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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Lisa & Tyler's Intimate Fall Wedding at Stonegate Chapel
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!
Love Conquers All: Briza & Daniel's Vibrant Wedding Journey
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.
Alyssa & Christopher's Intimate Family Wedding in Branson, MO
The weather was absolutely perfect, setting the tone for an intimate celebration with just family and close friends. Alyssa and Christopher opted for a small, heartfelt gathering that felt incredibly personal and meaningful.
Amelia & Sam's Elegant Summer Wedding at Stonegate
Family photos were incredibly important to Amelia and Sam, so we made sure to set aside plenty of time to capture these cherished memories. The love and connection between their families were evident in every shot, creating beautiful keepsakes for years to come.
Greg & Kelly's 25th Anniversary Vow Renewal at Stonegate
Greg and Kelly are such a sweet couple, their marriage deeply rooted in their faith and commitment to each other. Their ceremony was set on a foundation of love and trust in the Lord, which shone brightly throughout our time together.
Sunrise Vows & Cat Ring Bearer: Kaley & Austin's Day
One of the highlights of the day was the unique and adorable ring bearer, Effie – Kaley's beloved cat. Effie was an absolute star, performing her duties with more grace and composure than some human ring bearers I’ve seen over the years, thanks to a few well-timed cat treats.
Sydnee & Jeremy's Natural Summer Wedding at Stonegate
Their wedding theme focused on simplistic natural beauty, which perfectly reflected in both their decor and the timeless elegance of their photos. From the intimate moments of their first look to the joyous celebrations at the reception, you could see the pure love radiating between them.
Louisiana Love in Missouri: Samantha & Khailon's Intimate Day
Samantha and Khailon chose to celebrate their big day with 30 of their closest friends and family, all of whom traveled from Louisiana. I was immediately struck by how warm and welcoming everyone was. They made me feel like a part of their family, and it was an absolute honor to capture their special moments.
Marissa & Joshua's Butterfly-Themed Wedding at Stonegate
Marissa's dedication and hard work truly shone through every detail of their wedding. Months ago, she mentioned wanting to grow some of her own flowers for the big day. Well, after many months of careful tending, she succeeded beyond expectations. Her stunning floral arrangements adorned every ledge in the chapel, creating a vibrant, natural beauty that took everyone's breath away. I must admit, I did disassemble a few for detail shots – but rest assured, I put them back together perfectly!
Hannah & Landon's Wedding Day Baby Gender Reveal
Family played a pivotal role in their celebration. With the best man being Landon's brother and the maid of honor being the groom's niece and bride's best friend, it was a beautiful blend of love and kinship. Speaking of the bridal party – what a joy they were! Their camaraderie and infectious spirits added an extra layer of warmth to the festivities.
Intimate May Wedding at Stonegate: Jasmine & Mason
Despite the humidity that permeated the air, the day unfolded flawlessly, adding a touch of romance to the atmosphere. Jasmine graced the occasion in two stunning dresses, a testament to her impeccable taste. The first looks shared between the bride and groom were profoundly moving; one preceding the ceremony and the other, a private moment captured after family photos, before the reception commenced.
Romantic Elopement at Stonegate Glass Chapel
Lisa and Brian's private elopement at Stonegate Glass Chapel was a testament to the beauty of love in its purest form. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the chapel and the warmth of their loved ones, the couple began their married life with a sense of peace and contentment that will surely last a lifetime.
A Perfectly Imperfect Elopement: Camila & Derek | 11.1.23
Love has a funny way of working out, doesn't it? It weaves its magic through unexpected twists and turns, leading us down paths we never imagined. This sentiment rings especially true for Camila and Derek, a couple whose love story is as sweet and serendipitous as they come.
Stonegate Wedding Weekend: Three Couples, One Photographer
Three weddings. One weekend. All at Stonegate Chapel. Tired? Absolutely. Grateful? More than ever. Come take a peek at this wild, joy-filled October weekend.