Posts Tagged ‘fayetteville wedding photography’

Hey, Donnally here! I’m a new intern for Erika Dotson Photography, find out more about me here.

Meet Elizabeth and Andrew, a ridiculously cute couple! Erika threw me a camera, and I started snapping pictures… a great way to learn the ropes! Erika gave me a ideas for themes, I chose a first date theme for the couple because I thought it would be perfect for them. It was a fun shoot, complete with cupcakes from Bliss Cupcake Cafe, balloons, and lots of laughter. We shot the mini-session with them in downtown Fayetteville. Elizabeth and Andrew, recently engaged, were great to work with!

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

Bliss was a cute place to begin the shoot, owner Shelley Cassar, was happy to have Bliss as the set for the first date theme.

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

To set up the first date theme, Elizabeth and Andrew picked out their cupcakes.  Their taste of choice was chocolate milkshake and carrot cake. Yum!!!

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

*Erika here –  It was such a treat to be able to teach Donnally what I knew about photography this day.  I’m super excited to have her on board as an intern here!  Can’t wait for what is to come!  Be sure to check out her about page.

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

Yes, old fashion Coca-Cola was a must for the shoot!

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

I’ve got nothing for you… but meet the cupcakes.

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

Andrew kept blowing bubbles in the Coca-Cola, making Elizabeth all smiles.

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

*We thought it may be a bit awkward if Donnally wrote about herself, so here I am again.  I loved how she just jumped onto this table to shoot!  She’s learning already one of the most important factors on a shoot…..not worrying about your surroundings and how silly you look propped up on the table!  I love it!  :)

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

Gorgeous lighting.

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

I love the way Andrew looks at her.  So sweet.

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

And forehead kisses… bonus!!!

NW Arkansas Engagement Photographer

This picture sums up the couple.  Perfect.

Enjoy!

-Donnally

Ashton and Adam were married in Mena, which is where I graduated high school!  It was nice to drive back down there and visit again!  Their wedding was held at the Herod home.  They had so many lovely wedding day helpers!  I could tell these two families were very welcoming and just amazing!  It’s always good to feel accepted and taken care of at a wedding!  :)  Thanks guys!  You two are beautiful and I know the Big Man upstairs has a lot in store for you!  Congratulations on your new life together!

Let’s start with all the BEAUTIFUL details!

Mena Arkansas Wedding Photography

The flowers were created by a local florist that is just starting out in the area her name is Lauren Frost.  She’s super stylish and adorable!  If you are planning a wedding and would like her info please contact me.

Arkansas Wedding Photographer

For some reason I love this photo!  Guys just have no idea how much work it can take to get that beautiful gown on do they?

Arkansas Wedding Photography

Isn’t she a beauty?

Arkansas Wedding Photographer

This image along with the next few pretty much sum up a “First Look”.  I just LOVE LOVE LOVE when my clients decide to do a First Look!  You still get ready as usual without seeing each other beforehand.  We set up in a pretty location with good lighting before the ceremony begins.  A First Look allows you to relax and send a little time with your future spouse before the ceremony, you can talk, touch, kiss, laugh, hold, hug, etc. all of which are things you usually aren’t doing at the altar.  It also allows for more time for creative portraits as well as getting all those family portraits out of the way so you can move right on to the reception without leaving your guests waiting!

Mena Wedding Photography

Wedding Photography

She’s so happy and relieved to be able to see her groom before the ceremony!

Arkansas Wedding Photography

And then you get yummy pictures like this!!!!!  LOVE!

Arkansas Wedding Portraits

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Herod!  :)  Ashton that has a nice ring to it!

Arkansas Wedding Portraits

Arkansas Wedding Photography

Don’t they look so happy together!?!?!

Arkansas Wedding Portraits

Arkansas Weddings

I just love these purple bridesmaid dresses!

Arkansas Bridal Portraits

What a gorgeous dress!

Arkansas Wedding Photographer

Ashton’s smile as she sees her groom……

Arkansas Weddings

Along with Adam’s smile!  :)

Arkansas Wedding Photography

Love this shot I was able to capture!  Some dad love!

Erika Dotson Photography

What a beautiful day and location for a wedding day!

