Posts Tagged ‘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

Friday Favorites

Friday, September 24th, 2010

This was previously Monday’s Favorites but we collaborated and thought it would be best to blog our new Out and About section soon after the weekend.

Today’s Favorites are going to focus on engagements.  Have you ever heard of Lifestyle Portraiture?  Think about how much more personal your engagement pictures would be if you were doing what you as a couple normally do and enjoy!  Lifestyle Portraiture involves capturing you as you really are (of course in an artistic manner bc otherwise it would be considered a snapshot!)

I’m going to highlight a few examples of what I’m talking about with storyboards!

PillowFight

Would it not be so much fun to have a huge pillow fight with your honey?  I can’t wait for someone to come along and adore my idea!  Shoot we could even set up a bed outdoor during sunrise so we wouldn’t have to clean up all the feathers (of course we would have to find earth friendly feathers)!  - is there such thing really?

weekend warriors

Oh this would be the cutest session!  I can’t wait for a couple to come along that is super outdoorsy!  This would be the perfect session for them!!!!

I’ve done a few lifestyle sessions previously……..

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Cute vintage style date in an ice cream parlor!  This was such an adorable session!

dog date in petsmart

Or how about a doggie date at Petsmart!  This was a fun session as we ran in and out of the aisles hiding from employees bc we figured we would get kicked out if they knew what we were up to!

Let me know if you are interested in a Lifestyle Session.  What you aren’t engaged……so what let’s do a Just Because Session with the two of you!  Oh wait you’re single…..yea that’s not going to work…..just kidding!  Let’s do a Just Because Lifestyle Session with just you!  Are you an excellent baker and you want to document it?  Let’s go!

Enjoy!

-erika

Thursday Treats // Amber’s Pratt Place Inn Bridal Portraits

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

Amber and Alan were married last weekend so I get to post her bridals now!!!  I have to share this with you……ok remember when I shot their engagement pictures and I asked them how many days left until their wedding and Alan blurted out quickly the exact number of days to go?!?!?!?  If that didn’t impress you…..this will melt your heart……..  Bridals are always hidden from the groom until after they are married so when Amber had ordered a big bridal portrait to put on display at their reception, Alan was blown away!  He came up to me and told me I did a good job!  He’s so adorable!  Good luck you two and congrats!

Pratt Place Barn Bridal Portraits

Arkansas Bridal Portraits

Arkansas Bridal Portraits

Enjoy!

-erika

What to Wear Wednesdays

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

I thought today I would focus on an engagement session for the What to Wear Wednesday Series.

I like to have a theme for my engagement sessions usually but in today’s case we’ll just take a traditional approach for an engagement session as casual outfit and a dressy outfit.

//CASUAL//

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GIRL                                                GUY

These two outfits really compliment each other.  The girls cute green floral top is given an artistic vibe with the fedora and the black vest.  Having the guy in a solid yet trendy black ties these two outfits together.

*Styles can be found at Buckle.

//DRESSY//

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So of course I love this tie!!!  Oh and guys just an FYI: grey is really in right now!  :)

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I paired that outfit with this bc I was pulling in  the green into both outfits and I think the shoes give the outfit that artistic look once again and the cute bow just tops it all off!

*Styles can be found at Forever 21

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

What to Wear // Senior Style

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

Elizabeth and Andrew // NW Arkansas Engagement Portraits

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!

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

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.

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

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!!!

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

*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.

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

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

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

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

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

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

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

*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!  :)

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

Gorgeous lighting.

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

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

NW Arkansas Engagement Photography

And forehead kisses… bonus!!!

NW Arkansas Engagement Photographer

This picture sums up the couple.  Perfect.

Enjoy!

-Donnally

Claire and Aaron // Destination Wedding Photography

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

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 // 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!

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

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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……

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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

Alyssa and Seth // NWA Wedding Photography at Pratt Place Barn

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……

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