Blog

Fall Weddings Shalyn O'Neal Fall Weddings Shalyn O'Neal

Holly & Jacob | 11.23.24

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).

Read More
Shalyn O'Neal Shalyn O'Neal

How to Plan a Stress-Free Wedding Day Timeline with Your Photographer

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.

Read More
Fall Weddings Shalyn O'Neal Fall Weddings Shalyn O'Neal

Ashley & Riley | 11.17.24

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!

Read More
Fall Weddings Shalyn O'Neal Fall Weddings Shalyn O'Neal

Jessica & Bruce | 11.3.24

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.

Read More
Shalyn O'Neal Shalyn O'Neal

Looking Back on 2024: My Busiest Year Yet

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.

Read More
Fall Weddings Shalyn O'Neal Fall Weddings Shalyn O'Neal

Kalleigh & Austin | 11.1.24

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!

Read More
Shalyn O'Neal Shalyn O'Neal

Jamie & Nathan | 10.26.24

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.

Read More
Shalyn O'Neal Shalyn O'Neal

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!

Read More
Fall Weddings Shalyn O'Neal Fall Weddings Shalyn O'Neal

Lisa & Tyler | 10.13.24

Lisa and Tyler’s wedding was such a special occasion, and I’m so grateful I was there to document all those beautiful moments. The love, the laughs, and the heartwarming family connections made it an unforgettable day, and I can’t wait to share more from their gallery!

Read More
Shalyn O'Neal Shalyn O'Neal

Thoughts on My First Time Offering Mini Sessions

If it’s okay to be honest on my own blog, here’s the truth: I wasn’t thrilled about mini sessions! This year, I set out to make it happen as a practice run, especially since it’s something I’ve wanted to try for a few years now. Though I didn’t truly have the time for it, I felt like it was now or never—especially with my husband’s truck as the main prop! He’s always swapping vehicles, so it seemed like a fun way to incorporate it before it might be gone.

Read More
Shalyn O'Neal Shalyn O'Neal

Why Engagement Sessions Are a Must Before Your Wedding

Let’s be honest, not everyone is used to having a big camera pointed at them for hours on end. An engagement session helps you get comfortable being in front of the camera, so by the time the wedding day arrives, it won’t feel intimidating. You'll already know what to expect, which helps reduce the pressure and allows you to focus on the joy of the day.

Read More
Engagments Shalyn O'Neal Engagments Shalyn O'Neal

Sarah & Braiden’s Field Engagement Session

When we sat down to chat about the engagement session, Sarah mentioned that Braiden had one big request: he wanted to incorporate his truck into the photos. I was totally on board but knew it brought a bit of a challenge—we couldn’t just show up at a random parking lot or field for this shoot. It needed to be somewhere that truly matched their vibe and vision.

Read More
Engagments Shalyn O'Neal Engagments Shalyn O'Neal

Tanner & Jasmine Fall Engagement Session at Trail of Honor Trailhead

Once we got started, we had such a great time exploring all the best photo spots along the trail. Tanner and Jasmine were absolute naturals in front of the camera, and the beautiful fall lighting made everything look perfect. I kept saying, “Okay, this is the last shot,” but I just couldn’t help myself—I kept finding more amazing moments to capture!

Read More
Shalyn O'Neal Shalyn O'Neal

An October Reflection

While I’m incredibly thankful for every shoot and the amazing couples and families I’ve worked with, I’ve really been struggling with finding that elusive work-life balance. How do you pour your heart into everything—your business, your family, yourself—and still feel like you’re doing enough in each area? I wish I had an answer, but truthfully, I don’t really have a conclusion yet.

Read More
Shalyn O'Neal Shalyn O'Neal

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Photographer for Your Big Day

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and choosing the right photographer to capture those memories is key. There’s no "one-size-fits-all" approach when it comes to selecting a wedding photographer because what works for one couple may not work for another. That’s why I’ve put together a list of important factors to consider as you search for the perfect match. These are in no particular order because everyone’s priorities will differ, but each one plays a big role in finding someone who aligns with your vision!

Read More
Summer Weddings Shalyn O'Neal Summer Weddings Shalyn O'Neal

Briza & Daniel | 9.8.24

Of course, no wedding is complete without a little chaos, right? The ceremony started 45 minutes late because the officiant had to go on a last-minute search for someone’s shoes! Despite the timeline going out the window, Briza handled it all with the calmest, go-with-the-flow attitude. Nothing phased her, and I was so impressed by how she took it all in stride.

Read More
Seona . Seona .

Why is Candid Photography Important for Your Wedding Album?

Incorporating candid photography ensures that the real emotions and authentic moments of your wedding day are preserved for a lifetime. While posed photos will always be a beautiful part of your story, it's the candid shots that often hold the most meaning, capturing the love, joy, and excitement in their purest form.

I believe in blending the best of both worlds—traditional and candid photography. I'm there to guide you through the posed shots, ensuring everyone looks their best, but I also stay attuned to those spontaneous, unplanned moments that make your day uniquely yours. Whether it's a perfectly posed portrait or a candid laugh between you and your loved ones, my goal is to capture the full story of your wedding day with authenticity and heart.

Read More