Photo courtesy of Erin Wilson

If you know anything about wedding photography in Arkansas, you're going to recognize Erin Wilson's name. Erin is an incredible photographer working in both the digital and film mediums. Her work has been featured in online and print publications across the country such as Style Me Pretty, Once Wed, Southern Weddings, 100 Layer Cake, Adorn, The Knot, and countless times in Arkansas Bride

Beyond photography, Erin is adept at designing, branding, website designing and blogging. She recently aided Vase and Vine with this company rebrand, which is stunning in its own right

Without further ado, we'd like to introduce the woman behind the camera:

How long have you been a professional wedding photographer?

I am on my fourth year of wedding photography.

What did you do before?

I owned my own hair and jewelry accessory business for four years where I did everything from designing, distributing, branding, website designing, blogging to product photography which is where I fell in love with photography and decided to start pursuing wedding photography.

How would you describe your photography style?

I am a fine art film photographer focused on organic romantic imagery and moments.

What are moments you make sure to capture on a wedding day?

I really love the moments that happen after something big at a wedding, like after the bride puts her dress on and her mom just looks at her and her eyes well up with tears and they hug. I love the excitement right after the ceremony when everyone is hugging and congratulating. Another one of my favorite moments to see (not as photogenic) is to see the groom look at his hand over and over again and touch his new ring. I'm always a sucker for a gorgeous first dance... when I see a couple that just can't stop looking at each other and are swept up in the moment... it's beautiful to photograph.

What do you love about being a wedding photographer?

I love knowing that these beautiful images are preserving one of the most important days in a couples life. I know the way I look back at my wedding photos and I know how important these images will be to them in 10, 20, 30 years from now so being there right from the start and documenting their day is so important to me. I love that I get to work with the sweetest coolest couples that let me create art as part of their love story as well as documenting their entire day. It's just really special to be a part of something so important to them.

What’s your favorite part of photographing a wedding?

This is a good one... I love it all honestly but in the moment as I'm photographing and I step back I love seeing the entire day as a whole and seeing my couples surrounded by everyone that loves them. It's so amazing when you see how excited all their friends and family are as they become husband and wife. I think that's why I love seeing the excitement right after the ceremony when everyone is hugging and congratulating. As a photographer, I really love my time with portraits of just the two of them and especially when the groom cannot get over how gorgeous his bride is!

What’s one piece of advice you like to give brides on their big day?

I would love to answer this in two parts. First, as a female to female, just truly soak up and enjoy the day. Don't worry about what could go wrong or worry about tiny things.... just be in the moment and focus on the fact that you are getting married to the love of your life. The day will fly by so fast and I urge brides to just soak it up! It's the beginning of your lives together and I hope that all brides can just take that in. It's such a special day.

Secondly, as a photographer to a bride, I would advise looking around at all your favorite venues and vendors first before choosing a wedding date. I have had to say that I am not available way more than I can ever say I am available for a date because so many brides get married on the same dates. So if you have your heart set on somewhere or with certain vendors maybe check around first before you set your date! I also recommend booking plenty of time with your photographer so you can slow down your wedding day and take time to be with everyone and enjoy the day instead of packing in loads of photos in a short amount of time and not taking the time to soak in the day.

What price points can brides expect?

My couples can spend on average of $5000+ for a full wedding package and sessions and I give TONS of images! I also shoot film and digital and film is the most gorgeous dreamy medium to use to document my amazing couples.

When you’re not shooting weddings, what do you like to do with your spare time?

I am a pretty busy as I travel all over Arkansas and all of the U.S. this year but when I do get a precious little slice of time I love to spend it with my family (my husband Josh and two children — my daughter Penelope Lane who is 10 and my son Emerson Gray who is 4). We throw parties and get-togethers and have people over at our house. We started a garden this year and love cooking fresh foods together. I'm obsessed with HGTV and home design as well as beauty and fashion. I have a huge passion for traveling which I get to do with my job and in my spare time, too. I absolutely love seeing a new place and culture and simply walking the streets and soaking up everything around me.

What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy wedding weekend?

The most ideal wedding wind down the day after a wedding would be getting a pedicure, reading some fashion magazines, picking out pretty tile for a home renovation, cooking a yummy fresh meal for my friends and family and winding down watching some HGTV.

To reach out to Erin about wedding photography, click here. To see more of her work that we've featured on Arkansas Bride, click here