Many of you probably don’t realize what a difference a lighting designer can do for your event. It’s those of use who work behind the scenes that really get to see the magic. Anyway, today I bring to you, the man with the lights, the amazing and wonderful John Farr who is going to be doing the lighting for my wedding.
I decided to ask John a few questions so that he could share is expertise with us.
1. How did you get into the lighting business?
I started a as roadie for local music groups and worked my way up to ZZ Top, Gladys Knight, Rick James, Hall & Oates etc.
2. Lighting is such an important yet often overlooked aspect of any
event. Can you tell us what lighting does for a room to create impact and drama?
It creates a mood It changes how a room looks. It can set your event off from another that was done in the same room.
3. Can you explain about the different types of lighting that a bride
might want to consider for her wedding?
Uplighting is a wash of color on a flat wall surface to give the wall
some shadows and character.
Pinspotting is shining a strong narrow beam of light at the table arrangements to bring out the color of the flowers. It makes the flowers “pop”
Gobos are projected images such as a monogram, or a leaf pattern, it can be sharp focused or soft focused. If its soft focused it will look like the sun coming thru the trees and hitting the sidewalk some shadow, some light, no real hard edge.
Spotlighting the wedding cake is another thing that really makes it “pop”.
4. From what you know about my wedding and the venue, what would you
suggest that we should do for a lighting scheme?
Uplighting of the walls, stairs and columns, Spotlight the Sculptures, Pinspot some of the tables.
5. If you’re on a tight budget, what do you think are the lighting elements that will give the most bang for the buck?
Uplighting is the easiest and it changes the color and look of the room.
A custom monogram or other gobo on the dance floor is nice also. It lets your guests
know that you thought of everything.
6. How far in advance should a bride book a lighting company?
As early as possible, but not more then a year before.
7. Anything else you might want to share?
Lighting is often overlooked and last to be considered. It should be thought about early in the planning as its harder to change late in the planning.
Here are a few images that I pulled from Johns website shot by the very talented Rodney Bailey at my wedding venue, Halcyon House.
If you’re getting married in the DC area, I highly recommend John…and I know my stuff!
