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.
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!
Balancing Act: My Busiest October as a Photographer
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.
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!
Summer Poolside Celebration: Lindsey & Jim's Wedding
The outdoor, poolside reception was stunning. Twin Oaks provided fantastic food, and the Henderson Kids with Elevate Entertainment kept the music lively. Charity Fent Cake Design provided a beautiful cake, and the speeches were heartfelt, especially Lindsey’s emotional bouquet dedication to her mom, who had played a big role in planning the wedding.
5 Essential Factors for Finding Your Ideal Photographer
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!
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.
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.
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.
From Engagement to I Do: Capturing Your Love Journey
Couples photography is all about capturing the journey of love, from engagement to wedding day. It’s about freezing those special moments in time and telling a beautiful story.
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.
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!
Visser Family's Summer Session at Finley Farms
The Visser Family were absolute champs, braving the heat with smiles and laughter.
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.
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.
Emily & Kyle's Intimate Wedding at Weathered Wisdom Barn
Emily and Kyle's wedding was an intimate affair with about 40 of their closest family and friends. It was my first time shooting at Weathered Wisdom Barn, and while the extreme heat and humidity forced us to move the ceremony indoors, the rustic charm of the barn added a cozy and romantic atmosphere to the day.
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.
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.
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.