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At a recent San Diego US Grant Hotel wedding, our company had the privilege of transforming the elegant venue into a breathtaking backdrop for a couple's special day. As the sun rose in the early morning, casting a golden hue over the city skyline, San Diego Sound and Lighting team and other vendors worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every aspect of the event was nothing short of perfection. Audio visual technicians were setting up projectors and live streaming equipment. Musicians were setting up their instruments. Audio engineers were loading in and testing speakers. Lighting techs were prepping and adjusting the lights. Photographers and videographers were setting up cameras, lens and flashes. A few hours later, from the moment guests entered the Presidential ballroom, they were greeted with a warm ambiance crafted by our expert lighting design. Soft, romantic hues enveloped the space, accentuating the hotel's timeless architecture and setting the stage for the great celebration while blue up lights contributed to adding more elegance and sophistication. What stood out the most was our custom gobo monogram light that projected the newlyweds' names and their wedding date. As you can see in the photos below, this was a huge production and many different types of lighting were used for this event. Throughout the evening, our San Diego AV rentals seamlessly integrated into the festivities, providing flawless support for speeches, presentations and entertainment. Whether it was a heartfelt toast from a parent or a lively band performance, our team ensured that every moment was amplified to perfection, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. Having multiple wireless speakers set up throughout the room helped us achieve a great balanced sound everywhere without having to make it too loud. As the night progressed and our San Diego Party DJ started playing dance music, we also changed our lighting colors and effects to add more energy and excitement. Having multiple lighting stands set up in different areas of the room helped us cover different angles and make everything look great in every part of the ballroom. Using remote controls we were able to adjust the colors and effects when needed. As the night drew to a close and guests bid farewell to the happy couple, our company took pride in knowing that we had played a part in creating a truly unforgettable experience. From the first consultation to the final farewell, our comprehensive event solutions had exceeded expectations, leaving everyone in awe of the magic that had unfolded at the San Diego US Grant Hotel wedding. This event required a custom package that included 24 up lights, 16 stage wash lights, 2 moving heads, 2 stands with multiple dance floor lights, custom gobo monogram, cake wash light, multiple PA speakers, and other AV equipment. In addition to events at the Presidential Ballroom, we have worked at the Crystal Ballroom and many other event venues throughout San Diego, such as The Immaculata Catholic Church. Whether you're having a wedding, a company event or a corporate gathering, our team would love to help you with everything you need. You may email us at [email protected]  When it comes to creating a captivating atmosphere at your event in San Diego, LED uplighting can work wonders. These versatile lighting fixtures have the power to transform any space into a visually stunning environment. One common question that arises when planning an event is: How many LED uplights do I need? In this article, we will explore factors to consider when determining the quantity of LED uplights, helping you make an informed decision and achieve the desired lighting effect.
Size of the Event Space: The size of your event space plays a crucial role in determining the number of LED uplights needed. Larger venues such US Grant Hotel Presidential Ballroom will require more fixtures to ensure proper coverage and create a consistent lighting effect. As a general guideline, consider placing one LED uplight every 6 to 10 feet along the perimeter of the space. This provides a balanced distribution of light and helps to avoid any dark spots or uneven illumination. Desired Lighting Intensity: The level of lighting intensity you desire is another factor to consider. Some events may call for a soft, ambient glow, while others may require more vibrant and dynamic lighting effects. If you want a subtle ambiance, you can use fewer LED uplights and space them further apart. Conversely, for a more intense and dramatic lighting effect, you may need to increase the number of fixtures and position them closer together. Placement and Focal Points: Identify the key areas or focal points within your event space that you wish to highlight. These could include stages, dance floors, architectural features, or decorative elements. Determine the number of LED uplights required to adequately illuminate and accentuate these specific areas. For example, a stage may need additional uplights to create a spotlight effect, while a textured wall might benefit from uplights placed at regular intervals to emphasize its unique details. Color Scheme and Lighting Design: Consider your event's color scheme and overall lighting design. LED uplights offer a range of colors to choose from, allowing you to create a customized and cohesive look. If you plan to use multiple colors, you may need additional LED uplights to achieve the desired color saturation and blend. Experiment with different color combinations and placement options to find the perfect balance. Lighting Budget: Your budget will also influence the number of LED uplights you can afford. Keep in mind that LED uplights are often available for rental, allowing you to access a larger quantity of fixtures without a significant upfront investment. Discuss your budget with lighting professionals or rental companies such as San Diego Sound and Lighting to determine the best options available to you. Consult with Lighting Experts: If you are unsure about the quantity of LED uplights needed for your event, consider consulting with lighting experts or professionals. They have experience in creating impactful indoor and outdoor event lighting lighting rental designs, and can provide guidance based on the specific details of your event. They can assess the venue, understand your vision, and recommend the optimal number of LED uplights to achieve your desired lighting effect. Conclusion: LED uplighting can elevate the ambiance and aesthetics of your event, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones. When determining the number of LED uplights needed, factors such as the event space size, desired lighting intensity, placement requirements, color scheme, and budget should be taken into account. By considering these elements and seeking advice from lighting experts, you can ensure that your event shines brightly with the perfect amount of LED uplighting, creating a memorable experience for you and your guests. Event Type: High School Prom Event Location: Bonita Vista High School, 751 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91913 Lighting Type: Color wash lighting, outdoor flood lights, LED uplights, moving heads, various event pro stage lasers, fog machines, DJ lights and other custom dance floor lighting fixtures. Sound Type: Large powerful outdoor sound system for 500+ people. Fixtures Used: 4 large extra powerful speakers, more than 50 different lights. Hello everyone, my name is Charlie Walkich, I’m a Ukrainian-American business owner and music composer and in this video I would like to share a little bit of my story of how and why I came to the U.S., as well my new music video for a new piece that I wrote for piano, bass and drums specifically for my 10 year anniversary of living in the United States. We’ll first start with the story followed by the music piece and ending with the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding my music.
