Matt Murphy Event Lighting P.O. Box 701 Southampton, NY (631) 287-7026 www.mattmurphyeventlighting.com

After five years alongside acclaimed landscape lighting designer Greg Yale, honing his skills in illuminating high-end properties, Matt Murphy discovered a new canvas for his art form: the tented soirees dotting the Hamptons’ social scene.

Murphy’s passion is to make the ambience of events under the stars unforgettable. His lighting design marks the sense of occasion, but most importantly, makes guests look and feel beautiful. His lighting effects integrate the work of fellow event artists – florist, caterer and entertainer – that would otherwise be lost in the shadows. His keen eye reveals the charms of signature East End vistas – vineyards, dunes and the water’s edge – with respect for the night sky.

To Murphy, a pristine and crisp white tent, nestled in a rich green garden, is an art sculpture waiting to be seen in its best light. Yet this canvas is but one part of the lighting equation. Murphy taps into his landscape lighting roots when he casts gentle washes of light on the curves of a statue, softly highlights delicate gardens, and, flushes out a tree’s canopy to illuminate every leaf. He has mimicked the appearance of moonlight in ponds but also cast the effect of moonbeams on guests. Always keeping nature in mind, he also down lights winding sandy footpaths to reflect his illuminations.

Murphy has lit events for the who’s who of the East End at their private residences and celebrated East End locations including The LongHouse Reserve, The Wilhem de Kooning Estate, The Maidstone Club and The Wölffer Estate. His reputation is grounding on being known as, what New York Magazine calls, and “the go-to guy for making the tent look dazzling.