The best part about being a wedding photographer is getting to meet absolutely incredible people who become your close friends and that’s exactly what happened when Taylor and Michael booked us for their Barn at Valhalla wedding. When Taylor first reached out, she mentioned that she knew she’d found the right fit when she saw our cats featured on our “About Us” page on the website. From our first meeting, we bonded over a shared love of cats, good thriller books, their ridiculous senses of humor, and the fact that Taylor essentially “rib-fished” Michael by showing up to his birthday party for the slow-cooked meats before they were even dating. By the end of their engagement session at Marshall Park, we felt like we had known them forever.

A Rainy, Rowdy, and Ridiculously Fun Barn at Valhalla Wedding

Now, if there is one thing we’ve learned as wedding photographers, it’s that you can’t plan for a downpour, but you can plan to have the absolute best time anyway. When we arrived at The Barn at Valhalla for Taylor and Michael’s wedding, it was a hot and sunny June day and everyone was staying inside in the air conditioning getting ready (or playing pool in the case of the groomsmen). Taylor was nervous but also super excited. At one point, she even snuck down the basement to get a much needed hug from Michael. I just cannot with the cuteness of these two! The little moments during the morning quickly evolved to some big emotional moments when Taylor shared a first look first with Michael and then with each of her dads. But don’t worry, their rambunctious wedding party swooped in to break the tension before the ceremony.

Pivoting at the Barn at Valhalla: From Fireplace to Forest Lodge

The original plan for this Barn at Valhalla wedding was a dreamy ceremony in the woods, centered around the iconic outdoor stone fireplace. However, Mother Nature had other ideas. The almost daily (and quite inconvenient) late afternoon summer North Carolina downpour forced a last-minute audible. While some couples might have stressed, Taylor (the energetic ball of love) and Michael (the cool, easy-going one who definitely thinks he’s funny) didn’t miss a beat. They moved the ceremony inside The Lodge. The result? An incredibly intimate, floor-to-ceiling wood-walled ceremony that felt like a giant, warm hug. With the rain drumming on the roof and the massive chandeliers glowing, Taylor and Michael exchanged vows in a space that felt perfectly “them.” Ironically, the rain stopped as soon as the ceremony was over and we got outside to take some killer sunset photos!

Dancing the Night Away

Taylor and Michael told us from the beginning that they were most excited about the dancing. After a delicious dinner under the tent, the party moved into the Barn for parent dances and a wide-open floor. Between the drinks, the laughter, and Michael’s shirt inevitably coming unbuttoned (Taylor warned us!), the joy was palpable. We danced the night away right with them and walked away from this one with full hearts and two forever friends.

Why We Love a Barn at Valhalla Wedding

The Barn at Valhalla is an awesome wedding venue because of its versatility. Whether you’re using the lakeside fireplace, the rustic barn, or the cozy lodge, it offers a “choose your own adventure” vibe that fits any couple perfectly. Next time though, we will ask for a rain check on the rain. 😛

Venue: The Barn at Valhalla | Hair and Makeup: Wink | Florist: Mews Designs | Videography: Mystic Pictures Films | Officiant: Rev. Kathie McCutcheon | Catering: Catering Works | Desserts: The Bake Lab | DJ: Dow Oak Events | Transportation: Triangle Corporate Coach | Nanny Service: The Wedding Nanny Co | Wedding Favors: The Mad Popper | Wedding Dress Purchase Location: Channy Bride and Beyond | Groom’s Suit: Butler Custom Clothing | Groom’s Bowtie: Brackish Bowties | Wedding Party Attire: David’s Bridal, The Black Tux, Men’s Warehouse