Classic Globe Lights at Woods Edge Farm • Stockton, New Jersey

We love finding new and beautiful New Jersey barns that are available as event venues. The rustic wooden beams and the wide open layouts make them the perfect destination for wedding receptions and other celebrations.

We recently provided a classic globe light treatment at the Woods Edge Farm for Elin and CJ. They had a vision in mind of a simple, understated lighting design that would not only provide functional light, but make the barn more intimate.

We used globe lights like these (also known as bistro lights and market lights):

And created this lighting treatment:

It takes lots of extra time to achieve these even, symmetrical swags of globe lights, but the end result is well worth it. Our amber LED uplighting added more warmth and ambient light in the room, and also highlighted the hay bale wall, which the farm uses to partition the event space.

Here's a gallery of photos from Elin and CJ's beautiful wedding day, courtesy of Woods Edge Farm Events' Facebook page:

Huge thanks to Elin and CJ for choosing us to be a part of their big day! Thank you also to Amy and the rest of the wonderful team at Woods Edge Farm. 

Visit Woods Edge Farm's Wedding Wire page to see all the great things brides have to say about hosting their events there.

Venue: Woods Edge Farm, Stockton NJ
Photography: Greg Nesbit Photography and Eggsotic Events staff
Event Lighting: Eggsotic Events
 

Country Rustic Decor Meets Modern Lighting • Tented Rehearsal Dinner • Far Hills, New Jersey

One of our biggest projects thus far in 2015 is this fun, beautiful rehearsal dinner in the countryside of Far Hills, New Jersey.

Eggsotic provided centerpieces, linens, tent pole decor, lighting, foliage and more for this celebration for 225 guests.

Since the end of June is the week of the summer solstice, this party took place on one of the longest days of the year. This presents a fun design challenge: to create a look that works beautifully in both the daytime and nighttime. 

There were several design inspirations for this design. The bride and groom graduated from the University of Louisville, where the school colors are red, white and black. The groom's family's house has a classic countryside aesthetic. The client loved the idea of the tent canopy transitioning into an abstract night sky as the night progressed. We combined all of these concepts to create this dramatic look:

Here's a selection of daytime and nighttime decor photos:
(As a side note, these were all taken by Josh from our team using an iPhone, with no edits or touch-ups. Great job Josh!)

Rustic, garden box-inspired centerpieces with red roses, hypericum and live rooted floral accents

Tablescape with faux burlap linens, red frosted candle holders, and red chiavari chairs

Custom tent pole surrounds with metal and glass lanterns

Large floor lanterns, entryway urns with live flowers and foliage, and the long head table

The view from the tent to the house and cocktail area, lined with lanterns on shepherd's hooks

The view from the walkway to the tent entry at dusk, with amber uplighting in the tent

The beginning of the nighttime starry night effect

Programmed LED lighting allowed us to change the room color as the sky darkened for an ever-changing lighting effect

The Don Eaton Band on stage

It was an absolute pleasure collaborating with this Far Hills event planning dream team: Shelley Ryan of SBR Event Design and Coordination and Louis and team of Prestige Party Rental. Cheers to many more events together!

Location: Private residence, Far Hills NJ
Tent: 57' x 117' Stillwater Tent, Prestige Party Rental
Planner: Shelley Ryan, SBR Event Design and Coordination
Lighting, Floral Decor, and Room Decor: Eggsotic Events
Catering: Ross & Owren
 

Articles Featuring Eggsotic Events • NJ Event Design & Lighting

Here are a few recent articles featuring Eggsotic Events' decor and lighting services:

Photography by Emin Wedding Photojournalist; Photo via weddingplannermag.com

A Peek Behind the Scenes at Three Fabulous Tented Weddings • Wedding Planner Magazine

Eggsotic Events partnered with Marie Danielle Vil-Young of A Votre Service Events to create a gorgeous tent atmosphere for a wedding at a farm in Bordentown, New Jersey. Eggsotic provided uplighting, band/stage lighting, ceiling wash lighting, draping, and a ceiling installation with hundreds of LED candles and lanterns. We also installed draping on the mandap for the ceremony. For more details about this wedding, read the original article here. To see more photos of this beautiful wedding, visit the photographer's blog.

Photography by Jashim Jalal Photography. Photo via theyesgirls.com

New York City Meets Las Vegas Marriage Proposal by The Yes Girls

Eggsotic Events provided our Eiffel Tower and uplighting at GoldBar in NYC for a marriage proposal planned by The Yes Girls. The Yes Girls are a group of planners who specialize in one-of-a-kind marriage proposals. Kishan and Merisa's love story involved meeting in Las Vegas, so the Eiffel Tower was chosen to represent Paris Las Vegas' iconic tower replica. Merisa said yes! To see more photos and find out more about custom marriage proposal planning, click here for the full article. Also, read Kishan's testimonial here.

Photo via nj.com

Horses and Riders Stars of the Field and Fashion Fundraiser • NJ.com

Eggsotic Events provided uplighting, dance floor lighting, band lighting, draping, and auction lighting for the New Jersey Conservation Foundation's Field & Fashion Fundraiser at Cedar Lane Farm. The NJCF raises funds to preserve land and natural resources throughout NJ. See the full article on NJ.com.

FAQ Series: Pin Spotting Explained: Why Your Centerpieces Should Have Pin Spots

This is our second entry in a series of Lighting FAQs. To learn about Gobo Light Projections, click here.

What is pin spotting?

Pin spots are focused beams of warm white light, projected onto tabletop focal points, such as centerpieces, wedding cakes, artwork, and auction items. Pin spots highlight these elements, making them stand out in photographs and in person.

Pin spots are light fixtures with specialized bulbs inside, that are narrow spotlights (rather than a normal lightbulb, which is a wide angle wash light). The pin spot fixtures are secured to freestanding support hardware, then focused by professional installers to maximize the impact they make. Perfect pin spotting is like an art form, making the tabletop decor elements glow just right.

How are the pin spot lights set up?

Most often, pin spots are rigged to racks, then supported by freestanding pipe and base structures. Additional weight is added to the bases to make sure that these tall, heavy racks are safe near guests. Our team of professional lighting installers deliver, install and focus the pin spots before the event, and uninstall them after the event.

Here at Eggsotic, we also have a pin spot technology that allows us to incorporate pin spots in the existing lighting system of the venue without freestanding hardware. For more information about this, please call or email us.

Soft pin spotting makes floral centerpieces pop at this Bernards Inn wedding. Photo by Therese Wagner Photography.

Do my centerpieces need pin spots?

Here are questions to answer to determine whether or not you need pin spots for your centerpieces:

• Are you having an evening event?

Pin spotting is intended for evening/nighttime events. Or, if you're having a daytime event in a space without windows, pin spotting can still be effective.

We do not recommend pin spots for daytime events in window-filled spaces, as the effect won't be as dramatic as you'd like.

• Are your centerpieces large/elaborate?

If so, you've most likely spent a significant amount of money on each one. A major design mistake we've seen is spending several hundred dollars per table on floral arrangements, then opting out of pin spotting. The centerpieces get lost in the look of the room, and none of your guests can see all of the exquisite details in the flowers.

• Are your centerpieces floral arrangements?

Floral arrangements often need pin spotting in order to be seen clearly in low light. This is especially true if you're including colored uplighting or other light effects.

• Are you using other types of lighting in the room?

You may think that if you're using uplighting and other lighting effects, you don't need pin spots. In fact, the opposite is typically true. The high-end look you're trying to achieve comes from layering different types of light. The uplighting creates a colorful wash, then the pin spots create dramatic focal points and keep the room from looking like one solid color. This combination draws guests' eyes to each beautiful element in the room.

• Do you have lots of candles on each table?

If your centerpiece primarily consists of candles, pin spots aren't necessary. If you plan to use candles as accents, a gorgeous balance of light comes from a pin spot on the floral centerpiece, and 3-6 candles as accents around it. Here's a great example of that look at our Birch Wedding at the Bernards Inn in Bernardsville, New Jersey:

Photo by Andres Valenzuela

The above photo shows the difference in light level between the centerpiece and the rest of the table. The centerpiece is the clear focal point, and the light level around the rest of the table remains intimate and not over-lit.

