UBC Boathouse a Merry Place for Vancouver Wedding Celebrations

February 21, 2008 |

The UBC Boathouse rises up from along the Fraser River. (Julia Pelish Photography)

As part of my scouting for a client’s wedding I had the opportunity this week to visit one of the newest wedding facilities in Metro Vancouver, the UBC Boathouse. Located on River Road in Richmond, the Boathouse is an eclectic structure that mixes modern architecture with graceful flourishes.

The $6-million building opened in 2006 to house UBC’s rowing club as well as to serve as a training facility for Olympic hopefuls. It’s also a venue for group functions, including weddings. Stretching out into the Fraser River, the Boathouse is a fabulous blend of nature and the high life, literally. You can stand on the concrete walkway and watch planes taking off from YVR while eagles circle above the water’s edge.

I think it’s a truly unique place to celebrate your wedding and I’m looking forward to photographing there for the first time in a few weeks.

When I scout for my brides and grooms I try to envision spots that will work for intimate photographs. In many cases, I’ve taken the couples’ engagement portrait and already have a sense of what poses will capture them looking their most natural with each other. There are also group shots to consider. The UBC Boathouse immediately gave me ideas on all counts.

It’s long staircase leading up to a picturesque balcony is a neat spot for a bridal party photograph while the overhang can allow me to shoot down on the group gathered on the boat landing. If it’s a bright day, I will probably have the happy couple walking along the water, where the trees will be in bloom and the atmosphere will be romantic.

Pre-planning is essential to wedding photography. If you enter into a situation with a concept of what you want to achieve it makes it easier to do your job as well as to adjust to unpredictable scenarios. When my clients first approach me so many say that the pictures of their wedding are the most important thing to them. Any professional wedding photographer entrusted with that responsibility will get paid a lot and there’s pressure to deliver. Efforts to carefully prepare for each ceremony and reception are part of the job of making sure the couple gets the keepsakes they wish for.