The Fete Blog

Whew– what a week, what a week. You might have noticed it was quiet around here– apologies, but I’m sure we were all a bit distracted by what was going on in the world. I couldn’t get into my normal routine; motivation to blog about weddings or party inspiration or interiors was pretty low. John and I have been glued to our TV and news blogs non-stop; he poured over images of the suspects, desperate to crack the case; I just wanted to do nothing. In the middle of it, our best friend turned 30, and I poured all my energy into celebrating him for a day. And now, thankfully, thankfully!, the terror is over. And maybe the world can be given a reprieve for a few weeks.

Cute babies and puppies– all day, every day. Please. image via seek(ing)

I’m sure we’re all going to be hitting the blogosphere this weekend, for much-needed rest and recovery away from the never-ending news cycle. Some pretty and fun things to revive you–>

-Are you a grapefruit person? These grapefruit muffins by Elsie and Emma look DELICIOUS! High on my to-bake list.

-My kick-ass wedding planner Meghan Streit wrote up this lovely post for Borrowed and Blue– tips for spicing up the details at your wedding!

-Don’t have a huge backyard? Emily shares some small yard eye candy.

-Kat talks about the overwhelming rise of styled wedding shoots (and shares some legitimately marvelous ones from Lisa Devlin’s Photography Farm). I have to agree– when I first started styling editorial shoots, it was reserved for the big time magazines. Now, every publication and blog and workshop styles shoots more than might be necessary. It’s becoming slightly exhausting trying to style all the same elements– bride, groom, tablescape, bouquet, dress– in fresh ways. It might be time for something altogether new…

-Take time to dream about your business! Some inspiration and some real-time actions you can do to make all your creative dreams come true.

-I love this interview with Anthology Magazine’s EIC– that publication is one of my literary role models!

-Veronica delves into the issue of jealousy– that woman is absolutely brillant.

-I’m sure you’ve seen this Dove Beauty Ad– it’s making waves! Most women view it as inspiring, but some writers find it to be another false representation of “real women”. What are your thoughts?

-C-ville Weekly rounds up the coolest places in Charlottesville– get out and hit up one of these this weekend!

-Are you a blogger who longs for the good ole days of handwritten letters and snail mail? The Postmark Society has just started up– head over, sign up, and get a real life blogger pen pal! I’m so excited for this.

-Nerd alert: Joanna Goddard has been encouraging us to up our vocabulary game– Vocabulary.com is a surprisingly fun learning + procrastination tool! I’m already addicted and I just started playing this morning.

And, in case you missed our (lighter) postings this week–> Photo I Heart | Thought o’the Week | Hitched! Meghann + Derek | Fitness Confession | Charming Winter Bridal Portraits

Happy Saturday! xoxo

Hello! It feels like forever since we’ve had a good round-up of links to love. Winter is flying by and the weeks are starting to blend together, resulting in the huge restlessness in my heart. I’m ready to travel, to be challenged, to meet new people, to go on an adventure.

Summer loving– ready, set, transport me here now! image via The Library tumblr

Let’s wander the world– through the interwebs. Some lovely links to inspire your weekend–>

-C-ville Weekly rounded up 10 Charlottesville couples we “can’t get enough of”. I love love.

-Valentine’s Day might be long gone, but Gala Darling’s round-up of 50 ways to love yourself is chock full of things you can do year-round!

-This comic by artist Philippa Rice is so pretty (and a VERY accurate depiction of living-together-life). Follow her art on Tumblr here!

-Obsessed with braid crowns? This tutorial by Sincerely Kinsey seems easy to recreate– I can’t wait for long hair to try this out!

-The Sartorialist’s shots from the Marc Jacob’s FW13 show are GORGEOUS.

-This pairing by Brooklyn Bride is the perfect inspiration board for an early spring wedding.

-Incredible bridal fashion by bridalNEXT winner Veronica Dearly (via Rock n Roll Bride)

-DIY o’the week: I love this easy laddar makeover by A Beautiful Mess– voila, an instant display!

