Hate Being in Front of the Camera? You’re in the Right Place.

Southwest Missouri Wedding Photography

For

couples

who

want

to

look

- and

feel -

like

themselves.

For couples who want to look - and feel - like themselves.

A bride in a white wedding gown holding a bouquet of white flowers, walking outdoors with three bridesmaids dressed in light blue dresses, smiling and walking in a lush green park.
Wedding couple seated on floral upholstered benches, smiling at each other, with a bouquet on the bench and 'Reserved' signs visible.

Not a natural in front of the camera? Many of my couples say the same.

You want beautiful wedding photos - but not the fake smiles, stiff poses, or awkward “what do I do with my hands?” moments.

I get it. I’ve been there. My job is to guide you gently, make you laugh a little, and help you forget the camera’s even there.

Wedding couple kissing by a pond with a rock formation background
Three women, including a bride in a white wedding dress and two bridesmaids in light blue dresses, standing outdoors surrounded by greenery, holding colorful bouquets of flowers, smiling and looking happy.
"5-Star Record" text in pink on black background
Black background with the word 'YEARS' written in pink uppercase letters at the center.
"WEDDINGS" text in pink on a black background
Text "YEARS" in pink on a black background
Black background with the word 'AUDIOBOOKS' in pink text.

What It’s Like to Have Me As Your Photographer

  • A bride and groom sharing a kiss under a transparent umbrella, wedding attire with flowers, during a rainy wedding day.

    Rain in the forecast?

    No problem. I’ve got umbrellas in the car, backup plans in mind, and a camera that doesn’t flinch at a little drizzle. We’ll still get the magic—we just might dance in it a little.

  • Wedding rings with bouquet of pink, white, and orange flowers in the background.

    Skipping the first look?

    Totally your call. I’m happy either way. I usually help set your ceremony time based on whether or not you're doing one—so we catch the best light for your portraits, no stress involved.

  • A bride and groom sharing a kiss in the middle of a tree-lined path. The groom is carrying the bride, who is in a white wedding dress, as they kiss.

    No planner?

    Still good. I keep a detailed timeline, manage the chaos, and quietly coordinate what needs to happen when so you don’t have to check the clock or chase down family members. You just get to be present.

  • A wedding party of five standing indoors in front of large windows with greenery outside. The bride in a white gown holds a colorful bouquet, flanked by a groom in a black suit, a woman in a pastel green dress, a woman in a lavender dress, and a man in a blue suit.

    Worried about the family photo circus?

    I plan for that too. We usually save those for after the ceremony (unless you request otherwise), and I pad in time in case Aunt Linda is late again. You won’t feel rushed. You will get the photos you’ll frame forever.

  • A bride and groom walking on a garden pathway outdoors during daytime. The bride is holding a bouquet and wearing an off-the-shoulder white wedding dress with a veil. The groom is dressed in a black suit with a light blue tie and boutonniere. They are smiling and surrounded by greenery and trees.

    Worried you’ll look awkward?

    I hear this all the time—and it’s exactly what I’m here for. I’ll guide you every step of the way with gentle posing direction, help you look amazing in the best light, and step back when real moments unfold. It’s easier than you think.

  • A bride and groom share a kiss in a lush green forest, with the bride holding a bouquet of white flowers, both dressed in wedding attire.

    Worried it will all fall apart?

    I’m the calm in the storm. If things go sideways—rain, late flowers, last-minute changes—I’ll adjust the plan without breaking a sweat. You won’t even have to ask. I’ve got you.

