Posts Tagged ‘simple wedding photography’
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, 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »