Posts Tagged ‘erika dotson photography’
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 Seniors, What to Wear Wednesdays, portraits |
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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
Posted in Couples |
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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 |
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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
Posted in What to Wear Wednesdays |
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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……….

I’m so excited to get these out to you guys tomorrow!
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: all images on disc, arkansas wedding photographer, arkansas wedding photographs, arkansas wedding photography, arkansas weddings, erika and liz, erika dorie dotson, erika dotson, erika dotson arkansas wedding photographer, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, eureka springs photographers, fayetteville photographers, fort smith photographers, huntsville photographers, images on CD, joplin wedding photographer, little rock photographer, little rock wedding photographer, mena photographer, mena wedding photography, oklahoma city wedding photographer, package includes cd, portrait photographers, rogers photographers, springdale photographers, springfield wedding photographer, tulsa wedding photographer, wedding cd, wedding photography, wedding products
Posted in Couples, Products, Weddings |
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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!




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
Tags: 479-871-8932, arkansas wedding photography, Arkansas Wedding Videography, arkansas weddings, bella vista wedding photography, black sheep salon wedding stylist, blog.erikadotsonphotography.com, Catering, clean wedding photography, conway photographers, conway wedding photographer, conway wedding photography, conway weddings, creative wedding photography, dotson photography, erica dotson photography, erika and liz, erika dorie dotson, erika dotosn, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, event florals, eventures, eventures party rentals, fayetteville ar wedding photographer, fayetteville ar wedding photography, Fayetteville Arkansas Wedding Photography, fayetteville photographer, fayetteville photography, fayetteville weddings, huntsville wedding photography, huntsville weddings, j renee floral design, little rock photographer, Little Rock Photographers, little rock wedding photographer, little rock wedding photography, little rock weddings, mena photographers, mena wedding photographers, mena wedding photography, mena weddings, missouri wedding photographer, missouri wedding photography, missouri weddings, modern wedding photography, nw arkansas wedding photography, nw arkansas weddings, outdoors wedding photography, party rentals, reception venue, rogers arkansas, rogers arkansas wedding photography, shelby lynn's cake shoppe, shelby lynns, shelby lynns wedding cakes, springdale wedding photographers, springdale wedding photography, springdale weddings, springfield wedding photography, springfield weddings, tulsa wedding photographer, tulsa wedding photography, tulsa weddings, unique wedding photography, vintage wedding photography, wedding arrangements, wedding chapel, wedding flowers, wedding photographer, wedding photographers, wedding photography, wedding photography in fayetteville, whole hog cafe catering
Posted in Personal, Weddings |
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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

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

“Something Old”

I love this dress shot!

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

What a beautiful day!!!!

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

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

LOVE!

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

Love this angle and the coloring!

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

Yummy sunset lighting!

Gorgeous girl!

Adorable…..again.

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

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

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
Tags: arkansas photographer, arkansas weddings, destination wedding photographer, destination wedding photography, destination weddings, erika, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, jamaica wedding photographer, jamaica wedding photography, jamaica weddings, mexico wedding photographer, mexico wedding photography, mexico weddings, sandals wedding photography, sandals weddings, south america wedding photographer, south america wedding photography, south america weddings, wedding photogarpher, wedding photographer, wedding photography, Weddings
Posted in Weddings |
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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 |
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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
Posted in Weddings |
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A few months ago KNWA’s special projects team called me up and asked if I would like to participate in something that totally sounded awesome to me. They are GIVING away a DREAM WEDDING to one lucky couple in our area! How awesome is that?
If you knew from our last Bridal Fair in September 2009 I gave away a free wedding package to Alyssa and Seth who were recently married on Father’s Day! So I immediately jumped on the train at this opportunity!!!

As far as photography is concerned they will be highlighting three photographers: Erika Dotson Photography along with Dale Benfield and David Manning. I have yet to meet David (I have probably seen him in passing and haven’t realized it though!) but I’ve checked out his work and it’s pretty cool. As for Dale he’s pretty awesome if you haven’t met him yet, he’s super friendly and willing to help everyone!
This should be a fun contest so if you are interested go register and vote! Be sure to read the info page first (this contest has certain requirements).
If you just want to check out the submissions you can do that to!
Enjoy and Good Luck!
-erika
Tags: alyssa and seth, arkansas contest, arkansas photographers, arkansas wedding photographer, arkansas weddings, contest, Contests, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, free photography, free wedding photography, KNWA, knwa contest, knwa free wedding, KNWA Throws a Wedding, knwa weddings, wedding contest, wedding photographer
Posted in Contests, bridal fair |
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