This past Saturday, April 5th, the Fairmont Empress’s Crystal Ballroom was transformed into a scene straight out of A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the annual SHINE 2025 Fashion Gala. As the event’s photographer, I had the absolute pleasure of capturing all the sparkle—from the glamorous green carpet arrivals to the high-energy fashion show and those authentic behind-the-scenes moments that make events like this truly unforgettable.
The Purpose Behind SHINE 2025 💖
The SHINE Gala is a fundraising event dedicated to supporting the incredible work of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. This group of passionate volunteers strives to create a high-end, Met Gala-style evening where fashion, fine dining, and live entertainment come together to raise funds for vital healthcare services for sick children. It’s an inspiring event that aims to illuminate the future for young patients and their families.
Red Carpet Radiance 💃📸
Guests arrived in stunning style, rocking jaw-dropping outfits and bringing serious red carpet energy—well, actually, a green carpet to fit the whimsical Midsummer Night’s Dream theme! The flashbulbs were popping, the vibes were electric, and the entrance set the tone for what was to be a night of elegance, excitement, and a whole lot of sparkle.
Dinner, Magic & Pure Vibes ✨🍷🎩
Inside the ballroom, everyone was treated to a fancy three-course meal (yes, it was delicious), a Prosecco toast, and perfectly paired wine thanks to The Liquor Co. 1977. To top it off, Victoria’s own magician, Jason Verners, blew everyone’s minds with his modern magic show that had the whole room buzzing.
Runway Royalty 👠✨
The fashion show, curated by the amazing Debbie Steeper, was the crown jewel of the night. The runway came alive with elegant spring fashion that played perfectly into the whimsical theme. Every outfit told a story—and I was there to catch it all on camera 📷. From the grace of the models to the vibe of the crowd, it was a true visual feast.
Behind the Scenes: Beauty & Teamwork 👏💄💇♀️
Let’s give a massive shoutout to the unsung heroes behind the magic—the incredible makeup artists and hair stylists who worked their magic backstage, turning models into walking works of art. The energy backstage was buzzing with talent, teamwork, and a whole lot of hustle. You guys nailed it.
Vibes by DJ Abraham Lee 🎧🔥
And let’s not forget the music! DJ Abraham Lee of Lee Entertainment absolutely crushed it, keeping the energy high all night long. Whether it was the pre-show grooves or the dancefloor hits after the fashion show, the beats were flowing, and the vibes were immaculate. The man knows how to throw a party.
All for a Great Cause ❤️
At the heart of SHINE 2025 was something truly beautiful—giving back. All proceeds from the event went directly to BC Children’s Hospital, supporting essential services for kids and families right here in our community. Between the silent and live auctions (hello dream vacations and epic experiences!), generosity was flowing.
Final Thoughts 💭
SHINE 2025 wasn’t just a fashion gala—it was a celebration of creativity, community, and compassion. I’m so grateful to have played a role in capturing the spirit of the night. From the sparkle on the runway to the joy in the crowd, every moment was a reminder of how powerful we are when we come together.
Can’t wait to do it all again next year ✨
