shalyn o'neal photographyTHE BLOG
Welcome to my corner of stories and insights. Here, I share recent weddings, engagement sessions, and helpful planning tips drawn from my years in the wedding industry. Browse through for inspiration, practical advice, and a glimpse into the genuine moments I've had the privilege to capture. I hope you find something that speaks to you as you plan your own celebration.
10 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer Before Booking
Hiring a wedding photographer is a big decision—after all, these are the photos you’ll look back on for years to come! Finding the right photographer isn’t just about loving their portfolio; it’s also about making sure they’re a great fit for your wedding day. Here are 10 essential questions to ask before booking your wedding photographer:
Daniel & Darby’s SNOWY Engagement Session
Leave it to my brother and future sister-in-law to make the most unconventional of sessions happen! Despite the freezing temps and swirling snow, we were determined to make it work. And let me tell you—it. was. worth it. ❄️✨ Daniel & Darby braved the cold like absolute champs, and the result? Pure magic. The snow-covered landscape, the dreamy winter glow, and the sheer joy on their faces made for some of my favorite engagement photos to date.
Daniel & Darby’s Proposal – A Perfectly Unexpected Moment
Some proposals go exactly as planned, and some require a last-minute pivot—Daniel and Darby’s was definitely the latter! As my brother, Daniel had been filling me in on his proposal plans for weeks, carefully mapping out the perfect moment. But when Darby accidentally found out it was coming, he had to adjust fast. What she didn’t know was that the proposal was happening immediately after a nail appointment—one that I, of course, took her to in preparation for the big moment. (No complaints here; I love a good excuse for a manicure!)
Tips for Capturing Candid Moments on Your Wedding Day
Your wedding day is all about real, authentic moments—those little bursts of joy, laughter, and connection that make your story uniquely yours. Capturing those candid memories doesn’t happen by chance, though. With a little planning and the right mindset, you can ensure your wedding album is brimming with genuine emotion.
Raegan & Michael’s Windy Wedding at Pine Meadows Venue
Their indoor ceremony was warm, intimate, and beautiful, but we made sure to sneak outside for portraits. The wind gave us a bit of a struggle when it came to those dress shots, but honestly? It also created some one-of-a-kind, dramatic moments that made it totally worth it.
Pfifer & Gray Downtown Springfield Engagement Session
We kicked things off outside Hotel Vandivort to soak in that true downtown feel before heading over to Moxy—and let me just say, huge shoutout to Jessica at Moxy for being incredibly kind and accommodating for our session!
Behind the Scenes: My First Western Chic Styled Shoot
The theme? Western Chic. It was bold, unique, and so much fun to shoot. From the textured florals to the carefully curated décor, every element added to the stunning vibe. And the lighting? Absolute perfection. It felt like every shot fell into place effortlessly (even if I was second-guessing myself the whole time).
Overcast Elegance: Megan & Bradley's January Love Story
Megan & Bradley were absolute troopers, and their neutral whites and blues made for the perfect color palette. Not only did their outfits complement the soft tones of the church beautifully, but they’ll also tie in perfectly with their wedding colors in May!
Cold Hands, Warm Hearts: Kelli & Johnsie's Wedding
Kelli & Johnsie’s wedding was the perfect way to wrap up 2024—a day full of love, family, and faith. It also happened to be my first truly chilly wedding, and wow, did the cold keep me on my toes! At one point, my hands were so frozen they locked up, giving me a few technical hurdles to work through. But even with the chill, this day was absolutely unforgettable.
What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos: Expert Style Tips from a Springfield Photographer
Planning your engagement photo outfits can feel like a lot of pressure—but it doesn’t have to be! Your engagement session is all about capturing you and your partner’s love story, so what you wear should reflect your personalities and make you feel amazing.