How much do pin spots cost?

Pin spot pricing is dependent upon a few factors:

• What is the timeframe for setup and takedown?

   Labor rates are calculated based on how much time is allowed for setup. Less time for installation means sending more installers, which can increase the cost. The timeframe should always be discussed with your venue prior to booking.

• Where is the event being held?

   Labor and trucking rates are also dependent upon the distance from the vendor to the location.

• How many pin spots do you need?

   If you need over twenty pin spots, you can often pay a lower price per table than if you only need a few.

To receive pin spot pricing, please contact us with your event location, date, timeline, and table quantity. This information allows us to create a prompt quote that includes setup and takedown.

Unique Bar Rentals in New Jersey and New York City

Decorative bar rentals are a great way to reinforce themes, while also providing a functional focal point for your event. Here are some of our favorites from the Eggsotic Events collection:

Our simple, rustic oak barrel bar is popular for tent weddings and vineyard events, and features a wooden top and two classic oak barrels. Special rigging makes it sturdy even in high use. It looks great accompanied by live ferns and other floral/foliage accents.

This high-impact 12' double bar was part of the Club Primesport Super Bowl Pregame Experience. We provided glowing bars and installed custom graphics to reinforce the host company's branding. Behind the bar, we used custom black drape, diamond plate panels, and custom artwork of Bonnie Bernstein, one of the event's celebrity hosts.

This nautical themed bar was for Sailor Jerry Rum's booth at an alcohol industry trade show. We heard it was the highlight of the event and the busiest booth of the whole show. Our captain's wheel, swordfish, foliage, and other nautical accents reinforced the brand's signature look.

This is actually the same bar as the Sailor Jerry bar shown above, only instead of a nautical surround, it was coupled with an elegant tropical floral arrangement and a personal accent photo.

This glowing acrylic bar is coupled with one of our hand-painted panel art creations by Egils Matiss. It's our Voodoo Spirits artwork that color changes with a flashing LED light effect and reacts to UV black lights. For more photos from this gorgeous glowing event, visit our black light glow parties page.

These Asian food stations also double as bars. They're designed to fit perfectly over a standard 8' banquet table. Add a bar height table and you're set! These surrounds include bamboo roofs, authentic decor accents, and our realistic artificial bamboo plants as a background accent.

This is our glowing acrylic bar in cyan blue, with our unique abstract pattern backdrop. This backdrop is completely modular, so it can be sized to stage backdrops, tent side walls, or hanging decorative accents. This element also makes an appearance at our recent candy theme sweet sixteen.

This bar was in the kids' area at one of our most memorably unique bar mitzvahs: an Archie Comics theme mitzvah. We created a '50s diner-inspired backdrop and used our jumbo ice cream, ketchup, burger and gum ball machine as accents.

Here's a glowing bar we customized for a technology trade show in NYC. We used our ultra-bright LED lights, so that even in a room with the house lights on, this bar shines. Here's another great perk of glowing bars:

Glasses and bottles glow on top of the bar, creating a bonus focal point. 

For a more classic look, this wooden bar was the perfect match for the stone barn.

For winter events, an ice bar with our arctic surround is the perfect focal point.

One of the most recent additions to our bar collection is this beautiful 3-sided wooden bar with shelves. The frames over each bar can be customized with the event's branding. The real oak barrels underneath are coupled with fall foliage accents, and the shelves are lined with wine bottles and themed images. This bar can be transformed into different styles based on theme and season.

Are you looking for any of these bars, or another style of bar for your next event? Email us at egg@eggsoticevents.com to discuss your customized bar solution.

Bold, Elegant Wedding Lighting and Draping at The Bernards Inn • Bernardsville, New Jersey

Here at Eggsotic, we love creating new designs for each event we do at The Bernards Inn. In the past, we've transformed the ballroom into a Central Park inspired setting with custom birch decor. 

For our most recent event, Chris and Robert's wedding, we provided elegant lighting and draping for the ceremony and reception. The ceremony and reception both took place in the ballroom, so we provided lighting that adapted to transform the ballroom from one look to another in very little time.

