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.

Shalyn O'Neal 6/12/26 Shalyn O'Neal 6/12/26

Kaitlyn & Ben’s Stonegate Glass Chapel Wedding

A joyful Stonegate Glass Chapel wedding with pink details, a packed ceremony, sunset portraits, and a full dance floor.

Shalyn O'Neal 5/29/26 Shalyn O'Neal 5/29/26

Sidney & Isaac’s Samuel Cedars Spring Wedding

Sidney and Isaac’s Samuel Cedars wedding brought early spring heat, colorful florals, and a perfect golden hour to end the day.

Shalyn O'Neal 5/15/26 Shalyn O'Neal 5/15/26

Makenzie & Noah’s Stonegate Spring Wedding

Makenzie and Noah’s Stonegate Glass Chapel wedding was filled with pink florals, meaningful family moments, and perfect early spring weather.

Shalyn O'Neal 5/1/26 Shalyn O'Neal 5/1/26

Nancy & Denton’s Stonegate Glass Chapel Wedding

Nancy and Denton’s Stonegate Glass Chapel wedding included emotional first looks, Lebanese cultural celebrations, and a sparkler exit in Branson, Missouri.

Shalyn O'Neal 4/17/26 Shalyn O'Neal 4/17/26

Brooke & Michael’s Engagement Session at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis

A sunny early spring engagement session at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis, featuring soft light, blooming flowers, and a relaxed, natural feel.

Shalyn O'Neal 4/3/26 Shalyn O'Neal 4/3/26

Surprise Engagement for Mason & Sydney at Finley Farms | 2.21.26

Mason surprised Sydney with a proposal at Finley Farms on February 21, 2026 — followed by an even bigger family surprise.

Shalyn O'Neal 3/20/26 Shalyn O'Neal 3/20/26

Crystal & Eric at Samuel Cedars

Crystal & Eric’s intimate wedding at Samuel Cedars was a meaningful, family-focused celebration and a perfect close to the 2025 season.

Shalyn O'Neal 3/6/26 Shalyn O'Neal 3/6/26

Hayley & Dakota at Thorncrown Chapel

Hayley & Dakota’s intimate elopement at Thorncrown Chapel was a peaceful, meaningful celebration surrounded by fall light and glass architecture.

Shalyn O'Neal 2/20/26 Shalyn O'Neal 2/20/26

Hannah & Ryan’s Fall Engagement Session at Finley Farms

Hannah & Ryan’s fall engagement session at Finley Farms came together perfectly after a reschedule, with peak fall color and relaxed, natural moments.

Shalyn O'Neal 2/6/26 Shalyn O'Neal 2/6/26

Elizabeth & Okey’s Columbia, Missouri Elopement

Elizabeth & Okey’s Columbia elopement featured a private, faith-filled ceremony and editorial-style portraits around Mizzou’s campus during peak fall color.

Shalyn O'Neal 1/23/26 Shalyn O'Neal 1/23/26

Kaitlyn & Ben’s Engagement Session at Dogwood Canyon

A golden, fog-filled fall morning made Kaitlyn and Ben’s Dogwood Canyon engagement session one of my all-time favorites.

Shalyn O'Neal 1/9/26 Shalyn O'Neal 1/9/26

Stacy & Daulton’s Rainy Fall Wedding at Samuel Cedars

Stacy & Daulton’s October wedding at Samuel Cedars turned a rainy forecast into magic — cozy indoor portraits, colorful details, and a packed dance floor.

Shalyn O'Neal 12/26/25 Shalyn O'Neal 12/26/25

Daniel & Darby’s Fall Wedding at Samuel Cedars

Daniel & Darby’s fall wedding at Samuel Cedars was extra special — filled with golden hour portraits, sweet family moments, and a surprise mid-reception haircut.

Shalyn O'Neal 12/12/25 Shalyn O'Neal 12/12/25

Kristy & Joey’s Classic, Elegant Fall Wedding at Stonegate Glass Chapel

Kristy & Joey’s early fall wedding at Stonegate Glass Chapel was filled with golden light, heartfelt vows, and one of the best first dances I’ve ever seen.

Shalyn O'Neal 11/28/25 Shalyn O'Neal 11/28/25

Amy & Samuel’s Sweet Dusty Blue Wedding at Stonegate Glass Chapel

Amy & Samuel’s September wedding at Stonegate Glass Chapel was filled with meaningful details, emotional vows, rainy-day portraits, and a family-centered reception.

Shalyn O'Neal 11/14/25 Shalyn O'Neal 11/14/25

Emily & Erik’s Timeless Black & White Wedding at Stonegate Glass Chapel

Emily & Erik’s black & white wedding at Stonegate Glass Chapel was filled with heartfelt vows, golden hour portraits, and a fun streamer send-off.

Shalyn O'Neal 10/31/25 Shalyn O'Neal 10/31/25

Hope & James’ Summer Wedding at Stonegate Glass Chapel

Hope & James were married on the hottest day of the summer at Stonegate Glass Chapel - and it was absolutely beautiful. With pastel florals, a touching bouquet dedication, and soft sunset portraits, this wedding was full of love. Wedding date: August 15, 2025.

Shalyn O'Neal 10/17/25 Shalyn O'Neal 10/17/25

A Late Summer Glow | Jasmine & Tanner’s Wedding at Samuel Cedars

Jasmine & Tanner’s late summer wedding at Samuel Cedars took place on a hot August day, with an outdoor ceremony, sunset portraits, and a unique Italian cream soda reception.

Shalyn O'Neal 9/19/25 Shalyn O'Neal 9/19/25

Bright Colors & Sweet Vows | Pfifer & Gray at Stonegate Glass Chapel

From bold florals to personal vows and a sparkler exit, Pfifer & Gray’s colorful Stonegate Glass Chapel wedding was full of joy, color, and unforgettable moments.

Shalyn O'Neal 9/5/25 Shalyn O'Neal 9/5/25

Black, White & Gold Elegance | Macy & Noah’s Wedding at Stonegate Glass Chapel

Classy details, a sweet personal ceremony, and one of the most fun dance floors I’ve seen - Macy & Noah’s black, white, and gold wedding was a joy to capture.