read more about Ira Levy

Ira Levy

LEVY LIGHTING, NYC

Not just your ordinary lighting designer, Ira Levy is a true artist and he’s taken his talents to the next level. His lighting installations are extraordinary. In fact, he’s changing the face of event lighting with battery operated equipment that needs minimal installation time, projection art that’s “state of the art,” and props that offer interactive lighting that will amaze you.

I met Ira years ago and recently had the chance to work with him on a project in NYC for Dom Perignon and another in Washington for a bride and groom looking for something completely unique. I knew it was something that only Ira could handle. Projection art is Ira’s specialty and I was blown away in both instances by what he created. On top of that, Ira stays personally involved in all aspects of the creative and installation process. His ability to visualize a space from a lighting point of view comes from an innate talent, and two decades of business experience.

My relationship with Ira is quite funny. By chance I moved into an apartment right next door to his, and it wasn’t until the night before I moved out that we actually connected on a personal level and moved beyond business associates to friends. He and his wife Helene are gracious, kind and sincere; their hearts and souls are in every project they do.


      

Ira Levy's Tips:

• Ceremony: Lighting for the ceremony should be used to enhance the décor and add to the ceremony area, however, the main focus should always be on the ceremony itself. Beautiful illumination for the bride as she enters the room, coupled with a soft pattern projection on the aisle to simulate sunlight shining through trees, make for a simple and tasteful lead up to the ceremony area. The most important element is the ceremony area itself, whether it is a platform or just a designated area where the lovers will take their vows and consecrate their bond, proper illumination is paramount.
• Cocktail: I recommend a warm, pleasant lighting treatment for the cocktail hour. Naturally flattering colors that are not too heavily saturated will welcome guests to their first brush with your vision of the perfect celebration. Soft white lighting, colors such as amber or soft pink, work well to create a comfortable atmosphere that make everyone look happy and healthy.
• Dinner: Guests should be treated to a beautiful, enchanting ambiance when they enter the dinner area. Dramatic lighting helps seal the deal! Depending upon your taste and decorative palette, the lighting can be as simple as an elegant glow designed to simulate candlelight or the perfect lighting level at your favorite restaurant. If you prefer something bolder, you can use saturated light in strong colors such as reds, blues, amber, lavender or fuscia to name a few. The key to a successful lighting ambiance is using the light in ‘layers’. I usually depend upon two to three different ‘layers of light’ to create dimension and drama in a space.
• Reception: Dance floor lighting can energize guests by creating exciting color changes and patterns that pulse to the beat of the music. A good ‘lighting jockey’ can be almost important as a good disc jockey. However, if I had to choose between the two, the DJ definitely wins this one. If you incorporate color-changing lighting such as LED lighting at the perimeter of your room, the entire room can be coordinated to the beat of the music. A new effect we just created is an interactive dance floor; images such as fireworks or sparkles materialize at guests' feet as they move and groove to the beat of the music.
• Washroom: Don’t overlook the ambiance in the bathroom; this is where guests go to look their best. Harsh or incorrect lighting can sometimes be corrected with filters over fluorescent lights or by turning off some of the existing lighting and adding candles or other lighting elements.