Archive for the ‘Weddings’ Category

Sarah and Ryan are such a lighthearted fun loving couple!  They were such a treat to work with!  I’m pretty sure they were more concerned about everyone else on their wedding day than themselves!  Let’s get to know them!

Springfield Wedding Photography 1

There’s a big ol rivalry in their new marriage…..you’ll see more later, I just want you to note what kind of garter Mrs. Sarah is wearing!  :)

I love when I get to arrive early and shoot the girls and guys hanging out doing their thing, special thanks to Tanja who was able to shoot the boys! (literally glad they didn’t shoot her!)

Springfield Wedding Photography 3

Since we didn’t do “official” bridals I decided to capture a few while we were getting organized.  We got to take the bridal party photos in the back yard, bonus!!!  She’s so fun and just makes me want to smile!

Springfield Wedding Photography 2

We hurried on to the wedding at the gorgeous Immaculate Conception Church in Springfield Missouri.

I just think it’s adorable when my couples rent or borrow old classic cars for their getaway!!!

Springfield Wedding Photography 6

Then we all stopped off at a local park and took some super fun bridal party shots!  Let me tell you I’ve never had such a fun and outgoing bunch before!  It was a pleasure to work with this crew, they were up for any of my crazy ideas!

Springfield Wedding Photography 5

Oh of course we got some beautiful wind and amazing couple shots!!!!!!  I just LOVE LOVE LOVE when my brides wear long veils!  These shots are stunning!

Springfield Wedding Photography 4

I’ll be honest when Sarah told me about this place that has a cool cave I wasn’t too enthralled, but you better believe when we got up there and started shooting I was!  I just love how they turned out!

Yes I posted an out of focus image……oh no……the world is going to end……..ok not really but there was just something about this image I couldn’t just toss it out!  I love it.

Springfield Wedding Photography 9

Ok so show us the details!  First off I must say I was totally impressed…..Sarah’s mom still has the penny she put in her shoe when she got married and now Sarah was able to use the same one!!!  Adorable!

I loved the wedding day  emergency kit they put together too cute!

The cake was provided by Julies Chewies and while I’m mentioning it, of course I had some and it was delicious! :)

So I explained a little bit earlier there was some rivalry but this should explain things a bit more!!!  The football helmets were perfect for their ring shots! LOVED IT!

Springfield Wedding Photography 7

Then off to the reception where we got LOTS of dancing done with many thanks to Rick of  Hits and Grins Entertainment.  Ok does the little old lady not just make you all warm and buttery inside?!?!?!  She’s adorable!  I also want to point out that these two have some super proud mommas and daddys!!!!

Springfield Wedding Photography 8

I love this image too!  I just adore the sparklers and the color!

Springfield Wedding Photography 10

Ramada I couldn’t have said it better myself!

Enjoy!

-erika

Hey there everyone!  Several of you ladies contacted me at the beginning of the week regarding your wedding CD’s and I mentioned that I would be sending them out that day……then you all received an email shortly afterwards that said nevermind bc I have a little surprise for you!!!  Well guess what I’m a horrible secret keeper (at least when it involves something so awesome like this!) and I’m just going to share it with you here, then you can be surprised when you actually get them in the mail!!!  :)

I recently ran out of my traditional old labeled CD’s that I give to clients……you know the ones with my logo and name plastered all over them, which gave me an excuse to go order more…….   Well that’s when it hit me!  I’m going to make custom CD’s for all my clients!!!  Yea be excited!  :)

And without making you wait any longer for a picture……….

Erika Dotson Arkansas Wedding Photographer

I’m so excited to get these out to you guys tomorrow!

Enjoy!

-erika

Claire and Aaron were wed in Jamaica but also chose to have a service here in Arkansas as well for those who couldn’t attend their Jamaican wedding but also decided to do so out of tradition!  Apparently there has been a long standing tradition in Aaron’s family about getting married in the bay window at their parents historical home and having your marriage last, I think I’d get hitched in the bay window too if I were them!  They had such a beautiful ceremony and reception here in Fayetteville, I was so glad that I was able to attend this one after working so closely with this couple!

