The Invisible Art of Rigging: Lighting Outdoor Weddings
In Southern California, where sunshine is nearly guaranteed, outdoor weddings and events are highly desirable, especially when they take place (as this one did) on a private estate with sweeping views of the rolling hills, and acres of lush grassland enjoyed by resident donkeys and ducks between.
As owners of the property, this wedding couple wanted to fully embrace the natural beauty of their surroundings. The challenge? They also envisioned an elaborate lighting design—complete with oversized chandeliers and ambient uplighting. "In California, the views, sunsets, and skies are part of the wedding vibe," says Curt Stahl, Senior Lighting Designer at Images by Lighting. He and Ray Thompson, also a Senior Lighting Designer at Images, collaborated to choreograph a design that complemented the natural transition from day to night, seamlessly enhancing the atmosphere.
Images by Lighting was part of the team assembled by Event Lab, a Tampa-based event planning firm that expertly orchestrated the logistics to make it all happen.
Event Lab’s owner, Rena Wiser worked with the couple to define their desires. “They wanted a wedding that felt uniquely them and incorporated many of the things they love the most -- their ranch, the landscape, the vibe of Southern California, and of course, their beloved animals!”
Her vision for the look was a night under the stars yet one with a structure. “We wanted the massive space to feel intimate.” Wiser says. “A tent wasn’t a right fit for this design or our couple so we opted for a gorgeous truss structure that would be both functional for lighting & florals, but served as a décor element as well.”
To execute this vision, a sophisticated rigging system—known as truss work—was required to suspend lighting fixtures, decorative elements, and power cables. Often hidden beneath fabric “sleeves” or adorned with greenery, the truss allows these elements to blend effortlessly into the environment.
"No one wants to see the truss," says Mlody, owner of Ricochet Rigging, who provided the structural support for the event. "But without it, none of this happens."
An Unsung Hero of Event Production
Mlody—short for Przemyslaw Swierczynski—has spent 20 years building structures in extreme locations, from oceanfront cliffs to remote landscapes, and even for major events like the Super Bowl and the Oscars. He describes his work as solving problems people didn’t even know existed.
"We’re the people who make the impossible possible," Mlody says. "When you look it up, also see ‘magician’ and ‘wizard.’"
Though he jokes, his job is serious business. Every suspended element—whether it’s a chandelier, an audio system, or an aerial performer—must be installed with absolute precision. His team works behind the scenes to secure permits, consult engineers, and design structures that ensure both aesthetic beauty and structural safety.
The Build from the Ground Up
Rigging begins early in the event setup process, immediately after the flooring is installed.
"We anchor the truss to the flooring so that it acts as a ballast," Mlody explains. "That way, everything is secure before the lighting and design teams come in."
For this event, the Images by Lighting team followed, layering fixtures at varying heights to create a stunning visual effect. Then, the team from Revelry Event Design stepped in, adding final decorative touches that made the truss—and all its essential mechanics, blend with the elements.
The result? Pure magic.
Guests dined under the stars as chandeliers cast a warm, romantic glow over the tables with wash and texture fixtures along with the floral framed and pinspotted and framed with lighting. The structural elements supporting this breathtaking experience were completely invisible, just as they were meant to be.
"Safety, stability, and creativity go hand in hand," Mlody says. "It’s not just about holding things up. It’s about making dreams happen … safely."