Arkansas Wedding Photographer

These two little girls were adorable!

Erika Dotson Photography

They look a weee bit happy to finally be married…..  :)

Now on to the reception……..just a few more detail shots for ya!

Arkansas Weddings

Mena Wedding Photos

I’m telling you this Lauren Frost girl did an amazing job on the florals!

Wedding Photos

Mena Wedding Photographer

What a beautiful wedding cake too!

Mena Wedding Photography

Razorback Weddings

Some more cake cutting…………..

Mena Weddings

The whole crowd called the Hogs while they cut their cake!  Too cute!

Mena AR Wedding Photography

Awww and a cute Hog kiss to seal the deal!

Mena Weddings

Perfect toss Ashton!

Mena Ar Photographer

And yes Adam you did well too!

Mena Ar Photographer

What a beautiful happy couple!

Congratulations you two!

Enjoy!

-erika

Hey there everyone!  I know I’ve disappeared off the face of the earth for a bit but I’m coming back in full swing!  Alyssa and Seth were the winners of our contest we held nearly a year ago at the Democrat Gazette Bridal Fair in Rogers.  If you remember there was a whole lot of people following what was going on.  I had the participants submit a letter explaining them as a couple.  Then we selected a few participants to take a picture with their fiance and incorporate Erika Dotson Photography into the photo somehow.  It came down to two girls and I had the opportunity to meet with them and I chose Alyssa and Seth as the winners of the Free Wedding Photography package.  I am certain that was the right choice as well!  Alyssa and Seth were perfect and glowing on their wedding day.  Their special day was something out of the ordinary as well which was another reason I chose to volunteer my time and talents in their behalf.  Alyssa and Seth both lost their father’s in a relatively close time period and decided that there was no other day that would honor them as much as Father’s Day.  These two set themselves aside to commemorate their amazing father’s.  I hope through these images you can see that same selfless beauty that I saw the moment I met Alyssa and Seth.

Let’s start with some getting ready shots……

NW Arkansas Weddings

I just love her cute little shoes!  She even had her brother (the lucky guy that walked her down the aisle) put a penny in her shoe just before the ceremony started!

Arkansas Wedding Photography

Her dress was stunning!  The entire gown was made of lace!  Gorgeous!

(Just a little tip to all my brides out there……remember a cute hanger for your dress shot!)

Arkansas Wedding Photography

I loved the color of these bridesmaid dresses!  I think green was a pretty popular color this year!

Arkansas Wedding Photography

This is one of my favorite images of the day!  Seems silly I know, but just take a minute to look into the photo.  This image tells a story.  You’ve got the bride making last minute preparations before her finally gets her dress on, while mom and maid of honor are carefully getting her dress ready for it’s big debut.  This is a beautiful photograph!!!!

Arkansas Wedding Photography

This is just too cute!

Arkansas Wedding Photography

This image is so timeless to me!

Erika Dotson Photography

A little attention for Seth as well…..lookin sharp.

Erika Dotson Photography

A little brotherly love….

Erika Dotson Photography

To be followed by sisterly love!  I’ve got some more lovely lit photos for you!

Erika Dotson Photography

First let’s finally met the lovely couple……Alyssa and Seth Pitts…..Congratulations!

Erika Dotson Photography

LOVE.

Erika Dotson Photography

What a stunning bride!

Erika Dotson Photography

Gorgeous couple + gorgeous light = wedding perfection!

Erika Dotson Photography

Their wedding was held at the beautiful Pratt Place Inn.

Fayetteville Wedding Photography

NW Arkansas Wedding Photography

Anticipation.

Pratt Place Barn Wedding Photography

What a gorgeous ceremony inside the barn.

Pratt Place Barn Wedding Photography

They seem a little excited!

Let’s move on to some detail shots!!!!!!…………….

Fayetteville Wedding Photography

Alyssa chose to use a local florist from Prairie Grove.  Their flowers turned out beautifully.

Fayetteville Wedding Photography

At their reception Alyssa and Seth set up this beautiful little table to make Father’s Day cards.  It was such an original and cute idea!  Pictured above is Seth’s father on the left and Alyssa’s father on the right.

