Posts Tagged ‘erica dotson’
Saturday, October 9th, 2010
I have been bookmarking blogs like crazy so be sure to expect some good stuff around here! Let me know if you have any ideas for posts or if you would like to see something on the blog!
Saturday Steal…..Again from Martha because she’s that awesome!

This is super cute! Why just have the “Just Married” sign on the back of your car and why not post one at your reception? Download the template here….

I love this advice about the ties!!! Read more.

Find out how to make this frame!!! So cute! Read More.

Ring Bearer book………I think YES!!! Read More.

You know we could totally create these for you! Let me know if you are interested before we start your engagement shoot and we can work this into the design!!! Read more.

This would be a post my mom would be proud of (she’s an environmental engineer)…..BIODEGRADABLE CONFETTI!!!! Awesome! No mess to clean up! Read More.
If there’s anything you’d like to see featured please let us know! We write these things for you guys anyways! :) I’d love to hear from you…..(AKA please leave comments!!!) :)
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: arkansas wedding ideas, arkansas wedding photographer, arkansas wedding photography, Arkansas Wedding Videography, bella vista wedding photography, blog.erikadotsonphotography.com, botanical garden wedding ideas, clean wedding photography, conway wedding photographer, conway wedding photography, conway weddings, creative wedding photography, creekwood garden weddding ideas, creekwood gardens, dallas wedding photography, dotson, erica dodson, erica dotson, erica dotson photography, erika and liz, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, erikadotsonphotography.com, eureka springs wedding photographer, eureka springs wedding photography, eureka springs weddings, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photographer, fort smith wedding photography, how to decorate for a wedding, little rock wedding photographer, little rock wedding photography, little rock weddings, martha stewart ideas, martha stewart weddings, mena wedding photographer, mena wedding photography, modern photographer, northwest arkansas wedding photography, nwa wedding photography, outdoor weddings, outdoors wedding photography, reception venue, rogers arkansas, tulsa wedding photographer, tulsa weddings, unique wedding photography, vintage engagements, vintage wedding photography, wedding chapel, wedding ideas, wedding photography, wedding photography in fayetteville, wedding plans, Weddings
Posted in Inspiration | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
I decided to start something new…..are you really that surprised?
To kick off the new school year I wanted to make some What to Wear samples for your upcoming SENIOR PORTRAITS!!! Check back weekly to see some new styles and be sure to book your sessions because my fall sessions are booking up quickly!
I recommend for each session something:
//DRESSY//




//TRENDY//




//CASUAL//



*All styles available at Forever 21
All you 2011 Seniors let’s schedule your portrait session now for all the beautiful fall weather! Email (erikadotson@gmail.com) today to start booking your session! Hurry our spots are limited and running out!
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: 2011 senior portraits, 479-871-8932, arkansas senior portrait, arkansas senior portrait photography, erica dodson, erica dotson, erica dotson photography, erika, erika and liz, erika dorie dotson, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, erikadotsonphotography.com, examples of senior portraits, family portraits in fayetteville ar, Fayetteville Portrait Photography, fayetteville senior portrait photographer, forever 21, Headshots, huntsville senior portraits, little rock senior portraits, nw arkansas senior portrait photographer, portrait photography, rogers senior portraits, senior photography, senior portrait photographer, senior portrait what to wear, senior reps, what to wear, what to wear to senior portraits
Posted in Portraits | No Comments »
Saturday, August 28th, 2010
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!

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.

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!!!

*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.

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

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

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

*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! :)

Gorgeous lighting.

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

And forehead kisses… bonus!!!

This picture sums up the couple. Perfect.
Enjoy!
-Donnally
Tags: 479-871-8932, Andrew Even, arkansas wedding photography, Arkansas Wedding Videography, bella vista wedding photography, Bliss Cupcake Cafe, Campbell, Cupcake Cafe, Cupcakes, Cute cupcakes, Donnally, Donnally Campbell, dotson, Elizabeth Doster, erica dotson, ericka dodson, erika, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, Fayetteville Portrait Photography, fayetteville square, fayetteville wedding photography, First Date, little rock wedding photography, northwest arkansas wedding photography, NW Arkansas Photographer, NW Engagements, NWA Engagement Photography, nwa engagements, NWA PHOTOGRAPHY, simple wedding photography, Speciality Cupcakes, springdale wedding photography, unique wedding photography, vintage engagements, Wedding Cupcakes, wedding ideas, wedding vendors
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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!

