oh BABY!

I've been editing some baby photographs as I get excited for tomorrow's baby session. I thought these three looked nice grouped together in Black and White. I can't wait to have more fun new images to add to my portfolio!

Bad Economy, Good Karma - Free Wedding Portrait Sessions

Having a hard time in this economy? Lose a house or job at the same time as planning your wedding? Let me help.



I am offering a free wedding portrait session to deserving couples. I will meet you on your wedding day (or a day before or after) and give you a free one hour portrait sitting - when my schedule permits. You will also receive an online gallery to view your pictures. The digital file for your favorite shot will be provided so you can make your own prints. (Additional prints/image downloads can be purchased)

What should you do?

• Email me 2 months or less before your wedding date.
(This is to ensure only deserving couples who cannot afford a photographer are helped)

• Tell me, in a paragraph, why you are unable to afford a photographer.

• List your wedding date and venue name and location.

• Agree to let me use your story and photographs on my blog/website.


I have no idea what kind of response I will receive; so please understand if I am unable to help everyone. I will do my best to help as many people as I can! I wish you all the most happiness in your upcoming marriage!

Katie
Email: Katie@RingImages.com

Kristie & Jochem's Wedding

Kristie & Jochem planned an elegant city wedding using all different shades of white in their decor. Their color choices blended perfectly with the look of their venue, the Algonquin Club in Boston. They were married in early May, so my spring fever prompted me to make an inspiration board of their wedding. Spring is such a beautiful time of year in Boston! The tulips are just coming up in the public gardens and it makes a great location for wedding portraits. Do note that to have wedding photographs in the gardens you need a permit! You can apply for one and read the rules/regulations at: www.cityofboston.gov/parks/weddingpolicy

Status Update Show

I was just emailed the show card - it looks great.

I'm thrilled for this show! (Earlier post w/what I'll be showing)

Links to "Status Update" Artists:
Kevin Van Aelst: kevinvanaelst.com
Cat Balco: catbalco.com
Sharon Butler: twocoatsofpaint.com
Heather Freeman: epicant.com
Greg Garvey: quinnipiac.edu/garvey
Matt Held: heldstudios.com
Keith Johnson: keithjohnsonphotographs.com
Katie Ring: KatieRing.com
Jeremiah Teipen: teipen.com/jeremiah
Lee Walton: leewalton.com
Rachael Perry Welty: rachelperrywelty.com
An Xiao: anxiaostudio.com

Wedding Tip #16 - Bridal Party seating

"Katie! I have really enjoyed reading your blog - what a great idea! Reading all these different ideas has made me really excited about planning my own wedding! I have a question for you about seating for the bridal party at the reception. When I met with the wedding coordinator at our reception site she showed us the layout of the ballroom and pointed out that the bridal party generally sits at one "head" table in the center of the room. This got me thinking ... several members of the bridal party are married or have significant others whom I am sure they would like to be seated with. What are the other options for seating for the bridal party in a ballroom type setting that allows people to sit wither their dates? Can't wait to hear your ideas - and thanks again for sharing your ideas with those of us who are new the wedding planning craziness!" -Abby

Abby, thank you so much for your comments & question! I think it's always better to let people sit with their dates. Otherwise the date can feel really awkward sitting with people they don't really know. For someone outgoing, like me, sitting with strangers isn't too painful - but we'd all rather be sitting with our dates! Check with your coordinator to see what your venue can accommodate, but I know of several seating options you could consider:

There is always, of course, the traditional head table where dates are seated with other guests. This is my least favorite, but that doesn't make it a wrong or bad option it's just not my taste!

A sweetheart table, which is only for the bride & groom, can be very romantic.



For our wedding, Anthony and I had 3 head tables. This way we could include attendants & dates in the head table seating. Because of the way our room was set-up, with three tables at the top of the dance floor, I think this worked well for us.


(Seating chart from the bridal tool kit @ Bed Bath & Beyond.com)

If none of those options works for you you could always sit with family: siblings, parents & grandparents - and let your attendants sit with other guests. I suggest trying out the seating chart tools at BBB or a similar program. You won't be able to do the full chart until you have your RSVP's but you probably have a good idea already about the important people who will be attending. Good luck! The seating is one of the hardest projects! Keep in mind that someone might complain about their seat, but don't take it to heart - everyone struggles a bit with this!

Facebook Fan Perks!

To thank my fans, and test the power of social networking, I'm offering 1/2 off my portrait sitting fees with a free 8x10 photograph to all fans. Do you know someone who would like a portrait sitting? Just tell them to become a fan and they can have the same discount!

Click here to view my Facebook page and become a fan
Don't use Facebook? Follow me on twitter or my blog for the same discount!





(Photos from this Monday's shoot)

Portrait sittings are regularly $150 but from now until May 1st any portrait sitting that is booked by a fan will be only $75 and include a free 8x10.

Do you know someone who is getting married? Refer me for any 2009 or 2010 wedding and when they book their wedding photography with me I'll send you a $50 check. (You may need to call or email me to request your check if they forget to write your name on the contract)

Hello Garden

Look at my cute little corner of the Salem community garden @ Palmer Cove! I know, it doesn't look like much now but I can't wait for nicer weather so I can start planting. The best part is that it's just down the street so I can walk to my garden. I even have an ocean view! ;)

What should I grow? I wish I knew what was already planted there - I'd hate to big up anything good. I'm thinking I'd like some wildflowers to make it look pretty. Other than that, I'll plant easy veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and chives. Please comment with your suggestions! This beginning gardener is going to need all the help she can get!

If you'd like to learn more about the Salem Community Garden visit their website: http://growsalem.org