Control Freak? Who, me?

Control Freak. It's a term thrown around a little too often (along with "anal retentive") when the subject is yours truly. I prefer "meticulous" and "detail oriented", thank you very much. At least that's how I would spin it on a resumé. Leah would say "You are SUCH a Cancer!", and though I don't have much interest/faith in astrology, I have to agree.

It's true that I have a difficult time delegating, and relinquishing control over any of my little projects. This is especially true of anything creative. Since our wedding is D.I.Y. down to the last detail, it is a perfect example of one of those creative projects. And maybe it brings out the worst/best in me. Depending on how you look at it, of course. I have to say that event planning is one of my fortés, if only because of my attention to detail/anal retentiveness. I thrive on stress, and I strive for right angles, perfect seams, and just the right amount of lemon in my hummus recipe. I love the tedious jobs - picking fonts, folding napkins, artfully assembling fruit platters.

For others, though, the traits that make me a top-notch organizer, also make me a nightmare to work with. Lucky for me, Alex has just the right amount of his own meticulousness. He understands me (to a point). This may be why i am miraculously still engaged! It is also a miracle that Kirsten (as in my friend, not my boss) and I are still friends, after she had to work AND travel with me. Again, it could be a case of another "I feel you, sister." I know, I can be a bit of a tyrant. Alex used the word "psycho" in response to a recent rant about my "vision" for setting up the centrepieces. You see, I was stressed about leaving this task to even the most capable of our guests while we are off getting snapped and posed.

All of the above would be of no consequence, if only the "Y" in DIY really only represented me and Alex. Let's be honest, though: we will rely on the help of our very generous and hard working friends and family to pull it all together (I am sucking up). One subject that has caused a little concern among our families is my insistence that BBQ-ing for 113 people will be a snap.

My mother has been pushing for catering. Alex's Dad looked a little panicked, at the thought. I admit that it will be an exercise in logistics. I suppose I will need to work on a very detailed itinerary for the day, to ensure that it will be clockwork. I am vehemently against catering this portion of the meal for several reasons:

1. the control factor
2. i believe it will be cheaper to do it ourselves
3. i want the meal to feel casual, organic, and like an intimate picnic/backyard BBQ
4. i think it will be so cute to combine the receiving line (which I typically hate) with the serving of meat (ie. Alex and I will dish out the food to our guests, in aprons)

I am really in love with this concept. However, for the peace of mind of everyone involved, I am going to really price/time it out to ensure that we can make it happen. I am also pricing out the cost of getting it partially catered. Mostly to pacify my mother (hi mom!). I will concede defeat, though, if i find it to be logistically impossible, and not significantly cheaper than going the catering route. See, I am not that unreasonable. I have found two companies online who offer such a service in the area: Western Cut BBQ and Bad Wolf Barbeque. More on this topic later...


p.s. I may or may not have already purchased matching bride and groom BBQ aprons from Cafe Press, as above. *smirk*

Favours and Flavours.

2 more days until our big road trip! Note to self: remember Gravol for the dog. He’s joining us, naturally, so he can sniff out the area and mark his territory. But long car rides are not his forte. While he will immensely enjoy a little country to run around in, it’s getting there that always worries me. As for the rest of the trip, I think we’re organized: I have Mapquest-ed our destinations, booked the car, and planned out a little egg salad lunch for the road. Fingers crossed, we’ll have a date AND location by Monday. Eek!

I met with a baker today, to discuss some possible favour options. We talked truffles (while I fought off major chocolate cravings), and it’s certainly doable within our favour budget. I think we have plenty to choose from now:

• Boxed locally made organic truffles
• Dolled-up Mini jars of local honey
• Handmade organic soaps, wrapped in eco fabrics and tied with twine
• Matchstick Gardens - little plantable “matches” in cute packaging (from Pistachio)

On the food front, much to my mother’s chagrin, I am still set on making most of the food ourselves (“ourselves” being whatever poor suckers I rope into coming up early for set-up). But since it’s BBQ-style, I’m not going to fret about getting too fancy. Alex and I have decided to do the BBQ’ing ourselves and serve our guests – a modified receiving line, if you will. Steaks/chicken, roasted corn, devilled eggs, hors d’oevres (this needs work), fruit, tarts, and lots of salads. Done.


Plus, a lovely friend (and member of the Bridal Brigade) has offered to provide a few extras from her mothers restaurant as a wedding gift to us! She also offered to come up early to assemble. Since this is extremely generous, and SO helpful, I want to help them out as well with a little advertising:

Cafe Indochine
105B Clarence Street
Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5
(613) 241-6378

Thanks so much, Philam!

I am so happy to be adding some of their delicious Vietnamese food to the menu for the evening, as your standard BBQ fare can lack personality at times. Sadly, it’s been years since I’ve been there, but the food is incredible and the atmosphere quaint. Love the fresh rolls with mint!


I am actually excited about this process – a kitchen full of my favourite women in a frenzy of mass-potato-salad preparation? Delightful. Fried Green Tomatoes en masse! Yes, Alex: women. You and my familial menfolk will be relegated to lifting duties outside as, stereotypically, your culinary talents are limited to toast.