Filed in Talk with Renee Dalo Podcast — March 29, 2024

EP 217: Talk about Event Lighting & Design with Jeannie Savage & Curt Stahl

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Transforming Spaces Through Strategic Event Lighting

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with veteran event planner Jeannie Savage and lighting design expert Curt Stahl about the importance of lighting in event planning. Jeannie shared some great stories about the lighting mishaps she has learned from over her 18 years in the industry. I think we can all relate to those “haunting” mistakes from early on in our careers! Curt emphasized that while knowing lighting equipment names can be helpful, the most important thing is communicating your vision – what feeling and atmosphere do you want to achieve? We covered lighting design trends, using lighting to direct attention and transform spaces, budget considerations, and collaborating with photographers to get the best event photos. I asked them point blank – who drives the lighting design? The answers were insightful. The key takeaways? Lighting is crucial for events but can feel overwhelming. Lean on lighting pros, communicate the desired emotion and atmosphere, adjust lighting for photographers, and invest in a knowledgeable lighting tech onsite. Let me know in the comments – what lighting questions do you still have? Or share your biggest lighting flub story to reassure the rest of us! Looking forward to continuing the conversation.

My guests this week are Jeannie Savage & Curt Stal

Jeannie Young Savage is the owner of Details, Details, a world-class corporate event and wedding producer. Jeannie specializes in destination brides who live out of state or country, multiple day events, and full-service coordination from beginning to end. Prior to opening Details Details in 2003 Jeannie was General Manager of several full- service hotels. Managing 200 employees and dealing with over 40 vendors, she works well in demanding and stressful situations. With two Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of California Irvine and over 10 years of hospitality experience she provides a refreshing “insider’s” approach to assembling and managing events.

Curt Stahl, Sr. Lighting Designer, began his lighting design career at Images By Lighting in 1992. It didn’t take long for him to quickly become a revered member of the team, and the special events industry. In 1996, he became co-owner of the company, creating a formidable design team that includes Lonnie Thompson and Jackson Flagg, and is led by himself and co-owner and fellow lighting designer, Ray Thompson. Together they have built an award-winning, nationally acclaimed lighting design company sought after by well-known clients from the worlds of entertainment, weddings and business, both nationally and internationally.

In this episode, you will have fresh insight about:

  • Discover the crucial impact of lighting on wedding ambiance and how it can elevate the overall experience for everyone involved.
  • Learn the art of collaborating with lighting designers to bring your event vision to life, ensuring every detail is captured in the perfect light.
  • Stay updated on the latest lighting design trends and technology, empowering you to create stunning and memorable events that leave a lasting impression.
  • Master the skill of effectively communicating lighting needs with photographers, ensuring that every moment is captured in its best light for timeless memories.
  • Uncover the secrets to enhancing event atmosphere with strategic lighting, creating an immersive and enchanting experience that guests will never forget.

Go grab your coffee or your tea, and let’s talk it out. 

Connect with Jeannie Savage

Website

Instagram

Connect with Curt Stal

Website

What Renee’s Obsessed With This Week

And now for something completely different: I’ve been making some skin care content over on TikTok. If you know me IRL, you know that skin care is a major hobby of mine, and something I feel really passionate about. If you’re at all interested in skin care, beauty, and lifestyle content from me, please check me out on TikTok for a bit of fun!

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Credits

Editor: M. Lynn

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