Arkansas Wedding Photography

I started thinking which led to this idea!  I just love when my wedding clients add personal touches to their wedding because it allows me to capture meaningful memories for them to truly bring out their character in their photos!

Arkansas Wedding Photographer

As soon as I saw those stamps I knew what my ring shot was going to be for the day!  I think it’s perfect!

Fayetteville Wedding Photography

What an amazing wedding cake!  Love it!  It was quite tasty too!  Thanks guys!

Arkansas Weddings

They had these cute little tins with candy surrounding the cake.  Too sweet!

Arkansas Wedding Photographer

These are just too cute!  I loved all the little details that Alyssa and Seth incorporated!

Wedding Photographer

We can’t leave out the groom’s cake!  I’m pretty sure Seth is a pretty big razorback fan!  (He should be excited to know that Baby Dotson’s room will be Razorback themed then!!!)

Arkansas Wedding Photographer

Alyssa seems to be a pretty hardcore fan herself!

Arkansas Photographer

Alyssa was all grins as they shared their first dance together!

Arkansas Photographers

The Best Man whipped out his speech from his phone……I just love how technology is changing the wedding scene too!  He gave a great tear jerking speech!  Way to go!

Arkansas Wedding Photographer

I love how Alyssa’s looking back at all her single friends.

Fayetteville Wedding Photographer

And Seth with all his single friends!  I just love this shot!

Fayetteville Photographer

Seth’s facial expression here is just great!

Fayetteville Wedding Photographer

They had a live band that really rocked out their reception!

Arkansas Weddings

I love how much fun they are having together!

Fayetteville Weddings

Looks like this guy surprised everyone with his awesome dance moves!

Fayetteville AR Wedding Photographer

What a fun grand exit!

It was wonderful to work with you two!  I hope you have many happy years together!

Enjoy!

-erika

Cristy and John were sealed in the Draper Utah Temple a few weeks ago where I was able to capture their special wedding day memories with them!  Cristy and John are so perfect for each other!  I’ve known Cristy since I moved here to Northwest Arkansas.  We met through church and have been pretty good friends since.  We roomed in college together and she was also one of my bridesmaids when TW and I got married!  Cristy is such a delightful person to be around and she’s always lifting you up emotionally and spiritually!  I remember one time I was venting about how frustrated I was that I was working so hard but still didn’t have any money……..she’s so sweet……..a few days later I went out to my car and she had left me a lovely little note with some money to buy gas!  I told you she was a doll!  Now as for John I don’t know him very well but through the weekend I was able to gather that he is almost identical to how adorable Cristy is….well of course in a more manly way!  His family was everything beyond amazing!  I know Cristy got lucky marrying into such a beautiful loving family!  They all made me feel like I was part of the family too!  :)  After such a wonderful weekend I have some amazing shots to show you guys!!!  Aren’t you super excited!?!?!?!?

We started with a day of portraits the day before their sealing since we were worried about weather and if we would have enough time!  I’m so so so glad that Cristy asked me if we could do this!

For now I’m just going to share those portraits…….another day shortly we’ll share their wedding day portraits and all the details!

Utah Weddings

Isn’t she just gorgeous!?!?!?  When I took this shot John whispered to me….”I am a lucky guy to get to marry her”!  —now doesn’t that make your heart melt?

Utah Weddings

They found this beautiful barn that had the perfect backdrop for some amazing images like this one.

Utah Wedding Photography

LOVE.

Utah Weddings

The wind is so graciously blowing her hair here and it is so dreamy!

Utah Wedding Photographers

I think this might be my favorite image of the day!  I loved these white trees that were everywhere out there!  I also love the look of excitement on John’s face!

Utah Wedding Photography

John worked at this golf course that served as our gorgeous backdrop for these pretty pictures!  I love this one too!

Utah Wedding Photography

John wasn’t too happy about this picture because Cristy’s high heels were ruining the green…..I’m not a golfer but who cares about a few little bumps?

Utah Wedding Photography

This picture cracks me up and it was totally their idea!  It’s so funny how she’s attempting to pull him away from the game!

Utah Wedding Photography

Another gorgeous kissing shot, I’m loving that tree!

