Shannon & Michael’s Winter Wedding at Green Villa Barn

Shannon and Michael’s beautiful winter wedding at Green Villa Barn in Independence, Oregon was so wonderful. After a few months of hard work planning, their special day finally arrived. Oregon winter weather can always keep you guessing. You never know what to expect. Luckily, on their wedding day it was mostly sunny and we only had a few showers. Green Villa Barn has plenty of windows to allow light to filter inside, and they really helps with winter weddings.

Shannon and Michael were introduced to one another by Shannon’s good friend Michele. Michael and Shannon went one date and they have been together ever since. They dated for 2 years and finally today they were saying their vows. Shannon is a very talented hairdresser and gymnastics coach. Michael is a journalist in the US Army. Together these two wonderful people are the funniest and most loving couple. They both love to laugh and make some of the silliest faces. Shannon and Michael’s connection to one another is electric.

Green Villa Barn has an amazing ceiling of lights and sheer streamers. This is a wonderful winter indoor wedding venue near Salem and it’s also close enough to Portland. Shannon and Michael had some really fun wedding details. The custom printed M&M’s were a great idea. Shannon and Michael also custom designed a pair of Nike shoes in their wedding colors. Shannon’s beautiful bouquet was created by her mother. It was sparkly and so amazing!

Shannon was the hardest working bride I have ever photographed. Before getting started on her hair, she did all the bridesmaids, mom’s and little girls hair. She didn’t get stressed out and loved what she was doing. I was impressed. All of these beautiful ladies laughed and joked with Shannon while they all got ready. Shannon kept a smile on her face and stayed silly. However, as the time got closer to saying “I do” a few tears ran began to run down Shannon’s face. She had been waiting a long time for this day. Shannon looked absolutely gorgeous!

Just before Michael and his groomsman finished getting ready, I ran up to their dressing room. They were so funny. Telling jokes, posing for selfies and having a great time. Michael looked great in his tux. He was so excited to see Shannon very soon!

At first Shannon and Michael had planned on not seeing one another until after the ceremony. But in the winter it gets dark so early and the ceremony would be at dusk. They both decided they wanted to see each other and they really wanted to have some photos taken outside. Shannon and Michael first saw each other at the top of the stairs in a small, and intimate area. There were tears and smiles, laughs and hugs. They both looked amazing and so happy.

Then we headed outside for 5 minutes. The ground was wet and a little muddy. We carefully laid her dress down on a patch of drier gravel. The sun had started to set and the light was beautiful.

After 5 minutes of sneaking outside for some amazing couples photos, we then headed back inside for some bridal party photos before the ceremony. Everyone was hilarious and worked hard to make one another laugh. Shannon and Michael have some very funny friends and family members.

Shannon and Michael’s ceremony was beautiful. They said their vows and became Mr. and Mrs. Sword. Their new married life together begins.

And then it was time to celebrate!