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Sound and Light at Pelham House, Lewes.

In this blog, we’ll delve into one of the weddings where we had the pleasure of providing sound and lighting at the beautiful Pelham House in Lewes, East Sussex. We’ll also share some ideas we had that didn’t make it into the final plan.

Pelham House

St Andrew’s Ln
Lewes, BN7 1UW
United Kingdom

 

The Job

Soundfangled was commissioned to supply equipment and services for a wedding where the live band was a focal point of the evening’s entertainment. The couple had several key requirements:

  • Timely Setup: The equipment needed to be fully installed by 4 PM and ready for use at 5:30 PM. To meet this deadline, we hired additional technicians to streamline the process and ensure everything was in place.
  • Elegant Lighting: The couple wanted classy lighting to enhance the night’s entertainment, avoiding the typical “disco lights.” We opted for moving heads on trusses to create warm white and soft tones, complemented by minimal haze for atmosphere.
  • Quick Teardown: The music was scheduled to end at 11:30 PM, with the hall cleared by midnight. Our streamlined setup ensured a quick and efficient teardown process.

We designed a simple yet stunning package that met these requirements, making installation and takedown a breeze.

One unique aspect of this wedding was that the groom had composed music specifically for the event, performed by an 8-piece live band. The couple asked if we could record the performance, and we went above and beyond:

  • We made three separate backups using different recording methods: multitracking into Pro Tools, recording directly to USB from the mixer, and using a stand-alone Zoom device.
  • We suggested the band use in-ear monitors (IEMs), a recommendation we often make for non-purpose-built venues. IEMs help manage stage volume, keeping the overall sound level more comfortable for guests while ensuring a clean, high-quality recording

 

The Look

Pelham House is situated in one of the most enchanting areas of the UK, surrounded by rich history and natural beauty. We were mindful of the venue’s charm, ensuring our audio-visual setup complemented rather than overshadowed the space.

  • Discreet Equipment: We used slimline speakers, low and carpeted stages, and lights that blended seamlessly into the background while enhancing the room’s architectural features.
  • A Missed Opportunity: One idea we loved but didn’t implement was softly lighting the exterior of Pelham House with gentle washes and colour changes throughout the evening.

 

Sound Levels

Weddings bring together guests of all ages, and sound levels can be a contentious issue. Some guests prefer louder music, while others dislike it. We struck a balance by focusing on sound quality rather than sheer volume.

To achieve this, we utilised SMAART, a programme that measures and regulates sound levels, ensuring they stay within agreed limits. This approach kept the venue happy and ensured guests enjoyed a full-bodied sound experience without discomfort.

 

This project was a joy to work on. It combined technical precision with creativity to make the couple’s special day unforgettable.