Brides!!! Have you been to WeddingLovely?  If you haev not, what exactly are you waiting for???  This is where you need to go for all the latest tips, articles, DIY ideas for the DIY Bride and of course for a FULL list of only the very best wedding related companies/vendors in your area!  Whether you are in the market for a venue, stationary or a photographer; WeddingLovely has one stop shopping for everything you need!  You will even see yours truly there as a Calgary area preferred wedding photographer which in my opinion is JUST FANTASTIC!!!  I'm just a little bit excited to see myself listed on there... ;)  So, for your WeddingLovely virgins the website is www.weddinglovely.com and don't wait another minute!  Seriously, why are you still reading my blog; get over to WeddingLovely!!!

So with my "creative" side and reluctance to buy run of the mill gifts for people that 10,000 other people have...I got to thinking last week what I could do about it myself.  And from that "Custom Creations By Christina" was "born" lol.  The little man and photography keep me busy by all means but I try not to do much photo editing when at home with the little man as now that he is very mobile and getting in to absolutely everything it can be difficult to edit photos with having to look away from the computer every 20 seconds so it is typically left to evenings and weekends when Knox plays with daddy :)  But I still wanted something else to do so I thought of "unique" gifts that people would happily give to someone whether it be for mothers day, birthday or for your bridesmaids.  The "site" is very much a work in progress and I have a very very long way to go but I do have a few example up and a few pending orders as well.  There is MUCH more to come as I get all the supplies for my other ideas and sit down to make them and take photos.  So head on over to Custom Creations By Christina at www.facebook.com/customcreationsbychristina and take a look at the few examples I have like little gift baskets, coca cola glass mugs filled with candy or diaper cupcakes and large cupcakes made of baby blankets and body suits!  Boring old gifts are a thing of the past!  Not only will I have a small inventory on hand of basic items but what I am MOST looking forward to are the custom orders..perhaps and office that requires 20 gifts on admin. professional day or a bride looking for unique tailored gifts for all the girls in the wedding party!  The sky is the limit, just send me a note with what your budget is and what you would like and just think of me as your "personal shopper gift maker".

Brides.....do you know 2 of the top wedding trends for 2012? The 1st is your venue...many brides are going away from the typical hotel/golf course reception venue and opting for a ranch or farm that has a lovely barn to accommodate a full reception! This is no longer just something a country bumpkin does; it's catching on for brides everywhere. There are lots of places that specialize in using thier facility (barn) for weddings and other gatherings but you would be surprised if you just ask around how easy it may be to find a private one with just a bit of hard work and word of mouth. As long as the structure is sound, you may be able to get the farmer down the road to let you use his property in exchange for you and your helpers just clearing and cleaning it out! Make sure the owner gets an invite to your reception and by all means; even if they were kind enough to not charge you; show your appreciation in some way. After all....how many thousands of $'s did you save by not renting out a hotel conference/banquet room?

The other trend is in dresses.....long sleeves and lace are making a huge come back this year. Elegant and classic lines accompany the in high demand gowns this year. Kate Middleton and the latest Twilight movie are said the big the biggest influence for this new trend. Now here is where I have to insert an opinion....how does an elegant beautiful well educated now Royal get put in the same classification as the Twilight movies??? Sorry Kate Middleton but unless you are a fan (please do not be a fan) this is bordering on insulting to your classic taste. I will stop there before I loose 300+ fans with my Twilight opinions, they are just that; my opinions...so to each their own! Just shocking those two could be responsible for the same trend?!