royal victoria yacht club wedding

Welcome to the Blog!

Hello and welcome! We are a husband + wife wedding and portrait photography team located in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia Canada. Feel free to explore our latest work, leave a comment or drop a line. We would love to hear from you! Make sure to come back every now and then to see what's new!

Warmest, Ashley and Brandon :)

Royal Victoria Yacht Club Wedding | Jeremy + Karla

The day was filled with so much joy, laughter, dancing and not to mention, gorgeous details! We’ve known Karla and Jeremy over the past few years now so it made it that much more special to be along side and document such an important time in their lives together. We had a mix of all types of weather that day … blue skies, sun, overcast, pouring rain and wind but it was an amazing day!! I remember when we first showed up to Karla’s hotel room, she had all of her details all ready to go for us to photograph, she is a little planner and so organized! … and her shoes, omg. ahhhhh, pink and and leopard print, our brides our awesome!! The theme of their wedding was nautical and there were such so many details to photograph!! (… I tried to hold back in this post!).  Karla’s parent’s own a beautiful sailboat docked at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and we were so pumped with the weather opened up a little during their reception to go out and quickly take a few photos :) Congratulations Karla and Jeremy!!

« Kauai Travels :) William & Alina | E-Session »

• Back To Top

Ahhhmazing!! You two are so talented!! Such a beautiful wedding, and I LOVE her shoes too!

Ashley those are amazing!!! You are so talented!! Can’t wait o see them all!!

gorgeous crisp photos like always :) love the photos on the sail boat and the bride’s shoes!!!!

Stunning photos. You know a photographer is amazing when they are able to catch the love and joy that encircled Karla and Jeremy on their wedding day. Well done!

© 2017 Ashley and Brandon Photography, Victoria BC Wedding Photographer, Vancouver Island Wedding Photography, Victoria Photographer, Victoria Wedding Photographers | ProPhoto 6 | © The Design Space Co

Victoria BC Wedding Photographer Lara Eichhorn

Documentary Wedding and Family Photography

Mikayla and Chris are Married

October 24, 2009 by Lara Eichhorn

I finally got a chance to put together a full post about Mikayla and Chris’s Royal Victoria Yacht Club wedding from October 10th. These two really know how to have a fun, low-key wedding. They got married in a backyard in Oak Bay, which was lovely on a lucky sunny October afternoon. They had someone play the guitar and everyone broke out their cameras. After the ceremony, instead of walking back down the “aisle”, they immediately broke out the champagne and everyone drank and chatted in the afternoon sun.

We headed down to Queen’s Park after for some photos of the newly married couple.  It was so easy to shoot the formals with these two.  They were full of smiles and love and willing to get a little silly.  It helps that they’re truly adorable together.

The reception was at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and was mellow and untraditional.  They had appetizers instead of dinner, and yummy looking cupcakes from Ooh La La Cupcakes . Lots of guests got in on dancing in this cozy, warmly-lit reception space.

Thanks to Phil for being a stellar second shooter, as usual.  Thanks again to Mikayla and Chris for letting us be a part of their day.

Reception Venue: Royal Victoria Yacht Club Cupcakes: O o h La La Cupcakes

• Wedding Stories
• Elopement Stories
• Family Stories
• Couples Portrait Portfolio
• Wedding Venues

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

• Guide to Russia
• Experience Russia

Fairytale Wedding in Russia

Photo by Aleksandr Neplokhov  on Pexels

How are weddings celebrated in Russia?

• Ransoms: This tradition comes from the south of Russia. The bride is kidnapped by friends and on the morning of the wedding the groom must try to win her back. Generally, this is done by bribery but sometimes dancing or even drinking contests are held.
• Trickery: When the hopeful groom comes round in the morning to collect his bride, some devious parents-in-law present him with another woman dressed in a wedding gown and veil or, if they’re feeling especially mean, they might even dress-up a man!
• “Gorka!”: This one word can be heard at every single Russian wedding. It means bitter and guests chant this at the after-party so as to implore the new couple to kiss earnestly and therefore bring sweetness where once there was bitterness.
• Predictions: After the wedding ceremony, Russians have fun by trying to predict what gender the couple’s first baby will be. Before this used to be done by bits of paper, but now the predictions are often made by text!