A bride and groom holding hands and smiling after their wedding ceremony outdoors, with guests visible inside a venue with large glass doors. The bride wears a white dress and holds a bouquet of flowers, while the groom wears a white suit jacket with
Bride in white gown holding bouquet, smiling at bridesmaid in blue dress, inside a room with a decorative mirror and wooden dresser.
Bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet walking outside alongside groom in a black suit and light blue tie on a garden path with trees and bushes in the background.
A man, woman in a wedding dress, and a girl in a light blue dress hugging outdoors, with the man and girl holding a bouquet of white and blue flowers.
Bride in a white lace dress smiling and holding a perfume bottle and a lipstick.
A bride and groom in wedding attire, wearing sunglasses, standing outdoors in front of a black metal fence, smiling and sharing a playful moment.
Three women, one in a wedding dress and two in light blue dresses, holding colorful bouquets and smiling outdoors.
A bride and an older man, possibly her father, joyfully dancing together at a wedding reception. The venue has wooden floors, string lights, and a stone wall. Guests are seated at tables in the background, watching the dance.
Two women posing happily indoors, one older, wearing glasses, and a floral blouse, the other in a green blouse holding a boutonnière, with mirrors and another person visible in the background.
A newlywed couple kissing during their outdoor wedding ceremony, with guests seated on white chairs, a white arbor decorated with flowers, and lush green trees in the background.
Bride and groom holding hands outdoors in front of a small chapel surrounded by trees during a wedding.
A woman taking a photo with her smartphone at a wedding reception. The phone screen shows a bride and groom seated at a table.
Women in a dressing room with mirrors, some dressed in formal attire, preparing for an event.
Bride in white dress smiling and wiping tear, surrounded by people indoors.
A group of men in tuxedos, some smoking cigars, gathered outdoors with a wooded background, celebrating a wedding.
Bride in a white dress excitedly reacting at a reception, holding a bouquet, surrounded by guests in formal attire. String lights decorate the wooden room.
Two women with long hair looking into a decorative mirror, smiling and dressed in satin outfits.
A bride in a white lace dress and boots stands on a wooden deck surrounded by trees, while a man in a gray suit kneels to adjust her shoe.
Three women, one in a wedding gown and two in bridesmaid dresses, hold hands in prayer inside a decorated home with a chandelier and mirror.
A woman with long, wavy red hair, glasses, and a big smile, standing outdoors against a wooden background, wearing a denim jacket and black top.

I’ve been in the wedding industry since I was nine. I’ve seen rainy days, missing flowers, wardrobe mishaps—you name it. But I thrive in that kind of wedding-day chaos.

I’m a detail-loving Enneagram 1, coffee drinker, and small-farm mama who genuinely enjoys keeping things calm and running smoothly—at least on wedding days. My own life? Well, that’s a little more “chaotic flow” than timeline perfection.

I’ll help you stay grounded, make smart pivots, and still get the photos that feel like you. I’ve worked with couples who have literally never taken a photo together—and by the end, they’re laughing, relaxed, and loving the process. I’m not just here to take pretty pictures—I’m here to make your day smoother, easier, and actually enjoyable.

Hi, I’m Shalyn—and This Is Where I Shine

Real Couples, Real Words

  • A bride and groom standing on a balcony in front of a large stone house. The bride is wearing a white wedding dress and the groom is in a dark suit. They are looking at each other and smiling.

    "Shalyn is one of the sweetest, most friendliest people I’ve ever met. She helped us feel comfortable around the camera to help us be ourselves for our engagement session and for our wedding at Haseltine Estate."

    -Rachel

  • Bride holding a bouquet of white and pink flowers, walking through a tunnel of friends and family raising their hands, inside a rustic wedding venue.

    “I would highly recommend her to anyone! She made us feel comfortable immediately and it was so fun to work with her! There was not one photo out of our engagement or wedding collection that we didn’t love.”

    -Mandy

  • A bride and groom face to face outdoors on their wedding day, smiling and holding each other, with the bride showing her wedding ring.

    "Thanks to the best photographer in the world! Her pictures are always amazing but I couldn’t have pulled this wedding off without her. She was always here to support me! Whatever I needed she provided!"

    -Hannah

  • A bride and groom standing close together outdoors at sunset, gazing into each other's eyes, with the bride's hand on the groom's chest showing her wedding ring.

    “You my dear are a rockstar, one of those rare jewels in the photography world! You truly meshed & melted so beautifully right into being another one of our family members that we truly enjoyed and appreciated celebrating one of the most precious days together! ”

    -Samantha

A bride and groom standing on a balcony in front of a large stone house, smiling and looking at each other.

Let’s Make This Easy

Wedding photography shouldn’t be confusing. My packages start at $2,500 and are built around your real needs—timeline help, sneak peeks, and every image delivered in a beautiful online gallery with full print rights. No surprises. Just everything you actually need.

Ready for Photos That Feel Like You?

I’d love to hear what you’re planning and help you figure out what makes the most sense for your day. No pressure—just a real conversation to see if we’re a good fit.

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Shalyn O'Neal Photography Logo - Rose Gold Hoop with Floral Accent

Creating meaningful photographs that feel natural, with helpful guidance to bring out your best moments.

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