Utah Wedding Photos

:)

Utah Weddings

This is a favorite too!  For anyone thinking about seeing their groom before the ceremony I totally recommend it!  You can get more creative fun shots like these that you would otherwise miss!  We could also do a day after session too!

Enjoy!

-erika

Claire and Aaron are getting married in Jamaica today!  I hope the weather there is beautiful!  Tanja our associate photographer is capturing their special day over there!  What fun!  Claire, Tanja, and I went out with Claire’s mom about a month ago to get these beautiful images that I’ve been dying to show you!    Congratulations you two!!!

Arkansas Bridal Portraits

I just love the light in this image!

Arkansas Bridal Portraits

Isn’t she gorgeous?  She got these parasails for Jamaica, I can’t wait to see what Tanja does with them!

Arkansas Bridal Portraits

Once again I’m in love with that lighting!  She looks so beautiful here!  I think this is one of her favorites.

Arkansas Bridal Portraits

Ummmm blue shoes……YES PLEASE!   This is too stinkin cute!

Arkansas Bridal Portraits

I love how playful this image is!

Arkansas Bridal Portraits

Awwww this reminds me of an old time picture.

Arkansas Bridal Portraits

Just loving that parasail again!

Arkansas Bridal Portraits

As if you couldn’t tell by now this image should tell you how laid back and easy going this little lady is.  I was freaking out when someone mentioned taking the dress in the creek (since she isn’t married just yet) but Claire just hiked up her dress and walked around.  This image is lit so beautifully and shows off Claire’s gorgeousness!!!

Enjoy!

-erika

Sally and Cole were married recently in Mountain Home and I had the honor of capturing their special day!  Sally was absolutely gorgeous and of course Cole was looking pretty handsome himself!

First we’ll start with all the pretty details!

NWA Wedding Photography

Sally had a cute little cabin for her and all her girls to get ready in just beside the ceremony location.

NWA Wedding Photography

By the looks of it they loved the guestbook!  :)

NWA Wedding Photography

They were married at Gaston’s White River Resort and had a BEAUTIFUL location for their ceremony just off the river bank!

NWA Wedding Photography

Tanja captured this great shot of Sally and her Father waiting to walk her down the aisle.

NWA Wedding Photography

And shortly after I was able to capture this one.

NWA Wedding Photography

This little guy was so worried about walking down the aisle, good thing he had his big sister to hang on to!!!  He did a great job!!!

NWA Wedding Photography

Cole called me earlier that day and let me in on his secret!  I was so excited to know he had something so special up his sleeve!  It was a big surprise to everyone (well except us photographers!) and there was so much emotion in the air!  It was major bonus points in Cole’s favor!!!

NWA Wedding Photography

NWA Wedding Photography

I think this is my favorite image from the whole day!  I told you there was a lot of emotions!  This picture captures all of them!  Way to go Tanja!

NWA Wedding Photography

Now for some pretty couple pictures!

NWA Wedding Photography

Images like this are a result of choosing to do a “First Look”!!!!  So personal and intimate!!!  Once again, I just love the emotion in this image!!!!  :)  If I’m not mistaken this is a Tanja shot too!

NWA Wedding Photography

NWA Wedding Photography

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Ezell!!!

NWA Wedding Photography

NWA Wedding Photography

A nice kissing shot after the cake cutting!  I love when my couples do this and I get to catch it on film (well digital film that is!)

NWA Wedding Photography

NWA Wedding Photography

I love how Sally is looking back to see who’s going to catch it!  And you can bet that little girl did everything she could to be the winner!

NWA Wedding Photography

What a great way to end the evening!

NWA Wedding Photography

Enjoy!

-erika

(PS for those of you wondering I will have Sally and Cole’s wedding galleries up on the website tomorrow well technically later today since it is 2am!)

Sally and Cole were married on May 22nd so I feel like it’s a good time to get some bridals up of the beautiful Sally!  We took these bridals a few weeks before her wedding day and I just couldn’t wait to share them with all of you, but obviously I had too since no one had seen her in her dress yet and we definitely wouldn’t want to risk the chance of the groom to see them either!!!  We started shooting in a field of yellow flowers then headed down to Lake Fayetteville to capture some stunning shots there as well!  Sally is such a beautiful lady!  She recently graduated from grad school(GO SALLY!) and planned a wedding the following weekend…..brave girl!  Oh and I’m pretty sure she’s already secured a job as well and started today!  CONGRATS!