So, when I was growing up in Ukraine, which a beautiful county, despite that, I was always crazy about everything that had to with the United States. I loved a lot of American music, movies, cars, humor, culture, business values, etc. Back in Eastern Europe, I heard some people say “well, Americans are fat and stupid”. And, having lived here for about a decade, I can tell you with confidence, it couldn’t be further from the truth. There are all kinds of people everywhere. Anyway, I was a having a pretty good life in Ukraine, I studied music business and was getting a full scholarship, I played in several different music bands, had a couple of decent part-time jobs related to my major. Also I had a few really good close friends not to mention my lovely family so, to make a long story short, I’d say I had a lot to give up. And, despite all that, I still felt that I didn’t fully belong in Ukraine for many different reasons so I started aggressively learning English and saving up for my trip and, as soon as I turned 18, I joined a program that allowed to come the U.S. I landed in New York in 2010. I had only a few hours before my flight to San Diego so I could only choose pretty much one place to visit. At the time I was a huge of fan mid and late 70s American Disco, which is a pretty sophisticated music genre, a mix of Jazz, Funk, Soul, R&B, Classical, House and other styles oftentimes recorded with a whole live orchestra and state-of-the art synthesizers. So I was fascinated by it all and the first place I went to was the 54th street in Manhattan where a notoriously famous Studio 54 nightclub used to be located. It was known for all the disco music that played inside, very high end clientele and people waiting for hours or days to get inside. Studio 54 got shut down for not playing taxes and all the sex and drugs going on inside but it was definitely a special feeling standing on that street and looking at that building, not to mention riding NYC subway for the first time, looking at all the skyscrapers, smelling those street hot dogs and so on. Later that day I landed in San Diego, California. At that time smartphones weren’t popular or affordable so I asked around for cheap hostels and a cab driver took me to a place in Downtown where I stayed my first night. I remember laying in my bed and looking at the ceiling fan while being too excited to fall sleep. Here I was, finally in the United States, after so many years of dreaming about it. At the time I had no idea how many challenges I would have to face so I was just being an innocent hopeless romantic. During the next few days, I found out that a temporary job I was supposed to have was rather a scam so I had to look for another one. It was the middle of a recession so the unemployment rate was very high and even many American people couldn’t find work, not to mention someone who just got here from a totally different world. All I had was $400 in my pocket and the American dream, no family, no friends, no connections, no job, no place to live and no credit history. To say the least, it was a pretty big change. My parents tried to help me but it was very tough because of the currency difference. What’s considered a decent amount of money in Ukraine is pennies in the United States. So I spent every day looking for work, moving multiple times from one terrible place to another and learning all I could along the way, of course. One day I was walking on 5th Avenue in Downtown and I saw two well-dressed gentlemen standing next to a couple of expensive cars speaking in Russian, which is my second language after Ukrainian. I was really shy at the time but I was desperate to the point that I decided to approach them and politely ask for advice. I said something like: “Excuse me guys, I’m terribly sorry for interrupting your conversation, I recently came from Ukraine and really would like to stay but I’m having a very hard time finding a job. Would you be kind enough as to pointing me in the right direction? And they asked me: “What do you know and what do you do”? I said: “I’m a musician with experience in event management” and they stopped me right there. They said “okay, that’s enough, let us call someone we know”. They called the guy, explained the situation and gave me the phone to talk to him. We arranged a meeting and that was honestly a life changing moment for me. The person I met was a local DJ and musician who hired me to work as his assistant. He also ended up being a really good friend and helped with a lot of advice and other things. Furthermore, he introduced me to a bunch of other people in the industry so I started to work at their assistant as well, learning all I could and, a year or so later, I was ready to start my own business, which I did. Being a business owner was very tough in the beginning. No matter how smart you are and how great your product or service is, the most challenging part is finding clients and that’s the main reason why most businesses fail. I worked day and night on marketing and eventually I started getting