We had a fantastic time at the Seattle Wedding Show talking to so many excited couples (more about our awesome experience at the show later). After the dust settled Sunday evening and the ULS crew was decompressing over a few cocktails, we realized that many people have one big misconception about our space: our size! Did you know that in 2011 we averaged about two weddings per week? We can’t believe it either! Of those events, the vast majority (at least 90%) were weddings. The average size was just over 100 people, with weddings as intimate as 40 and as large as 250.

Here, get the skinny on just how big of a party you can throw in this place with a good ol’ Q & A session.
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We will build a gallery show....before your very eyes! A live drawing event featuring original, on-the-spot artwork created by Seattle's Bureau of Drawers.  Watch as blank walls fill with all new art from the talented hands of a dozen artists.  All art for sale, don't miss it! [..]

The Seattle Wedding Show is right around the corner (January 7th and 8th!) and ULS can't wait to participate again in this great event! If you're newly engaged or need inspiration for any aspect of your wedding, this is the place to be. [..]

It's our 3rd Anniversary show and we are welcoming back some of our favorite artists for this group exhibition!  Also, to help ring in the 3rd year, we are bringing back the boys of Duck Ugly to bust out some awesome live silk screen t-shirt printing which will benefit Skateistan , a really cool non-profit.  In the spirit of the giving season, we will have a drop box for Toys For Tots so please bring an unwrapped toy for a little kiddie in need.  You may also find some holiday treats laying around:) [..]

One of the great things (among many) about getting married here at Urban Light Studios is that it often requires bringing in little to no décor. And while this is a total bonus, we can’t help but suggest one little design tip…flowers, flowers, and more flowers!

Image Credit: Urban Light Studios

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A multi-media art exhibit by Electric Coffin is sure to light up your Friday evening.  They will illuminate Urban Light Studios this month as they explore pop culture with old fashioned signage!  So bring your shades cause your gonna be...blinded by the light, revved up....!  You should also think about bringing a t-shirt that you might need spiffed up because we are going to have the boys from Duck Ugly doing live silk screen printing...that's right art walkers!  If all of your shirts are already badass, it's cool because these boys are prepared with t-shirts for purchase! [..]

Did you know that you can bring your own booze when you host your event at Urban Light Studios? It’s true, it just has to be served by one of our preferred bartender/catering services. It’s also one of the great benefits to booking an event here at ULS.  And amongst this all out amazing-ness of allowing such a great feature, we have discovered that people might be slightly confused about a couple of things. (Wait, you have never provided alcohol for over a 100 people before? We totally understand). In fact, you probably have questions similar to these ones we often hear, such as: How much alcohol should I buy? What kind should I buy anyways? And, where the hay do I even find a bartender in this town?

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This show is going to be one of the most amazing exhibitions ever!  A mixture of 40 different artists coming together to blow your ever-loving mind completely out of the water!  Swing by our "mad mad MAD show" world and roam around inside the pages of MAD Magazine and enjoy some free tacos courtesy of Camarena Tequila Taco Truck!

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Are you a fan of delicious and amazing food? Yay! So are we! This is why, when you book your event or wedding at Urban Light Studios, we offer four fabulous catering options for you to choose from. And, since we at ULS love to be a top-notch resource for all of your event needs here at the studio, we convinced Shubert Ho, owner and chef of Shooby Doo Catering and one of our four fantastic catering options, to answer some much needed questions for us. All ones that we having been dying to know!

Photo credit: Urban Light Studios

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Last year we were so incredibly honored to come in third place for Best Venue in Western Washington! After only being open for a few months, those kudos meant so much to us! Now, almost 100 events later, we are asking you to vote for us this year in our valiant (and shameless) attempt to lock down first place! Gold Medal! Blue Ribbon! You get the drift. Voting only takes a few seconds and we would be so happy if you aided in our efforts to take the category! You can vote here until October 9th. Thanks! [..]

For most people, coming through our doors to check out Urban Light Studios to see if we are the right fit for your wedding venue is among the first decisions you will be making about your wedding as a newly engaged couple. Congratulations! More than almost any other aspect of your wedding, the venue sets the tone for your wedding day. Here are some tips from our seasoned Events Manager on the hows and whens and whys to keep in mind when you come in for your tour! [..]

Are you afraid of the dark?  Well, if you are....GET OVER IT and swing by the Greenwood Collective this Friday August 12th! We are going to be featuring glow-in-the-dark art by several different artists....yes, you read this correctly, art that glows in the dark!  And, as if that isn't enough, Seattle Summer Streets will keep the party rolling at 10pm with live bands, amazing games, farmers market, aerial acrobats and so much more!  Get your glow on!!!! [..]

