Phoenix & Moose

Wedding website

2011-06-15T05:28:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for our wedding website with all the details, gift registry etc, please go to http://www.phoenixandmoose.com/.

And if you don't want to spoil the surprise of what everything's going to look like on the day, DON'T SCROLL DOWN ANY FURTHER!

The Groom has Decided!

2011-02-15T00:44:00.000-08:00

Finally, a decision on what the boys are to wear on our big day. Still no word on what he himself will be wearing though..

Indigo slim-fit jeans
White-on-white collared shirt; half-sleeve
Silver blazer with sleeves rolled up
Black patent leather brogues
Paisley silk scarf (similar colours to bridesmaids' dresses)
Paisley pocket square (although this may clash with the idea I have for boutonnieres)

DIY: Paper Rosettes

2011-02-15T00:24:00.000-08:00

In the past few weeks I've been filling my spare time with making a variety of 'hanging things' for the reception. Since it's quite a cavernous space (it used to be a church, so the roof is more than double volume), I felt we needed something to make the space more cosy and intimate.

First was the giant poms, the tutorials of which I've posted before. I've also made doily garlands and started on some paper rosettes today, inspired by Rebecca Thuss:

I followed a little step-by-step by Paper Source. The trick is to use 3 pieces of paper for each rosette, otherwise it can be tricky to close them up at the end. (Apologies for the poor quality photos, I got lazy today and used Photobooth..)

You will need:

3 12x12" pieces of scrapbooking paper (I find it makes them a little more robust this way than just using ordinary copy paper)
double-sided tape
fishing line, ribbon etc for hanging

Accordion fold each piece of paper (folds about 2cm wide).

Flatten out the sheet and fold in half. Refold the pleats. (This makes the next step a bit easier).

Fold the whole thing in half and join the two ends with double-sided tape.

Repeat for the other two pieces and then join them all together! When joining the last two sides, you may want to encase your ribbon between two layers of tape so you don't need to punch a hole later.

The finished rosettes!

Inspiration Board 2

2011-01-08T04:52:00.000-08:00

Credits: Ruffled, Once Wed, 100 Layer Cake, Love and Splendour, Amy Atlas, Green Wedding Shoes, Snippet & Ink. Dress: Vera Wang. Tent: Villa Kula. Cupcake: Utterly Engaged(?). Veil: Delphine Manivet. Flowers: The Orange Blossom, Amy Osaba, don't remember where the gorgeous one on the right is from!

2 week holiday = DIYing spree!

2011-01-08T04:26:00.000-08:00

Our goal is to create as much as possible ourselves for our wedding. This includes my veil, bridal jacket, boutonnieres for the boys, pomanders for pew decorations, all the reception decor (including a 'dessert tent' inspired by the Indian mandap and a park bench photobooth), stationery suite and desserts!

I've been busy the past 2 weeks of my holiday making a lot of this.

I've finally started painting the hundreds of jars my family's been diligently collecting. I used glass paint from Eckersley's. Originally I was going to paint them all, but decided on leaving the large ones plain and using them as vases, while the small coloured ones will be for battery operated tealight candlessupplied by my lovely aunt :)

One of the pomanders to go at the end of each pew row. I bought the beautiful two-toned fabric from Fabricana on Etsy.

Due to budget constraints, there was no way we could afford custom letterpressed stationery, but I still wanted to have some kind of printed design. So I tried out lino printing! The paisley design was pretty tricky to cut out and I'm not sure it works all that well with our thick, textured paper, but we'll see how it goes.

And last but not least, my wedding jacket! This was one of those weird decisions where I find myself um-ing and ah-ing for months, then suddenly decide to do something and get straight to it. Even the night before making this, I was contemplating a soft cream cardigan to keep me warm. A fur stole or bolero was also an option, but Naman and I aren't too keen on it (even the faux variety) and I don't think it would have fit in as well as a jacket. The funny thing is I'd starting making this before I'd even met him!

It started as a tiny little waistcoat from the Stylish Dress Book 2 with silk ruffles made from leftover fabric from my Year 12 Textiles major work. I added some off-white silk charmeuse and chiffon (offcuts from my wedding dress), old tulle, lace that belonged to my great-grandmother and a few pearl beads. I love that all these bits have a bit of a story attached to them. I simply added sleeves (from another pattern in the same book) and a lining. The back is white silk charmeuse overlayed with lace; the same as we used for the bodice of my dress. I'm thinking of adding some more ruffles all around the edge as well as a bigger ruffle along the bottom as the front is actually quite small. And I still need to hand stitch the lining in place at the armholes :(

Love,
Moose

Dessert table inspiration

2010-06-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

Amy Atlas

via Once Wed

SHE PAPERIE + Design Boutique via Amy Atlas

Inspiration board

2010-05-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

Home dreaming

2010-05-29T02:46:00.000-07:00

I just bought the top two prints by Peggy Wolf Design on Etsy, but think the two below would go with them just perfectly. Hopefully we can put them up somewhere in our new place..

