shalyn o'neal photography

THE 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.

Sarah & Braiden's Golden Hour Truck Engagement Session
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Sarah & Braiden's Golden Hour Truck 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.

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Tanner & Jasmine's Fall Engagement at Trail of Honor
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Tanner & Jasmine's Fall Engagement at Trail of Honor

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!

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Plan B Perfect: Madison & Cade's Engagement Story
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Plan B Perfect: Madison & Cade's Engagement Story

Madison & Cade’s Early Fall Engagement Session was such a memorable one! The whole week called for rain, but we decided to press on rain or shine since Cade was about to hit the road for work for the next month. Thankfully, the weather mostly cooperated, though it was a bit windy!

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Top 5 Engagement Photo Locations in Springfield, MO
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Top 5 Engagement Photo Locations in Springfield, MO

As a photographer, finding the perfect location for an engagement session is always a delightful adventure. Springfield, MO, offers a plethora of beautiful spots, each with its own unique charm. Today, I’m excited to share my top five favorite engagement session locations in this wonderful city.

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Olivia & Spencer's Sunny Engagement at Finley Farms
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Olivia & Spencer's Sunny Engagement at Finley Farms

Once again, we had the pleasure of exploring this beautiful location, but this time, I got to try out a new spot near the river that I hadn’t used before. A big thank you to Olivia and Spencer for being adventurous and going "off road" with me for a few. The results were absolutely worth it, and I’ll definitely be incorporating that spot into future sessions!

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Macy & Noah's Blooming Summer Engagement Session
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Macy & Noah's Blooming Summer Engagement Session

It was HOT – 95 degrees at 6:45 pm kind of hot, with a heat advisory in place all week. We almost had to reschedule the session due to some personal health issues on my end, but thankfully everything resolved just in time. I am so glad we didn’t move the session because Macy and Noah were absolute troopers despite the sweltering heat.

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Andrea & Greg's Engagement: From Church to Big Whiskey's
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Andrea & Greg's Engagement: From Church to Big Whiskey's

The session had to be scheduled super early to ensure we had the venue to ourselves before Big Whiskey's opened for the day. We started at the serene and picturesque All Saints Anglican Church, capturing the timeless beauty of the church's architecture as a backdrop to their love story.

Next, we moved to Big Whiskey's, where Andrea and Greg's romance unfolded. Andrea looked stunning in an elegant all-black ensemble, perfectly complemented by Greg in a stylish black suit. It was clear that their love and connection radiated through every frame.

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Rachel & Caiden's Scenic Engagement at Valley Water Mill
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Rachel & Caiden's Scenic Engagement at Valley Water Mill

We had to do a bit of walking to reach our desired spots, but the lush greenery and serene atmosphere were well worth the trek. The natural beauty of Valley Water Mill provided a perfect backdrop for Rachel and Caiden’s love story. I especially loved the shots of them walking down the hill – the greenery and gentle slopes created some of my favorite images from the session.

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Holly & Jacob's Stroll Garden Engagement in Springfield
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Holly & Jacob's Stroll Garden Engagement in Springfield

Our journey took us through winding paths, adorned with vibrant flora and tranquil ponds, providing the perfect canvas for moments of intimacy amidst nature's grandeur. Amidst our wanderings, conversations flowed effortlessly, weaving between shared passions for entertainment and literary indulgences.

However, our idyllic setting wasn't without its surprises. Amidst the serenity, we found ourselves amidst the bustle of prom-goers, each vying for their own slice of perfection amidst the verdant landscape.

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Sydnee & Jeremy's Dreamy Rainy Day Engagement Session
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Sydnee & Jeremy's Dreamy Rainy Day Engagement Session

From the very first click of the camera, Sydnee and Jeremy were pure naturals. They needed very little direction, effortlessly nailing each pose with their unique blend of love and affection. Their chemistry was palpable, and they weren't shy about getting a little kissy, which made for some truly heartfelt and romantic shots.

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City Lights & Park Benches: Briza & Daniel's Session
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City Lights & Park Benches: Briza & Daniel's Session

Of course, no adventure is complete without a few unexpected twists. Navigating parking between locations proved to be a challenge, but Briza and Daniel's understanding and patience made it a breeze. Their unwavering positivity and flexibility turned potential stress into laughter and joy, reminding me once again why I love what I do.

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Ozark Romance: Leah & Ben at Historic Finley Farms
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Ozark Romance: Leah & Ben at Historic Finley Farms

I absolutely adored the opportunity to capture the precious moments shared by Leah and Ben during their enchanting engagement session at the picturesque Finley Farms in the heart of Ozark, Missouri. It was a delightful experience, just two short months before their eagerly anticipated wedding day. The undeniable chemistry between them was evident in every snapshot we took, painting a beautiful picture of their love story. But let me tell you, if you think these images are absolutely swoon-worthy, I assure you that the wedding photos will leave you absolutely breathless!

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