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!)

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!

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!!!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!!!!

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

Ramada I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: arkansas wedding photographer, arkansas wedding photography, arkansas weddings, catholic weddings, dotson photography, erica dotson, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, hits and grins entertainment, immaculate conception church in springfield, julies chewies sweet shoppe, missouri wedding photographer, missouri wedding photography, missouri weddings, ramada oasis, ramada oasis convention center in springfield, springfield ramada, springfield wedding photographer, springfield wedding photography, springfield weddings, Weddings
Posted in Weddings | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Hey everyone!
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
Tags: arkansas senior portrait photography, arkansas senior portraits, coordinating outfits, coordinating the family for pictures, dodson, erica dodson, erica dotson, erica simmons, erika dodson, erika dorie, erika dorie simmons, erika dotosn, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika simmons, examples of what to wear, fall family portraits, family portrait outfits, family portrait photographer, family portraits, family portraits in arkansas, fayetteville family portrait photographer, fayetteville family portraits, fun family photos, navy blue and grey color scheme, navy blue what to wear, nw arkansas family portrait photographer, nw arkansas family portraits, nw arkansas senior photography, nw arkansas senior portraits, outdoor family photos, outfits, senior photography, senior portrait photographer, senior portrait photographers, senior portraits, stylish family photos, what to wear, what to wear to engagements, what to wear to your photo session
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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!

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
Tags: 479-871-8932, arkansas bridal portraits, arkansas wedding photographer, arkansas wedding photography, Arkansas Wedding Videography, arkansas weddings, bella vista wedding photography, blog.erikadotsonphotography.com, clean wedding photography, creative wedding photography, dallas wedding photography, dodson, dotson, dotson photography, erica, erica dodson, erica dotosn, erica dotson, erika, erika and liz, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, eureka springs wedding photography, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, little rock wedding photography, mena ar, mena arkansas, mena arkansas wedding photographer, mena arkansas wedding photography, mena photographer, mena wedding photographer, mena wedding photography, mena weddings, northwest arkansas wedding photography, nwa wedding photography, outdoors wedding photography, reception venue, rogers arkansas, rogers arkansas wedding photography, simple wedding photography, springdale wedding photography, tulsa wedding photography, unique wedding photography, vintage wedding photography, wedding photographers, wedding photography in fayetteville, wedding vendors
Posted in Weddings | 1 Comment »
Monday, July 26th, 2010
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……

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!

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!)

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

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!!!!

This is just too cute!

This image is so timeless to me!

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

A little brotherly love….

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

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

LOVE.

What a stunning bride!

Gorgeous couple + gorgeous light = wedding perfection!

Their wedding was held at the beautiful Pratt Place Inn.


Anticipation.

What a gorgeous ceremony inside the barn.

They seem a little excited!
Let’s move on to some detail shots!!!!!!…………….

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

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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

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!!!)

Alyssa seems to be a pretty hardcore fan herself!

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

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!

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

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

Seth’s facial expression here is just great!

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

I love how much fun they are having together!

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

What a fun grand exit!
It was wonderful to work with you two! I hope you have many happy years together!
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: 479-871-8932, Alyssa and Seth Pitts, arkansas wedding photographer, arkansas wedding photography, Arkansas Wedding Videography, arkansas weddings, bella vista wedding photography, blog.erikadotsonphotography.com, clean wedding photography, creative wedding photography, dallas wedding photography, destination weddings, dotson photography, erica dodson, erica dotson, erica dotson photography, erika, erika and liz, erika dorie dotson, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, erikadotsonphotography.com, eureka springs wedding photography, Fayetteville Ar Weddings, Fayetteville Arkansas Wedding Photography, Fayetteville arkansas weddings, fayetteville photographer, fayetteville wedding photography, fayetteville weddings, fort smith wedding photography, Little Rock Photographers, little rock wedding photography, little rock weddings, mena wedding photography, modern wedding photography, northwest arkansas wedding photography, nwa wedding photography, outdoors wedding photography, Pratt Place, Pratt Place Barn, Pratt Place Inn, reception venue, rogers arkansas, rogers arkansas wedding photography, simple wedding photography, springdale wedding photography, tulsa wedding photographers, tulsa wedding photography, tulsa weddings, unique wedding photography, vintage engagements, vintage wedding photography, wedding chapel, wedding ideas, wedding photographers, wedding photography, wedding photography in fayetteville, wedding vendors
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Monday, July 19th, 2010
I couldn’t wait to post these, but now since Ashley and Jim are finally The Clarks I get to share!!! What a wedding last night! (You’ll hear all about it later I promise) For now I’m going to share how beautiful Mrs. Ashley is. Now these are just bridal portraits (taken at The Inn at Carnall Hall) long before the wedding day, and as gorgeous as she is in these photos she unbelievably was far more stunning last night……..must be all those giddy love emotions oh and Jim (that probably had a little bit to do with it!) ;) Enough blabbing let’s see those photos!