NW Wedding Photography Claire and Aaron

NW Arkansas Wedding Photography Claire and Aaron2

NWA Wedding Photography Claire and Aaron4NW Arkansas Wedding Photography Claire and Aaron3

Caterer: Whole Hog

Party Rentals: Eventures

Cake: Shelby Lynn’s

Florals: J Renee Floral Design

Hair: Sarah Faye Burnett at Black Sheep Salon

Photography: Erika Dotson Photography

Enjoy!

-erika

Today is going to be my day!  Well technically I’ll have to share with Baby Dotson and my husband too but we’re having maternity pictures taken today!  I’m pretty excited!  Do you remember Ruthie?  She won a free mini session well low and behold she’s a rising star in the photography world around here and she has asked if we wanted to do some maternity photos with her!  Thanks so much Ruthie!  So that’s what we’re up to today.

I did want to post a few teasers of things I’ve been working on recently though!   Everything from Conway weddings to Huntsville Seniors.

Europe Wedding Photographer

Meet Tanja and David (you should already be familiar with Tanja she’s a retired associate photographer here at Erika Dotson Photography).  I’m so excited about their upcoming wedding……you know why?  Well she’s retired because she moved to England to be with David so that means I’ll be going to England next summer!  You’d be excited too!  We’re working on their engagement session…..lot’s of yummy pictures to come!

Huntsville Senior Portraits

Meet Ally.  She’s going to be a Senior this year at Huntsville High School.  Sorry boys she’s taken!  Ally is my brother in law’s girlfriend and she’s such a sweetheart!

Arkansas Senior Portrait Photographer

So now we’ve gotta meet Andy (my brother in law) yes girls he’s taken by the sweet gal above, so sorry!  :)  He’s also a Huntsville High Senior this year!  I’m so excited for him!  I’ll save all my sappiness for when I make his post later! But for now Congrats and we’re cheering you on this year!

Missouri Wedding Photographer

Next up is Sarah and Ryan O’Callaghan!  They were married in Springfield, Missouri a few weeks back.  Sarah and I attended U of A together in the Dietetics program a few years ago.  Ryan is an LSU Tiger so they’ve got some work cut out for them, in fact if I remember right the Tigers and the Razorbacks were playing each other while we were in the middle of our engagement session and we stopped off Dickson St to change and Ryan peered through the window of a bar to keep updated on the score!  They are such an adorable couple and I was so excited when Sarah called an announced her engagement!  Stay tuned we’ve got some exciting images coming!

Conway Wedding Photography

And finally Ashley and Jim!  They had the best wedding party I’ve been too in a long time!  I’m not even kidding you their band came from Memphis and ROCKED THE HOUSE!!!!  If anyone is looking for an AMAZING live band you have got to check out The Fabulous Steeler Band!  I’m excited about posting all the beautiful details of their wedding!!!

Now I’m off to go enjoy my day and get ready for my time to shine!  ha ha

Enjoy!

-erika

Hey there ladies and gents!  :)  Claire and Aaron were also married on Father’s Day just like another one of my latest wedding couples!  How in the world did we manage that?  Well in case you didn’t know we’ve got ourselves a little staff over here at Erika Dotson Photography and even if your wedding day is already booked with us we can still accommodate you!  :)  That makes us all happy right?!?!!?

I met Claire and Aaron for the first time at Panera Bread where her Father slipped in and paid for everyone’s meal right under my nose!  Thanks Claire’s dad!  When we originally met it was known that they were going to get married at Sandals and that a photographer came with their wedding package, well apparently Claire and Aaron didn’t like the idea of not hiring their own photographer…….we bent the rules just a bit.  It was made known that if you had a friend that also happened to take pictures they would be allowed to shoot during the wedding as well.  So that’s just what we decided to do become “Best Friends”!!!  Well later down the road we found out we would be having a baby and that I wouldn’t be able to travel to Jamaica….. :(  as you can imagine I was bummed!  But Tanja was lucky enough to get to go and capture some amazing photos for them!  Claire and Aaron are such a sweet couple and it’s been really fun to get to know them as a couple and as individuals!  We wish you the best together for many happy years!