-John’s been wanderlust-ing lately too– this surf film has us both craving our next trip!

-I’m already in love with Shauna’s new column, “In the Mood,” and her first mood board, Citrus & Sunshine, is an instant dose of Vitamin D!

-Christopher Walker of NoGym writes, “The idea of living up to your potential is complete BS.” He’s right.

-Psst—> Spring Weddings has hit stands! If you’re not in Charlottesville, check out the full issue here!

And in case you missed anything this week: Photo I Heart | Recent Reads: February | Thought o’the Week | You Should Get to Know Tricia Humphreys | Hitched! Dawna & Jon | How to Be a Bride, Vol 2 | NEW Fitness Series: How to Love Running #1 | DIY Art by Kim | Hitched! Hook Weddings Sneak Peek

happy, happy weekend! xoxo

It’s high time for some weekend links– I think we all need a bit of decompressing time after a busy week! (Raise your hand if you have an even busier week ahead… yes, that’s exactly what I thought.) I hope you have a day (at least) to curl up with a mug of something warm, snuggle with those you love, and let your brain to turn mush with books, blogs, and magazines. Those days are rare, but they feel oh-so-good.

An inspiration image for a shoot I’m putting together with some fabulous local vendors– Elizabeth Messina’s work is always a go-to for initial inspiration boarding.

What should we be pouring over in our down time? How about…

-Part two of Gala Darling‘s blogging series– Get Organised!

-I’ve been loving fresh juices lately (and tweeting my favorite combinations)– thank you Camille & Chanel for putting together this round-up of your favorite juice recipes!

-A favorite wedding this week: an incredibly hip/rustic/handmade Cape Town wedding! The fashion choices, design, and food details– divine.

-Apartment Therapy explores the art that is tiny homes– these are all so gorgeous!

-Sincerely Kinsey talks about keeping physical records of this time in her marriage… it makes me feel half guilty for not doing a better job printing out pictures! This is high on my DIY and marriage to-do lists.

-A dear friend (someone I’m always on the same page on) sent this over to me– does Facebook make you jealous? It certainly gets to me more often than I’d like to admit…

-If you look at one wedding this week for fashion inspiration, make it this one. Can I be best friends with Christian Siriano?

-Remember my obsession with foxes? Then you’ll know why I’m in love with this party inspiration board.

-Yum! Grapefruit donuts– combining two of my favorite things!

-One of my first ever blog role models, Design is Mine, has relaunched her Etsy shop! Swing over and oogle all the loveliness she creates!

-DIY project! A pom pom tablecloth… this is right up my alley. I wish I had created one of these for our wedding weekend decor!

-Everyone is swooning over the whole women-rocking-menswear look, but Miss Moss says it just right.

You might have missed—> Photo I Heart | Real Room Redo | Thought o’the Week | Hitched! Lauren & Jonathan | Fitness Tips from Nick Symmonds | Getting Hitched! Theodora & Tony

happy saturday (evening)! xoxo

Whoa, this week flew by. I don’t even know what I did all week. Was I productive? Did I do anything fun? Is it really the weekend? I’m not sure. I feel better than last week’s lost, unmotivated, lazy Stephanie, but the days still seem to be whipping by without me really getting a good grasp on them. Unfortunately, there’s no good lowkey, relax week on the horizon, so it’s time to chug some more caffeinated drinks and get moving!

A dream: to spend the weekend lounging about in gorgeous vintage ballgowns… {psst– we haven’t been Pinterest friends lately. I pin, you pin, we all pin! Follow me here! This one, via my Pretty Things to Inspire board.}

What are your weekend to-dos? Do take some time to zone out and juice up (both literally and figuratively). Get those creative wheels spinning with some good, old-fashioned link browsing! Some to inspire you–>

-Wedding Chicks shares a round-up of pink wedding cakes. Yes, please!

