To learn more about this film, sign up for the newsletter, host a screening or to learn more about the [...]]]> Back in October I wrote a blog about a movie I was working on as a Production Coordinator called the A.R.K Report!  Today I received an email from the Director of the Trailer for the film!

To learn more about this film, sign up for the newsletter, host a screening or to learn more about the cast please visit the website www.arkreportfilm.com

I’m so proud to have been a part of this project and I thank Hoffman Productions and Moskoff Media for the opportunity.

Over the last few weeks I have been pretty busy, so much so that I have missed my weekly blog.  As mentioned in a previous blog ,  I am hired, on occasion, by a local production company called Hoffman Productions, to coordinate their shoots.  The last project I worked on [...]]]>

Image from Hoffman Productions Website

Over the last few weeks I have been pretty busy, so much so that I have missed my weekly blog.  As mentioned in a previous blog ,  I am hired, on occasion, by a local production company called Hoffman Productions, to coordinate their shoots.  The last project I worked on was a tea commercial that was shot mostly in Brooklyn, NY.

Hoffman Productions was recently contracted to make their first short feature film called The Ark Report, which is being filmed right here in the Lehigh Valley area.  We are shooting in the NO. 9 Coal mine in Landsford, a location that I found for the company ( it came to mind immediately when the director mentioned that he needed an underground tunnel system) and at the Old Silk Mill in Easton, PA.

The job is really exciting and presents some really fun challenges as a coordinator.  For one, shooting in abandoned building requires a serious amount of logistics like bathrooms, electricity and some comfort (it will be a little chilly). Then there is the matter of finding the unique props and even wardrobe that is associated with this film ( sci-fi noir genre).  Then, of course, there is the task of finding the right actors (which I assisted in to a point), arranging for lodging, transportation, food and all the paperwork involved.   Really, putting on a production such as this one, is like putting together an event; making all the pieces fit just right and, most importantly, right on schedule. And, just like with a brides wedding day, I am responsible for setting the shoot schedule and making sure that everyone is where they need to be for the next scene/take and all the tools, props and supplies are on hand.

The most exciting and thrilling part of work like this for me is making things happen and being able to pull it all off.  I love solving problems and finding a solution to any that arises.  It’s challenging and allows me to be creative.

I can’t wait and look forward to seeing and sharing the final work when it’s all done.    Of course, as soon as we have any footage or trailer to show , I will announce it here.

To learn more about the project, the cast and crew,  locations we are filming at,  and what this movie is all about (it’s really a pretty cool topic), you can visit Hoffman Productions blog.

We’ve all heard about Bridezillas.  They even have their own TV show.  But Momzillas are just as bad, if not worse, than a Bridezilla.  This could be your very own mom, who wants to have HER dream wedding she never had or your future mother-in-law that you don’t quite get along with [...]]]>

Photo taken from www.blogs.babble.com

We’ve all heard about Bridezillas.  They even have their own TV show.  But Momzillas are just as bad, if not worse, than a Bridezilla.  This could be your very own mom, who wants to have HER dream wedding she never had or your future mother-in-law that you don’t quite get along with or that has her own vision for your wedding day. Dealing with these moms is not easy. There are expectations and potential to hurt feelings or to alienate.  No one wants to start out their marriage or have that hanging over them on their wedding day.  So, how do you avoid that drama?

Often times Momzilla’s just don’t randomly appear. You know your mom and your fiancé knows his mom, so you know the potential for any drama that may circulate around them.  While you know the potential for a zilla, the actual behavior can sneak up on you.  Here is some advice in how to nip it in the bud before it starts and what to do after it starts;