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Keep posted for their wedding images soon!

Enjoy!

-erika

A day in the life…

March 25, 2010

This basically is what I do on a daily basis….. edit edit edit and some more editing!  And guess what…..I wouldn’t trade my job for a million bucks!

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Enjoy!

erika

Monday’s Favorites

March 22, 2010

I want to focus on every color in the rainbow at some point but I think today will be YELLOW!!!

Find these adorable dresses at Forever 21 for your bridesmaids!

What an adorable idea!!!!!  Love love love lining the walkway with lemons!!!

I thought these shoes from Payless would look cute with the girls’ dresses.

American EagleKendal Canvas Knot Wedge

Oh you gotta have lemonade to make the wedding complete!!!

Lemonade
From Martha Stewart

3 cups lemon or lime juice, about 20 lemons or 25 limes freshly squeezed
2 cups superfine sugar
4 cups cold water
4 cups ice
2 lemons or limes, thinly sliced for garnish

1. Into a large serving container, strain the citrus juice, mix it with sugar, and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

2. Add 4 cups cold water and stir again until well combined. Add ice to fill and a few lemon or lime slices.

Makes 10 cups.


And these would be wonderful shoes for the bride!!!!

What a cute bouquet!!!!

What a great bridesmaid gift from Etsy!

Yellow Rose and Swarovski Crystal Pearl Bracelet

Cute socks!  What a great idea for a fun shot!

yellow and gray menswear

And of course you gotta have a yellow tie to coordinate!

I’m thinking the tie would look best with a grey tux!

Instead of one big wedding cake you could offer cute little pies or cakes displayed at various heights to add interest!

Lemon Meringue Pie

These would be a good addition to the church doors.

Learn how to make these DIY napkin folds yourself!

What an adorable boutonniere!

Kula

Enjoy!

-erika

Hey everyone I was pretty stoked about shooting Kelly and Adam’s wedding at Devil’s Den last weekend.  It was such a gloomy day to start out and I was nervous but just in time the sky cleared out for them!  It’s funny that always seems to happen for us on wedding days!  :)  Kelly and Adam live out at Devil’s Den since Adam works there.  It’s such a beautiful place to visit.  Both of their families drove all the way from Jonesboro the day before and experienced the cabin life.  It was an intimate but gorgeous wedding.  Julie from Jules Design provided these really cool trees to put at the ceremony location, she also provided the awesome floral arrangements.  She’s amazing with the flowers!  They decided to take an hour before the ceremony to capture some couple portraits together, which if you’ve got the time I totally recommend!  We got lots of yummy pictures of them together!  Then it was time for the ceremony.  Her daddy walked her down the aisle that was sprinkled with dirt, pine needles, and gumballs!  :)  Then they reached all the rocks that Kelly graciously crossed to her new groom.  It was a very sweet and simple ceremony surrounded by the most important people in Kelly and Adam’s lives.  We then caught some quick pictures of their cake from Rick’s Bakery and then they were off to go enjoy dinner with their family.  I was so grateful to have the opportunity to help them remember their special day.  Kelly and Adam truly are wonderful individuals and they compliment each other so well.  I know they’ll be together for many many years.  It was so cute to watch how concerned Adam was for his new bride as she made her way in a gorgeous wedding dress across all those rocks.  What a cutie.  And I can’t forget how many times Kelly told us she wasn’t photogenic……………what?!?!?!?!?!?  KELLY you are totally HOTT!!!  :)

Congratulations you two and we wish you the best!

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Meet totally HOTT Kelly!  :)

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Meet the handsome groom Adam.

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This beautiful shot was captured by Tanja.

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Totally laid on the ground below them to get this shot!  Awesome.

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Aren’t they just adorable?

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I’m pretty sure this is my favorite image from the entire day!

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Told you Jules Design was amazing…..  :)

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This is another favorite!  So hard to decide.

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I’m not sure if there’s a more beautiful place in the world to get married……

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Doesn’t “THE” kiss make it all official?

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She seems pleased.  :)

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Enjoy!

-erika

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