Shannon + Rob
A Gorgeous Wedding at the Victorian Belle in Portland, OR
In my mind, those relationships which I come across where together, the couple have lifted their lives up together to achieve more, do more, and be more than they ever had when apart are especially memorable and especially moving. Rob and Shannon’s relationship is one such union and I couldn’t be happier to have been the one chosen to document their gorgeous wedding day.
During a quiet moment together just before the ceremony, Shannon confided in me that there were only three things that she really cared about for her wedding: one, that she got to marry Rob, her soul mate and forever person, Two, that her family could be there to celebrate with them, and Three, that she had gorgeous photos.
Well, I think if you scroll down to check out this sneak peek you’ll agree that we ticked all the boxes!
Shannon and Rob were wed at the gorgeous Victorian Belle in North Portland owned and operated by the very talented Karla Pearlstein and her fantastic team that were working non-stop to make sure Rob, Shannon and their guests had the most perfectly stunning environment to celebrate their love.
This was my first time photographing at the Victorian Belle and as soon as I stepped onto the property my jaw literally hit the floor. Originally built in 1885, this gorgeous mansion had fallen into disrepair and though it was listed on the national registry of historic places, an apartment complex development threatened the gorgeous building with demolition until Karla rescued it. Karla is a true patron of historical buildings and is a restoration expert for residential homes and house museums. Her background as a consultant in extensive historical restoration projects has brought the Belle from the threat of extinction to the grandeur that she is today.
I spent a few minutes getting to chat with Karla where she told me a snippet of all the amazing things that she’s done to the Victorian Belle in her short tenure of ownership including restoring the paint back to period-specific color, improving the back staircase running to the groom’s quarters in the top level of the house, and bringing all the numerous stained glass windows back to original beauty.
It’s no wonder Shannon and Rob fell in love with the beauty of the Victorian Belle, and as I entered the bride’s suite to find Shannon getting her hair and makeup done I was again impressed by all the period-accurate furniture inside the mansion as well.
Rob was out on the lawn setting the name cards on their intimate al fresco reception space which was adorned with floral centerpieces showcasing antique lanterns adorned with black and white portraits of the Shannon and Rob throughout their lives.
Shannon’s wedding theme included sunflowers on a pale rose gold and sage green pallet which was perfectly set off by the light grey suits of Rob and his best friend.
Shannon’s stunning dress had a gorgeous lace-trimmed train and she wore a stunning flower-crown pinned to delicate braids encircling her temple.
Rob and Shannon opted to do a private First Look just prior to their ceremony so that the nerves and excitement which had been building would have an outlet before the big moment and I felt very honored to be able to see the free-flowing emotion between these two as they embraced upon seeing each other for the first time on this, their wedding day.
The magic of the day continued into their ceremony, as literally seconds before Shannon entered the Victorian Belle’s courtyard the clouds parted and the sun shone down as her father took her arm and led to toward her future husband.
Their ceremony was perfect and as Shannon and Rob shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the attendees cheered amid tear-streaked cheeks.
After family portraits and some bridal photos, Shannon and Rob joined their guests for a delicious meal on the lawn of the Belle.
Lawn games of giant Jenga and Cornhole were enjoyed by guests and just as the sun began to set, Rob’s best friend entertained us with a hilarious account of Rob’s childhood shenanigans in his toast. Shannon’s bridesmaid and good friend also gave a very endearing toast and the couple snuck off to cut the cake before their guests began congregating around the photo-booth to snap some silly polaroids for the guestbook.
As the evening drew to a close I hugged Rob and Shannon, thanking them for trusting me with the honor of documenting this amazing day and I left with the sincere hope that I’d be back to the Victorian Belle for many more celebrations of love in the future.
Check out just a handful of the images captured on Rob and Shannon’s beautiful day and be sure to scroll to the bottom to leave a comment of congrats to these two wonderful people!
Interested to see if the Victorian Belle is the right fit for your wedding day? Click HERE!
