Iron Bride Kristy Marsh featured in Andover Townsman, an Andover publication….

Iron Brides contestants have had information distributed to media sources in the communities they live.    I came across a nice article on Iron Bride contestant, Kristy Marsh, in the Andover Townsman, written by Judy Wakefield.  Read on blog readers………

‘Iron Brides’ will test local woman’s relationship mettle Andover bride among eight reality-TV contestants

By Judy Wakefield
Staff Writer

“Iron Brides” sounds like a television show about female body builders tying the knot.

Instead, it’s a new reality TV show where a bride’s strength is measured by some pretty basic rules of marriage, like figuring out who will do the cooking and how to be a better partner.

An Andover bride-to-be is among the eight real-life brides vying for the show’s top prize of $9,000 in wedding package gifts.

She’s Kristy Marsh, 31, who grew up in Andover, and graduated from Andover High School in 1996. She went on to Merrimack College and earned her master’s degree from Lesley College. Now a third-grade teacher in Chelmsford, she plans to marry Colby Streeter in July 2010 at the Harding Allen Estate in Barre.

This real life bride already knows a thing or two about budgets as the couple is remodeling a home in Rutland. She’s living with her parents, Robert and Claudia Marsh of Andover, to save money before her wedding.

“So to win would be a huge help to my budget,” she said.

Marsh was spontaneously approached to audition for the TV reality show at a bridal expo. She was asked to submit a videotape to the producer, thinking she was a long shot for selection as she described herself as someone who would never be on a reality show. Much to her surprise, she made it.

She said the show offers brides a chance to gain confidence. That’s why she decided to send the video.

“What I like about the show is that it seems more positive and not dramatic like most reality shows,” she said. “It will be a good experience for me.”

This is the second season for the show, which airs on MY TV on Comcast (channel 18). Taping starts June 6 for this second season and contines through September. The show airs in October.

Bridezilla, it’s not, as the hard work needed for a successful marriage gets all the attention – not any weight gains by wedding attendants or other drama.

“It’s not mean,” George C. Jobel, executive producer of Iron Brides Productions of Nashua, N.H., said of the show. “It’s a life-lessons focus where we talk about being a better companion and better partner.

“Marriage is not a simple question. It’s a complicated decision and we want the girls to learn all about it,” he said.

Contestants must meet regularly with a life coach, take part in group discussions about marriage, blog each week and keep a journal every day. In addition, contestants meet with a lawyer, a financial planner and personal trainer as making time for fitness should be part of everyone’s daily routine, he said.

Last season, one Iron Bride called it quits before the wedding. Jobel said the couple both agreed with “their heads and hearts” it was the right thing to do. So, he believes the show is helpful to marrying couples.

Marsh hopes the show will teach her more about herself. She would like to learn more about cooking, picking vendors for her wedding and ballroom dancing, and wants to hear and share wedding tips with other contestants as each plans her big day.

“It will be quite an adventure,” she said. “I’m excited.”

Iron Brides Season II Contestants Blogging away….

I am very pleased at the creativity being shown through the words, photography, ideas, and research, depicted by the contestants of Iron Brides – Season II Boston, during Blogging exercises.

What or why are they blogging, you might be asking? Well, the contestants are being scored on their blogging efforts. They will be scored on creativity, mechanics of writing (such as grammar, spelling, punctuation, use of words), etc.

How does the blogging assignment work? At the beginning of each week, the women are given, via email, 4 topics, ranging from wedding topics to personal growth or reflection ideas. At that time, they are asked to review and select 1 topic to research, think about, and construct their blog. They have to have their blog assignment posted by 11 PM on Friday of that week.

Some of the topics given to the contestants are:

- How are you going to finish? Do you live a life with or without limits? Research videos on Nick Vujicic. Australian Nick Vujicic has lead a very unusual life. Find at least 2 of his online videos, watch them, and describe his life, and what his messages, his life, or his attitude towards life has taught you. How could you apply the lessons he’s learned to your own life?

- If Hollywood made a movie about you, which actress would you want to play you? What do like most about her? Why do you think she would be your ideal choice? Please describe one scene in the movie with as much detail as you can.

