A high-brightness LED module includes a substrate with a recess in which a light emitting element is mounted. The recess is defined by a sidewalls and a relatively thin membrane. At least two micro-vias are provided in the membrane and include conductive material that passes through the membrane. A p-contact of the light emitting element is coupled to a first micro-via and an n-contact of the light emitting element is coupled to a second micro-via.