Jay Sims is the owner, founder, and creative lead at Elegant Event Lighting, Chicago’s full-service décor, draping, and lighting studio. With more than ten years of hands-on experience in wedding and event production, Jay combines a deep understanding of lighting technology, design aesthetics, and client experience to deliver memorable atmospheres that elevate each celebration.
Jay launched Elegant Event Lighting with a mission to transform event venues through immersive lighting, elegant draping, and dance floor design. Under his leadership, the company has executed hundreds of weddings and high-end events across the greater Chicago area and beyond, collaborating with top planners, venues, and vendors. His technical mastery spans LED, uplighting, intelligent lighting systems, textured gobo projection, and custom event layouts.
As a thought leader in the wedding décor niche, Jay regularly contributes to industry blogs, shares event design trends, and educates couples and planners alike. He is passionate about helping clients understand how lighting and décor can enhance mood, photography, and guest experience. Through his blog, Jay offers insider tips, practical checklists, and real client stories grounded in his professional work.
When he’s not on site supervising installs or designing new lighting schemes, Jay enjoys exploring architectural lighting trends, mentoring junior designers, and collaborating with other creatives in the event industry.
Jay Sims is the owner, founder, and creative lead at Elegant Event Lighting, Chicago’s full-service décor, draping, and lighting studio. With more than ten years of hands-on experience in wedding and event production, Jay combines a deep understanding of lighting technology, design aesthetics, and client experience to deliver memorable atmospheres that elevate each celebration.
Jay launched Elegant Event Lighting with a mission to transform event venues through immersive lighting, elegant draping, and dance floor design. Under his leadership, the company has executed hundreds of weddings and high-end events across the greater Chicago area and beyond, collaborating with top planners, venues, and vendors. His technical mastery spans LED, uplighting, intelligent lighting systems, textured gobo projection, and custom event layouts.
As a thought leader in the wedding décor niche, Jay regularly contributes to industry blogs, shares event design trends, and educates couples and planners alike. He is passionate about helping clients understand how lighting and décor can enhance mood, photography, and guest experience. Through his blog, Jay offers insider tips, practical checklists, and real client stories grounded in his professional work.
When he’s not on site supervising installs or designing new lighting schemes, Jay enjoys exploring architectural lighting trends, mentoring junior designers, and collaborating with other creatives in the event industry.
