Weddingbee Blog

No, no, no, I am not talking about getting engaged over the holidays—although I am sure a number of our gals in “waiting” will be surprised this December—I’m talking about celebrating the holidays as an engaged couple.

Last year was our first Christmas together, and this is our first (and I guess, only) Christmas as an engaged couple. Next year will mark the first of many Christmases together as husband and wife. My family has a tradition of buying a Christmas ornament every year for the family and for each kid. By the time we went off on our own, both my brother and I had a full tree of ornaments each. I’ve continued this tradition, picking out an ornament for myself every year.

Well, almost every year. Last year I took Mr Pretzel to a local glass blowing studio. The studio has a program where you can assist an artist in creating a hand-blown glass ornament… and by assisting, I mean you supply the hot air and pick out the colors/design.

Mr Pretzel supplying hot air

The beautiful outcome

Together we made a total of 3 ornaments. By far, my favorite was one inspired by a 6 pack of beer. No, really! Mr Pretzel saw the colors on this 6 pack of Deschutes Jubelale and had to make an ornament based on it. I think he was pretty successful.

We got into the giving of the season and ended up gifting all of the ornaments we made to family and friends—forgetting to keep an ornament for ourselves. It was the first time in 32 years for me I didn’t have a new Christmas ornament and it was the first Christmas I celebrated with my future husband. *insert small pout* This year, I wasn’t going to let that happen again.

About a week ago I set out to find the right ornament to celebrate our very special hallmark of 2009—Mr Pretzel’s and my engagement. Armed with a CD full of beautiful engagement photos (I’m still waiting on some edits from our photographer before doing my official e-photo post) I set out on my search. A photo ornament seemed to be what I was looking for. Some of my favorite places to shop for photo gifts are Walgreens and Costco—although Snapfish and Shutterfly are also popular options. Walgreens had what I was looking for (I even found a free shipping coupon) and $14.99 later I had this little beauty on its way to me.

I love the postcard style. Of course I had to document the year (with a silver sharpie) and add a ribbon (temporary until I find a red one). It arrived quickly and I surprised Mr P with our first “couple” ornament.

Speaking of engagement photos, we also had Canvas On Demand print up a 8×11 canvas with one of our engagement photos. Papa Pretzel is helping us pay for the wedding and he has a serious blank wall problem at his house—like he’s lived there for a couple years and hasn’t hung more than 2 or 3 pictures/paintings. Hopefully he’ll enjoy hanging our smiling mugs somewhere.

Source

I have to admit, I went a little crazy purchasing little photo gifts for Mr Pretzel and myself!

Have you used e-photos/wedding photos in gifts for others/yourself this year?