The first window that pops up before that log above says:
Fatal: Could not open registry key: \SOFTWARE\Bethesda Softwords\Skyrim Special Edition\
This can happen after Steam updates, run the game's launcher to restore registry settings
Verify game is starting in the desired game mode. Current mode: SSE
sorry for the 2nd post...wouldn't let me edit it again :)
nvm i'm an idiot...didn't put TES5VR in the shortcut target...put -sse instead