The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is a popular venue for large and small events in Vancouver, known for its gorgeous grand ballrooms. The hotel can be characterized by elegance and is one of the oldest hotels in Vancouver. It sits in the middle of Downtown, at the center of everything, and has been nicknamed the ‘Castle in the City.’ Perfect for meetings, weddings, or even social events, the hotel venue is conveniently located across the street from the Vancouver Art Gallery, Robson Square, and minutes away from the waterfront and Vancouver Convention Center. In addition to your typical wedding or conference, the hotel’s size makes it well-suited for large galas.
When An Event Turns Into An Experience
I was asked to photograph and capture the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation’s yearly fundraiser gala, and, wow, the decor and preparation that went into the event were spectacular. It was the most elaborately designed fundraiser gala I have photographed, and it felt like being at an extravagant wedding. The decor, with its intricate details and additional lighting, elevated what was already a beautiful venue. Look closely, and you can see some of the Art Deco chandeliers that adorn the ballrooms. A better way to describe the gala was an experience. The additional lighting and all the small details made you feel as if you stepped into old Chinatown and were invited to their large dinner party. Fitting to the foundation, dinner was dim sum! Details matter. Take a look at what was part of the table settings; once again, everything was in the details.
A lively art auction followed with well-known individuals in Vancouver and also local and provincial dignitaries.
When photographing corporate and private events or brand activations, not only do I try to tell a story, but I also try to capture the overall mood and lighting of the venue. It’s not always the case that lighting is part of the event planning process, as there are so many other aspects to an event to think of that it’s usually whatever the venue has to offer. In the case of this gala, you can tell it was considered. It definitely provided a challenge, but I eventually figured out how to incorporate and work with the lighting design of the evening. Hope you enjoyed the set.
