shalyn o'neal photography
The Blog – Wedding Advice, Inspiration & Missouri Love Stories
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.
Lana & Trey’s Elegant Spring Engagement Session at All Saints Anglican Church
A golden-hour engagement session at All Saints Anglican Church with Lana & Trey—full of elegance, soft spring light, and a sweet behind-the-scenes moment.
How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Session Location
Not sure where to take your engagement photos? Here’s how to choose the perfect location based on your style, the season, and what feels like you.
A Joyful March Wedding at Samuel Cedars for Kimberly & Shawn
Kimberly & Shawn’s long-awaited spring wedding at Samuel Cedars was full of sunshine, laughter, and one of the liveliest receptions I’ve seen in a while.
A Last-Minute Branson Engagement Session with Kyleigh & Jed
From lake views to blooming trees, Kyleigh & Jed’s spontaneous engagement session in Branson turned into one of my all-time favorites.
5 Easy Ways to Look More Natural in Your Engagement Photos
Feeling camera shy? Here are 5 easy ways to look more natural in your engagement photos—plus some tried-and-true tips I share with every couple.
Saige & Quint’s Classy Black & White Wedding at Stonegate Glass Chapel
From Shrek references to cigar photos, Saige & Quint’s black and white Stonegate wedding had it all—heartfelt moments, creative portraits, and big dance floor energy.
A Simple & Sweet Early Spring Wedding at Stonegate Glass Chapel
Brittney & Spencer’s March wedding at Stonegate Glass Chapel was everything a spring celebration should be—relaxed, romantic, and full of golden light.
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
Snowstorm? No problem. Daniel & Darby’s last-minute blizzard engagement session delivered winter magic, big laughs, and some of my favorite snowy portraits yet.
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
Bar backdrops, rooftop glow, and two people totally in love—Pfifer & Gray’s downtown Springfield engagement session brought the chill and the charm.
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.