Transforming Venue 116: How Landscape Lighting Brought New Life to a Houston Wedding Venue

A New Light on Venue 116

There’s something magical about the moment the sun sets over Venue 116. The courtyard glows, the trees shimmer with soft uplighting, and guests gather under a canopy of twinkle lights.

But it wasn’t always this way.

“I’ve always loved lighting,” says Shawn Johnson, owner of Venue 116, a modern wedding and event space in Houston. “It’s one of the most elegant ways to highlight a space. When we decided to add exterior and landscape lighting, I wanted it to feel romantic but also functional — something that would make the venue come alive at night.”

To make that vision a reality, Shawn partnered with Powered By H, a Houston-based lighting company known for their custom venue lighting design and smart outdoor lighting systems.

The Vision: Elevating the Atmosphere

Venue 116 already had charm — sweeping courtyards, elegant architecture, and lush green space. What it lacked was evening presence.

“When people came to tour at night, the venue didn’t have the same energy,” Shawn explains. “We wanted guests to drive by and feel drawn in — to see it glowing and say, ‘That’s where I want my event.’”

With that goal in mind, Powered By H designed a plan focused on beauty, safety, and smart control — a complete exterior transformation that would enhance both guest experience and venue operations.

The Process: Design Meets Precision

Shawn gave the team at Powered By H full creative freedom:

“I told them, ‘Do what you think will look best — show me your vision.’ And they did. Every fixture, every tree light, every angle was intentional.”

After a collaborative design phase, the installation began. Powered By H’s technicians ensured the process was smooth, efficient, and respectful of the venue’s event schedule.

“They showed us the app, how to control everything, and even helped troubleshoot when we had questions,” Shawn recalls. “The entire experience felt effortless.”

The Transformation: From Functional to Breathtaking

The results speak for themselves.

Now, as guests arrive at Venue 116, they’re greeted by a warm, inviting glow that instantly sets the mood. The tree uplighting and string lights across the courtyard create a romantic ambiance perfect for weddings, parties, and evening events.

“The lighting has completely changed the way the venue feels,” says Shawn. “It’s more elegant, more welcoming, and it really shows us as a premier event space. People notice — it’s a big part of what makes us stand out now.”

Beyond aesthetics, the lighting offers practical advantages too.

“Before, some areas were dark, which wasn’t ideal for guests or staff,” she explains. “Now, everything is well-lit, and with the app, we can turn off the lights from the parking lot when locking up. It’s beautiful and functional.”

The Results: A Brighter Brand and a Stronger Venue

Lighting has become one of Venue 116’s greatest selling points.

“Seeing the venue at night is a game-changer for clients,” Shawn says. “It’s increased the value of what we offer. Couples can visualize their weddings here after dark — they see how magical it looks in photos, and that makes their decision easier.”

She credits Powered By H for helping her turn that vision into reality.

“They were professional, on time, and worked within our budget. The design came out even better than I imagined. I’d absolutely recommend them to any venue owner or business looking to add outdoor lighting.”

Why Lighting Matters for Venues

Lighting doesn’t just illuminate — it defines how a space feels. For venues like Venue 116, it:

Creates emotion and ambiance guests remember

Improves safety and visibility throughout the property

Boosts visual appeal for photos and videos

Adds value to the venue’s overall presentation

As Shawn puts it, “Lighting can make almost any building beautiful — and when you start with a beautiful venue, it can make it unforgettable.”