This will be part one of Claire and Aaron’s wedding photos……

See what she had to say (she’s already gotten to see all these Jamaica ones!):

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE our pictures!! I am so excited to get them. Thank you so much! I cant wait to see more… let me know what all i need to do!!”  - Claire Williams

Jamaica Weddings

We’ll start as always with some getting ready shots!  I love these!

Destination Wedding Photographer

“Something Old”

Erika Dotson Photography

I love this dress shot!

Jamaica Wedding Photographer

These monogrammed robes are a super cute idea for your bridesmaids!  SPA time!!!!

Jamaica Wedding Photos

What a beautiful day!!!!

Sandals Wedding Photography

Yes they brought this sand all the way back to Arkansas……how awesome is that!?!!?!?

Destination Weddings

I love how the officiant is clapping!  It makes me happy to see his huge grin while they seal it with a kiss!

Destination Photographer

LOVE!

Jamaica Wedding Photographer

She caught this while they were waiting around for the sunset for some beautiful couple portraits coming up!

Jamaica Wedding Photography

Love this angle and the coloring!

Destination Photographer

This may just be my favorite shot of the whole day!

Sunset Photographer

Yummy sunset lighting!

Arkansas Wedding Photographer

Gorgeous girl!

Erika Dotson Photography

Adorable…..again.

Erika Dotson Photography

I just love the simplicity of this cake…….it helps too that orchids are my favorite!

Erika Dotson Photography

The look on Aaron’s face is priceless to me, he adores her and you can see it here!

Erika Dotson Photography

Claire and her Father have a pretty close relationship I’ve learned, that’s why I love this image!

Keep posted for more images from Claire and Aaron’s ceremony here in Fayetteville!

Enjoy!

-erika



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

Hey everyone as promised I am posting more images from Cristy and John’s sealing in the Draper Utah Temple!  I got to tag along with Doug Larson their Utah Wedding Videographer and he showed me all the hot spots at the temple grounds.  Cristy and John had so much family and friends there to support them and witness their beautiful sealing!  The weather was perfect, other than being a tad on the cold side (but no one can tell that from pictures!  :)  Cristy and John are such a beautiful couple inside and out and I’m pretty sure someone has got big plans for them while they are here!!!  After their sealing they attended their reception held at John’s parents house in Heber City.  Their family did lots of work preparing for the reception and it looked great! Congratulations Cristy and John! Utah weddings Utah Weddings I just love how happy they are in this shot!!!  Exactly how they should be after leaving the temple! Utah Wedding Photography I love how John steals one from Cristy to show off for the camera!  :)  Shots like this make me smile! Utah Weddings Beautiful couple at a beautiful temple! Utah Weddings This is definitely my favorite shot of the day! Utah Weddings I just love the lighting in this little nook!  The warm glow from those doors is amazing! Utah Wedding Photographer Utah Wedding Photographer Here’s the famous cupcakes!  All of John’s sister in laws spent the entire day creating these beautiful little cupcakes so I had to give them justice and feature them on the blog! Utah Wedding Photographer So who would have thought this old rusty chair that I spotted outside would make the perfect backdrop for Cristy’s bouquet? Utah Wedding Photographer Or how about a tree stump to provide such a detailed ring shot? Utah Wedding Photographer I love how happy everyone is in this photo as the couple enjoys their first dance together. Utah Wedding Photographer This image is priceless to me…..it’s as if John has had a moment to really stop and think as he holds his new wife close.  I can see so much love and care for her here. Utah Wedding Photographer Let’s end with this playful shot of dad and son making sure they “get” the new couple as they make their get a way! 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

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!)

Related Posts with Thumbnails