Ways to use (or not!) the ULS Main Space picture rail

You’ve decided to book your wedding at Urban Light Studios – congratulations! Not only are you going to have the best party in town, you’re going to be able to save a ton of money on what can be an all-out spending spree on trying to give the space a little more pazazz. One of the big advantages of hosting your wedding at Urban Light Studios is that you don't have to spend a ton (or any!) money on decor - the space is pretty spectacular as is, if I do say so myself.

However, while everyone swoons over the big bare brick wall in the Main Space, lots of ULS couples decide to get creative and make the room a little more "them" by utilizing the built-in picture rail. Whether you want to hang photos, string lights, drape fabric, or install art, little touches can bring a lot of your personality into the space.


Georgina and Ryan hung their awesome art (made by the groom) representing all of their hobbies, with their initials as bookends (image via Urban Light Studios)
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A great time was had by all at the Grand Opening of The Cellar, the amazing new private speakeasy ULS has recently begun accepting bookings for.  An enthusiastic crowd found their way down to the rustic urban space, hidden neatly beneath Ballard Ave.  The Cellar is perfect for rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, wine tastings, corporate events or even a small intimate wedding.

Thanks to everyone that came out last night and to Shooby Doo Catering for the delicious appetizers, to Wine World, for the vast selection of wines, and to Fremont Brewing Co for the tasty Summer Solstice Ale.

Contact us for more info and for a private tour of The Cellar!

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You like us, you really like us!!  The ULS team was thrilled to be part of a special evening last night hosted by Seattle Bride Magazine honoring their Best of 2011.  To our delight and surprise we were not only a finalist in the Best New Venue category, but we took home a special Editors Pick(!) award for venue with the “Funkiest Photo Ops”.  Amid all the excitement, an additional award was nearly mistakenly claimed by an un-named ULS team member (with a seasonal name) due to an unfortunate yet comical mishearing incident.

Be sure to pick up the beautiful Seattle Bride Best of 2011 issue on stands Friday and thank you hugely to Kate and everyone at Seattle Bride, as well as all of you who voted!

 

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We will build a gallery show before your very eyes!  That’s right, a live drawing event featuring original, on-the-spot artwork created by Seattle’s bureau of drawers.  Watch as blank walls fill with all new art from the talented hands of twenty artists!  All art for sale!  Most importantly….DON’T MISS IT!!!

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It’s all in the title.  Potluck style, so not only do we have over 35 artists participating in this show that have really let their culinary creative juices flow with their pieces, but they will also be bringing a little tasty treat.  This show has another purpose: a food drive for the Greenwood Food bank.  So if you decide to come, which you should cause it’s going to be flippin awesome, try and bring a non-perishable food item with ya!  This art walk is also known as The Big Art Walk because it’s not just Friday night the 13th, but Saturday afternoon (noon until 5) the 14^th as well!

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We had the amazing sultry paintings of Casey Brookbush, we had the silky smooth silk-screen music posters by Sasha Barr and Frida Clements, we had the tantalizing tunes of Gabriel Mintz, we had the liquid grapes of Bear Flag Wine, we had the…..well, EVERYTHING at this art walk!  It was colorful, it was moving, it was full of talent and it will be remembered as one of the best shows.

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Buckle your art walk seatbelts because this show is going to be quite the ride!  We are featuring three amazing artists this month. Casey Brookbush (www.caseybrookbush.com) will be showing his captivating, sultry paintings in our downstairs studio space with DJ Ben Shelton spinning. Frida Clements (www.drawntotheleft.com), senior graphic designer for Seattle Theatre Group and Sasha Barr (www.thisisthenewyear.com), a master of the silk screen art will both be showing their music posters upstairs. Make sure to stay for our special musical guest “Mintz Meat," who will be going on at 9pm to further entertain us and as always…wine tasting from Bear Flag!  Seriously, you have to come to this art walk

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It’s all in the title – this show is going to be a robotic and beastly artistic battle! Curated by ULS regular, Nick Beery, Bots vs. Beasts features artwork by 30 different artists from as far away as Norway.  There’s something for everyone in this one and all you Star Wars fans out there are especially not going to want to miss this.   And we welcome the fine wine of Bear Flag, once again.

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Ahh February, the month of Love.  The perfect month for these artists because a lot of love went into all of their pieces and people couldn’t help but love them.  Sarah Miles stole everyone’s heart with her colorful and whimsical creatures.  Grace Willard dazzled the eyes of art walkers with her intricate papier mache pieces and Chris Allman piqued curiosity with his unique and clever nature pieces.  Top all of this off with some delicious wine courtesy of Bear Flag Wine…served from a custom "sheet fort" installed as part of Sarah's show.  It is safe to say that February’s Art Walk was down right lovable.