- Write about the ‘glass ceilings’ in your life. What things do you believe you cannot do because of fear or inability other than a physical limitation (examples: jump out of a plane, handle spiders, speak in front of an audience, become President, etc.). Tell why you can’t do this/these things, and if you had a previous experience with it (negative experience). In addition to this, include 1-2 totally awesome things you wish you could do before you turn 60 and why you have mentioned these things.

- Knowing you are environmentally and economically conscious women, the 4 possible topics for week 1 are:

1. What is a “green wedding” and how would you plan one?
2. What options do you have for supplying your own flowers at your wedding?
3. Some people are really into scrapbooking – what scrapbooking options, ideas, and materials are available in supplying “Scrapers” with the materials to make “hand made” invitations for a wedding?
4. What “wedding planner” options exist in the form of computer programs or “booklet type” planners? Do you anticipate using such ideas?

The work the women have posted is wonderful. Please visit the Blog page at the Iron Brides website www.ironbrides.tv

Iron Bride Vania Crevier weds Robert Pore, Jr.

Saturday, May 30th, Iron Brides Producers were on site for the Crevier – Pore wedding, joyously celebrated at the Newmarket Community Church, in Newmarket, New Hampshire.

The day started out with Vania and the bridal party getting their make up and hairstyles completed by the staff members at The Village Image, in Belmont, NH. Iron Brides Producers, George Jobel and Joann Mills, were on site to capture some of the transformations.

Vania, Mrs. Crevier (Mom), and sister, Melanie

Vania, her mother, and sister, Melanie, were asked for a snapshot, depicting the three girls…..

Several of Vania’s bridesmaids were girlfriends met while completing study abroad coursework in Spain through their respective colleges.

Vania and one of her Bridesmaids

After their preparations were set, the girls were shuttled off by father, Ken Crevier, to their home in Belmont, where they would have a nice luncheon and then begin getting dressed for the afternoon wedding.

It was said that the groomsmen had taken Rob out for a morning of golf….a good activity to do on a beautiful day!

As the day wore on, the bridal parties were to meet at the Community Church in Newmarket for photography sessions and preparation for the wedding at 4 PM.

Arriving at the church, the Producers met the Directors and videographers for the Crevier-Pore wedding, David Petty and Jeffrey Thayer. Dave Petty, professional videographer, had the afternoon events orchestrated and assisting him in the video work was Jeffrey Thayer.

The church filled quickly and ceremony commenced. The bridesmaids were Captain Melanie Finley, sister of the bride, Kim Bowman, Erica Beaupre, Meghann Burton, and Hanne Olsen, all friends of Vania’s; junior bridesmaid, Sara Neary, sister of the groom, Rob; flower girls, Zoe and Trinity Abbot; and matron on honor, Gretchen Abbott.

Ken Crevier, father of the bride, and Vania

As the ceremony started, Mr. Crevier, walked his daughter down the aisle as the “Forest Gumpe Suite” played in the background. The ceremony composed of bridesmaids reading scriptures from the Bible that were close to heart for Vania and Rob. Rob threw some liveliness into the ceremony when Pastor Richard AuCoin asked him if he promised to take this woman to be his lawfully wedded wife, and started a little “Jeopardy” game (which included the music in the background by the way) : ) which took Vania by total surprise. The audience thought it was very, very cute!

After the vows were exchanged and the ceremony complete, the bridal parties toured UNH’s campus for photo shoots and the crowd of family and friends went on to Huddleston Hall, on UNH’s campus, for the reception dinner.

The rest of the day was a blur and a blast. The food was excellent. The music fantastic. The crowd was spectacular! The bride and groom arrived and danced their first dance. As the evening wore on, both Vania and Rob were gracious to meet and greet everyone that was in attendance. They danced with their peers, they danced with each other’s parents, and they danced with the children.

Vania’s grandmother, Edith Crevier, had traveled from South Dakota, to be at her granddaughter’s wedding. She had fun mingling and dancing with the group as well as the evening wore on.

Grandma Crevier

Toward the end of the evening, Mr. Crevier made an announcement that Rob was accepted by the Air Force’s OCS Program. Currently, Rob is serving a long-term substitute teaching position, teaching Spanish, at a high school in the seacoast area. Congratulations, Rob!

Mr. Crevier also mentioned that both of this daughters, Vania and older sister, Melanie, now share the same wedding/anniversary date. That is cute!