Phoenix and I still have different ideas on what our home will be like. He thinks it'll be a proper house with multiple rooms and massive sound system; I think it's more likely to be a smallish one-bedroom apartment or studio.

At the moment I'm trying to figure out what furniture & other homey things we need to get, as well as what I already have that can be used.

Also facing the dilemma of what to do when a yet-to-be-engaged friend has so many similar wedding ideas (that she constantly shares with us). Do I tell her I was thinking of doing the same thing, or just modify my original plans a bit so it doesn't seem like I'm copying her?

Wedding Inspiration: Irina Graewe

2010-04-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

Looking through the archives on EatDrinkChic the other day, I found the wonderful work of Irina Graewe. Many of her interiors images could be used as inspiration for wedding decor.

Paper doily stencils.

Spray down a paper runner as 'coasters' or place settings.

Old willow pattern plates with bright cutlery and stencilled initials for place settings.

Stack of love letters, sheet music of meaningful songs etc on a table with the guestbook.

Brightly patterned umbrellas for bridesmaids to use instead of parasols. Or to shade tables at an outdoor reception.

Mismatched chairs and patchwork table cloth with crystal glassware and lots of fresh flowers for an intimate dinner reception.

More mismatched chairs, and cutout paper garlands.

Delicate vintage china and antique silver spoons for a tea party.

Glass tea and coffee pots, decanters of dessert wines for after-dinner celebrations. This would look gorgeous with masses of candles.

Empty frames on a paper backdrop for guests to write messages in or to display seating plans.

All images by Irina Graewe

Decorations: Floral

2010-04-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

Since marigolds aren't in season for our wedding, we're thinking of stringing garlands of fabric/tissue paper substitutes along the backs of the reception chairs.

via Once Wed

These strings of silk flower petals/cotton bolls would look great over the table to add some height. The best thing is they can be made well in advance like the garlands.

via 100 Layer Cake

via Green Wedding Shoes

via Darling Dexter

Absolutely love the floral 'specimens' by Kristen (The Treasured Petal) and Angel. And who would've thought the 'Milk & Honey' tablescape by Paige and Kelly was inspired by the first time John Lennon and Yoko Ono met? I don't know what those little hanging orbs are called, but I need to get my hands on some :)

via Love & Splendor

via Once Wed

via snippet&ink

This dress..

2010-04-10T01:14:00.000-07:00

..keeps popping up everywhere these days.

It's a Vera Wang, from a few seasons back I think. Would love to incorporate some of that draping into my own dress, but then I'd need to rethink the fitted lace back I've been imagining.

Flowers: Ruby Slipper

2010-04-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

I think I've finally found the perfect florist!

Ruby Slipper describes their style as "girly and vintage with a freshly 'hand-picked from the garden' feel". They show just a few bouquets on their site but enough to get a good idea of their style.

Plus they have a selection of props including vintage teacups! Find them here.

Amy Osaba

2010-04-07T22:57:00.000-07:00

Just what I've been looking for.

from here

Stationery

2010-04-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

Run Into Flowers via Oh So Beautiful Paper

unknown source

We Met in a Bar

Studio on Fire

{Indian} Tents and Sweets

2010-03-24T04:23:00.000-07:00

I don't know how my train of thought got there, but I started looking for Indian-style indoor marquees today. Vaguely remembering Raj Tents I looked them up only to find that they're yet another amazing vendor..in America.

Raj Tents

But then I found the Australian Indian Weddings site which led me to a treasure trove of mandaps (Hindu wedding tents) and Indian sweets. (The only ones I've tried so far are Gulab Jamun, and I absolutely love them!)

I can't wait to try out the sweets at Billu's Eatery and Maya Sweet soon.

And here's a different take on a wedding mandap with the theme 'The Beatles go to India" from snippet&ink.

snippet&ink

Musique

2010-03-24T04:19:00.000-07:00

Listening to Jon Foreman's Fall & Winter, an engagement present from Dan.

Etsy {Wedding}

2010-03-22T04:17:00.000-07:00

dainty lace necklaces and vintage shoes by treeandkimball

paisley necktie from fabricana

The dress: Part 1: Inspiration

2010-03-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

The look I'm going for with the altered version of my mom's dress is vintage, flowy, elegant and delicate.

Here's the dress as it is at the moment with ruffles, long sleeves (not shown) and lovely ribbon and lace at the hem. I never wanted an ivory dress; I always pictured myself in pure white, but it's grown on me and I think it captures the vintage spirit we're going for.

And here's a bit of dress inspiration:

silhouette: unknown

lace back: Claire Pettibone

lace back: Pnina Tornai

silhouette and waist detailing: Vera Wang

I'm thinking of replacing the ruffles with some sort of lace detail like this at the neckline.

via lola is beauty

Flowers: Current picks

2010-03-06T00:15:00.000-08:00

Most of these arrangements have flowers suitable for winter weddings. Enjoy!

Calla lillies, billy buttons, freesia, green and white hydrangea, roses, tulips, ranunculus, and hypericum berries.