Rossiya—that word alone elicits images of opulent churches, resplendent palaces and breathtaking cathedrals. In summer, equally stunning gardens form blooming borders to Russia’s countless palaces and the soft trickling of fountains, tucked away in shady corners, set the pace to the lovely and long days during white nights. And, in the seemingly endless winter, the sparkling white of snow softens the edges of Russia’s formal landscapes; making for a veritable winter wonderland. A more magical setting to say “I do” couldn’t have been dreamt up. Russia is the place where fairytales really can come true.

St Petersburg

A historic city need not be very old. Such is the case with St Petersburg. The city of dreams or, more specifically, of Peter the Great’s dreams has only been around for a little over three centuries, yet its streets are as rich in stories as the ancient cities of the Golden Ring. As the seat of the Romanov family, the city’s grand squares have seen an endless stream of royal wedding carriages roll through them. Though royal weddings are no longer, partners can still declare their love for one another in much the same way as the tsareviches and tsarinas did. A visit to St. Petersburg is still perfect for a wedding. At all the palaces and manors listed below weddings of all shapes and sizes can be effortlessly organized.

Catherine Palace

Photo by Dan Tuykavin on Unsplash  

The baby blue façade, edged with touches of white and gold, of Tsarina Elizabeth’s beloved summer retreat makes for an ever so romantic backdrop. Its acres of elegantly structured gardens and wide, open vistas are reminiscent of Versailles. Though outdoor weddings are all the rage, it would be a mistake not to take advantage of the exquisite rooms within the palace when planning a wedding. Many of the lavish halls within the palace were designed by one of the greatest architects of all time, Rastrelli and the Amber room is considered to be one of the most beautiful rooms ever created.

For those wanting a more low-key, natural wedding, the estate where Catherine Palace is based, Tsarskoye Selo, has a few smaller palaces and pavilions on the grounds. The bright and airy halls of the Cameron Gallery, for example, with French doors opening up onto a lovely terrace and a grand marble staircase make for a simple yet classy backdrop for a wedding ceremony. While the intimate pavilion on the island, set in a forest of trees, has interiors that are almost splendid as the Catherine palace.

St.Petersburg, Pushkin, Sadovaya str. 7 T: +7(812)465 2024

Yelagin Palace

Photo by A.Savin  on Wikipedia

In the very heart of St Petersburg lies an island full of rolling meadows, flower beds and oaks. Apart from being the city’s most treasured weekend spot, it’s also one of the most popular wedding venues. Though the charming Yelagin palace is out of the reach of most Russian couples, brides and their grooms often come after the nuptials to release balloons and pose on bridges arching over the canals.

St.Petersburg, Elagin Island, 4 T: +7(812)430 1010

Ethnography Museum

Yes, in Russia it’s even possible to get married in a museum! For a wedding that will have a lasting impression on your guests, the majestic Marble Hall of the Ethnographic museum is sure to take everyone’s breath away. Just imagine waltzing past the rows of 24 ton rose-colored columns with a vast crystal ceiling above and a sprawling marble floor below; it’s the stuff dreams are made of.

St.Petersburg, Inzhenernaya str., 4 T: +7(812)570 5768

Marble Palace

Due to their historical significance, some of St Petersburg’s palaces can’t be rented out in their entirety; however, the Marble Palace is an exception. Built for Catherine the Great’s lover, Count Orlov, the palace was made to be as rich and lavish as possible. With three-tiered chandeliers and mirrored ballrooms, all the ingredients for a royal wedding are to be found within this rather imposing building.

St.Petersburg, Millionnaya st., 5/1 T: +7(812)595 4240

Yusupov Palace

So affluent were the Yusupov family, that they were said to have more riches than the Tsar. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that their family seat in St Petersburg, the Yusupov Palace , is perhaps one of the most lavish buildings in the city. Despite its beauty, the mansion isn’t as popular with couples as other palaces. Perhaps the fact that Rasputin was murdered in the basement puts people off…

St.Petersburg, Naberezhnaya Reki Moyki, 94 T: +7(812)314 9892

In the heart of Russia, the country’s glitziest and most glamorous shindigs are held. Helipads, floating stages and musical fountains are commonplace at wedding venues. Any desire, no matter how fanciful or flamboyant, can be fulfilled: the question is not ‘how?’ but rather how much one is willing to spend.