The final part of the evening had the crowd lining the sidewalk of Huddleston Hall, with sparklers lighting the path for Vania and Rob, as they made their way to Rob’s car.

The happy couple will be honeymooning in July at a location, not fully disclosed by the groom.

Congratulations, Vania and Rob!

Iron Brides Season I winding down…

Iron Brides is winding down on Season I production – the beginning series of Season I weddings is upon us….Vania Crevier and Robert Pore’s wedding is May 30th; Jennifer Lessard and fiance William Goldwaithe will be celebrated in June; Directors Dave Petty and Jeff Thayer, along with the reality Show Host, Jill Sullivan Greuter, interviewed Season I Winners, Tricia Comi and Kylin Szlosek at The Victorian Inn, in Hampton, NH, to capture final thoughts; Director, Dave Petty is performing edits for Iron Brides’ Season I Episode which promises to leave people misty-eyed, but happy.

The production would not have been what it has been, without the co-mingling of personalities of the brides – its been great! Each woman brought so much to the table. Again, thanks to Darlene, Tricia, Tarryn, Nicole, Jennifer, Amy, Vania, and Kylin for all that you have given us! I wish you the best in all your endeavors – and will see you soon!

Iron Brides congratulates Vania Crevier and Robert Pore

Joann Mills, Associate Producer of Iron Brides Productions, would like to congratulate Vania and Rob on their union of marriage as they exchange vows Saturday, May 29th. These two “beam” as they look at one another – cute!

I would also like to congratulate Vania on her recent graduation from the University of New Hampshire – May 23rd.

This little gal has been busy with final school work, exams, papers, wedding planning, setting up their new home – oh my!

I wish both of them the best! Enjoy your day!

Iron Brides Reality TV Show Producer says Thanks!

A special thank you to all eight women who made Iron Brides Season I – New Hampshire what it was. It was fun, zany, serious, competitive, happy, and yeah, even at times, sad…..

Every one of the eight women brought something special to the production – they truly did. Thanks!

Iron Brides Season I Winners are Announced:

Iron Brides Season I – NH winners were announced at 11:59 PM, May 15th:

Two grand prize winners were awarded – one based on public vote, one based on scoring received during competitive events held. The winner of public vote was Kylin Szlosek, of Hampton; the winner of scoring during competitive events was Tricia Comi, of Portsmouth.

Each of these winners will receive a $9,000. photography and videography package on the day of their wedding. Each of these winners will be given the opportunity to wear the “Burque Jewelers Centennial Diamond Necklace” valued at $12,000. on the day of their wedding as well…..What Princesses~

Ahhhhh………..but that’s not all folks! The five non-winning contestants also receive a prize…….a videography package for the day of their wedding, provided by Iron Brides Productions. With this, they have an opportunity to have Jodi Feil, of Rhapsody Photography, conduct their wedding photography at a reduced cost.

George has told the girls in the past……….”things are not what they seem” and this is what he was talking about….things were not as they seemed – and each of these girls is an Iron Bride………..

“the Original Iron Brides!”

Iron Brides Season II – Local Women Selected To Compete On Reality TV Show

Iron Brides™ is a New England based Reality TV show. Eight Local women have been selected to compete in the Boston/Cape Cod Season to air October 1st .

Based out of Concord, NH, New England’s own reality television show, Iron Brides™, has announced their Season II – Boston/Cape Cod contestants. As an Assistant Producer, selecting the finalists was very difficult. All of the women who auditioned for the show were distinguishing, motivated, and well-rounded. Shortening the list to 8 women and 3 alternates was very difficult.

To be eligible, engaged women, aged 21 or older, who planned to hold their ceremonies anywhere in Massachusetts after September 15, 2009, were eligible to audition as contestants. Iron Brides Productions auditioned over 75 women at Wedding Day Expositions winter bridal shows.

Finalists selected include:

Rebecca Johnson, of Sandwich, MA

Laurie Kay, of Leominster, MA

Sasha Kostka, of Waltham, MA

Stephanie Marini, of Stoughton, MA

Kristy Marsh, of Andover, MA

Julia Savage, of Milton, MA

Eileen Weir, of Dorchester, MA

Ceceliaann White, of Braintree, MA

With these girls, three incredible Alternates were also selected:

Stephanie Lombardi, of Pelham, NH

Lauren Bergeron, of Woburn, MA

Stacey Fluery, of Saugus, MA

The Iron Brides™ TV format is unique. The finalists work with experts in the fields of life coaching, personal training, etc., and will be tested in life skills, athletic abilities, and given tasks in planning their wedding. The grand prize winner will earn a $9,000 dream wedding photography and videography package, with runners-up receiving prizes planned to be offered by sponsors.