-We’re on a total photography kick and taking advice/listening to stories anywhere we can get them. Sincerely Kinsey did a massive FAQ on her photography career & technique this week– a must read! (PS. John and I have both started photography tumblrs! Take a peek– his / hers)

-The Selby is in Christian Louboutin’s place. Still swooning.

-This piece by Penelope Trunk (The Brazen Careerist) was a very, very interesting read and I kept following link after link– call me indulgent, but I love reading analysis about my generation!

-Local food love! The gals at Beyond the Flavor are asking for your help to build a massive be-all-end-all food blog for Charlottesville. Head over to their Kickstarter and become a backer!

-I think the ManRepeller and I were on the same brainwave about hair styling (and taking the plunge) this week– love her piece urging us to just do what we want.

-Proud of Latanya for putting this post out there: what’s wrong with a little “you time”? (yes, she’s talking about masturbation!)

-DIY o’the week! Elsie shares her secret to creating a massive photo wall– I want, I want!

-Do you follow Dooce? a. You should. b. If only for her week-end link round ups. I die over the tweets she features, they are the funniest things I read each and every week!

-Small space craft room inspiration via Apartment Therapy

-Magnificent: this couple brought their wedding photographer with them to their African honeymoon– I wish Jen could have come on ours!!

-Blog & life idol Gala Darling is starting a 10 week blogging series– first up: Demand Your Worth! (PS. The first London Blogcademy is happening now! Follow the hashtag #theblogcademy for sneak peeks and up-to-date tips!)

-Did I tell you my wedding dress designer Katelyn Pankoke is going to be on the next season of Project Runway? SO COOL. Check out her designer page on the Project Runway website– I love it!

-Oh Joy’s collection of baby pieces for Winter Water Factory are 40% off through the end of the month! Snag the sale code here!

-Dreamy home eye-candy: let’s take a holiday to the Babington House soon! via Honey Kennedy

And in case you missed anything this week–> Photo I Heart | {Finds} Golden Silhouette Designs | Thought o’the Week | Make Merry! | Team Jefferson: Navigating a Marriage, No.1 | Fitness: 5 Tips for Winter Training | Short Hair-spiration! | A Charming Midwestern E-Session | Introducing the Cville Wedding Classic | A Big Barn Countryside Wedding!

happy saturday! xoxo

Welp, that’s what I get for taking a road trip– John and I hustled down and back from Marco Island, FL, this weekend for the wedding of one of his oldest friends; it was a wonderful, beautiful evening, but a long, long, long drive. Yikes. Because of our tight timing, weekend links were pushed back until… today! But with everyone home thanks to Sandy (stay safe!!), a few fun things to browse over the next few days is hopefully quite welcome– hey, it beats cabin fever!

What I want to be doing ALL DAY / What you SHOULD be doing all day. Image via Audrey & Marilyn

Some pretty, fun, and delicious links–>

To inspire:
-Lifehacker posted the best “recipe” for increasing your productivity– I needed this!
-Take a peek at this Iceland engagement shoot and try not to swoon. I dare you. via What Junebug Loves!
-A grown-up pajama party by Coco & Kelley– yes please!
-Gala Darling’s TED Talk– I’ve probably linked to this before, but seriously. Go watch it!
-A super sexy hipster engagement session, by new Blogcademy friend Storyboard Weddings! Love it.

To craft:
-Perfect for holiday entertaining– make your own washi-tape flag cake stand! by Hank + Hunt
-A quick tutorial on making your own fonts, by A Beautiful Mess (I LOVE the ones she created!)
-Another holiday-centric project: making your own pumpkin centerpieces, by Brooklyn Bride
-You know this is on the top of my Must-Craft list: DIY monogrammed trophies, by Making It Lovely!

