The Sebel Pier One

Hello!

We visited The Sebel Pier One, a hotel in The Rocks this Saturday just before our Sydney engagement party. It is in Walsh Bay at a quiet location, just under the Harbour Bridge and near the Opera House. It has that rustic nautical feel like most of the other buildings along the wharfs.

On arrival, we were annoyed at being made to wait ~20 minutes (we almost left since we were busy that day) before the events coordinator eventually showed up. She showed us the two main venue areas of the hotel, both of which were being set up that day. The first was the Dawes Point which didn't appeal to us since the rooms were quite small with low ceilings. The second was the Water room (pictures below).

Dance floor and bar

Outside area

Separate entrance (from hotel) for guests

The Water room had the spaciousness and water views we're looking for, and the wedding packages have been the least expensive so far. It is certainly a good option if we want to save a little bit of money (though it's not substantially cheaper compared with previous venues).
Having a reception at a hotel also facilitates interstate guests and the wedding packages all include one night's stay for the bride and groom.

In terms of having a reception venue at a hotel, The Sebel Pier One is one of the few that we would consider.

Flying Fish

Hello!

We inspected Flying Fish restaurant in Pyrmont today as a potential reception venue. We were interested mainly due to the impressive culinary experience we had there last year for my birthday. I would describe their cuisine as modern Australian with an Asian influence specialising in seafood. I remember there were dishes strongly influenced by Japanese and Sri Lankan flavours at the time. Andy and I were totally impressed by the amazing and unique flavours and we both claim it to be our current favourite restaurant.

The location is nice - quietly tucked away along Jones Bay Wharf overlooking the water with the harbour bridge on the horizon. There is also an inviting deck area at the entrance that would be nice for canapes and drinks (weather permitting).

The restaurant emits a relaxed and understated elegance, which we quite like. The dining areas consist of two floors, with a balcony area on the upper level. There are two ways to view the space: intimate and cosy or potentially cramped and claustrophobic. The latter would not be a problem if the weather is nice (as was the case today) and guests can sprawl themselves on the deck and wharf area, especially if the glass doors of the restaurant are open. There is also the option of dancing the night away on the adjacent wharf area if weather permits! However, if it rains and we are confined to the inside areas... that's our major concern.

The photos I took below do not really do the restaurant justice but I hope you get a feel for it.
Check out: http://www.flyingfish.com.au/about/about-Gallery.html for more/better photos of the space.

Adjoining deck at entrance, perfect for canapes and drinks

Downstairs area with glass doors on the left that open onto the wharf

Upstairs dining area

Upstairs balcony looking down

Private dining area to be used as the Bride's room

Glass doors that open onto the wharf area

Outside wharf area

A huge advantage of Flying Fish is the food. They actually offer guests a choice of 3 entrees and 3 mains on the day (a vegetarian dish is in addition to this). In fact the events coordinator even said "if a client had suggested a set or alternating menu at our restaurant we would have told them to go to a hotel!" He also suggested serving dessert as canapes, allowing guests to walk around and mingle while enjoying bite sized lemon meringues and other such delectable desserts selected by us. As a part of the tasting if we end up booking the place, they also offer a wine tasting and wine selection for the night.

We will inspect the place again later this year when they have set up for a wedding to get a better idea and the good news is we still have plenty of time to consider other venues.

Visiting Venues

Hello!
We went to see the Crystal Palace at Luna Park and the Taronga Function Centre today. We saw 3 rooms at the Crystal Palace: the Sunset room, the Ted Hopkins room and the Crystal Ballroom.

Ted Hopkins room

Crystal Ballroom

Deck area with Crystal Ballroom and view

One factor to bear in mind today is the crappy weather - gloomy and overcast. So most of the scenery and views were obstructed by a grey haze. 

At the Crystal Palace we only liked the Crystal Ballroom - which was actually quite stunning in person. The other two rooms felt a little cramped and had really low ceilings.

At the Taronga Function Centre we saw the Harbour View Terrace and ceremony area, although they were a little disappointing (sorry I forgot to take photos but I have put some promo photos below). 

In person, the function room had disappointingly low ceilings - which makes the space seem a little claustrophobic. Although the wall to wall view of the water and the Sydney city skyline was stunning, the space inside was just not that nice. Also the dance floor was really small. 

The walk to the ceremony area was not very pleasant due to whiffs of a strong animal/zoo odour - probably not the best scent to have leading into a wedding ceremony... 
For now, the Crystal Ballroom is up there in our list! 

From the looks of things, December of 2013 will be difficult to book due to the large amount of corporate functions leading up to Christmas. So it looks like January 2014 will be likely as a wedding date.

Let us know if you guys have any venue suggestions.

Balcony "photoshoot" (thanks to Kevin)!

Tuesday 2 October 

Following a feast of high tea at QVB, Yvonne, Kevin, Jeff and I headed back home for an impromptu photoshoot (courtesy of Kevin and his high-tech gear).

Here are some of the highlights =)

Oh yeah, that's right we're hardcore.

Wedding Blog Created!

So apparently when you google: "What do you do once you are engaged?" one of the top 10 suggestions is to create a Wedding blog, which provides a journal for all your wedding preparations over the next 18 months.
We are creating this blog some friends and family can see how our preparation is going as well as leave us with hopefully fond memories of all the planning of the big day.