some clients. Over the ears, my company grew and now it’s a well-known event music, sound, lighting, audio visual, photography and videography service in Southern California. To make a long story short, if I had known everything I’d have to face after coming the United States, I honestly don’t know if I’d still make the same decision. Sometimes I was literally hungry and couldn’t even afford a decent meal. But, because of my strong desire to make it and the support I got from my family and friends, somehow I was able to get through those difficult times. And now, of course, I’m happy and grateful for the opportunity to enjoy my life here. I really would like to take a moment to thank everyone who supported me. Without your help I’d probably be back in Ukraine now so I can’t stress enough how grateful I am. On this note, I hope you can enjoy this new music piece. I’d like introduce my drummer Charlie and my 2nd bass keyboard player Charlie, we’ll be playing it together as band and the piece is about my journey towards the American Dream. Alright, now I’ll answer a few questions that I’ve been asked multiple times regarding my music, which may be helpful to people who want to learn how to play or improve their skills. First question is why am I not singing? Well, those who know me long enough, know that I used to sing. Then I stopped because I wanted to focus on what I do best, which is composition. But now I’m actually getting back to it, practicing almost every day and learning new technics. So the next video is likely to have my vocals. Next question is how much do I practice. The answer is I try to practice at least an hour each day on each instrument I play so that’s 2 hours for both piano and drums. When I have time, of course, I try to practice more, sometimes a lot more. If I’m short on time, I still try to play for at least 30 minutes daily just to not lose my shape. Practicing every day is the key to growing as a musician. Next question is how long does it take to make a music video. Well, this depends on the specific project. As you may already know, I do everything myself. So first I have compose a piece, which could take a few hours or even a few weeks. Then I need to learn how to play that piece well, which takes a few days to a few weeks. The next step is to record high quality audio and video, which can usually be done in a day or so. And then the final step it to edit the video before sharing and promoting it, which could take a few hours to a few weeks, again, depending on the specific project. This music piece and the video you are watching now took me a few hundred hours to complete and I’m not joking. Next question: Do you film everything yourself? What cameras do you use? Yes, I film literally everything myself using mirrorless DSLR cameras Sony A3000 mounted on tripods. Obviously, I have to do a lot of test shots in order to find the best angles but I enjoy it. Next question: Do you make money with music? Well, the answer to this one is yes and no. I don’t make any money with these YouTube videos. YouTube pays pennies. However, I have relationships with several music licensing companies and I do get paid to compose music, mostly on an exclusive basis meaning, once the piece is ready, it belongs to them and obviously it cannot be promoted as my own. If you’re hoping to make a decent living with just music, it’s possible but not very easy. Most people end up doing it part time in addition to other jobs. Next question is what inspires you? Well, I’m a very sensitive person so I can get inspired by almost anything – beautiful nature, good conversation, a nice movie or simply just music made by other composers. If you’re in love, that’s a good inspiration as well. But when you’re really in love, it’s hard to find discipline to practice. Next question is why don’t you join a band? Exactly, I agree, it’s one of the things on my to do list. I used to be a part of several bands back in Ukraine and it was an amazing experience. Although, at this point, instead of joining a band, I’d probably rather put together my own. If anyone wants to collaborate, please contact me through my website CharlieWalkrich.com Also, a few people have asked me if I teach and the answer is no, I prefer to focus on learning myself and making new music. However, I know some pretty good teachers and I’d be happy to recommend one if you ask me. The most important thing when choosing a teacher is making sure he or she can do what you want to do. For example, you shouldn’t go to a classical piano teacher if you want to learn how to play jazz, pop, rock or other styles. Classical teachers are best for classical music, side reading and classical theory. But that’s not enough for most people. If you want to learn how to play by year, improvise and compose music, I would not recommend a classical teacher. Once again, find someone who can do what you want to do. And final question is what your music plans are for the future? Assuming I continue being an independent artist, I can outline about five different