Dotson Studios bio picture

Welcome!

We are Grant & Sara Dotson. As a husband and wife team, we bring a unique perspective to photography, one influenced by life experiences as well as comprehensive art and design training. Our cameras are an extension of not only our eyes, but our minds and hearts, instantly capturing moments and emotions just as they occur. We enjoy getting to know our clients on a personal level and helping them feel that they're a part of a partnership. Every client is different, and our photographs seek to reflect each individual personality for truly unforgettable memories.

 

Photo of Grant: Courtesy of Jamie Weiss. Thanks Jamie!

 


Category Archives: Weddings

Priscilla & Jon’s Courthouse Wedding

When Priscilla called to ask me to be a part of their wedding, I knew I’d be in for a treat. They’re a sweet couple who wanted their marriage to be personal and low key—so they invited me to join them at the County Courthouse for an intimate ceremony. She paid us the ultimate compliment—telling me that after seeing the work we did for her friend’s wedding, we were the only photographers she considered.

Priscilla and her family were waiting in the courtroom, and when Jon walked in and saw her, his eyes lit up:

The courtroom was closed to everyone except the judge, Pricilla & Jon and their families, and myself. The ceremony was brief but moving.

After the ceremony, Priscilla and Jon were game for a few quick portraits in the neighborhood around the courthouse. First we found this great polished granite wall:

Priscilla was so relaxed and beautiful on her wedding day.

Every time Jon flashed this big smile, he was looking at his wife.

These great revolving doors were Jon’s idea.

And after this we wrapped it up, and they rejoined their families. A brief wedding by the standards of most we cover, but so unique, and so much fun. Thanks, Priscilla and Jon for asking me to be a part of you day!

(As always, there are a few more photos to see in the gallery below. Enjoy!)

Allison & Clark’s Wedding

It was so special photographing Allison and Clark’s wedding! We have photographed Allison and her family a number of times and knowing the family made documenting this wedding really fun.

Everything about this wedding was sweet and beautiful. It’s obvious a lot of work and planning went into every detail and I loved how it all “felt” like the couple.

Allison and Clark started at the Bartlett Municipal Chapel which had the most beautiful stained glass and created one of the most beautiful First Looks we’ve had the privilege of documenting. The light streamed in the chapel so beautifully….

After a gorgeous ceremony we headed to the Balinese Ballroom for a fabulous reception…so pretty and so much fun! I loved how happy Allison and Clark were all day and all evening, it made my heart smile.

A huge congratulations to the happy couple, thank you so much for asking us to be a part of this very special day!!

How did you decide on your dress?
It was hard to pick “the one”, because I had such a specific image in my head – vintage-inspired, lace, unique. I tried on about a gazillion. Finally, I saw my dress and had the best feeling. When I tried it on and both my mom and I teared up…I totally knew it was the winner!

What did you enjoy most about planning your wedding?
How many of my close friends and family got to be a part of the planning. It was so cool to have all my favorite people involved and helping out!

What was your favorite detail of the wedding?
Hardest question ever! I put such heart and soul in choosing every little detail…but I’d have to say the way it all came together as a blending of old and new and a total representation of Clark and I.

What are three words you would use to describe your day?
Best day ever : )

What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future?
We are looking forward to settling into our house and learning about each other on a new level – as husband and wife!

What was the most memorable moment about your wedding day?
Clark and I’s last dance…everyone cleared out of the room to head outside for the big exit and we were left alone, completely happy and enjoying every last second of the amazing night.

Memphis Zoo Rehearsal Dinner

We had the wonderful privilege of photographing Allison & Clark’s Rehearsal Dinner. This was at the spectacular Teton Trek inside the Memphis Zoo.

It was a cold night but everything was beautiful and Allison & Clark were so happy and excited about the next day.

It was a special night and we wanted to show just a few pictures from this event.

Amber & Jim’s Wedding

What a beautiful wedding!

We had a wonderful time shooting Amber and Jim’s wedding. Every detail was beautiful and everything went so smoothly. It was obvious a lot of planning and work went into this special wedding. They were both so happy all day long…it was a joy to be around them!

Amber and Jim had their ceremony at Patten Chapel and a beautiful reception at The Read House. We also loved getting to work with Alicia and Tyler of Foxy Events, who made this wedding so special for Amber & Jim.

A huge congratulations to the happy couple…it was such a pleasure working with you both!

What did you enjoy most about planning your wedding?
My mom helped me plan the wedding and I enjoyed spending time with her.

What are three words you would use to describe your day?
Fun, Exciting, Perfect

How did you decide on your dress?
I knew when I tried it on that it was the dress.

What was your favorite detail of the wedding?
I loved everything about the wedding from the flowers to the cake. It was beautiful.

What was the most memorable moment about your wedding day?
Our first dance because it was the first time we had a moment for ourselves.

What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future?
We are looking forward to enjoying time together as newlyweds.