Simpson Lakes is 120 acres, and the number that actually matters for a film is 13,000 — the square footage that is air conditioned. Labif Filmhouse has filmed there, outside Dade City.
Simpson Lakes sits on 120 acres of woodland and lakes near Trilby, north of Dade City. The lodge is modern farmhouse — high ceilings, Edison lighting, white interior — with 13,000 square feet of air-conditioned space that includes getting-ready rooms and room for an indoor ceremony. It holds 300.
How it actually films
The white interior is why the lodge works. Most barn venues are dark stained wood, which swallows light and forces everything to be lit. White walls and high ceilings bounce whatever comes through the windows, so the room has ambient light instead of pools of it.
Edison bulbs read warm and orange on camera and read differently again beside daylight. A reception that starts in daylight and ends under Edison lighting is two colour temperatures, and the transition wants handling in the grade rather than being fought at the time.
What to protect in the timeline
- An indoor ceremony option that is actually a plan. With space for it inside, weather stops being a gamble.
- Getting-ready in the lodge rooms. They are white and window-lit, which is unusual and worth using.
- Sunset on the water before the lights take over.
Shelby + Scott
Filmed at Simpson Lakes near Dade City in December 2021. Their film is below.
Filmed at Simpson Lake. See more of our Tampa wedding films.