To eat!
-Pumpkin Spice Donuts (with cinnamon butter glaze), by Roost
-Eggs Benedict Three Ways, by A Beautiful Mess
-Seared Duck Breast with Spinach Demi-Glaze, by Santa Barbara Chic

PS–> A few Blogcademy wrap-ups, from the headmistresses themselves! Kat, Gala, & Shauna

Stay safe, warm, and dry! xox 

It’s the weekend and we are finally in one place– it feels like the last three weeks have flown by and John and I have constantly been on the run. I’m so looking forward to spending the weekend nesting, finishing up Hook Weddings pieces, and watching some football. I’ve definitely felt out of the loop for the past few weeks, so I’m excited to curl up with my Google Reader (and hopefully a real book as well) and catch up with the world. What are your plans for this gorgeous fall weekend?

Coffee Explosion! Absolutely love this image. Image via Minus Minus

Excuse me for the older links, but let’s just think of them as “vintage”– some things I’m…

Inspired by:
-The new book by BashPlease (I totally have a vendor crush on them)! Pre-order it here.
-Neon wedding inspiration by 100 Layer Cake
-This “risque,” by classy boudoir shoot on Rock ‘n’ Roll Bride
-The wedding of Steven & Jamie (that was featured in Martha Stewart) by my favorite West Coast photographer Michele M Waite
-This one isn’t really “inspiration,” but it’s HILARIOUS and should be read DAILY: Suri’s Burn Book. Go. Now.
-Amazing marriage advice by Joanna Goddard.
-A gorgeous Palm Springs wedding on 100 Layer Cake
-Elsie’s photo a day handkerchief journal. DIY loveliness!

Hungry for:
-Brownie Pecan Pie, by A Beautiful Mess
-Best of Berry Desserts, by Design*Sponge
-Cornmeal Cake with Blueberries & Maple Whipped Cream, by Not Without Salt
-Dark Chocolate Chip and Sea Salt Cookies, by A Beautiful Mess
-Salpicon, by Design*Sponge

Happy Saturday! xox

Rabbit Rabbit! Happy September! It’s wedding month! I’m sure most of you must be sick of my never-ending wedding talk, but we’re in the home stretch! Time to DIY my life away (it’s really not that bad, but it seems the to-do list has not lessened much. Okay, okay, I’ll shush up about it).

In a broader sense, it’s also the last few days of summer– what are you going to do to enjoy it??

It’s coming, it’s coming… image via Brides, pinned to my Pinterest board “Ceremony.”

This weekend, I will…

Be inspired by:
-the fact that The Sweetest Occasion, one of my most favorite blogs, is hiring!
-Beyond the Flavor’s profile of Ben Thompson, head of catering and pork outfit The Rock Barn (psst– they’re catering my wedding!)
-the photography of Heather Gildroy– ethereal, stark, incredible.
-this early morning engagement shoot featured by Green Wedding Shoes
-Joy’s round-up of all things pie-related!!
-the amazing work of Claire Goodman, of the Charlottesville Area Wedding Blog and One Sweet Wedding Cville (also a pretty popular interfaith minister). I had an awesome chat with her earlier this week– always get inspired by the strong women in the Cville wedding scene!

Eat:
-Minty Black Bean Salad, via Kinfolk Magazine
-Sparkling Apple Sangria, by spoon fork bacon
-Salted Caramel Cheesecake Pie, by Joy the Baker

Happy weekend– and happy September!! xox

Today has essentially been a weekend for me. After what was a decently productive week (when you have endless to-do lists and are a constant over-achiever, you never feel truly “productive”), today I hit a wall and was ready to sit back, zone out, and do nothing. Of course, that didn’t really happen, but my pace has been decidedly slower. I’m looking forward to a lazy weekend– my last full weekend with John before our wedding!

My favorite movie of all time… I think it’ll inspire me to be a little more indulgent this weekend! Image via Vanity Fair’s “The 25 Most Fashionable Films In Hollywood”

This weekend, I will…

Be inspired by:
-Amelia’s beautiful piece, “Settled.” Her writing style is so dreamy and her blog is perfection. A must follow!
-Kelly’s gorgeous inspiration shoot with Jose Villa– Grecian Goddess style for brides!
-These stunning travel/adventure photos from The Sweetest Occasion– getting me in the mood for a road trip!
-Annie’s thoughtful piece on how writers and athletes are basically required to have day jobs. Love this.
-Elsie’s new column “Trade Secrets”– this week’s topic, “Good Ideas Take Time” rocks!

