We had the great fortune to be asked to shoot some gorgeous wedding event concepts by Amini Concepts at this fantastic new venue, Lightspace in Fortitude Valley.  I am going to do a separate post about the great styling by Amini Concepts (and should probably say clearly now that Kelly Starr is my sister-in-law) but this post is all about Lightspace.

Located on the corner of Light Street and Scanlan street Fortitude Valley this is a really cool and unique venue for Brisbane.  I am pretty sure that there isn’t anything else like it in here and that is what makes is so, so special.  It has a sleek, urban aesthetic with exposed iron beams, polished concrete floors and a mixture of raw (like the distressed metal shelving bar tables) and designed elements (like the crisp-plywood, architectural, window-box frames).  It offers plenty of options for styling and is a great blank canvas for a wedding reception or party venue (an engagement party would also be great here as well).  There are two distinct spaces you can hire or if you want the whole space it is 660 square metres!!!  That is room-a-plenty for drinks at the bar as well as a sit down dinner followed by dancing the night away to the band of your choice!  We seriously recommend this space and urge you to check it out if you are looking for something a little bit different or a space you can truly transform as your own.

When I was writing this post I asked John, the owner, some questions about what makes Lightspace so unique and his tips for a better Brisbane life (if that is possible!):

How involved have you been in the development of Lightspace?

Quite heavily!  I built the concept and renovated the venue from scratch.  I’d run events in similar venues in London and thought something like this could work in Brisbane.  After nearly 2 years of construction (plus loads of blood, sweat and tears) we were ready to go!

What do you think makes it such a great venue?

I think the room itself has a special ambiance. Perhaps this is the combination of character elements (such as the heavy rusted pylons or the thick wooden floorboards) with designed elements (like the bar area and polished concrete floor).  But the space had something about it even as a raw warehouse before we did the renovation.  Lightspace is quite unique in Brisbane in that it’s a beautiful space that can be hired for private events.  We’re rarely open for public events, so people only get to see it if it’s booked.  Plus we don’t really advertise, so people are still discovering us over a year after we opened.

If I were to get married at Lightspace what would be the best way to style the venue?

To be honest the venue works well with minimal decoration, or with some incredible themeing.  Every event is different at Lightspace so we’ve seen every configuration possible, and it always looks beautiful whether people have a big budget or small.  For me the best configuration for a wedding is having a single long table set-up in Space 1.  This makes for a very special, intimate setting, and everyone gets to sit with the bride and groom!

What about a roller skating party?

We did get asked about that once, but I think the public liability quashed it.  There’s been so many events so it’s difficult to choose one, but I’d say one of the coolest was having Mark Ronson rehearse at the venue before his tour with the Future Music Festival.  About six of us got to hang out with Mark and his band while they played a gig in the venue.  Some people would’ve paid a lot of money for an exclusive show like that!

Your tips for a better Brisbane life:

Favourite coffee place: Caffeine on Commercial Road at Teneriffe, Cafe Bouquiniste at New Farm, in the city Brother Expresso because they have such a beautiful space.

Favourite bar: Laruche in the Valley, also Kerbside and the new Brew Bar in Burnett Lane is the first cool bar I’ve seen in the city for a long time.

Best kept Brisbane secret: Lightspace of course!

Dream getaway: I always love going back to Barcelona.

Favourite rainy day tune: Probably something by Radiohead.