Another Ceremony, Cocktail and Reception with active LED Up-lighting and GoBO at Bella Collina in San Clemente, Orange County, CA. This is one of my favorite venues to do lighting production because the structure is so pretty, and the walls are white. If you’re targeting the South Orange County area, and you’re going for a high fashioned look, this is the place to do it.

We’re using a blended static and active uplighting service here. A third of the fixtures (the ones around the dancefloor) start changing colors when the dancing starts, while the rest in the seating areas stay static. The colors are totally pre-programmable too. Personally, I like this effect better than hooking all of the uplights together, where the whole room spazzes out. If you’re just trying to mingle at the tables, you get exhausted by the stimulation (especially if you’re grandma). The tricky part is having a wireless trigger for this setup, but don’t worry, you’re in good hands with me!

Sorry, I only got footage of the Reception hall and buffet room (which is usually used as the greenroom, or vendor break room). We also had singer Lindsey Harper hooked in during Ceremony and Cocktails. I really wish I got some footage (though I did manage to get audio; might reup this with a clip; if I get clearance that is), she’s incredible! Check her out at her channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/lindseyharper?feature=results_main

I also got to work with the High Society Wedding & Event Planning team for the first time. Kudos to them for pulling off such a well produced event! They were on top of communication throughout the consult process, and made sure all of the vendors were well prepped with each other during the final month of the wedding. As a DJ, this kind of help is absolutely PRICELESS.

Big thumbs up to my Crew / Staff Alex! I hadn’t worked with him since a gig at the Vibiana, and had forgotten how incredibly hardworking and reliable he is. The’s got a pioneering spirit and the work ethic of a farmer. Good help is hard to find, and I’m glad I’ve found a few this past year.

Last but not least, the bride and groom and their friends were awesome! I DJed one of her friends wedding, so she had a lot of faith in me from the get-go, and that always makes things so much easier. She super sweet and had such a strong vision with each aspect of the wedding also, which made the delivery of services even more gratifying.

I really hope to tap more into this market; I know I’m North county, but I LOVE this location, and the brides it produces.

PS – Realizing now that I need to do more stills, and stop moving the camera around so much. Will be mindful of this, next time I do video.

Oh and by the way. If you go to the Bella Collina website and look at their weddings page, you’ll see a photo of one of my up-lighting jobs (about 2010) there. Here’s footage from that event: