUOTE]I'm going to DIY it using this company: <a href="http://diyuplighting.com/" rel='nofollow'>http://diyuplighting.com/</a>
    Posted by CvilleClaire[/QUOTE]

    This sounds like a good deal.  Do you know anybody who has rented from this company before? 

    @MrsMorgan:  I think classic party rentals and magic rentals here in Richmond has uplighting.
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  • CvilleClaireCvilleClaire member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I don't, but I'm thinking of renting one (just one) soon and taking it to my venue to check out how strong it is. 

    The benefit with LEDs is that they don't get hot the way traditional Par 56 can lights do (that's why most people used for uplighting in the past). They don't draw as much energy, either.  Venues should be happy to see them as opposed to the can lights.

    If I do it, I'll post pictures.  :)
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  • tammyfatammyfa member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I'm using Blue Steel Lighting - http://www.bluesteelprolighting.com/
    They pretty much have a monopoly in the industry because they're so good. They're friendly and will go out of their way to make sure everything is just right. Also, very flexible in figuring out a budget.

    The new players in town are Ampa Events. Haven't heard much about them except that they came from a convention center events-type background.
    I think Black Iris Floral can add uplighting if you go with them.

    Reading up on diyuplighting.com it sounds like more work than it's worth. How many lights do you need, where to set them up, who's going to rememeber to pack them up?
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  • MrsMorgan2be2011MrsMorgan2be2011
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thanks so much for the info!
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  • CvilleClaireCvilleClaire member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_virginia-richmond_uplighting?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:607Discussion:425e3305-9bd5-4349-aa0e-6cc52efe9457Post:d0afb741-f29f-4619-9255-bd0256ac6f3f">Re: Uplighting???</a>:
    [QUOTE] Reading up on diyuplighting.com it sounds like more work than it's worth. How many lights do you need, where to set them up, who's going to rememeber to pack them up?
    Posted by tammyfa[/QUOTE]
    Did you see how easy it is?  It doesn't look like any work at all...which is why I find it absurd to pay someone $1000 for 8 uplights.

    As for who packs them up...that's what my wedding coordinator is for.  :)


    Blue Steel loses points for their website between the lack of info about their gear (they don't seem to think their customers are informed), no pricing, and the loud, automatic music.  The monopoly in Charlottesville is the same way...but there are newer companies that are more upfront with their gear and pricing.  I find that refreshing.  Even if I had no budget, I'd only feel comfortable working with the company that is upfront with their practices.

    FWIW, I see LEDs in some pictures on their site, but they also use traditional Par 36 and 56 cans.  Those generate a lot of geat and draw a lot of energy.  LEDs are the more energy conscious choice in lighting.
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  • tammyfatammyfa member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Ahh yes. If all you're doing is plugging in 8 of em  then diy-ing them is a good deal.

    In my big ballroom, I wouldn't know how many lights would be needed to make it look good. I wouldn't want to try and figure out where all the plugs are or how to make the cords inconspicous (even tho my wedding planner probably would). I needed ceremony lighting as well so it made sense to bring in pros.   
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  • CvilleClaireCvilleClaire member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_virginia-richmond_uplighting?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:607Discussion:425e3305-9bd5-4349-aa0e-6cc52efe9457Post:5c175492-bfe8-4e19-aecc-e21f8f5486e8">Re: Uplighting???</a>:
    [QUOTE]Ahh yes. If all you're doing is plugging in 8 of em  then diy-ing them is a good deal. In my big ballroom, I wouldn't know how many lights would be needed to make it look good. I wouldn't want to try and figure out where all the plugs are or how to make the cords inconspicous (even tho my wedding planner probably would). I needed ceremony lighting as well so it made sense to bring in pros.   
    Posted by tammyfa[/QUOTE]
    A little bit of research is all you need to do.  Lighting isn't rocket sicence.  There are no degrees in it because it's something you can easily learn with a little reading and watching when you are at events or looking at wedding blogs/videos.

    I looked at the pictures and this video (<a href="http://vimeo.com/25464978">clicky</a>) of a wedding at my venue (you might recognize the bride from Say Yes to the Dress!), then did a little reading about lighting online to determine how many uplights I want. 
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  • Blushingbride642Blushingbride642 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Check out http://bvc-av.com/
    They are in Midlothian and everyone that works there is really nice!
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  • efitzgerefitzger member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I BEG TO DIFFER!!!!!!!!!  There ARE degrees in it!  In fact, I have anot only one degree, but 2 degrees in lighting design!  I went to school for 7 years to become a lighting designer and I can tell you now, you will be sorely disappointed in a few parcans on the ground.  They need to be dimmed, they need to be the correct spread and color temperature.  The need to be aimed properly and not set anything on fire, if you are doing an outdoor event and you need a lot, you will need a generator.  There are industry standards for cabling and providing bridging for cable that is run along the floor.  It isn't as easy as it may seem, and although it may not be rocket sciende, if you want it done right, you should really get a professional.  The last thing you want to worry about is liability or running around focusing a bunch of dirty light fixtures and hauling cable around on your wedding day.  I second the vote for Blue Steel Lighting.  They are great people and will do it with their eyes closed. 
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  • CvilleClaireCvilleClaire member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Okay, I take it back.  :)

    I think I'm spoiled. After seeing Chris Kuroda in action for over a decade, lighting a function room does not seem like rocket science. 

    Some of Kuroda's recent work:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUslD-Mh0Xw
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBnHK9jL0nQ (this is sped up until the 1:50 mark...it's a 15 minute song...the last 2 minutes are gold)
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  • CoffeeLover87CoffeeLover87
    First Comment
    I am trying to find a price quote (even just a range) for Blue Steel lighting. I couldn't find any prices on their website! 

    Thanks :)
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