Custom Gobo Ideas

Before I go into the topic of todays blog of custom gobo ideas, I'd like to revisit a previous post we did from February. Enter Exert - One of the most frequent questions we get is "What is a Gobo and What does it stand for?". According to Wikipedia a gobo (or GOBO) derived from "Go Between" or GOes Before Optics -originally used on film sets between a light source and the set is a physical template slotted inside, or placed in front of, a lighting source, used to control the shape of emitted light. In simple terms it is a "stencil" for a particular light fixture we use.

Now that we've covered the bases of a gobo, I'll get into custom gobo ideas. Not all custom gobos have to be your name in lights, but those seem to be the most requested. Here are a few creative ideas we've seen this year:

Miranda and Grant decided to have their silhouettes in lights along with their names at CJ's Off the Square in Franklin.

Monica and Patrick created a Hatch Show Print Shop poster for their custom gobo at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Megan and Joe added a little flair to their gobo by adding a stock gobo as the background.

Custom gobos are also a great way to advertise. We have a lot of corporate clients that we keep their gobo on file for all their special events like the Nashville Scene.

Yes, we even have our own on file. Had to throw this one in for kicks.

Hutton Hotel took their recognizable "H" and incorporated it into a holiday greeting.

Instead of having sparklers pointed straight at you for your big exit, why not run through your very own Power T at the end of your big day.

Maybe we don't have the perfect pattern gobo in stock and you want to have the same lace pattern that's on your dress projected onto the dance floor? Yes, that can be done as well.

So the next time your creative juices are flowing and you have an idea that you would like to see in lights, call us. We're ready to see it too! We have templates to choose from or you can send us an image in a .jpeg or pdf. Call Abi at 615-414-6724 or email her at abi@nashvilleeventlighting.com.

A White Wedding at The Frist

On April 30th, 2011, NEL had the pleasure of working alongside with some of Nashville's best vendors to transform The Turner Courtyard at The Frist Center for Visual Arts into an all white reception for Lyndsey and Clark Rollins IV.

Terry White from The English Garden painted the picture that Helen Morisette orchestrated as the event planner. There were so many moving parts involved and the first and most important was the massive tent from Nashville Tent and Awning that spanned the entire courtyard. The tent went in on Wednesday which allowed for us to come in with Classic Party Rentals on Thursday to hang the 7 chandeliers, wash the tent ceiling in white, and for Classic to lay the black and white dance floor. See the photos below of the progress that was made between Wednesday and Thursday:

By Saturday evening, draping was hung by Events Plus; rentals were set by Classic, the aroma of Kristen Winston Catering was filling the air; every centerpiece and floral detail was perfected by Terry White; Dessert Designs had delivered their show stopping cake; the sounds of Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters set the tone; and we made sure every up light, pin spot, chandelier, and wash was powered up and focused.

A huge thanks to Divine Images for capturing every element of such a special day in Lyndsey and Clark's life.

Audio Visual

Hope you're having a great week, and thanks for stopping by our Blog.

Did you know that we can handle all of your Audio Visual requirements, as well as lighting?

We actually have projectors, screens, podiums, sound systems, etc..

Whether you need a flatscreen, a small concert sound system, a ceremony sound system for a wedding, or even a couple great sounding speakers with an iPod hook up for a back yard party, we got ya covered!

Please call Abi or David today at 615.414.6724 if you have any Audio Visual needs!

Off Abi's Cuff - Head Tables

***Disclaimer***

We all have opinions and view points in life. These are just some of mine. Believe me, I am a perfect example of a person who has champagne taste on beer budget. Sometimes when planning events we deal with what our budget allows, but if there is any wiggle room, here is some food for thought:

The tradition of a head table dates back before my time. I don't know the exact date but I know it was before 1984. Here are a couple of examples that you may still see around today.

I think its time that we take a stand and say "No more!" Its hard enough to stand on a stage with your backsides facing your closest friends and families for 20-30 minutes trying to keep your composure as you commit the rest of your life to another person who probably snores, why should you now be placed on a platform to saw into your choice of filet or cornish hen so formally as if you are holding court for the first time at Windsor Castle. Have a little fun with your head table or sweet heart table. Pop the balloons, rip down the toile, and definitely toss the Christmas lights.

Here are a few examples of the "modern" head table that we've yearned so long for:

Thanks to all the creative experts that were featured above. Event Planners: Meredith Zeller of Bridal Blueprints, Karen Kaforey of Signature Events, Angela Proffitt of Elegant Weddings by Angela. Event Decor and Florals: Reveal Event Style, Village of Flowers, and Branching Out, Blue Nova Designs, and Visual Elements. Photography: Dove, Divine Images, Angie Sliger, Mary Rosenbaum, Chuck Arlund Photography, and Photographix. Venues: Belle Meade Plantation, Country Music Hall of Fame, and The Cannery Ballroom

Give me a call if you want to discuss how Nashville Event Lighting can take your head table or sweetheart table to the next level.

615.414.6724 or email me at abi@nashvilleeventlighting.com

Flat Screen Rentals

We have great Flat Screens for Rent.

Prices start at $150...

(Note: Delivery Fees may apply when not ordered with a Lighting Package)

Signature Events at Belle Meade Plantation

What happens when one of Nashville's most sought-out event planners is paired with one of Nashville's top wedding venues? We'll show you.

Karen Kaforey of Signature Events put together another all star cast of vendors for Katie and Travis' May 14th wedding at Belle Meade Plantation. After a picture perfect ceremony in the garden, the guests dined under Visual Element's large beaded chandelier with the newlyweds in a tent behind the Stables. We washed the tent ceiling and chandelier in a "peony" pink to match the florals from Branching Out

After dinner, catered by Chef's Market, guests were escorted through the stables to the Carriage House to enjoy cocktails, dancing, and music by Craig Duncan .

Check out Katie's surprise to Travis: a Guitar Bar from Visual Elements!

At the end of the night, the red carpet was rolled out and doors opened to one of

Matchless Limousine's classic Jaguars.

So, what all did we do inside the carriage house? We made sure the bar was highlighted with a soft light wash and battery operated LED's inside the cubes, damask gobo pattern onto the dance floor, amber up lighting around the perimeter, a custom gobo onto the door, and the icing on the cake... our crystal chandelier over the center of the dance floor. Thanks Karen for having us be a part of your Signature Events!

Photos courtesy of Angie Sliger Photography

Thinking about adding lighting to your next event? Call Abi at 615.414.6724 or email her at abi@nashvilleeventlighting.com to book your next consultation.

Mazel Tov, Sydney!

Recently we featured a Bar Mitzvah planned by Events by AP at Loveless Barn. This week's Mazel goes to Monica Holmes of Clean Plate Club for creating a spectacular Bat Mitzvah for Sydney Robbins at War Memorial Auditorium.

The theme: Cirque Du Sydney. Flame Throwers, Stilt Walkers, and Acrobats were flown in from Chicago; trapeze rigs were constructed in the center of the auditorium; cotton candy, popcorn, and snow cones were on display amongst balloon sculptures and illuminated sculpt ware; and our lights were set to change with every breath-taking moment of the evening. Check out the images below and experience it for yourself.

Want to create a statement at your next event? Here is a list of vendors who helped pull this circus off: Clean Plate Club (Catering and Event Planning), Visual Element (Draping, Rentals, and Chandelier), Branches, Party Time Nashville, and, of course, Nashville Event Lighting.

Call Abi at 615.414.6724 to book a free lighting consultation or email her at abi@nashvilleeventlighting.com.