Y’all. You may want to grab a snack before reading this post, because I promise you will be hungry afterwards. Actually, better idea, just wait til you’re done and then go order some snacks from Molly.

Today’s spotlight is all about Flour & Fig and I can’t tell you how much I loved doing this one. For a lot of reasons…For one thing, Molly is an absolute sweetheart and SHE’S AMAZING AT EVERYTHING SHE DOES, whether it be curating the best gift boxes in existence or making the most delicious treats and goodies. Also this is my first shoot done primarily on film and I’m pretty pumped about that. Aaaand I guess getting to snack during a shoot was a pretty good perk too 😉

So without further ado, meet Molly!

A BIT MORE ABOUT MOLLY!

Hi! I’m Molly Weener (Yes, Weener. My brothers all told me not to take my husband’s last name, but my husband says it builds character. And that’s what I’ll tell our daughter as she grows!). I’m originally from Michigan, so I point to a spot on my hand when I’m explaining that I’m from the west side of the state. My husband & I moved to Chicago after college, then headed out to San Fransisco for a few years, then moved back as a family of three when little Ivy Grace was born.

We currently live in Albany Park & love how diverse it is in every way from the people to the restaurants. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me (and my family) traveling, hiking, playing games, drinking hot drinks & biking around the city. I would love to say I have a favorite restaurant, but there are too many good ones to choose just one. I love Pizza Art Cafe, Irazu, Spacca Napoli, Longman & Eagle, Gene’s rooftop, Gather & Semiramis. Favorite coffee shop? The Grind, hands down. They have the loveliest outdoor patio (but, shhh, I kind of what that to stay a secret). If you check it out, get the lavender mint tea & a bagel.

 

WHAT SERVICES DOES FLOUR & FIG PROVIDE?

Flour & Fig does all things wedding! I make wedding cakes, wedding favors & welcome boxes or bags. I believe that good butter makes everything taste better, sweet snacks are balanced best with a sprinkling of salt, and fresh flowers make everything lovely.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THIS INDUSTRY?

I love baking and I love art, so to be able to combine both together is a dream. Initially, I followed my passion for working with people, but then in 2013 I decided to leave the not-for-profit world for a career in pastry. I attended Kendall College in Chicago and was classically trained in all things pastry. After graduating, I moved to San Francisco to train under Chef William Werner at Craftsman and Wolves and then spent a year planning for and envisioning what Flour & Fig would become. I’m thrilled to be pursuing this passion of mine, without having to give up my passion for people, because, let’s be honest, food brings people together.  

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE WORK YOU DO?

I love that I am lucky enough to have a career where I can be creative & that I get to play a role in creating a day that is so special for someone else. I love being able to work with my hands and am pretty obsessed with the beauty of a rustic, delicious baked good. One of my favorite parts of my job is turning on some great music (Tallest Man On Earth) and playing with butter, chocolate, and big mixers. I mean, seriously, what a dream. And, my introverted self also loves that I get to work behind the scenes.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO MAKE? LEAST FAVORITE?

Cakes are at the very top of my list. I specifically love to make cakes that look natural, so you’ll find jagged edges, real butter & fresh flowers with my cakes. Some other things I really enjoy making are the most rustic pastries: biscuits, pies, scones, cookies, and, weirdly, pizza crust. I also love the beauty of making candy; lollipops & caramel corn have quickly become some of my most favorite candies to make and I have developed a love-hate relationship with caramels (they’re kind of a pain in the ass to make, but they’re so delicious).

Although I wish I had the patience for bread, it’s just not something I enjoy doing because, in my opinion, it’s finicky and too time consuming. I will happily eat homemade bread and butter made by anyone else though…everyday.

WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE WORK YOU DO?

The 2am shift is not nearly as sexy as Top Chef makes it out to be 🙂

WHAT ARE SOME WEDDING INDUSTRY DESSERT TRENDS YOU’RE LOVING RIGHT NOW?

I’m loving the rustic trend right now. It seems like people are becoming more concerned with taste over aesthetic & I couldn’t be happier about that. In my mind, there is no reason to make something pretty if it doesn’t taste good. I also think there is so much beauty in the imperfect and I think it’s a great representation of what life is actually like – imperfect, but delicious.

I really like that wedding welcome bags/boxes have become such a trend. It is one of the best ways of saying ‘thank you’ to your guests for making a trip just to celebrate you! Oh, AND, give me all the greens on a table, on a cake, in a bouquet, in your hair…I love them all.

IF YOU COULD ONLY PROVIDE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO BRIDES ABOUT WEDDING DESSERTS, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?

Choose desserts that you & your partner love and don’t worry so much about the tastes of everyone else. Your wedding day is a day that should be a reflection of who you are, so fill it with all of your favorite things! And, like I said before, always choose flavor over perfection; no one actually like the taste of fondant.  

WHAT ITEMS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO A BRIDE WHO’S LOOKING FOR UNIQUE WEDDING FAVOR IDEAS?

I’m always happy when I attend a wedding that provides favors that are unique and edible because it’s something that is memorable, delicious and then gone. No one actually knows what to do with little trinkets with a wedding date on them, so give people what they want!

Here are a few ideas: lollipops, small bags of caramel corn, chocolate covered pretzels, candied nuts, caramels, meringue cookies, your favorite cookie, macarons, or brittle.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A BRIDE TO HELP DECIDE WHAT TO PUT IN THEIR WELCOME BOXES? 

Have fun with it! And fill your boxes or bags with a balanced variety of goodies:

1. Something sweet & something salty: Include a homemade cookie or candy, but also a bag of popcorn, chips or pretzels. I also like including a small bag of granola for those guests staying in a hotel. It’s the perfect morning snack that they can mix with yogurt.
2. Some things to drink: Include a fancy sparkling water and then something fun you like to drink like an izze, a small bottle of wine or your favorite beer.
3. Something to relax: Include a few tea bags and and small bar of handmade soap or a small vile of bath salts to encourage your guests to rest and enjoy their hotel room for a few days.
4. Something fun: Include something that will encourage your guests to get out of the hotel in a city or town that might be unfamiliar to them. Add a map and place stickers on all of your favorite places to eat, drink and explore. Or, include a small gift card to your favorite bakery or coffee shop.
5. Something personal: Including a handwritten note in each bag or box adds such a sweet touch and makes your wedding guests feel so special and welcomed. This is such a cheap and easy way of going above and beyond to make sure your guests feel appreciated.

Connect with Molly!

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