directions for my future projects. First is a mix of jazz, classical, contemporary and cinematic styles on the piano, which is what I’ve been doing for the past few years. Next is Rock, I’ve been a huge fan of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal my entire life. The only thing that stops me is that I don’t play guitar. But hopefully I’ll be able to collaborate with other musicians and put something together pretty soon. I have so many Rock songs that are ready and just need someone to play them. The 3rd direction would be synthswave and retrowave, which is kind like 80s movie soundtrack style, I like that sound a lot. The 4th direction would be Disco and Funk, how could I skip that, right? And the last direction in which I’ve already established myself is House and Trance. In the last few years, I have produced a lot of decent EDM. I know it’s totally different from live music and I definitely agree that it’s easier to be a good DJ or an EDM producer than being a good musician. But achieving your own high quality powerful EDM sound is not as easy as it might seem, not to mention making it interesting as a music piece with a beautiful melody and a nice chord progression. On this note, I’m going to wrap up this video. I would like to thank you for watching and engaging. Any feedback, comments or suggestions are always appreciated. I’ll see you next time. Event Type: Wedding Reception. Event Location: Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, Scripps Ballroom. Lighting Type: Dance Floor Lighting (DJ Lights), LED Up Lighting and Gobo Lighting. Fixtures Used: Chauvet Slim Par 38 LED, Chauvet Gobo Zoom LED 2.0, American DJ Jellyfish LED and ADJ Glaxian Laser. Number of Fixtures in the Room: 19 (12 LED up lights + 6 dance floor lights + 1 gobo projector). Event Type: Wedding Reception. Event Location: Scripps Seaside Forum, La Jolla, CA. Lighting Type: LED Up Lighting. Fixtures Used: Chauvet Slim Par 38 LED. Number of Fixtures in the Room: 5. ,Event Type: Wedding Reception. Event Location: L'auberge Del Mar Hotel, Del Mar, CA. Lighting Type: Custom Gobo Monogram and LED Up Lights. Fixtures Used: Chauvet Slim Par 38 LED and Chauvet Gobo Zoom LED 2.0. Number of Fixtures in the Room: 13 (12 LED lights and 1 gobo projector). Event Type: Wedding Reception Event Location: Tower 23 Hotel (Sunset Patio), Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA Lighting Type: Dance Floor Lighting (DJ Lights) and LED Up Lighting Fixtures Used: Chauvet Slim Par 38 LED, American DJ Jellyfish LED and ADJ Glaxian, DJ Laser Number of Fixtures in the Room: 10 (4 up lights + 6 dance floor lights). So, you're booking a DJ or a PA rental service for your wedding. You've sifted through dozens of DJs, dozens of rental packages, all offering dozens of choices for sound, lights, microphones, and musical offerings. You think you've got it worked out, and you're almost ready to book someone.
But one thing sticks out to you. Why do some DJs advocate for using wireless microphones over wired microphones, and vice versa? Why should you care?The answer is simple: Consistency. Yes, wireless microphones offer more freedom and mobility during toasts and announcements, and if they are sufficiently powerful, can allow you to make speeches from anywhere on the event grounds. But they come with some significant risks. Namely, interference. Here in Southern California, we live close to several military bases, all employing state of the art high-powered communications equipment and radar. All those electronics emit radio waves powerful enough to cause static and other interference to all small radio devices in an area. So if you have your wedding near San Diego, and opt for wireless microphones, there is a very real chance your vows may get swallowed up in white noise and distortion. Wired microphones however, carry no such risk. Their cables are shielded against radio frequency interference, and because they are directly connected to the speakers, there's never any need to fumble for switches to try and change bands to salvage the sound. Wired mics work perfectly right out of the box, and they don't run the risk of technical malfunction. They are, in short, consistent and reliable. Their biggest drawback, is being limited to the length of the cable they're attached to. Both types of microphones have their strengths and weaknesses. Knowing this, you can decide for yourself what will best suit you. Happy hunting. Event Type: Corporate Holiday Party. Event Location: Vista Masonic Lodge, Vista, CA Lighting Type: Color Wash Lighting, Dance Floor Lighting (DJ Lights), LED Up Lighting, Gobo Lighting, Mini String Lighting and a Fog Machine. Fixtures Used: Chauvet Slim Par 38 LED, Chauvet Gobo Zoom LED 2.0, American DJ Jellyfish LED, ADJ Glaxian, DJ Laser Effects and Standard Mini String Lights (Warm White Color). Number of Fixtures in the Room: 40. |
Event & Wedding Lighting Decor Blog
by Charlie Walkrich - Founder, Owner & Operator at San Diego Sound & Lighting. |
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