Eat:
-Charred Pepper Steak Sauce by Smitten Kitchen
-Pink Lemonade Bars by Smitten Kitchen

Craft:
-This DIY ombre cork heart by Green Wedding Shoes– absolutely love this!
-DIY “fashion” plates by Camille Styles

Happy Friday! Indulge yourself this weekend… xox

Happy Friday! This week has been filled with projects– wedding and work, but all exciting (good things are happening in our world!)– a fabulous gathering of friends last night, and battling airports all morning. But it’s the weekend and this girl gets to see her fiance for a few days! (Note: don’t do long distance if you can help it. Just don’t.) How have your first few days of August been? What are your plans for the lovely weekend ahead?

I have fallen in love with the Ballerina Project– thanks to Jill for sharing this after my inspiration board on Monday! I’ve spent way too much time digging through their Facebook archives and I just want to order prints of them all. Living vicariously through these stunning images! This shot: “Kate – Princeville, Kauai“

This weekend, I will…

Be inspired by:
-Amanda (of 100 Layer Cake, the swoony blog that I love) showed off her incredible bachelorette party! Mine is right around the corner…
-Jennifer Carroll’s second post on the Wonder workshop out at Belle Haven
-Local interior designer Jeannette Andamasaris’ downtown mall apartment, which was featured on Apartment Therapy this week.
-Gala Darling’s secret beauty routine
-The jaw-droppingly beautiful English country house wedding of Jacquetta Wheeler, featured on Vogue

Eat:
-pie! I stumbled upon this series “For the love of pie” on Herriott Grace’s blog (she featured {this is glamorous} last week and have fallen head over heels in love with these recipes.
-one of these ten peach recipes rounded up by Camille Styles
-the best salad you’ll ever have, by Joanna Goddard

Lust after:
-Rock ‘n’ Roll Bride’s SECOND kickass magazine
-the first book by Twigs and Honey (photographed by Elizabeth Messina!), called Adornments. Win a copy on Green Wedding Shoes here!

Happy weekend! xox

Who has incredible plans for the weekend? I’d love to say that I want to go out exploring and adventuring, but honestly, I might just lay low, in the air conditioned safety of my apartment. I have a fun trip to Belgium for some races coming up next week, so taking these last precious days pre-travel to relax is just about all I can handle right now!

Doing something like this all weekend sounds about right. Vogue France, May 1978 via Pretty Stuff

This weekend, I will…

Be inspired by:
-Kinfolk Magazine’s “Ode to Summer” short film (ps–> snatch up their newest issue, Vol. 4, here.)
-Gala Darling’s kick-ass article, “Don’t Just Survive, THRIVE!”
-East Side Bride’s post on cell phones at weddings.
-Kelly Oxford’s piece on writers and shortcuts (this girl is such a badass, I have a fangirl crush on her).
-Joanna Goddard’s second series on Work/Baby/Balance– so many inspiring working mamas!
-Miss Moss’s beautiful piece on the Givenchy collection/Game of Thrones similarities.

Make this:
-Design*Sponge’s DIY mesh-screen beach tote.

Eat this:
-Anita Gupta’s Overnight Buttermilk Waffles
-Sincerely Kinsey’s Red Velvet Pancakes

Do this:
-Swing by the Main Street Arena and watch some of the Charlottesville Derby Dames game on Saturday, July 7 (7pm, $5-10).
-See one of these three shows: These United States at The Southern (9pm), Down Til Nowas part of Fridays After Five at the Pavilion, or Schwervon and L’Ecole Pour Minous at the Tea House (9pm).

Happy Friday! xox