Event lighting, production and staging
 

Think back to photographs and videos of the Academy Awards, or show-stopping weddings featured on television. Brides are drawn to such images; when the mood created within the venue is heightened, it feels special and somehow sophisticatedly upscale.

Can't put a finger on why it feels so classy? In most cases, it's the professionally finessed lighting gurus that transform the atmosphere within a space, subtly enhancing or dynamically popping the vibe of an event. Lighting is a technique used at all major events to guide guests toward the right emotions; whether it's soft lighting during a first dance, a rose pattern projected above the head table, or a red glow along the dance floor while salsa music is pumping.

ACME Corp. Production Resources is Milwaukee's expert in lighting effects. The possibilities are endless, and many wedding vendors such as photographers and videographers will vouch for the positive effects of lighting. From complimenting skin tones, to highlighting the unique reception or ceremony space, to customizing with a monogram or pattern projection, lighting is a great way to emphasize the theme of an event.

Mark Miskimen of ACME stresses that "I would encourage clients to consider lighting as a part of their decor. It should never be an afterthought, and instead should be planned for in the budget from the start" Brides and grooms should include a meeting with alighting consultant and design team early i their search for wedding experts. Lighting goes hand-in-hand with floral and linens t create that final amazing visual effect on the day of the wedding. It enables a couple t really change the look of a reception venue so that it's transformed into a wonderland c a hot nightclub. ACME artisans focus on the couple's personality and their atmosphere expectations for their wedding day. With the options available, reception rooms can k converted into the stuff of dreams, whether, it's taking a dimly lit ballroom and festooning it with a moody blue glow or refashioning a gilded gala hall to a room dripping in icy white lights; anything is possible.

Consider lighting a necessity when pulling together a budget, and wedding planners will stand behind this decision with gusto. A couple should share their budget with their, planner and lighting designer, so the lighting can be tailored to get the maximum effect for their money. It's a huge benefit in the planning process when couples also arrive prepared for their lighting design consultation with a  floorplan of their event space and pictures of the types of lighting that they like.

As an option for the environmentally conscious couple, ACME offers LED fixtures a green choice to light a space and give a powerful dramatic look. Not only can LED lights be programmed to change colors according to a dance schedule or to match cocktails versus the dinner portion of the evening, but they are also more energy efficient than other types of lighting. Also, if for some reason you find that the color you have selected ahead of time doesn't look quite right, it is easier to adjust the color of LEDs. With conventional lighting fixtures, the technicians need to cut new color filters and add them to each light to change the color, which can take more time. ACME is on the cutting edge of lighting technology, and is therefore a great option for couples looking to be environmentally conscientious on their big day.

Carolyn Fraser of ACME reminds couples, "We take pride in exceeding expectations and creating what we call 'the wow factor,' when guests first walk into the room and are completely stunned by the transformation."

So remember, the next time a wedding is featured on the television, and it looks richly unique and highly fashionable, it's completely possible and well worth the expense to recreate that stylish effect in Milwaukee by using the consultants at ACME.

As Carolyn says enthusiastically, "Any venue or space can be completely transformed by lighting. Words can't really do it justice!" As the photos demonstrate, seeing really is believing.