More Cowbell #2... More Lights!

I am a sucker for good lighting. Not just lighting but also light fixtures. One of my first choices for our wedding venue was the Beverly Hills Hotel because of their beautiful rose/crystal chandelier and old school elegance. It ended up being waaay over our budget, which is okay because we went a pretty different direction in terms of our style for the day, but I still dream about that chandelier!

 Another gorgeous and unique chandelier can be found at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. This place is a real gem! When we were inquiring, they had recently started booking weddings and we would have been their first wedding, which meant we had to bring in EVERYTHING because they were not equipped for such large parties yet. Of course, this meant they would be over our budget, but Eddie and I still enjoy the center on non-wedding related business. :) In the summer, they have movies under the stars and we take our Molly for a picnic dinner and a free movie. Still, I would definitely love to work with a couple who chooses to get married under their elaborate chandelier!

Finally, if you are getting married outdoors (like we did) you can always set up your own lighting fixtures by hanging chandeliers or lanterns from trees, overhangs and beams.  I am pretty partial to the soft, romantic look of bumblebee lights - like what we had for our own wedding.

images by Amelia Lyon Photography

Such lights coupled with some warm, amber toned uplights is perfection for me. We had a combination of amber hued uplights on columns and warm pink uplights on trees and I squealed when it became dark enough to notice the lovely! For those of you considering uplights or patterned lighting, amber hued lights create the most romantic vibe and complement a variety of skin tones very well.

Lights in general make me happy and I love images of lights and lighting. Imagine having an artistic image of the lighting at your wedding as a print for your home after the big day. I would cover a whole wall with them - especially if they looked anything like these below!

images via we heart it

And just because it's late and I like to share what's on my mind... I will share what is on my iTunes right now. I was listening to Priscilla Ahn (one of my fave artists!! Eddie and I went to her first night of residency at the Hotel Cafe waaay back when she was still really, really indie and had just released her EP!) and when my iTunes got to the end of her list, it began playing Sarah Mclachlan.  Wow. I haven't listened to her in FOREVER. It totally brings back memories of high school when Eddie and I were "just friends" (yes, we have been friends since high school) and makes me feel all nostalgic and squishy. I think everyone in my graduating class must have an emotional reaction to Sarah because on our last day of school, during the lunch hour, when seniors were all hugging, signing each other's year books, crying, laughing and promising to K.I.T., they played "I Will Remember You" over the loud speakers and it is a moment in life I will never forget. This is why that song and Green Day's "The Time of Your Life" will always have a special place in my heart.

So, because it came on while I was writing my more cowbell post about more lights, I will share some of the lyrics from one of my fave songs by Sarah, "The Answer":

I will be the answer

At the end of the line

I will be there for you

While you take the time

In the burning of uncertainty

I will be your solid ground

I will hold the balance

If you can't look down

If it takes my whole life

I won't break, I won't bend

It will all be worth it

Worth it in the end

Cause I can only tell you what I know

That I need you in my life

When the stars have all gone out

You'll still be burning so bright

I love this song for Eddie and myself, but reading it right now makes me feel like it could fit the relationship of a planner/coordinator and bride just as well!! ;)

Whew! That was a long post! But enough about me... are there any venues you like due to lighting fixtures? Or any particular light/ing images that make you swoon?