One Tent, Two Stories
A Side-by-Side Comparison of a Rehearsal Dinner and Wedding Brunch
Lighting is often the most powerful way to reinvent a space. For this couple’s wedding weekend, the same tent became the stage for two entirely different celebrations: a rehearsal dinner full of rich, cultural detail and a day‑after brunch bursting with citrusy joy. Placing the photos next to one another shows just how dramatically lighting and design choices shaped the mood.
Ceiling & Lighting
Rehearsal Dinner: Satin draping in saturated orange stretched across the ceiling, framing a series of ivory and metallic pendants. Custom Japanese‑inspired fixtures with gold and crane motifs gave the ceiling an artful focal point, washing the tables below in a warm glow.
Wedding Brunch: The same tent roofline was reimagined with woven yellow pendants overflowing with florals. The effect was airy and playful, filling the space with a sense of morning brightness and energy.
Color Palette
Rehearsal Dinner: Deep orange tones paired with green accents reflected the couple’s love of Asian culture while adding depth and drama.
Wedding Brunch: A jubilant palette of lemon, marigold, and citrus hues echoed the sunshine pouring into the lakeside tent, keeping the atmosphere fresh and lively.
Table Design
Rehearsal Dinner: Rectangular tables were connected to form a long garden‑style centerpiece that ran the length of the dining area. Candlelight in lotus and green blown‑glass holders flickered alongside lush florals, surrounding guests in intimacy.
Wedding Brunch: Instead of long banquet dining, the brunch centered on a buffet “garden” overflowing with yellow blooms, fresh fruit, and vegetables. Lounge vignettes with citrus‑striped furniture and rugs encouraged relaxed mingling.
Details & Accents
Rehearsal Dinner: Every setting told a story — Oscar de la Renta china, jade‑and‑gold flatware with chopsticks, origami crane place cards, and menus folded as hand fans all tied back to the Asian inspiration.
Wedding Brunch: Details leaned whimsical — lemon‑leaf food markers tucked into real fruit, striped acrylic menus, baskets of lemons for texture, and a mimosa bar dressed with floral ice spheres and playful garnishes.
Atmosphere
Rehearsal Dinner: Romantic and refined, the evening invited quiet conversation and heartfelt toasts, elevated further by live music drifting through the tent.
Wedding Brunch: Bright and celebratory, the brunch felt like a continuation of the couple’s joy, set to the upbeat sound of acoustic musicians.
Why Lighting Matters
Seeing these two moments side‑by‑side makes the role of lighting unmistakable. Pendants and draping didn’t just illuminate the space — they set the emotional tone. Without changing the venue itself, thoughtful lighting transformed one tent into two completely unique experiences.
From the romantic glow of the rehearsal dinner to the radiant cheer of the brunch, these events prove that lighting is the ultimate design tool. With the right fixtures and styling, one tent can hold countless stories.
Ready to Transform Your Event?
Whether you’re planning a rehearsal dinner, brunch, or full wedding weekend, Phos can help you create unique atmospheres that feel completely new in the same space. Explore our pendant collection or get in touch with our team to start designing your transformation.
Design concept credits: Special thanks to Ashley, owner and founder of Poppati Events, for her vision in designing the full wedding weekend.
