Posts Tagged ‘arkansas wedding photographer’

What to Wear Wednesdays // Arkansas Wedding Photographer

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

This segment of the What  to Wear Wednesdays series I decided to focus on weddings.  The goal in writing features like this is first to give our awesome readers ideas for their weddings, portrait sessions, life, pretty much anything and secondly to inform and teach!  Today I will focus mostly on teaching.  Too many times I’ve been brides with a dress on that just doesn’t quite match the style of her wedding.  Or for instance the other day I was watching Say Yes To The Dress (are you really surprised?) and the gal was having a destination wedding in Jamaica but was trying on a ball gown dress on?!?!?!??!  REALLY?  Your dress should play a huge roll in the spirit of your wedding day.  Nothing says beach wedding like a loose flowy gown to me…….my last thought was a form fitted stuffy and poofy ball gown?  So in my efforts today I tried to give you a theme and a color palette along with a coordinating dress.

Got any ideas for something you’d like to see us feature in What to Wear?  Comment below we’d LOVE to hear from you!!!!

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Enjoy!

-erika

Saturday Steal // Arkansas Wedding Photographer

Saturday, October 2nd, 2010

The idea of Saturday Steal is pretty much just to give you (our fab readers) some awesome ideas!  :)  I sure hope you enjoy!

I think I’ll focus on Fall Weddings since it is just right around the corner!  :)

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I just love when brides show up with bouquets like this with all the different colors and textures!

This bouquet takes a cue from the season and is a fragrant mix of white majolica roses, Scabiosa, sage, basil, rosemary, and lily of the valley.
Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Real Weddings by Season — Martha Stewart Weddings


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MMMMmmmmmm…….Carmel apples!  Seriously!  Love it!

Chocolate- and caramel-dipped apples are set out in large copper kettles for departing guests to take with them at the end of the evening.
Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Real Weddings by Season — Martha Stewart Weddings


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Totally love this idea, especially for all our southern weddings around here!  What a great option rather then renting  a bunch of white chairs!  Prob cheaper too!

Guests at this fall wedding sit on hay bails decorated with wildflowers from a friend’s farm in French flower pails.
Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Real Weddings by Season — Martha Stewart Weddings

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What a cool twist on the bride’s entrance!  If you really have a southern themed wedding this is the way to go!

For this September wedding, the bride makes her entrance on farm owner’s hay wagon.
Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Real Weddings by Season — Martha Stewart Weddings


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What a simple but beautiful cake!

Two tiers of the cake, by Elizabeth Loudon, are the mother of the bride’s chocolate cake recipe. Set on a stand trimmed with felt, the confection is covered with bittersweet chocolate frosting and dressed with roses, fiddleheads, and sandersonia.
Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Real Weddings by Season — Martha Stewart Weddings

I pretty much just planned your whole country themed fall wedding for you!  :)

Enjoy!

-erika

Saturday Steal // Martha Stewart Weddings

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

I just love anything Martha Stewart does!!!  She’s amazing!  So Saturday’s I decided to go find something cool and totally steal it, write what I think about it, and let you go check it out!  :)

Oh I’m a huge DIY (do it yourself) fan!!!  Read more

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I’ve seen old photos of parents’ wedding days more and more at recent weddings so I thought I’d add to that with something a bit more visually interesting than frames sitting on a table.  Read more.

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Linens are expensive and boring, so try out some wrapping paper!  Pretty sure you could make everything way more customized! Read more.

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I just want to emphasize how much the tiny details really do matter!  This is just an ordinary drink station but look how adorable it is with the right touches!!!  Read more.

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Enjoy!

-erika

Shoesday // Something Blue

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue…”

Speaking for all women out there, we love love love shoes.  So finding the perfect ones for your wedding day… a big deal.  Shop around, don’t buy the first pair you find at David’s Bridal (you didn’t choose to marry the first guy you met, am I right?).  Remember, you want your wedding shoes to be timeless… classic…  A great place to start looking, Wedding Feet, they have many styles and colors to choose from.  I love blue as an accent color, so for this post I chose to highlight blue heels for the big day!

*Above shoes can be found at Wedding Feet online.

-Donnally

Ashley and Jim // Arkansas Wedding Photography

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

Ashley and Jim were married at the First Presbyterian in Conway on July 17th followed by a rocked out reception at Conway Country Club!   All the beautiful florals and decor were created by  Events Rental and Floral in Conway.  Their cake was designed by Oneta Williams in Heber Springs.  And the band that rocked everything out was The Fabulous Steelers of Memphis, I’m pretty sure if you are contemplating hiring a live band these guys are it no questions!  Their reception was seriously like a concert (it was amazing)!!!!!!!  Ashley and Jim got to relax on a 7-night stay at The Excellence Resort in Playa Mujeres, Mexico!!!  :)

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Congratulations Ashley and Jim!  We are so grateful for the opportunity we had to work with you and your families!  It was a pleasure to get to know you two!  Best wishes!

Enjoy!

-erika

Sarah and Ryan // Springfield Wedding Photography

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

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!

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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!)

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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!

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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!!!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!!!!

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

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Ramada I couldn’t have said it better myself!

Enjoy!

-erika

Special Gifts to my Clients! // Erika Dotson Arkansas Wedding Photographer

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

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……….

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

Enjoy!

-erika

KNWA Throws a Wedding // Couples Selected!

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

Hey everyone!

I made a post about KNWA Throwing a wedding a few weeks ago but now you can go vote for a lucky couple!  They will be receiving a free wedding photography package from us!!!……along with some other nice freebees such as free invites from Sincerely Yours and a free wedding planner Jessica Kersey!!!  She’s amazing by the way!!!

So be sure to check out their stories here and go vote!!!

Meet Lee and Lensa!

Meet Brian and Erin!

Meet Charlie and Hollie!

Please take some time and go vote for one of these lucky couples!!!!

Enjoy!

-erika

Erika Dotson Photography // Arkansas Photographer

Friday, July 30th, 2010

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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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

Ashton and Adam // Mena Arkansas Wedding Photography

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

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!

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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.

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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?

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Isn’t she a beauty?

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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!

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

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

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

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

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I just love these purple bridesmaid dresses!

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What a gorgeous dress!

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Ashton’s smile as she sees her groom……

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Along with Adam’s smile!  :)

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

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What a beautiful day and location for a wedding day!

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These two little girls were adorable!

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

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

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

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What a beautiful wedding cake too!

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Some more cake cutting…………..

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

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Awww and a cute Hog kiss to seal the deal!

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Perfect toss Ashton!

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And yes Adam you did well too!

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What a beautiful happy couple!

Congratulations you two!

Enjoy!

-erika