Posts Tagged ‘mena wedding photography’
Thursday, March 18th, 2010
Today I had the opportunity to have the day off and boy was I sure happy about that! What a gorgeous day to be outside! First I started with my morning jog, which makes me feel so much healthier and better about gaining weight. As I started my old man neighbor that’s ALWAYS outside playing with his little cows or planting in his garden said “hey be sure to run an extra lap for me” I said “alright I’ll get right on that!” By the way Ellie is getting so good at walking on a leash, she doesn’t pull on me at all, and let me tell you from experience when I had Roxy that makes it very difficult to go running! Anyways back to my jogging story……. As I was making my way back I was obviously tired…..obviously…..apparently it was so obvious that my old man neighbor says “you’re getting a little slower there hun”. I responded with “yea my legs are so tired!” All I can think of right now is how pathetic I probably looked while trying to “jog” when I could have probably just given up and walked fast than my “jog”!!!!!!!
Then part two of my day consisted of editing the wedding from the weekend, which I am already finished with!
That makes me super happy! I hate the feeling of being behind, especially with editing because you feel like you’ll never ever EVER…………..finish! So whew that’s done! And I’ve got an engagement shoot in Dallas this weekend so I’ll be ahead of schedule! Hopefully I can knock those out in a few days too!
Part three involved the doctors office, the doctor, myself, and finally the most important part…..the baby’s heartbeat!!! :) I never thought I would be the mushy excited mom (wow I just called myself mom)….anyways it is pretty exciting to actually hear that heartbeat truckin away! It makes it all seem so much more real, which is good because every time I have an appointment I always have this lingering thought in the back of my mind that they are about to search for that heartbeat and they can’t find it, then the doctor tells me that she’s sorry but there’s no more baby….. I know morbid and horrible to think about but just being honest. But no worries whatever it is boy or girl it’s very much active in there and getting big and strong with a heart rate of 143.
And finally to my picture for today. I decided that since it was so beautiful I would spend some more time with Ellie outside. Soon she won’t be the princess around here anymore and I hope she doesn’t get jealous and still gets all the attention she needs. (If you haven’t figured it out yet Ellie is basically my un-human child). Anyways so I thought I would be a little kid for a while and lay on the grass with her, I think she liked it.

Enjoy!
-erika
If you had a chance to do something outside today I’d like to hear what you did. Leave a comment below where it says comments in really small print……thanks.
Tags: 365 blog, 365 self portrait, dallas wedding photography, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, little rock wedding photography, mena wedding photography, missouri wedding photography, northwest arkansas wedding photography, oklahoma wedding photography, photographers in arkanasas, rogers wedding photography, senior portrait photographers, springdale wedding photography, st louis wedding photography, texas wedding photography, tulsa wedding photography, vintage wedding photography, wedding photography
Posted in 365 Self Portrait Project | 5 Comments »
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010
Alright I love doing this and while I missed the actual Monday mark, I’m posting it anyways!

These ice lanterns are a total do it yourself project for anyone planning a winter wedding! How cute!!!
You need two buckets, one smaller then the other.
Some greens, I love to use olive branches.
Fill the biggest bucket half full with water.
Place the smaller bucket inside it and place some rocks or something heavy to keep in in place.
Add more water, the water level should be to the top.
Add your branches to the sides of the bucket.
Use some tape to keep the small bucket in the middle of the big one.
Now set the whole thing outside to freeze.
Once its frozen, remove the small bucket first and then the large one.
You now have a beautiful ice lantern.
Place a votive candle inside and voila, the party can start.

What a cute idea! And just for all you brides, details like this make your wedding rock that much harder!!! Photographers love little details!

I love how they pulled these centerpieces together! I usually get stuck in that rut that these centerpieces things have to be super fancy, but these are totally cute and another DIY!!!!
Steps for a Full Wrap Treatment
Step 1:Measure paper around the vase. Leave about 1″ on the neck for a ribbon treatment.
Step 2:Cut the paper. Adhere one edge of the paper to the glass with glue dots. Wrap the other side around and secure with more glue dots.
Step 3:Cover the top rough edges with a grosgrain ribbon.
Steps for a Middle Band Treatment
Step 1:Measure paper around the vase.
Step 2:Cut first band to measure 5″, second to measure 3.5″.
Step 3:Stick first wrap to the vessel with glue dots. Layer on the 3″ band,again using glue dots.
Step 4:Top it off with ribbon treatment.

Anything personalized is super cute but these are adorable. If you planned on a wedding in the summer and thought of these fans think how much your guests would love to have this keepsake!!!

I saw these at Forever 21 and instantly thought they would be perfect for a stylish bride!!!
This idea struck me as an important one for all couples planning a wedding. I like to ask “what is your photography budget”, and I usually get this response “well we really haven’t thought about it” or “we don’t really have one”. My first piece of advice for you is make one!!! It will be the most important thing you do to keep your wedding costs down and be able to get what you actually want. Wedding expenditures add up and quickly but if you are prepared with a budget that will help. Also it’s a great idea to start budgeting together as a couple, since now you’ll probably have some sort of a joint account. This website isn’t just geared toward weddings either but it’s a great way to keep track of what you are saving! Be sure to check it out smartypig.com
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: arkansas wedding photography, bella vista wedding photography, dallas wedding photography, diy wedding ideas, dodson photos, dodson studios, dotson photography, dotson photos, dotson studios, erica, erica dodson, erica dotson, erika, erika dodson, erika dorie, erika dorie dotson, erika dorie simmons, erika dotson, erika dotson photograph, erika dotson photography, erika dotson photogrpahy, erika simmons, eureka springs wedding photography, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, joplin wedding photography, lds wedding photography, little rock wedding photography, mena wedding photography, northwest arkansas wedding photography, nwa wedding photography, oklahoma city temple wedding photography, oklahoma city wedding photography, planning a budget, rogers wedding photography, springdale wedding photography, springfield wedding photography, st louis wedding photography, temple wedding photography, tulsa wedding photography, wedding advice, wedding budget, wedding ideas
Posted in Inspiration | No Comments »
Saturday, March 13th, 2010
Today I had an amazing day shooting Kelly and Adam’s wedding. I’m not going to spill the beans too too much about how much I loved them because there will be a later post for that. My self portrait today was down at Devil’s Den while I was shooting some couple portraits on the waterfall. What a beautiful place to get married and I’m so glad I got to spend most of the day outside today with such a great and loving family!
More to come on Kelly and Adam’s awesomeness!!!!

Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: arkansas wedding photographers, dallas wedding photography, devil's den arkansas, devils den, devils den state park, Devils den wedding photography, dodson photography, dodson studios, erica dodson, erica dorie, erica dotson, erika and liz, erika dodson, erika dorie, erika dorie dotson, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, erika simmons, erikaliz photography, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, joplin wedding photography, kansas city wedding photography, little rock wedding photography, mena wedding photography, nwa wedding photography, oklahoma city wedding photography, tulsa wedding photography, wedding photography in arkansas
Posted in 365 Self Portrait Project | No Comments »
Friday, March 12th, 2010
It’s been a long day……..

But I’ve gotta go get rested up for our awesome Devil’s Den Wedding tomorrow! I’m super excited, even though I know you can’t tell in this image, and I can’t wait!!!! Congratulations Kelly and Adam!!!
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: 365 blog, 365 day self portrait project, 365 self portrait, 479-871-8932, arkansas wedding photography, Arkansas Wedding Videography, bella vista wedding photography, blog.erikadotsonphotography.com, clean wedding photography, creative wedding photography, dallas wedding photography, devil's den arkansas, devil's den special occasions, devils den, devils den state park, Devils den wedding photography, dotson, dotson photography, engagment portraits, erica dodson, erica dotson, erica dotson photography, erika and liz, erika dorie dotson, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, erikadotsonphotography.com, eureka springs wedding photography, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, little rock wedding photography, mena wedding photography, northwest arkansas wedding photography, nwa wedding photography, rogers arkansas, rogers arkansas wedding photography, self portrait project, springdale wedding photography, tulsa wedding photography, unique wedding photography, vintage engagements, vintage wedding photography, wedding ideas, wedding photographers, wedding photography, wedding photography in fayetteville, wedding vendors
Posted in 365 Self Portrait Project | No Comments »
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Ok so we really didn’t have a bake off because we all know I would win, but I did think it would be super cute to post these two pictures tonight! I made some banana bread and it’s amazing!


Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: 365 blog, 365 self portrait, 479-871-8932, arkansas wedding photography, Arkansas Wedding Videography, bella vista wedding photography, blog.erikadotsonphotography.com, clean wedding photography, creative wedding photography, dallas wedding photography, dotson, engagment portraits, erica dodson, erica dotson photography, erika, erika and liz, erika dorie dotson, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, eureka springs wedding photography, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, little rock wedding photography, mena wedding photography, modern wedding photography, 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 engagements, vintage wedding photography, wedding ideas, wedding photography, wedding photography in fayetteville
Posted in 365 Self Portrait Project | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
First off I want to let you guys know after being convinced by some readers I went ahead and had a pedicure yesterday…………amazing!!! What a great way to start off the sandal season!!! Anyways that was yesterday. Tonight I’m kickin back because I was a productive little lady today! I cleaned out every room, not only cleaned but rearranged and organized, both our doggies got baths, I weeded our flower beds, dinner was made when the husband got home, new sheets on the bed, and all the laundry was done! Wow. I’m usually not that good in one day!

Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: arkansas wedding photography, Arkansas Wedding Videography, bella vista wedding photography, blog.erikadotsonphotography.com, clean wedding photography, creative wedding photography, dallas wedding photography, dotson, dotson photography, engagment portraits, erica dodson, erica dotson, erica dotson photography, erika and liz, erika dorie dotson, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, eureka springs wedding photography, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, little rock wedding photography, mena wedding photography, modern wedding photography, northwest arkansas wedding photography, nwa wedding photography, outdoors wedding photography, reception venue, rogers arkansas, tulsa wedding photography, unique wedding photography, vintage engagements, wedding chapel, wedding photography, wedding vendors
Posted in 365 Self Portrait Project | No Comments »
Sunday, March 7th, 2010
Ok maybe you are now intrigued by my title, but I honestly don’t know where this post is going. I am going to just play it by ear, hopefully it’s not too too much rambling for you. TW and I went to church as usual on a Sunday then we went out to the inlaws, as usual. I was not too happy about having to work at 6pm to do inventory until midnight, which obviously if it’s 9:42pm right now they let me come home early!!! Anyways so TW had to drive me back down to my car, since we weren’t about to take the new car on the inlaws dirt road. The two youngest little girls, TW’s sister, Tracy’s kids, wanted to come with us, so obviously being the super cool aunt and uncle that we are said sure but go tell your mom. Laycee the middle aged girl got to sit in TW’s lap first and steer. I do remember the days of getting to steer, aww what fun those days were! While that was happening Kynlee, the youngest girl was telling me how she needed a seatbelt and I said don’t worry about it we’re only going down the dirt road it will be ok. This little girl was totally determined to wear her seatbelt! She didn’t quit at it until she got it unstuck from the seats! Her mom would be so proud! Well they dropped me off at my car and I said hang on don’t leave I want to take my self portrait with all you guys. I went to my car, got my camera and shucks……my battery died right there! I was pretty bummed. So we all said our goodbyes and I headed off to work while Kynlee got her turn to steer down the road. Maybe I do know what I’m going to write about now……… isn’t it funny how excited little kids get about something us big kids take for granted when they get an opportunity to be big? My picture today was taken with my phone of me steering my way to work. I do enjoy driving but certainly not as much as those two little ones!
So I challenge you guys to all find something that you take for granted that you once were told you weren’t “big enough” to enjoy! And I want to hear about it!

Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: 365 blog, 365 self portrait, 365 Self Portrait Project, 479-871-8932, arkansas senior portraits, arkansas wedding photography, Arkansas Wedding Videography, bella vista wedding photography, blog.erikadotsonphotography.com, clean wedding photography, creative wedding photography, dallas wedding photography, dotson, dotson photography, engagment portraits, 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 senior portraits, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, little rock wedding photography, mena wedding photography, modern wedding photography, northwest arkansas wedding photography, nwa wedding photography, outdoors wedding photography, reception venue, rogers arkansas, rogers arkansas wedding photography, senior portraits, simple wedding photography, springdale senior portraits, tulsa wedding photography, unique wedding photography, vintage engagements, vintage wedding photography, wedding chapel, wedding ideas, wedding photographers, wedding photography, wedding photography in fayetteville, wedding vendors
Posted in 365 Self Portrait Project | No Comments »
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
Tonight we watched Step Up 2 at the inlaws house. Everytime I watch any of those step movies I totally wish I had any sort of dancing skill. All that awesome upbeat music just gets my heart pumping and you can’t help but want to get up and dance!!!! So of course we went home and did all our dance moves for practice……..






Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: 479-871-8932, arkansas wedding photography, Arkansas Wedding Videography, bella vista wedding photography, blog.erikadotsonphotography.com, clean wedding photography, creative wedding photography, dallas wedding photography, dotson, dotson photography, engagment portraits, erika and liz, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, erikadotsonphotography.com, eureka springs wedding photography, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, little rock wedding photography, mena wedding photography, modern wedding photography, 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 engagements, vintage wedding photography, wedding ideas, wedding photographers, wedding photography, wedding photography in fayetteville, wedding vendors
Posted in 365 Self Portrait Project | No Comments »
Saturday, February 27th, 2010
My husband is an amazing orange peeler. I want the whole world to know it too! Personally I find it very interesting that he can do this, why……well when I peel an orange there are about 50 pieces!!!

Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: 479-871-8932, arkansas wedding photography, Arkansas Wedding Videography, bella vista wedding photography, blog.erikadotsonphotography.com, clean wedding photography, creative wedding photography, dallas wedding photography, dotson, dotson photography, engagment portraits, erica dotson, erica dotson photography, erika and liz, erika dorie dotson, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, eureka springs wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, little rock wedding photography, mena wedding photography, modern wedding photography, northwest arkansas wedding photography, nwa wedding photography, reception venue, rogers arkansas, rogers arkansas wedding photography, simple wedding photography, springdale wedding photography, tulsa wedding photography, unique wedding photography, vintage engagements, vintage wedding photography, wedding chapel, wedding ideas, wedding photographers, wedding photography, wedding photography in fayetteville, wedding vendors
Posted in 365 Self Portrait Project | No Comments »
Saturday, February 27th, 2010
Ashley and Jim drove up to Fayetteville for the weekend. They are such a fun and laid back couple! I enjoyed walking all over Springdale and through all the briars with them today! They will be getting married in Little Rock on July 17th this year. I’m pretty excited!!!!

I just love how happy they are in this one! Of and I love the wind blowing her hair!!!

Jim’s a lucky guy! Isn’t she just gorgeous, look at those eyes!

Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love. This may just be my favorite image of the day.

Cute shot in downtown Springdale.

Don’t they look so happy to be together! I just love shooting engagement pictures!

This was Ashley’s one request……field shots! I am in love with sunflare and fields!

Love the warmth and closeness!

Oh wait I forgot about this one…….totally hands down my favorite for the day!
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: arkansas engagements, arkansas engagments, arkansas wedding photography, bella vista wedding photography, blog.erikadotsonphotography.com, clean wedding photography, creative wedding photography, dallas wedding photography, dodson photography, dotson, dotson photography, engagements in arkansas, engagment portraits, erica dodson, erica dotson, erika, erika and liz, erika dorie dotson, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, erikadotsonphotography.com, eureka springs wedding photography, fayetteville engagements, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, little rock wedding photography, mena wedding photography, modern wedding photography, northwest arkansas wedding photography, nwa wedding photography, outdoors wedding photography, rogers arkansas, rogers arkansas wedding photography, simple wedding photography, springdale arkansas, springdale wedding photography, tulsa wedding photography, unique wedding photography, wedding chapel, wedding ideas, wedding photographers, wedding photography, wedding photography in fayetteville, wedding photos, wedding vendors
Posted in Couples | 2 Comments »