Daniel & Darby’s Fall Wedding at Samuel Cedars

Real Weddings & Sessions
Written By Shalyn O'Neal

This wedding will always hold such a special place in my heart — not only because of how beautiful the day was, but because it was family. Daniel and Darby are my brother and sister-in-law, which made this day extra meaningful for everyone involved.

From the start, they told me how much they loved my photography and editing style but didn’t want me to have to work the whole day. So, we found the perfect middle ground: I would co-shoot the wedding with Shann from SwiftShots. Shann took the lead on the big moments — the ceremony, first look, and key events — while I focused on details, getting ready photos, and some of the portraits. I also edited the full gallery afterward to keep everything consistent with my usual light, true-to-color style. Oh — and I was also a bridesmaid!

Getting Ready

The morning was full of laughter, coffee, and a few happy tears as everyone got ready together. Hair and makeup were beautifully done by Gloss Makeup and Hair, who also did my mom’s and my own hair and makeup (a lifesaver on a day like this!). I snuck in a few photos between bridesmaid duties — detail shots that ended up being some of my favorites I’ve ever taken. One especially sentimental moment was when Darby wore the same hairpiece I used for my own wedding. It felt like such a sweet full-circle moment.

The Ceremony

Shann covered the first look and private vows while I helped wrangle my two kiddos (who also had their moment in the spotlight as part of the wedding). The ceremony itself was absolutely perfect — one of those crisp fall Missouri days with sunshine filtering through the trees and just enough warmth to enjoy being outdoors. It couldn’t have been a more beautiful backdrop for their vows.

Portraits at Golden Hour

After the ceremony, we headed technically “off venue” down to my parents’ field — the same one where my husband and I keep our cattle herd. (Yes, we had to dodge a little cow poop in our heels, but it was totally worth it.)

The light was golden, the air was calm, and it was one of those rare evenings where everything just came together perfectly. Some of my favorite shots from the entire day came from this set — including a few faces that could only happen when your sister’s behind the camera. (Let’s just say, my brother was fully in character for those.)

Reception & Surprises

Once the portraits wrapped up, I handed the camera back to Shann and got to enjoy the evening as a guest — which honestly felt like such a treat. The reception was full of laughter, great food, and a packed dance floor (and yes, I actually got to dance at a wedding for once!).

Halfway through the night, Darby surprised everyone with a mid-reception hair chop — and it was such a fun, spontaneous twist that fit her perfectly. The night ended with a sparkler send-off before Daniel and Darby jetted off for a two-week honeymoon in Japan.

Final Thoughts

This day was everything I could’ve hoped for — full of family, love, golden light, and the perfect mix of work and celebration. Getting to be both behind the camera and part of the day was such a special experience. Watching Daniel and Darby start their new life together, while playing so many roles in the process, is something I’ll never forget.

*NOTE: Some photos below were shot by SwiftShots Photography and edited by me! Included for story-telling purposes!

Shalyn O'Neal
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