1. Before you start planning the wedding, talk to each other about what you want – Some women have dreamt of their wedding their entire lives, others have not.  Most men haven’t.  It is very important that you sit down with each other and decide what you want and what you don’t want for your day.   Make a list and rate how important each of the items are to you and your fiancé.  If you’re clear, then it leaves little room for “suggestions” that could potentially be the exact opposite of what you want.  This can help avoid the turn down of ideas that may offend.
2. Share your decisions with your family. So, you’ve agreed to things and shaped your day together by agreeing to what you want or don’t want to happen. Now, you need to make it clear to your parents what you want and that you  talked it over and worked it out together . Stress the importance of all of this to them. It is important that you take a united front and not waiver. If, under a moment of pressure when you have been cornered by a Momzilla,  you feel the urge to cave,  discuss it with your significant other before you show the crack in the seam to the momzilla.
3. Don’t immediately say no to input from Momzilla . Your knee-jerk reaction to what you deem to be interference is to say a quick no.  That no might put the Momzilla on the defensive. My suggestion;   tell the buttinsky Mom that it sounds lovely, that you will think about it, talk it over with your fiancé, and get back to her. Then, do just that. Give her input some careful consideration, talk it over with your fiancé and , if it doesn’t fit into your day as you envisioned it, tell her , as gently as you can, that you appreciate the suggestion but that it just doesn’t fit in with how you have shaped your day or into your vision.
4. Be willing to compromise a little. This is a big day for your parents too. Some have probably dreamt about this day since you were born or even before.  If the request from the Mom is not too outrageous, then make the compromise.  It will make the mom happy.  And, if it’s your mother-in-law that is interjecting ideas, it will win you points and lay the foundation for a solid relationship with her.  Compromising might be a little more necessary in circumstances in which the parent is footing the bill.
5. If she’s getting too crazy, let her know gently. Sometimes it builds up and you just want to explode.  But, if your mom or mother- in- law to be is causing you stress, take her out to lunch or sit her down and tell her calmly. Don’t do it in a fit of anger because you don’t want to say anything you’ll regret later.  Tell her what you are willing to compromise on, but also lay your foot down where it is really important to you.  Tell her you love her ideas and that you’ll incorporate some (if you really intend to), but that you and your fiancé have your own vision of your day.
6. If she is super insistent, and it’s all too much for you to fight, just suck it up and let bygones be bygones. I know you shouldn’t have to, but think about your future.  If it’s your mom, this is par for the course and you know best how to deal with her (rebel or give in for peace sake).  If it’s your future mother in law, think about the rest of your life as a couple.  There are things you’ll absolutely have to put your foot down about in the future (like when it comes to your kids, etc.)  But, is this one of them?  It might be better to appease the dragon, than slay it on this one.

The most important thing out of all of this is that you and your fiancé be on the same page at all times. After all, two is better than 1, right?  Remember that your momzillas love you and just want you to have the best day possible.  It may not seem that way, but it does come from that place of love.

Need a wedding planner to keep the peace and help you plan your wedding!  Contact our planner for your FREE consultation !

Three years ago, I was honored when I was approached to be a member of the Victorian Heritage Festival committee.  The committee wanted to take their annual fund raising ball and turn it into a weekend of activity.  The success I had with the First Annual Burlesque Festival prompted them to seek me [...]]]>

Three years ago, I was honored when I was approached to be a member of the Victorian Heritage Festival committee.  The committee wanted to take their annual fund raising ball and turn it into a weekend of activity.  The success I had with the First Annual Burlesque Festival prompted them to seek me to join them and  help boost their organization by lending what I had learned at the Burlesque Festival, to the Victorian Heritage Festival.  The committee is completely run by volunteers, including myself.  We all work tirelessly to organize and promote the yearly Victorian Ball; the center of the activities that occur on our heritage weekend.  As one committee member put it yesterday, it’s a labor of love.

Our festival, while more low key, has a series of events that pays tribute to Jim Thorpe, or Mauch Chunk’s, rich Victorian past.  Our little weekend is a chance for you to glimpse into what it was like in Jim Thorpe as you stroll through town and catch the Mauch Chunk Players in full Victorian costume promenading through town.  Occasionally, you’ll hear a conversation or two between the two “characters” of Jim Thorpe’s past and you’ll hear them singing off the Balcony of the Inn at Jim Thorpe.

For this year’s theme, I proposed a Victorian Wedding re-enactment.   After all, weddings are my business!  The committee all agreed and we began putting it all together.  Our first task was selecting which Jim Thorpe couple we would like to pay tribute to and Harry Packer and Mary Lockhart were a pretty easy choice.

This year, we have so many to thank for their contributions.  First, Agnes of Neusse Photography will be donating her services to our cause. We have been granted the rare privilege of photographing the couple playing our two characters inside the Asa Packer Mansion (thank you Lions club of Jim Thorpe) as well as the other players in full costume on the porch of the mansion.  Our wedding cake is being donated by Stephanie of  Icing on the Cake. The flower centerpieces that will adorn our dinner tables, including the bridal bouquet that the Victorian Bride will carry, are being donated by Jean of Rose Boutique Unique Floral Studio.  I have the privilege of working with these ladies and being members together in the Elegant Lehigh Valley Weddings & Special Events group. Kyle, of Crystal View Carriage, will be taking the “Bride” and her entourage up Broadway for what is sure to be a great photo opportunity.     Their work is amazing and I am honored  that they generously donated their services to our cause.

