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.
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.

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!)
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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
Golden light, summer heat, and a brand-new river spot—Olivia & Spencer’s Finley Farms engagement session had all the magic (and sweat) that makes sessions memorable.
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.
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.
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.

Holly & Jacob's Stroll Garden Engagement in Springfield
A serene stroll garden, surprise prom crowds, and two people madly in love. Holly & Jacob’s Springfield engagement session was a spring evening to remember.

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.

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.

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!