One of the most popular questions I get is what to wear……hence I’ve created a whole link just for you guys up there!  But that’s not enough, I’d like to take it a bit further and show you what some good examples are!

Fall is coming up and I know everyone wants to have their family portrait made this time of year, hurry and book quickly since those beautiful fall leaves come and go so quickly so does my availability between senior sessions and family sessions and everything in between!

Now booking for mid Sept and Oct.  Please contact me at erikadotson@gmail.com to book your session!  I’m trying to schedule sessions on Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur.  let me know if you need a weekend date and we’ll try to work something out!

Below is an example for a family of five, but could be adapted for a couple session as well.  You can see the color palette below.  Using accessories is a great way to add individuality to each family member.  Maybe a grey scarf for mom?  What about some cute ruffly socks for little sister?  Or could you see dad in a fedora?!?!?  :)

Copyright Erika Dotson Photography

Please leave some feedback.  Let me know if there’s something you’d like to see.

Enjoy!

-erika

Let’s start with all the BEAUTIFUL details!

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.

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?

Isn’t she a beauty?

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!

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

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

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

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

I just love these purple bridesmaid dresses!

What a gorgeous dress!

Ashton’s smile as she sees her groom……

Along with Adam’s smile!  :)

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

What a beautiful day and location for a wedding day!

These two little girls were adorable!

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

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

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

What a beautiful wedding cake too!

Some more cake cutting…………..

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

Awww and a cute Hog kiss to seal the deal!

Perfect toss Ashton!

And yes Adam you did well too!

What a beautiful happy couple!

Congratulations you two!

Enjoy!

-erika

Is she not just gorgeous?  I love the smile here!!!!

Can you believe her mother made this bouquet for her bridal portraits!?!?!?  Well done Mrs. Avra!

I think this one is my favorite!

I love how the lighting captures her beautiful dress!

Adorable shoes!

Great job Jim!  This ring is magnificent!

Enjoy!

-erika

Here’s some interesting things I’ve found today….

How to Dress for a Wedding Reception! – Please take the time to read this if you planned on wearing jeans and a t-shirt!

Personally I believe the following would make such cute outfits to attend a wedding and even bridesmaids attire as well!!!

I just love this little set someone put together here!

For the Round One Winners……………..

Hey guys you will be voted on by our staff (which would be Tanja, my momma, my stepdad, my husband, Ellie (my puppy that really can’t read so I’m just including her as part of the family) and myself. 

But  you will also be voted on by how many comments you can get on your story.  So if I were you I would get all your friends to go and vote once they are published!!!  Send out the word via twitter, facebook, emails, phone calls, snail mail, myspace, skype, whatever you’ve gotta do to get people to comment on your story!  

Please remember just because you had the “most” comments doesn’t necessarily mean you win automatically!  The judgement call is still up to us and we’re looking for creativity!  The votes will just weigh in percentage wise and help boost your score a little bit! 

So call me crazy or insane whatever you like but I want to offer something ridiculous this year!  I want to offer a package that includes 5 hours of wedding day coverage and a disc of your images for FREE!!!  Now of course there has to be some fine little details to win so here they are….

1)  You must attend the bridal fair to enter.

2) You must fill out our little info card and drop it in our box to enter the contest.

3) You must be getting married either 2009 or 2010 on a date that has not been booked by another bride we have.

So how will this work?

I will select 10 names out of the hat and I will post their names on our blog (and shoot them an email so they know they have been selected as one of the top 10).

Those 10 people will have one week to write up their story as to why they think they most deserve a FREE wedding photography package.

They will respond via email and I will select the best response.  Hopefully there will be a tie!  :0   I love tiebreakers!

So all you brides out there should stop by our booth say hello and enter to win!

But for now I’ll give you a few images of what is going on behind the scenes at Erika Dotson Photography in attempts to prepare for the bridal fair. ….

Here’s what our dining room looks like right now, I have such a wonderful husband for letting me store these things here for now!

Here’s the cards you should be watching out for!!!

Anyone want to take a guess at what I will be doing with this awesome painting for the fair?  (besides Tanja!)

A little of my vintage inspiration….

I hope everyone has a great work week and I hope to see everyone at the bridal fair!

Enjoy!

erika