Floral decor provided by Somerset Hills Florist, Photography by Therese Marie Wagner Photography, and Lighting by Eggsotic Events

For the ceremony, we used warm amber uplighting and classic warm white chuppah lighting to give the ballroom a high-impact tasteful look. Our lush ivory drape helped define the ceremony area and gave a simple backdrop for the florist's lanterns.

For the reception, we changed the amber lighting to deep blue, and used our pin spots and monogram projection fixtures to transform the tabletops and dance floor. Pin spotting is essential for large centerpieces, as it highlights the gorgeous flowers and gives a subtle glow to each table. The monogram projected on the dance floor was also used in the wedding stationery and table numbers, reinforcing the cohesive custom look of the wedding.

Here are more photos of the ceremony and reception. Another huge thank you to Therese of Therese Marie Wagner Photography for sharing her beautiful photos of the day! For more of Therese's photography, see our blog post about our recent work at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. We wish a lifetime of happiness to the bride and groom, Chris and Robert!

Venue and Catering: The Bernards Inn • Bernardsville, New Jersey

Photography: Therese Marie Wagner Photography • NJ, NYC, and Philadelphia

Florist: Somerset Hills Florist • Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Lighting and Draping: Eggsotic Events • New Jersey and New York City Area

Summer Solstice Wedding Lighting at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster • Bedminster & Far Hills Area, New Jersey

We recently shared photos of a beautiful engagement party last fall at a family's residence in Far Hills, New Jersey. This year, on the first day of summer, we provided lighting for the couple's wedding day at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

The bride and groom loved the warm lavender LED uplighting at their engagement party, so they requested it for their wedding reception as well.

Therese Wagner of Therese Marie Wagner Photography was so kind to share these beautiful photos of the reception. Therese is a joy to interact with and we highly recommend her.

Mike and his team from Jardiniere in Far Hills created beautiful floral tablescapes that tied in perfectly with the lavender lighting. They also provided the hydrangea floral arrangements at the engagement party last fall.

Venue: Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, NJ

Planner: Bonnie Schleimer, Bernards Inn in Bernardsville, NJ

Photographer: Therese Marie Wagner Photography in NJ, NYC, and Philadelphia

Florist: Jardiniere Fine Flowers in Far Hills, NJ

Lighting: Eggsotic Events in Hampton, NJ

Valentine's Day Luxury Wedding Lighting and Decor • Pleasantdale Chateau • West Orange, New Jersey

Valentine's Day weekend is a classic time for romance. Eggsotic Events collaborated with Marie Danielle Vil-Young of A Votre Service Events to create a luxurious, romantic wedding setting at the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, New Jersey.

Eggsotic Events provided programmed, custom-color LED uplighting, as well as pin spotting. We also provided the custom graphic dance floor, using a pattern that matched the wedding stationery. The dance floor overlay was applied over the venue's existing octagonal dance floor.

We also provided a rich red velvet drape entry into the ballroom.

A Votre Service provided candelabra centerpieces with gorgeous red rose floral arrangements, as well as custom seating, linens and place settings.

We loved being part of such a dramatic transformation of an already beautiful event space.

Click here to see a video of the transformation with an interview with Marie Danielle.

Venue: Pleasantdale Chateau • West Orange, New Jersey

Planner: A Votre Service Events • Somerville, New Jersey

Lighting: Eggsotic Events • Hampton, New Jersey

Venue Feature: Grounds for Sculpture, Trenton / Hamilton Twp, NJ

Here at Eggsotic, we love things that are out of the ordinary. One-of-a-kind props, avant garde centerpiece designs, and new, artistic interpretations of classic concepts. 

That's why we love Grounds for Sculpture. When it comes to New Jersey banquet venues, most places tend to feel lacking in creativity and unique style. Grounds for Sculpture, based in Trenton/Hamilton Township, NJ, is a breath of fresh air. 