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Colorful, cute creatures, woodland sculptures and intricate papier mache framed pieces  - this is the beginning taste of tomorrow’s art walk!  We are super excited to be welcoming back one of our favorite artists, Sarah Miles and opening our ULS arms to two new artists, Chris Allman and Grace Willard, that are sure to please!  Last but not least we will have Toby with Bear Flag Wine here again to serve up some wine tasting!  Come on by!

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Lydia, the beautiful exotic bride and Bryce her charming all American groom, tied the knot recently and had their reception here at ULS.  What an adorable couple!!!   They had a rainbow of candy and treats for their family and friends.  To quote the great David Crosby, “If you smile at me I will understand because that is something everyone, everywhere knows in the same language” – which seemed appropriate because the smiles were a plenty at this event shared between families and friends from the other side of the world…how refreshing it was!  The “piece de resistance” was Lydia and how absolutely chic she was!  She had an Amazon of gorgeous flowers in her hair and a stunning, unique dress that the savvy, thrifty bride had made for her through Etsy.  Best wishes to Lydia and Bryce!!!

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Whether flames and famous faces are your thing or custom painted kitchen mixers or hand painted silk tapestries and flowing fashion…you lucked out and found all three at January’s art walk at ULS.  Mike Lavallee with Killer Paint has a steady and unique hand with airbrush art and an amazing ability to capture famous faces and put a hardcore twist to them.  Nicole Dinardo, also with Killer Paint, has chosen Kitchen Aid mixers as her masterpeices.  She tricks these mixers out and believe us, they are irresistible!  Rodger Scheibner displayed amazing hand painted shawls and tapestries on silk and velvet upstairs, along with his full fashion collection.  Also a BIG shout out to our gracious wine host, Toby with Bear Flag Wine…..thanks for servin up some tasty tannins! [..]

Amazing looking show going up right now (including the hood of a car) for Art Walk tomorrow.   Mike Lavallee and Nicole Dinardo come from the auto custom paint world and have applied their techniques into some gorgeous art pieces.  Mike is famous for his incredibly realistic “True Fire” flames he has painted on the rides of celebrities like Jesse James.  And Nicole does amazing work custom paint work on, you ready?, kitchen mixers, among other things.  Be sure to check out “Custom Culture to Kitchen Couture” this Friday 6-10p.

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December’s art walk brought us a dark twist on an innocent childhood favorite, excellent wine and awesome photography from the UW Photography program graduates.  Mingling art-walkers found themselves taken hostage by the boys who inhabit “Pulp Street”  while sipping on some delicious wine from our gracious sponsor, Bear Flag Wine.  The Bert and Ernie versions of Vincent Vega and Jewels from Pulp Fiction by artist Nick Beery were quite the attraction.  Although intimidating, they were very friendly and great sports when people asked to have a picture with them.

Once again, another successful and delightfully bizarre art walk at ULS!

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ULS featured artist Nico Inzerella used art walk as the warm-up to his recent wedding reception at our studio. His urban contemporary paintings set the scene for an exquisite costume party reception accentuated by amazing costumes such as Nico and his bride, Emily, dressed up as the king and queen of pop.

You can catch some of Nico's work at tomorrow's, December Art Walk 6- 10 p.  And, check out the video below for some amazing costumes brought to you by Nico and Emily's wedding guests.

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ULS is proud to host the Seattle Professional Photographers Association holiday party coming up on Dec 7.  Dozens of local photographers will be joining us for a shoot around in our different studios along with refreshments and industry networking.   For tickets and more information visit thinksppa.org

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That's pretty much the only word to describe last Friday night - huge crowds, amazing shows - great time.  ULS featured "Happy Little Trees", a group tribute to Bob Ross and his legendary afro by 15 different artists.   Thanks to all our artists and to Solace for putting together a killer show.    Bherd next door featured the intricately hung "Take 5" and there was the grand opening of our newest gallery Echo Echo to great fanfare. 

Check out some video below shot by Jan Klier (allklier.com) Next art walk is Dec 10 - see you then!


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We've been named the #3 Venue in Western Washington by the King 5/Evening Magazine viewers poll!  That's #3 out of of 76 nominated venues and the only top 3 venue in the Seattle area.  Thanks a ton to all of you who voted.   We'll keep cranking out the wicked rad events and if you want to check us out for your next private soiree, contact us or come on by for one of our fabulous 2nd Friday Art Walks.

Here's the final results page.



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We are thrilled to be nominated for Best Venue in Western Washington by
the KING 5/Evening Magazine's viewers poll!

So we are asking for your help - if you could possibly spare a moment to cast a
vote for us, we'd sure be grateful.   Just click the green box below:

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We welcomed Colcorado based photographer David Tejada as our featured speaker for the first ULS Photographer Networking Evening last week.  There was a great turnout of Seattle photographers (and some from Canada) who had a chance to talk shop with colleagues, as well as learn from David.  His presentation focused on his extensive use of off camera speedlights for location photography.  David shared all sorts of tricks and techniques with the crowd, and then hosted a following day workshop where 10 photographers were able to work 1 on 1 with him.  We're pleased to have David as a friend of ULS and look forward to welcoming him back in the future.

