The Fete Blog

I have fallen swooningly in love with the work of Alea Lovely. In the two shoots she’s submitted to Fête over the past few weeks, we’ve seen charming bouquets, stunning (custom) wedding gowns– the flowy, ultra feminine, ethereal confections I adore– and an array of handmade, vintage-inspired decor. This kind of work constantly inspires me– pushing the boundaries of pretty is always the goal here at Fête! I’m confident these shoots have inspired you, my dear brides, whether it sparks a new idea for your bridal styling or influences the design decisions you make for your decor.

In this shoot, Alea and her team put together an array of Valentine’s Day-based scenes– and whether you’re a bride or just a girlfriend, wife, or friend, there is inspiration galore for your Love Day next week.

In look one, our bride is sheathed in a high-necked Amsale gown and rocks wavy, sultry locks. Steal this look for your Valentine’s Day by embracing your flirty side and wearing a tulle skirt– playful, demure, and sweet. I love the felt heart pictured above; its simple design hearkens back to the days of schoolyard, handmade Valentines. Brides, doesn’t that bright red just pop against the stark white dress? Color scheme inspiration…

Look two features the sassiest short dress– I love this Ivy and Aster frock for a reception, but a more daring bride could certainly celebrate her entire wedding day in this look! The detailed overlay is fancy enough for anyone to wear on Valentine’s Day, but the shortness of the dress makes it just right for a weeknight. Side note: that felt floral bag is absolutely divine. I’m making it my mission to re-create it for myself!

Take notes– this dessert spread is mouthwatering!

Oh! This final look– I adore this combination of bohemian styling with such a luscious dress by Anna Maier~Ulla-Maija. The detailed bodice, the tulle skirt, the headband, the long lashes– this look is heavenly. If John and I had been married on the West Coast, this might have been exactly what I looked like. The bouquet pulls from the colors of the dessert table, while adding in a punch of fresh neutrals and refreshing mints.

images by Alea Lovely / this shoot was submitted via Two Bright Lights!

Vendors:
Venue: Longview Mansion
Floral Design: Victorian Gardens
Cake: Classic Cakes
Makeup: Jolie Artistry
Dress retailer : Altar Bridal

Throw | Cider | Bacon Banana Cookies
Thumbprint Cookies | Linzer Cookies | Vintage plates

It’s the holidays! And there’s really no better time of the year to indulge. I know, I know– we all are trying to be healthy, cut back, make sure we’re not gaining unnecessary weight during the winter. BUT you can make one exception, can’t you?

December is hectic, with parties every other evening and family in and out of town. No need to add a massive dinner party to your plate– gather your top five favorite cookie recipes and throw a cozy evening soiree! Ideally, you’ll have a large fireplace, comfy couches and arm chairs to snuggle in, the chicest mugs and serving platters (I love these from Anthropologie), and all your closest girlfriends in attendance.

But real life isn’t picture perfect. Don’t have time to whip up five dozen cookies? Divvy up the offerings among your attendees and ask everyone to bring a favorite cookie (The cutest DIY you can do for this kind of party? Mail (or email) a recipe card to attendees and ask them to share the recipe of the cookies they bring. An easy hostess gift for them, a lovely keepsake for you). Throw blankets and pillows on the floor, light candles, and listen to crooners. Wear comfy clothing (no one wants to devour cookies in a corset). Keep warm drinks on hand– both alcoholic and non. Use the evening as a break from the pressures of hosting, decorating, DIY-ing, and gifting!

Menu
Drink (for the drivers) | Spiced Apple Cider
Drink (for the daring) | Hot Peppermint Chocolate
The Creamy Cookie | Brown Butter Ginger with Mascarpone Cream
The Classic Cookie | Linzer Cookies
The Adventurous Cookie | Bacon Banana Cookies
The Sophisticated Cookie | Nutmeg Maple Butter Cookies
The Wild Cookie | Lemon Thumbprint Cookies with Blood Orange Marmalade

I have a confession: I am a dessert whore. A dessert whore who is trying, desperately, to cut back on eating desserts.

I was a good girl for most of the winter– I gave up desserts for Lent and actually made it through with only one slip-up (that was thanks to John– he is a professional dessert eater). After going to a steeplechase workshop at the Olympic Training Center in March, I decided to take on the Suzy Favor Hamilton approach and only have dessert three times a week (meaning on three occasions– I could have three desserts in one day and that would be it for the week). No, I’m not trying to lose weight; I’m just trying to adopt a cleaner lifestyle that is actually attainable. Do I need sweets at the end of every meal? No, but I can (and have) certainly lived that way for too many years.

Anyway, I’ve been doing a pretty good job sticking to my three-times-a-week dessert schedule for the past few months. But somehow I fell off the wagon and treated myself almost every night one week in late May. And now I’m spending a few days with John (king o’sweets, remember?) and I’m craving sweets to finish off every meal. Argh! So in honor of my sweet tooth, a round-up of some treats I’m dying to bake this summer (and in case you couldn’t tell, I’m a cake/pastry kind of gal. I love ice cream, but give me something with carbs and icing!):

1. Creamy Peanut Butter Pie, by Spoon Fork Bacon  2. Lemon Bars, by Smitten Kitchen  3. Raspberry Eclair, by Spoon Fork Bacon  4. Chocolate Tart, by David Lebovitz  5. Sea Salt Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies, via You Are My Fave  6. Key Lime Tart, by Martha Stewart