Dahlias, hydrangea, veronica, cymbidium orchids, spray roses, acacia, lotus pods and monkey tails

via The Orange Blossom

Raw cotton, balsa wood flowers etc. I just have to 'eek!' out loud every time I see this wedding and all the gorgeous natural details.

via Green Wedding Shoes

Anemones, ranunculas etc

via snippet&ink

Ranunculas, roses, berries etc

Gypsophila (babies breath) which I think would make lovely bridesmaids bouquets when gathered with a beautiful ribbon.

via 100 Layer Cake

Venues: The Shortlist

2010-02-25T04:50:00.000-08:00

From a list of about 60 venues, we've finally narrowed it down a bit based on our prerequisites: it had to have a 'venue only' hire price (no $150 per person wedding packages), allow DIY catering and decorations, and be reasonably easy to get to both for our guests who live all over Greater Sydney, and in terms of getting from the church to the reception.

Here are my top picks so far:

1. Mosman Art Gallery

I love the classy vibe of this place even though we haven't actually been there yet. The wooden floors and exposed brick walls would make it seem really cosy in winter (and we may be able to do something with draping on the ceilings to make it even more intimate). So far the Mosman Council website has been very informative and upfront about venue hire and optional extra costs. The best thing is that we can provide our own catering, do our own decorating and the hire cost is charged at an hourly rate. We'll be having a look next weekend, so fingers crossed it all works out as this has been one of the few places we've both immediately agreed upon.

2. St Anne's

A friend of mine recommended St Anne's Ryde (even though she wants to have her own wedding there one day!) as it is a beautiful old church with a newly built function centre. I checked it out last weekend with my mom and Phoenix (who set the alarm off accidently) and we really liked the look of the church. The lady who came to check up on us after the alarm incident said the centre has become popular for tea after the ceremony and there have been a few receptions there too, so I think it definitely has potential. Photos on the site show a well-equipped, modern commercial kitchen so catering wouldn't be a problem. Plus we'd save transport costs by not having to travel between the ceremony and reception venues.

3. Narrabeach Function Room

I don't think we've got prices on this on yet, but it looks like a pretty good view and I love that the sunshine will be streaming in on a potentially cold winter's day. Much attention is drawn to the fact that alcohol is permitted on the premises and that full moon weekends are especially beautiful..

4. The Club on the Beach

I can't really tell much about this venue (which is part of the Collaroy Services Beach Club) from the photos, but it's reasonably priced for venue hire, only costs $10 to become a member of the club and is close to where a fair proportion of our guests live.

5. Collaroy SLSC

Also a nice-looking venue, but drinks can only be purchased from the bar and it looks as though it's on the ground floor.

6. Lakeview

When I found this venue through a council site, I got really excited that this was the one. It's cheap to hire, relatively new and in a good location. But when Phoenix and I took a look one weekend with my mom, she wasn't very impressed. It's really not bad but walking in up the ramp you can see out over the backs of apartment blocks. The ramp is a bonus though as we may have a few grandparents attending. The image is from the wedding of Hope and Gavin featured on Offbeat Bride.

7. Elizabeth Farm House

Dating back to 1783, this house is Australia's oldest European dwelling. I actually can't believe they let people use it as a function venue. The only problem is that the dining/drawing room and colonial kitchen each have a seated capacity of only 40. And there's a set caterer. Well, I can always dream. I think this would be such a pretty venue and really tie in with our vintage theme.

That's all for now! (A shot from our engagement party..more photos and DIY ideas to follow)

Paper DIYs

2010-02-02T03:39:00.000-08:00

I've always loved paper in its many different forms, so it's no surprise that it will feature heavily in our wedding. It's cheaper than fresh flowers, can be organised days or months before the wedding, and then reused for other occasions afterwards.

Here's a few of my favourite DIY fresh-flower-alternative paper projects with links to tutorials for each.

Marinag's Tissue Pomanders

Maya*Made's Recycled Paper Flowers

Martha Stewart's Paper Chandeliers

The Colours

2010-02-01T03:48:00.000-08:00

Spice, charcoal, ivory and navy.

I think the names alone rather perfectly sum up the vintage, Indian, geek-chic look we're going for.

We're getting married!

2010-02-01T03:19:00.000-08:00

It all happened so fast on the 22nd of January at 1.33am. The last week or so has been a whirlwind of activity, from searching for a reception site near a pretty church that is reasonably DIY-able, to designing my dress and choosing colours. This blog is hopefully where I (and my gorgeous husband-to-be) will gain new insights and clear my head enough to focus on one thing at a time.

So who are Phoenix and Moose?

Moose: A 20-year-old graphic design student who loves 'making things', anything vintage, reading, blog surfing, general inspiration-collecting and heading to the beach once in a while.

Phoenix: A 21-year-old DJ extraordinaire studying hotel/events management whilst selling items of the olfactory nature. Into vintage, Shelbys, fashion design and dreaming big.

Stay tuned for inspiration, planning ideas and general wedding-obsessiveness!