Posts Tagged ‘nwa wedding photography’

Recent Work from an Arkansas Family Photographer

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!

Arkansas Family Photographer

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!

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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!  :)

Arkansas Family Photographer

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!

Arkansas Family Photography

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

Saturday Steal // Arkansas Wedding Photographer

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!

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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….

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

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

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

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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.

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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

Saturday Steal // Arkansas Wedding Photographer

Saturday, October 2nd, 2010

The idea of Saturday Steal is pretty much just to give you (our fab readers) some awesome ideas!  :)  I sure hope you enjoy!

I think I’ll focus on Fall Weddings since it is just right around the corner!  :)

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I just love when brides show up with bouquets like this with all the different colors and textures!

This bouquet takes a cue from the season and is a fragrant mix of white majolica roses, Scabiosa, sage, basil, rosemary, and lily of the valley.
Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Real Weddings by Season — Martha Stewart Weddings


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MMMMmmmmmm…….Carmel apples!  Seriously!  Love it!

Chocolate- and caramel-dipped apples are set out in large copper kettles for departing guests to take with them at the end of the evening.
Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Real Weddings by Season — Martha Stewart Weddings


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Totally love this idea, especially for all our southern weddings around here!  What a great option rather then renting  a bunch of white chairs!  Prob cheaper too!

Guests at this fall wedding sit on hay bails decorated with wildflowers from a friend’s farm in French flower pails.
Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Real Weddings by Season — Martha Stewart Weddings

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What a cool twist on the bride’s entrance!  If you really have a southern themed wedding this is the way to go!

For this September wedding, the bride makes her entrance on farm owner’s hay wagon.
Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Real Weddings by Season — Martha Stewart Weddings


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What a simple but beautiful cake!

Two tiers of the cake, by Elizabeth Loudon, are the mother of the bride’s chocolate cake recipe. Set on a stand trimmed with felt, the confection is covered with bittersweet chocolate frosting and dressed with roses, fiddleheads, and sandersonia.
Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Real Weddings by Season — Martha Stewart Weddings

I pretty much just planned your whole country themed fall wedding for you!  :)

Enjoy!

-erika

Lizz and Greg // Simple Pleasures Wedding Photography

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

I’m a little bit behind on my blogging schedule, but now I’m playing catch up since, with Baby Titan that’s about all I can do right now is sit at my computer (glad we don’t have TV or that’s where I’d probably be sitting!!!)

Lizz and Greg were married July 31st.  This was the first time I’ve been to Simple Pleasures to shoot and I had a blast!  There is so much cool stuff in that place!  Oh and not to mention the beautiful cars!!!

Ceremony: Highlands Methodist Church

Reception: Simple Pleasures

Cake: Rick’s Bakery

Floral: Breezy’s

DJ: MS Soundworks

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They were married at Highlands Methodist Church in Bella Vista.  He’s a pretty proud Dad!!!  :)  And she’s all smiles!

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Meet Mr. and Mrs. Evans!

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We had some great lighting for our couple shots! Isn’t she beautiful?  I just love that red hair!

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A beautiful first dance shared together for the first time as a married couple!

These two are both extremely involved in music.  Lizz lead her group in song while Greg decided his group would serenade his girl!

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Lizz’s dad surprised them with a ride in the get a way car as they left their reception.   I just love it when couples have these old cars to get a way in!  There’s just something different about it than pulling away in a 1998 Nissan………

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Congratulations you two!

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!

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Meet Mr. and Mrs. Herod!  :)  Ashton that has a nice ring to it!

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Don’t they look so happy together!?!?!

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I just love these purple bridesmaid dresses!

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What a gorgeous dress!

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Ashton’s smile as she sees her groom……

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Along with Adam’s smile!  :)

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Love this shot I was able to capture!  Some dad love!

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What a beautiful day and location for a wedding day!

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These two little girls were adorable!

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They look a weee bit happy to finally be married…..  :)

Now on to the reception……..just a few more detail shots for ya!

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I’m telling you this Lauren Frost girl did an amazing job on the florals!

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What a beautiful wedding cake too!

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Some more cake cutting…………..

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The whole crowd called the Hogs while they cut their cake!  Too cute!

