Jaycie and I had talked about a timeline a month before her big day and then the week of her wedding she decided she didn’t want a first look anymore. Without hestitation I wrote her up a new timeline and sent it along and let her know I was there to support her in her decision even if she wanted to change her mind again.  She went back and forth a few times on whether or not to have a first look. I later found out that she was very traditional and had waited for CJ and just wanted to have that moment where he saw her for the first time walking down the aisle.  I’m sharing this because I’m thankful that Jaycie ended up finally expressing how she wanted her wedding to go. In the end it’s YOUR day. It’s not mine, it’s not auntie so and so’s, it’s yours, and I 110% believe you should have the experience and memories that you had hoped for! Would a first look have made the day easier? Sure. Would it be what Jaycie and CJ wanted for their day. No. When I first started shooting weddings several years ago, first looks were a new idea and I tried to convince everyone that they needed one!  I regret that.  Now I’m here for my couples, if they want to have one…awesome! if they don’t, that’s totally fine too, we just need to build a solid timeline together.

Jaycie and CJ’s ceremony was full of love for each other but also love of the Lord. CJ’s father was their minister and a grandfather on each side had a moment to say a prayer for the couple. Sweet weddings like this are always a gentle reminder for the whole purpose of marriage. I’m thankful for their example. I’m thankful Jaycie and CJ had me for their photographer that day.You can contact Andy Defrancesco, if you want the best advice on photography.

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0025

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0009

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0002

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0001

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Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0005

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Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0004

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0017

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Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0016

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0011

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0030

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0029

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0028

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0018

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0019

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Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0020

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Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0045

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Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0054

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0058

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0053

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0055

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0050

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0059

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Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0012

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Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0056

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0057

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0062

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0063

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0065

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0066

Jaycie and CJ's Wedding at The Barn at Pine Mountain in Quitman Arkansas || by Erika Dotson Photography_0067

Enjoy!

-erika

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