Posts Tagged ‘northwest arkansas wedding photography’
Thursday, January 19th, 2012
We, Chelsey’s parents, Chelsey, and I, shot her bridal portraits just days before her and Caleb were wed on January 7th at Pratt Place Inn. It was a beautiful day outside! We had a wonderful time roaming all around the venue and taking beautiful photos! As we went outside we were even greeted by some furry friends! I guess they just had to come check out Chelsey’s bouquet, I wonder if they’ve ever eaten a bride’s flowers before?!?!!?! Wouldn’t that be a hoot! On to some gorgeous bridals! Isn’t she just stunning! Check her out! Congratulations Chelsey!




Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: arkansas bridal portraits, arkansas wedding photographers, Bridals, Chelsey and Caleb, Chelsey Bridals, Chelsey Cowan, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, fake flowers, fayetteville bridals, fayetteville wedding photographers, fayetteville weddings, girl in dress, horse with bride, horses and brides, northwest arkansas wedding photographers, northwest arkansas wedding photography, Pratt Place Barn, Pratt Place Bridals, Pratt Place Inn, wedding photographers in arkansas, wedding photographers in fayetteville arkansas, white bouquet
Posted in Bridals | No Comments »
Friday, December 3rd, 2010
We’re still chuggin along over here at Erika Dotson Photography! It’s been such a great year with many wonderful new clients! We are so blessed to have such amazing people choose us to be their special photographer! It’s been a pleasure getting to know you and work along side you! THANKS! :)
Here’s some of the things we’ve been working on!

Yep you should recognize that gal in the red scarf…Donnally…..and her gorgeous family! Had the pleasure to visit my hometown for a few hours as I drove down to Mena for their family portrait session! They have such a beautiful home with lovely surroundings, what a treat it was to shoot there!

This is Craig, we went out for part two of his senior portraits to Lake Fayetteville. I love that spot! He’s a Springdale Senior, in case you missed it the first time around! Congratulations….again! :)

Here’s Mr. Jack with his mommy and daddy. I traded out some babysitting time with this family! What a great plan and we’re both happy with what we got! :) Dusty and Stephanie have been my hubby’s friends for years so I adopted them too…..I’ll admit they are good company! :) Thanks guys!

Then the Crees siblings! This is Sam. We know each other from high school. Sam and his sisters wanted to give their parents a meaningful gift this year so they booked us for a sibling session! I love that their parents have no idea! What a GREAT gift idea!!!
Well that’s what we’ve been working on! :)
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: arkansas family photographer, arkansas family portraits, arkansas senior portrait photographer, arkansas senior portraits, arkansas wedding photographer, arkansas wedding photography, Arkansas Wedding Videography, bella vista wedding photography, craig thompson, creative wedding photography, Donnally Campbell, dusty and stephanie maupin, erika, erika and liz, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, erikadotsonphotography.com, eureka springs wedding photography, family, family portraits, family portraits in arkansas, fayetteville family photographer, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, little rock wedding photography, mena family photographer, mena portrait photographer, mena wedding photography, modern wedding photography, northwest arkansas wedding photography, nwa wedding photography, outdoor senior portraits, outdoors wedding photography, reception venue, rogers arkansas wedding photography, sam crees, sam cress, senior portrait photographer, simple wedding photography, springdale wedding photography, tulsa wedding photography, unique wedding photography, vintage wedding photography, wedding photography, wedding photography in fayetteville, wedding vendors
Posted in Portraits | No Comments »
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 »
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
Posted in Couples | No Comments »
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
Posted in Weddings | No Comments »
Saturday, May 1st, 2010
I know I posted on Facebook some time ago about getting a new doggie around the house, and he’s yet to make the blog (to be honest I wasn’t too excited about having him here at first). Rocky (AKA “Rock”) is a white boxer and we rescued him and now he enjoys our 8 acre lot with a pond and runs around with Ellie all day long. I have to give TW some props because when we first got him he jumped on us every 10 seconds, he’s over that now and listens so much better, which this is the first dog he’s really put any attention into so yay he’s finally getting it (the husband).
Meet Rock the white boxer who has a white spot in his eye and produces nasty slobber…..

Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: boxer, dog, dog photography, dog photos, dog portraits, erika dotson photography, northwest arkansas wedding photography, nwa wedding photos, wedding photographers, white boxer
Posted in 365 Self Portrait Project | 2 Comments »
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
This basically is what I do on a daily basis….. edit edit edit and some more editing! And guess what…..I wouldn’t trade my job for a million bucks!

Enjoy!
erika
Tags: 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, erikaliz photography, eureka springs wedding photography, fayetteville senior portrais, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, huntsville senior portraits, little rock wedding photography, mena wedding photography, modern wedding photography, Northwest Arkansas Photographers, northwest arkansas wedding photography, nwa wedding photography, outdoors wedding photography, reception venue, rogers arkansas, rogers arkansas wedding photography, senior portrait photographers, senior portraits, senior portriats, simple wedding photography, springdale wedding photography, tulsa wedding photography, unique wedding photography, vintage engagements, vintage wedding photography, wedding chapel, wedding ideas, wedding photography, wedding photography in fayetteville, wedding vendors
Posted in 365 Self Portrait Project | No Comments »
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
I want to focus on every color in the rainbow at some point but I think today will be YELLOW!!!
Find these adorable dresses at Forever 21 for your bridesmaids!

What an adorable idea!!!!! Love love love lining the walkway with lemons!!!

I thought these shoes from Payless would look cute with the girls’ dresses.

Oh you gotta have lemonade to make the wedding complete!!!

Lemonade
From Martha Stewart
3 cups lemon or lime juice, about 20 lemons or 25 limes freshly squeezed
2 cups superfine sugar
4 cups cold water
4 cups ice
2 lemons or limes, thinly sliced for garnish
1. Into a large serving container, strain the citrus juice, mix it with sugar, and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add 4 cups cold water and stir again until well combined. Add ice to fill and a few lemon or lime slices.
Makes 10 cups.
And these would be wonderful shoes for the bride!!!!

What a cute bouquet!!!!

What a great bridesmaid gift from Etsy!

Cute socks! What a great idea for a fun shot!

And of course you gotta have a yellow tie to coordinate!

I’m thinking the tie would look best with a grey tux!

Instead of one big wedding cake you could offer cute little pies or cakes displayed at various heights to add interest!


These would be a good addition to the church doors.

Learn how to make these DIY napkin folds yourself!

What an adorable boutonniere!

Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: 72701 wedding photography, arkansas wedding photography, dallas wedding photography, dodson studios, dotson studios, erica dodson, erica dotson, erika, erika and liz, erika dorie, erika dorie dotson, erika dotson blog, erika dotson photographt, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, erikaliz photography, eureka springs wedding photography, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, grey tux, hot springs wedding photography, joplin wedding photography, lemon decor, lemon wedding theme, little rock wedding photography, mena wedding photography, mustard inspiration board, mustard wedding theme, northwest arkansas wedding photography, nwa wedding photography, oklahoma city wedding photography, tulsa wedding photography, wedding inspiration, wedding photographers, wedding photography, yellow bridesmaid dress, yellow heels, yellow napkins, yellow wedding decor, yellow wedding ideas, yellow wedding shoes, yellow wedding theme, yellow weddings
Posted in Inspiration | 1 Comment »
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 »