Please stop by the Victorian Heritage Festival website and learn more about what this event is all about and how you can participate.

So, I went in search of another disaster that perhaps I could help avoid.  This week’s disaster comes from the Huffington Post article on Wedding Disasters: Guests Share Their Stories. There were a few good ones, but I choose this one for this weeks topic:

Photo of Tweet taken from Huffingtonpost.com

Ah… yes.. fainting guests, [...]]]>

So, I went in search of another disaster that perhaps I could help avoid.  This week’s disaster comes from the Huffington Post article on Wedding Disasters: Guests Share Their Stories. There were a few good ones, but I choose this one for this weeks topic:

Photo of Tweet taken from Huffingtonpost.com

Ah… yes.. fainting guests, brides, grooms, officiates; we’ve all seen those videos on America’s Funniest Home Videos or on blooper shows.  Sometimes it’s even put to a musical montage.     But what is causing all those brides, grooms and or guests to fall over and how can you avoid the same fate on your wedding day? Since I’m not doctor, I googled fainting and it is described as:

A  sudden loss of consciousness, usually temporary and typically caused by a lack of oxygen in the brain.

It’s also called Syncope described in Medilexicon’s Medical dictionary as

“Loss of consciousness and postural tone caused by diminished cerebral blood flow.”

How do you know you’re about to faint?  Here is a list of symptoms:

• A feeling of heaviness in the legs
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Feeling warm or hot
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, a floating feeling
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Yawning

Of course, there are many causes of fainting and if someone has a history of medical problems, like heart issues, and they faint, you should have them checked out.  In some cases, if the person is a diabetic they could have low blood sugar .  In reading further through the article I referenced, the type of fainting that most likely is occurring during those bloopers is called Neurocardiogenic Syncope;  when something causes a short term malfunction of the autonomous nervous system.  The person will feel a sudden drop in their brain’s blood/oxygen levels, and , well they faint.  And, looking through the causes, weddings could be right up there as they include:

1. An extremely embarrassing situation or event (NERVES!)
2. Standing still for too long
3. Being in a hot and stuffy place for too long

So, here are my tips for avoiding the possibilities of those fainting spells.

1. Eat Breakfast.  This is often the  last piece of wisdom I bestow on my couples the night before their wedding.  We all know that when we are stressed out or are busy, we forget to eat.  Don’t go all day long without filling your belly.  You’ll end up with low blood sugar that could lead to weakness and cause you to faint.  You don’t have to eat an elaborate meal, but keep yourself hydrated and eat some carbs, even if it’s plain bread & butter.  Just have something in your belly.
2. Prepare for heat.  If you are getting married in the summer time, you might want to make sure that you are wearing a light free flowing wedding gown that isn’t too restrictive.  Tight corseted or heavy gowns will make you sweat and cut off circulation.  Same goes for the groom and his groomsmen.   Perhaps opting for a lightweight linen suit would be best.  For your guests, provide them with a fan if you are having an outdoor ceremony or in a church that doesn’t have air conditioning so that they don’t get overheated as well.  And, if it’s wintertime, you might want to turn the heat down just a bit. Not too much, you don’t want your guests to be cold, but you also don’t want to create a hot situation.
3. Don’t lock your knees.  I think this one is the one that gets most people.  When standing for a long time, and particularly when we are nervous, we tend to lock our knees cutting off our circulation.   Try to keep your legs loose, bent slightly at the knees. Maybe shift your weight during the ceremony.  If your ceremony will be long with lots of readings, perhaps you’ll want chairs for each of you to sit on during the ceremony and seat your bridal party in the first two rows on either side.
4. Take Deep Breathes and Relax.   Yes, this is a big day and everyone is watching you. But, they all love you and are not judging so there really is no need to be so nervous.  The best thing you can do if overcome with nerves or if you feel any of the symptoms listed above is to take a few deep cleansing breaths and relax your shoulders  and  legs and get that blood flowing. And, if possible, have a seat so you don’t fall down.

I must thank Huffingtonpost.com for this week’s disaster and MedicalNewsToday.com for the information about fainting!

And thank you YouTube for this video clip!