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Awww and a cute Hog kiss to seal the deal!

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Perfect toss Ashton!

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And yes Adam you did well too!

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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……

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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!

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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!)

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

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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!!!!

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This is just too cute!

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This image is so timeless to me!

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

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A little brotherly love….

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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.

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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.

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Anticipation.

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What a gorgeous ceremony inside the barn.

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They seem a little excited!

Let’s move on to some detail shots!!!!!!…………….

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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.

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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!

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

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

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

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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!!!)

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Alyssa seems to be a pretty hardcore fan herself!

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

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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.

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

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Seth’s facial expression here is just great!

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

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I love how much fun they are having together!

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

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What a fun grand exit!

It was wonderful to work with you two!  I hope you have many happy years together!

Enjoy!

-erika

Sally and Cole // NWA Wedding Photography

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Sally and Cole were married recently in Mountain Home and I had the honor of capturing their special day!  Sally was absolutely gorgeous and of course Cole was looking pretty handsome himself!

First we’ll start with all the pretty details!

NWA Wedding Photography

Sally had a cute little cabin for her and all her girls to get ready in just beside the ceremony location.

NWA Wedding Photography

By the looks of it they loved the guestbook!  :)

NWA Wedding Photography

They were married at Gaston’s White River Resort and had a BEAUTIFUL location for their ceremony just off the river bank!

NWA Wedding Photography

Tanja captured this great shot of Sally and her Father waiting to walk her down the aisle.

NWA Wedding Photography

And shortly after I was able to capture this one.

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This little guy was so worried about walking down the aisle, good thing he had his big sister to hang on to!!!  He did a great job!!!

NWA Wedding Photography

Cole called me earlier that day and let me in on his secret!  I was so excited to know he had something so special up his sleeve!  It was a big surprise to everyone (well except us photographers!) and there was so much emotion in the air!  It was major bonus points in Cole’s favor!!!

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NWA Wedding Photography

I think this is my favorite image from the whole day!  I told you there was a lot of emotions!  This picture captures all of them!  Way to go Tanja!

NWA Wedding Photography

Now for some pretty couple pictures!

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Images like this are a result of choosing to do a “First Look”!!!!  So personal and intimate!!!  Once again, I just love the emotion in this image!!!!  :)  If I’m not mistaken this is a Tanja shot too!

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Meet Mr. and Mrs. Ezell!!!

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NWA Wedding Photography

A nice kissing shot after the cake cutting!  I love when my couples do this and I get to catch it on film (well digital film that is!)

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NWA Wedding Photography

I love how Sally is looking back to see who’s going to catch it!  And you can bet that little girl did everything she could to be the winner!

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What a great way to end the evening!

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Enjoy!

-erika

(PS for those of you wondering I will have Sally and Cole’s wedding galleries up on the website tomorrow well technically later today since it is 2am!)

Beautiful Sally // NWA Bridal Portraits

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

Sally and Cole were married on May 22nd so I feel like it’s a good time to get some bridals up of the beautiful Sally!  We took these bridals a few weeks before her wedding day and I just couldn’t wait to share them with all of you, but obviously I had too since no one had seen her in her dress yet and we definitely wouldn’t want to risk the chance of the groom to see them either!!!  We started shooting in a field of yellow flowers then headed down to Lake Fayetteville to capture some stunning shots there as well!  Sally is such a beautiful lady!  She recently graduated from grad school(GO SALLY!) and planned a wedding the following weekend…..brave girl!  Oh and I’m pretty sure she’s already secured a job as well and started today!  CONGRATS!

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Keep posted for their wedding images soon!

Enjoy!

-erika

All I can muster down

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

(365) Wednesday 5-5-10

It is extremely hot in my office.  I’m thinking because the sun sets right in the window.  Seriously walk into the other room and it’s comfortable……I’m thinking we are going to have to seriously do something about this.   I’m not usually a big eater in the summer time, especially when I am just sitting here sweating without moving anything other than my hands and fingers and yea the occasional leg switch-a-roo.  So today all I’ve been eating *was this huge bowl of strawberries.  ( I say was because this bowl was more than full this morning!  )

They are just so yummy!!!!

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Enjoy!  (I did!)

-erika