Before you arrive, you'll see sculptures as you drive toward the venue, hinting at what's to come. Some will even catch you off guard, like this one: 

Photo by MK Photography

Grounds for Sculpture features 42 acres of gardens and sculptures, perfect for a day of walking through the scenic landscapes and finding the funny, clever, thought-provoking, and often tongue-in-cheek works of art. Many permanent sculptures are by the founder, Seward Johnson. The collection also features works by many local and world-renowned artists.

What we love the most about Grounds for Sculpture is that it's the perfect place to host events for weddings, galas, fundraisers, anniversary parties, and any other special event that you may otherwise host at a banquet hall.

Photo by MK Photography

Their event space is a blank canvas, decorated only by a few sculptures and hung artwork. It allows their clients to create their own perfect look for their event by implementing lighting, ceiling treatments, floral designs, props, and custom decor. 

We love the facilities and staff at Grounds for Sculpture, and truly enjoy designing events there that enhance the event spaces and bring another touch of art to an already beautiful location. 

Weddings

Photo by MK Photography

Our most recent event at Grounds for Sculpture was a wedding for a wonderful client, the Rainwater family. The couple got engaged in Tucson, AZ, and came back to the bride's home state to get married. They had a vision of simple, understated elegance throughout the ceremony and reception.

Photo by MK Photography

We provided bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages, then designed floral centerpieces to coordinate perfectly with the wearable floral. 

Photo by MK Photography

We also hung illuminated sphere lanterns to make the space more intimate and add softness to the very high industrial-style ceiling. 

Photo by MK Photography

We provided mini chalkboard escort cards as well. We love that the family decided to use first names (and initials as needed), rather than standard full names. It adds a sense of familiarity and connection with their guests.

Finally, amber uplighting in the reception space and chartreuse and yellow glowing elements in the cocktail hour highlighted the couple's chosen wedding colors. 

We love the results of this wedding and look forward to helping many more couples design their dream reception space at Grounds for Sculpture. 

Thank you so much to Mike and Jana of MK Photography for sharing their gorgeous photos of the day. 

Event Info: 
Venue: Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Township, New Jersey
Roxanne Klett, Corporate and Private Events Manager

Floral Design, Lighting, Glowing Lounge Furniture, Lanterns, and Escort Cards: Eggsotic Events
Catering: Main Street Fine Catering, Princeton, New Jersey

Photography: MK Photography, West Chester, Pennsylvania

Fundraisers

Photo by Egils Matiss

Photo by Egils Matiss

The Pennington School chose Grounds for Sculpture as the venue for their April in Paris themed fundraising gala. They wanted to highlight different elements of French culture, including nightlife, vineyards, and the iconic Eiffel Tower.

We provided old world street lamps, a black and white checkered dance floor, ferris wheel gobo projection, auction lighting, perimeter uplighting, oak barrels, tapestries, and of course our 14'+ tall Giant Eiffel Tower. 

Photo by Egils Matiss

We even custom-constructed a last-minute addition: an extra support piece inside the Eiffel Tower to accommodate a video projector. The projection was integral to the school's auction process and the room layout required the video to project "through" the tower. 

We encourage you to visit Grounds for Sculpture whether or not you're planning an event. It's a beautiful and inspiring way to spend a day, and an equally beautiful place for a wedding or gala. 

Summer Wedding at Greenacres Country Club

Eggsotic Events collaborated with a talented team of artists to create a beautiful, chic wedding reception at the Greenacres Country Club in Lawrence Township, NJ.

View fullsize

We surrounded the ballroom from floor to ceiling with lush white sheer drape. Bold, elegant LED uplighting added gorgeous purple tones throughout the room. 

View fullsize

Vanessa Joy Photography, one of New Jersey's top wedding photographers, captured beautiful decor photos of the lighting, drape and floral design. She also does amazing portraits that really capture the bride and groom's personalities.

View fullsize

The floral centerpieces were created by Jardiniere of Princeton, NJ, another great team with whom we always love to work side by side. The floral decor included white cymbidium orchids, white hydrangea, and a variety of roses.

View fullsize

All photographs courtesy of Vanessa Joy Photography.

Photography: Vanessa Joy Photography
Florist: Jardiniere Florals
Venue: Greenacres Country Club
Lighting and Drape: Eggsotic Events