DIY Wedding at Billings Estate

Billings estate is another example of an Ottawa landmark that I'd be totally oblivious to if it weren't for my work. Located in Alta Vista, it features Ottawa's oldest wood-framed house--built in the 1820's. Having been sold by the Billings family the estate now serves as a museum, and apparently also as a venue for weddings.

When I arrived at Billings Estate on the morning of the wedding I didn't find the bride getting herself ready for the day to come. Instead I found this diagram (see below) plunked down on one of the tables, and her, the groom, family and friends, buzzing about each with a job to do. Some were hanging decor, others dressing up the tables; the bride was assembling the seating chart. When this wedding couple says DIY, they totally mean it.

Eventually, though, the bride segued from being wedding decorator and retreated to one of the side-rooms off of the manor to get herself ready for the day.

The swirl of fire and wafts of smoke portending some genuinely kick-ass pizza. I love when a wedding couple knows what they want and then actually makes it happen, quirky or not. They met this pizza outfit at the Farmer's Market and knew they found their caterer.

The display of multi-generational wedding photos is a decorative touch I've definitely seen more of in the last couple of years. I always stop to have a look not only because I'm curious about the purely photographic aspect, but also because it reminds me about the significance of the day I am a part of. It's a mesmerizing, almost mystical experience seeing these old photos.

You might think that a Billings Estate wedding--a wedding on the grounds of a dignified historic house--is necessarily tame. But at some point in the evening Eine Kleine Nachtmusik quickly shifted to pulsing electronic beats; and most everyone but for the babies were dancing.

Those concerned with the fate of the gal below should know that she's resilient and was up and dancing again in no time !