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
Tags: arkansas bridal portraits, arkansas bridals, arkansas photographers, arkansas photography, arkansas wedding photography, arkansas weddings, ashley, ashley avra, ashley clark, bridal portraits, Bridals, dodson, erica, erica dotson, erika, erika dodson, erika dorie, erika dorie dotson, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, fayetteville bridals, inn at carnall hall, nwa bridal portraits, nwa bridals, Weddings
Posted in Bridals | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
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!


I just love how happy they are in this shot!!! Exactly how they should be after leaving the temple! 
I love how John steals one from Cristy to show off for the camera! :) Shots like this make me smile! 
Beautiful couple at a beautiful temple! 
This is definitely my favorite shot of the day! 
I just love the lighting in this little nook! The warm glow from those doors is amazing! 

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!

So who would have thought this old rusty chair that I spotted outside would make the perfect backdrop for Cristy’s bouquet? 
Or how about a tree stump to provide such a detailed ring shot? 
I love how happy everyone is in this photo as the couple enjoys their first dance together. 
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. 
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
Tags: arkansas wedding photographer, arkansas weddings, beautiful couple, creative wedding photographer, cristy and john pearson, destination wedding, destination wedding photographer, destination weddings, dodson photography, dotson, draper wedding, draper wedding photographer, draper weddings, erica dotson, erica dotson photography, erika, erika and liz, erika dodson photography, erika dorie dotson, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika dotson photogrpahy, erika liz photography, erika simmons, erikadorie photography, erikaliz photography, eureka springs wedding, eureka springs wedding photographer, fayetteville wedding photographer, little rock, little rock wedding, little rock wedding photographer, little rock weddings, nauvoo wedding, nauvoo wedding photographer, nauvoo weddings, oklahoma city wedding, oklahoma city wedding photographer, photographer for my wedding, temple wedding, temple wedding photographer, temple weddings, tulsa wedding, tulsa wedding photographer, tulsa weddings, unique photography, unique wedding photos, utah wedding, utah wedding photographer, utah weddings, wedding photographer, wedding photography, Weddings
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Monday, May 3rd, 2010
Hey there I just realized I posted Erika and Johnny’s pictures on Facebook but I failed to ever blog them!!!! Silly me. So anyways Erika and Johnny. I met Erika while working at Forever 21. She was a pretty quiet girl and I didn’t talk much with her at first, but then I started working in the mornings with her and every Thursday we would have a nice long chat while I cleaned up the jewelry room and she changed the mannequins in the windows. Johnny proposed to her on Christmas by leaving the box in the Christmas tree in their home. So adorable. She was glowing when I got to work the next day! It was so much fun to watch her get so excited and giggly about all the plans and her dress! :) They moved to El Dorado Texas, quite a trek back to Northwest Arkansas so I decided I would meet her halfway in Dallas for something different and fun to shoot. Well as luck would have it, it was extremely cold that day for some odd reason!?!?!?!? That actually turned out to the be weekend we got that 11 inches of snow, yep and we drove back home in it making a five hour trip from Dallas into an eleven hour trip!!!! Lot’s of good memories! Erika and Johnny were really great troopers, they were up for anything as well as putting up with me constantly changing my mind about where to shoot. There is so much to shoot in Dallas it’s a bit overwhelming for a photographer! Here’s some beautiful shots of Erika and Johnny.







Ending with my favorite shot of the day!
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: arkansas engagement photos, arkansas wedding photography, big city engagement photos, classic engagement photos, dallas engagement photos, dallas wedding photography, erica dotson, erika and johnny, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika haddock engagement photos, nwa engagement portraits, nwa wedding photography, pigeon kissing photos, pigeon photos, texas enagagement photos, vintage wedding photography, wedding photography in arkansas, wedding photography in dallas
Posted in Couples | 3 Comments »