We had a great response to our Photographer Networking Evening and will look to get another one scheduled soon, so stay tuned.  Feel free to email us if you would like to be included on our invite list. [..]

We are pleased to welcome David Tejada as the featured speaker in the first in a series of Photographer Networking Socials at ULS, Aug 18 at 7p.  David is a highly regarded Denver based commercial photographer well known within the national photographic community for his "Small Strobes, Big Results" website and workshop series.  He will give a slide show presentation of his work and discuss his transition to using small strobes for all assignment work.  Stick around afterward for refreshments and a chance to network with other photographers and explore our studio.

This event is free, tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis.  Please email info@urbanlightstudios.com for tickets.   Some spaces may also be available in David's day workshop at our studio on Aug 19, see davidtejada.com for details. [..]

Why yes, that is a gallery in our gallery.   June brought us "Free Life Center" - an arts grant funded touring gallery and exhibition.  Yes, a touring gallery.   Portland artists Seth Neefus and Mark Warren Jaques created a modular art gallery structure out of salvaged materials.  They then set out on a journey through the US and Canada with their gallery and artwork towed beind them.  We were priviliged to be their only Seattle stop as the structure was constructed inside our Main Space for a one night show, then disassembled and gone less than 24 hours later.   All were treated to an especially unique evening of art and music, including a rousing musical set by the Lonesome Billies. [..]

The May Annual Art Walk was our grandest affair yet!  Featuring the endearing artwork of Calamity Jon Morris, the music of Squirrel Butter, and Titianium Sporkestra - YES - a marching band which paraded our hallways, each of the hundreds of visitors seemed to have a smile on their face.  One bewildered first time visitor told us "I feel like I've discovered a secret magical land" and another compared the crowds on Greenwood Ave during the Art Walk to navigating Bourbon Street.  The Greenwood-Phinney art scene is definitely in full force. 

Thanks to all of our artists - Dalton Webb, Justin Ison, Tom Dougherty, to our house DJs, Bobby Trendy, for the beats and all of our old and new friends.  We'll see you next month - June 11, 6-10p for "Free Life Center", a special travelling gallery show out of Portland making a Seattle stop for one night only. [..]

Our newest theme room - "The Library"- has opened.  Designed as a modern take on Grandpa's study, it serves as a cool retro-modern space in the heart of our upstairs.  We carefully selected a variety of rad lounge furniture pieces that look great in The Library, but are also versatile for creating a custom lounge anywhere in the studio for photo shoots or events.   The crowning piece is a light-up globe - a replica of one from our studio owner's Great-Grandma's house.  Be sure to "check out" (ha, witty) The Library on your next visit to ULS.
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The March Art Walk was another big hit, featuring the amazingly intricate work of Tessa Hull's "Grow Me a Boat" exhibition. We were treated to the "Northwest Twang and Groove" sounds of "Decateur Buff" upstairs who were definitely a crowd favorite.  Thanks to everyone who joined us for the evening and our amazing artistic community that always puts together a great show.  Next Art Walk is April 9, 6-10p. [..]

"Refresh" Seattle recently lit up Greenwood with a who's who showcase of the Seattle interior design industry at Urban Light Studios.  Hosted by industry insiders Trish Barnett and Kelli Patch and sponsored by Seattle Homes and Lifestyles magazine, the space looked amazing and we enjoyed a fantastic turnout.  From the biofuel pedestal fireplace on our patio to the one of a kind light fixtures by Jonathan Mathews and a variety of Seattle artists, the event was a feast for the eyes and definitely the place to be seen. [..]

Our fabulous log cabin green room is almost complete.  We started with the walls (from the set of Northern Exposure), and have been searching high and low for the perfect complmentary cabin decor.  A couple sets of antlers for the wall, a wooden mallard, and some great timber furniture to go with our yellow velvet loungers have done the job nicely.  The latest arrival, our overhead elkhorn chandalier, has taken its place as one of the finishing touches.  It's a cool environment for getting ready for photo shoots or weddings or as a nice little escape during evening events. [..]

It’s all in the title.  Potluck style, so not only do we have over 35 artists participating in this show that have really let their culinary creative juices flow with their pieces, but they will also be bringing a little tasty treat.  This show has another purpose: a food drive for the Greenwood Food bank.  So if you decide to come, which you should cause it’s going to be flippin awesome, try and bring a non-perishable food item with ya!  This art walk is also known as The Big Art Walk because it’s not just Friday night the 13th, but Saturday afternoon  (noon until 5) the 14^th as well!

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