Lighting

 

What kind of lighting do I need for my wedding event?

There’s an old adage location is everything in real estate. For the wedding industry, lighting is almost everything.

Outdoor Events
For most outdoor events, natural lighting is one the best organic ways to showcase your wedding. There are other structures that we’ve seen utilized, i.e. gazebos, and canopies. They are great on a hot & humid day, but most covered gazebos will partially block sunlight depending on which part of the day you choose. You really need to speak with your wedding photographer about idea spots to shoot your wedding before choosing the wedding venue location.
Wedding Gazebo

Indoor Events
Many hotels and new banquet halls have recessed can lighting and chandeliers that project soft white light. As a modern bride, this is what you want. This type of light gives a nice glow to any room. On the contrary, some older facilities including some hotels still have those darn tube lights from way back. I mean come on! Before booking a wedding hall, check out the lighting, ask the coordinator if the light’s dimmable. We have seen some halls have two options, either on or off.

Tube Lights

Indoor Atrium

What kind of additional lighting do I need?
Say you choose a hall or hotel and you decide on wall uplighting. As the name suggests, these are lights that sit on the floor and project a beam upward while disseminating along the way ultimately hitting the ceiling. Uplights contain LED bulbs which contain Red, Blue, Green, Amber and Ultraviolet colors that can be mixed to produce a plethora of color options. These lights are usually supplied by the DJ or the Decorator. They come in wired and wireless. Also, the colors can be manually mixed by pressing the buttons, or DMXing them so all lights can change in unison at a faster and more efficient pace, including on the fly. Wireless looks cleaner and safer, since there are no cords to trip over, however they seem to have more technical issues. Albeit their small disadvantage, wireless LED uplights are the way to go. Now we have spotlights, technically called ellipsoidal lights or followspots, these are great to highlight certain areas i.e. cake, stage and dance floor. You maybe wondering, don’t I already have some light. Yes, that’s partly true in that you have some light but not enough for your purpose of being seen. We can argue that if something that isn’t barely visible probably isn’t going to matter or direct much attention. Next, there are Gobos…we’ll talk about that in another post.

Spotlight

Meera and Nehal

Meera & Nehal Patel

Tampa Bay Indian Wedding | Palmetto Club at Fishhawk Ranch

meera2

Meera and Nehal’s Tampa Bay Indian wedding featured a bright color palette complemented by lavish draping and florals.

“We had a traditional Indian wedding with gorgeous accents and florals and maroon, white and gold colors embellished with crystals,” the bride shared. “We loved everything about our reception from the backdrop teal and gold draping, the frame with the chandelier hanging behind the chaise sofa and the centerpieces; we were completely speechless.”

The couple searched for a Tampa Bay wedding venue that was near the bride’s home and that could provide a memorable event.

“We looked for the right location including amenities, convenience, architectural appeal and best location for pictures. We wanted a place where we knew our wedding would be an unforgettable experience for not only us but our family and guests,” Meera explained. “We fell in love with The Palmetto Club at FishHawk Ranch. From the ballroom to the veranda, to the garden, everything about the place including the location was beautiful. It had everything we wanted and needed.”

meera1

MORE: PALMETTO CLUB WEDDINGS

When it came to creating the perfect wedding day beauty look, the Indian bride chose Tampa Bay wedding makeup and hair artist Michele Renee The Studio.

“My wedding day beauty inspiration was simple but elegant. I chose a neutral makeup look that would contrast well with my wedding dress. Since I wore so much jewelry, I didn’t like or want too much makeup to weigh me down,” the bride explained. “I chose Michelle Renee The Studio because they did my hair and makeup exactly how I would like it on my wedding day during the trial. Their services were great, even for my bridal party!

MORE: MICHELE RENEE THE STUDIO WEDDINGS

Entertainment played an important role during the couple’s wedding celebration.

“The DJ played a mixture of Hindi and Punjabi music, bhangra and American songs throughout the night. We had three dance performances: one which consisted of my sister Poonam and a few of my cousins and some friends. It was an awesome surprise when all of my cousins jumped in at the end. I was super ecstatic to see everyone jump in like that!” Meera reminisced.

What was your wedding beauty inspiration? 
My wedding day beauty inspiration was simple but elegant. I chose a neutral makeup look that would contrast well with my wedding dress! Especially since I wore so much jewelry, I didn’t like or want too much makeup to weigh me down. And my hair in a beautiful updo bun.

I chose Michelle Renee The Studio because they did my hair and makeup exactly how I would like it on my wedding day during the trial. Their services were great even for my bridal party.

What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We looked for the right location including amenities, convenience, architectural appeal and best location for pictures. We wanted a place where we knew our wedding would be an unforgettable experience for not only us but our family and guests.

We fell in love with The Palmetto Club at FishHawk Ranch. From the ballroom to the veranda, to the garden, everything about the place including the location was beautiful. It had everything we wanted and needed.

The Proposal:Nehal: I was nervous, but this was the day, she was the one, and this was the trip. We were going to see the Friendship Fountain and, at night, I felt like it was just as beautiful as she was to me. I found someone to take pictures, was down on my knee, looked her right in the eye with a giant smile and asked her to marry me. She was in shock, and she was trying to say yes. I just remained calm and waited until she did.

Meera: I had no idea and was completely surprised when Nehal proposed. We drove along the coastline from Cocoa Beach to St. Augustine to Jacksonville. I remember facing the Friendship Fountain and turned around to see him on one knee with a ring. I was completely shocked, and I couldn’t say anything for a good minute. It was the best surprise!

How would you describe your theme?
Traditional Indian wedding with gorgeous accents and florals.

What were your colors?
Maroon, white and gold embellished with crystals.

 

 

 

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Have a general idea of what type of venue setting and location you would like to get married in. That is the major detail in beginning to plan a wedding. Food and everything else will come together once the venue is chosen.

Hire a wedding coordinator to help bring the final details together. It’s relieving to know that someone is there to handle everything the day of the wedding and reception so you don’t have to.

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Palmetto Club at FishHawk Ranch *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: 
Sona Photography
Videographer: 
Riant Films
Planner: 
InStyle Events
Garlands: Shriji Creations
Bouquet Florist: Jenny Persaud
Decor: Maharani Designs
Caterer: Puff N’ Stuff
Rentals: 
Taylor Rental
Cake: 
Publix 
DJ: 
Blazin Desi DJs
Additional Entertainment: Rang Entertainment – Mobile Baraat 
Officiant/Pandit: 
Pandit Rajan Bhatt
Invitations: Ghanshyam Cards
Transportation: Ambassador Limousine 
Dress: 
Om the Origin
Jewelry: Myyraa 
Hair & Makeup: 
Michele Renee The Studio *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro Henna Artist: Alisha The Henna Lady
Wedding Favors: Ashit Fashions