Royal Yacht Club

Only a few minutes’ drive from the city center lies one of the most glamorous wedding spots in Russia. With a Michelin-level restaurant (which can accommodate 500 guests), chic terraces, floating stages and faultless service; it’s no wonder so many celebrities have chosen to say ‘I do’ here. Naturally, plenty of fun can be had with the many gorgeous boats at the yacht club (imagine the entrance you could make, arriving by speed boat!).

Leningradskoye Hwy, д. 39/6, Moscow, 125212 T: +7 (495) 961-88-66

Four Seasons Hotel Moscow

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

The most iconic hotel in Moscow is undoubtedly the Four Seasons. Looking directly over the Red Square, it’s as central as you can get and, despite its soviet-esque exterior, it is in reality as modern as it gets, having been opened in 2014. Smoke machines, floating bouquets and ice sculptures, have all been used to make the most memorable weddings. For the wedding of your wildest dreams, trust the team at the Four Seasons to make it all come true.

Ulitsa Okhotnyy Ryad, 2, Moscow, 109012 T: +7 (499) 277-71-00

Tsaritsyno Estate

One of Catherine the Great’s many ambitions was to build an Imperial estate for herself in the south of Moscow. Unfortunately, she died before she could see the surreal beauty of her pet project. Nestled within its picturesque, 405 hectares are countless greenhouses, pavilions, palaces and more that date back to the 18th century. Though the whole estate cannot be rented out, the main manor house can be fully disposed for a wedding ceremony and after-party. In fine weather, newlyweds have the option of exploring the estate on horseback or by boat and giant outdoor tents can be set up on the lawns.

Dol'skaya Ulitsa, 1, Moscow, 115569 T: +7 (495) 322-44-33

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

Join us on Facebook

We invite you to become a fan of our company on Facebook and read Russian news and travel stories. To become a fan, click here .

Join our own Russian Travel, Culture and Literature Club on Facebook. The club was created to be a place for everyone with an interest in Russia to get to know each other and share experiences, stories, pictures and advice. To join our club, please follow this link .

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, and to facilitate providing you with services available through our Website. To opt out of non-essential cookies, please click here . By continuing to use our Website, you accept our use of cookies, the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service . I agree

  |   N48 27.2' W123 17.7' |     WEBCAMS

Dining & Social

The Royal Victoria Yacht Club’s Cadboro Bay Clubhouse features two distinct restaurants for members and their guests to enjoy the ideal dining experience overlooking Cadboro Bay. 

Lunch and dinner service is available in the Swiftsure Dining Room and Chart Room Bar. Both rooms have been tastefully updated with modern elements blending with classic yachting tradition. 

Menu features combine traditional pub favourites with fine dining entrees, developed and presented by our expert culinary team led by our executive chef Robert Parson. 

Members are always welcome to invite guests to our restaurants and guests can pay for their meals via debit or credit card (VISA and Mastercard). Children are welcome in the Swiftsure Dining Room where a Children’s menu is available.

Lunch Menu    Wine Menu Happy Hour Menu Dinner Menu  

Swiftsure Dining Room

The Swiftsure Dining Room offers a family friendly dining experience for members and their guests of all ages. Reservations recommended, please call: 250-592-2441 extension 112 or email.    

Chart Room Bar (19+)

The Chart Room Bar offers informal dining for members and their guests 19+. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. 

Private Events

RVYC is the only waterfront venue on Cadboro Bay. Let our team provide you with an event you’ll never forget.

Learn More Request More Info

Take Out Orders

Enjoy your meal on the go! Order from the main menu and pick up your food from the Clubhouse. To order, please  give us a call . 

Outdoor Patio

The outdoor patio is popular in the summer months.

• Seating is available on a first come, first serve basis.
• Children's menu is available.
• Tables are available for member use. Table service is not currently available