Tears, Twirls & Touching Moments: Andrea & Greg's Wedding
Some weddings just hit differently. After attending as many weddings as I do—and with weddings being such a core part of my life for as long as I can remember—you’d think I’d be immune to getting teary-eyed. But Andrea and Greg’s wedding? I was a puddle. Their day wasn’t just beautiful, it was deeply moving, and I found myself feeling not like just their photographer, but like a friend lucky enough to witness it all.
Golden Hour Magic: Holly & Jacob's November Celebration
Having worked with Holly and Jacob during their engagement session this past spring, I already knew we were in for a great day. These two are so sweet and easygoing, and their love for each other is so obvious it makes my job feel effortless. Plus, Holly brought her A-game with organization—her detail boxes were ready to roll, which made the morning a breeze (pro tip: organized brides are my love language).
Stress-Free Wedding Timelines: Your 3-Step Guide
One of the biggest contributors to a stress-free wedding day is a well-thought-out timeline—and as your photographer, I’m here to help you make it seamless! The timeline not only ensures we capture all the special moments but also allows you to truly relax and enjoy your day. Here’s how we can work together to create a wedding photography timeline that feels effortless.
Ashley & Riley's Modern Barn Wedding at Pine Meadows
Ashley & Riley chose an indoor ceremony, which was stunning, and afterward, we made our way outside for portraits. One of my favorite spots? The gorgeous lake. We got some incredible shots there, though we did have to carefully navigate around the goose poop—totally worth it for that view!
Rain-Kissed Glass Chapel: Jessica & Bruce's Wedding
With three other professional photographers in the wedding party, I admit I was a bit intimidated at first. But they were incredibly sweet and even helpful throughout the portrait session. Their attention to detail made me appreciate the power of collaboration and reminded me that there's always something to learn from others in this craft.
52 Weddings Later: Reflections on a Record-Breaking Year
As I sit down to reflect on 2024, I can confidently say this year was the busiest I’ve ever had in my photography career—and probably in my life, period. It was a year filled to the brim with beautiful weddings, sweet moments, and incredible people. But let’s be real for a second: it was also a year of learning (sometimes the hard way) about boundaries, balance, and the toll that chasing your dreams can sometimes take.
Kalleigh & Austin's November Wedding: Overcoming Delays for Sunset Portraits
Kalleigh had mentioned Austin wasn't too keen on photos, but you wouldn’t have known it! They both did so well, and even though we had to hustle a bit after the ceremony to catch the best light before sunset, they took it all in stride. We did have a slight delay before the ceremony (hair and makeup ran just a bit over schedule), but with Kalleigh's awesome bridal party stepping up to help keep things running smoothly and maintain that “first look” surprise, we got all the pre-ceremony shots just in the nick of time!
Fall Family Union: Jamie & Nathan at Big Cedar Lodge
Jamie and Nathan couldn’t have chosen a more beautiful day for their wedding at Big Cedar! The weather was perfect, with that crisp fall air and just the right amount of sunshine, making their day feel like something straight out of a storybook. Their ceremony took place at the charming Garden Chapel, a fitting setting for an intimate family affair. With only close family present, Jamie’s daughter and Nathan’s son participated in a sweet sand ceremony that beautifully celebrated their new blended family.
Behind the Scenes of a Wedding Photoshoot: What to Expect (Hint: Controlled Chaos with a Smile)
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of your wedding photoshoot? Here’s the thing—wedding photography is a blend of precision, flexibility, and, if I’m doing my job right, a little bit of magic. I’m not just snapping away at random moments; I’m your timeline manager, crowd controller, calm-in-the-storm friend, and your personal advocate for keeping anything remotely stressful away from you. Here’s how that plays out on the big day!
3 Weddings, 1 Day: A Busy and Beautiful October Elopement Marathon at Stonegate Glass Chapel
October 24, 2024—what a date! There’s something about those cool numerical patterns that seem to attract weddings, and this day was no exception. I had the honor of photographing not just one, but three back-to-back elopements at Stonegate Glass Chapel, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of love, laughter, and beautiful fall colors.