The finalists’ auditions can be found online at YouTube.com/IronBrides and the show’s website www.ironBrides.tv. Taping begins June 6th for 24 days until September 15.

If the second Season is packed with as much video and photography options, it will be a huge hit!

Iron Brides Voting stops at midnight

Iron Brides Season I voting ends at midnight. Who will the winner be?

Inquiring minds want to know!

A little about me and my kids….

I am the mother of two wonderful college-age children living and attending schools in upstate New York.  No, not the city – about 6  hours from it.   There are rolling hills, farmland and forests, the Adirondack Park, ever-growing windmill farms, and country air.

My eldest child, Ryan, is a senior at Utica College, majoring in Criminal Justice.  Since Kindergarten, he has wanted to be a cop.  I have a newpaper clipping of his Kindergarten Halloween parade where the class was asked “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  Ryan, dressed as a vampire, stated….a policeman.  Ryan was and is my “huggy child”…he likes to be hugged – he likes to give hugs.  The kid is 5’12″ tall and is lean and mean.  He works out daily at the gym.  He is a people person.  Being in law enforcement, he said, is his calling – he loves helping people.   He has been through the boy stages of snowmobiles and dirtbikes – taking his toll in wrecks on both….Live and learn the hard way sometimes.  The things that keep a mom on the edge of her seat!   He has played sports – football being #1.  I had hoped he would continue to play at college, but he thought that his devotion needed to be academics….and he said that he wasn’t quite big enough (though is is lean and wirey – but FAST).   He was a stellar basketball player.  I could watch him play either sport forever!  I miss those days!  Ryan was the kid who collected the Ninja Turtle figurines, LOVED and owned the movie, ET….wanted to watch it over and over, if allowed!  

My daughter, Julia, is a junior at The State University of New York at Albany, majoring in Environmental Science, minoring in Biology.  Since she was just about old enough to walk, that child has been tromping through every mud bog that existed in Madison County…..collecting specimans to observe and release.  This child diligently worked (with adult assistance), as a 2nd grade student, to collecting turtle eggs during the rainy seasons in spring (May) from nests that were dug and laid by Momma turtles in the cinders along the railroad tracks.  She would take a pail with paper towel, a permanent marker, and a small shovel.  She and her dad would very carefully dig up the turtle’s nest, place a small black dot on the “this side is up” end of each egg using the marker, and carefully nestle each egg into the paper towel inside the pail.  She then transported the eggs to the backyard, dug another hole, and very gently placed each egg, black dot side up, into the shallow hole.  She then carefully covered the eggs with soil, and marked the spot to remember where they were and to protect them from being stepped on.  She would record the data in a notebook…when dug up, how many eggs, that sort of thing.   She would then await the hatching day – typically late August, early September.  As the little turtle-etts started to hatch, she would measure and record their information in her notebook.  They were then put into a medium sized aquarium that had soil and a saucer of water inside.  The turtle-etts instinct was incredible!  At a few hours old, they knew how to dig into the soil!  After 3-4 days, if all of the eggs hatched out, or not….Julia would then take the babiees down into the swamp near the area where they were originally laid (near the railroad tracks), and she would kiss each and every little turtle-ett and let them go into the little bogs.  She took the aquarium to school for a few days to allow other classes to come into her classroom and observe such creatures.  Most people do not know a whole lot about snapping turtles – this was a great experience for all of them.

Anyhow, that describes my children to a degree.  As they got older, dance class, boy and girl scouts, drama, school and athletics consumed an AMAZING amount of time.  I loved it then – I miss it now.   They are grown, are independent, and have started their own lives.  I always felt that kids should be kept busy – it keeps them out of trouble.  I was very fortunate – we lived in an absolutely terrific school district that was able to provide a great amount of amenities to students.  My kids were not trouble children – Ryan was an average grade student (solid B), got along with everyone.  Julia was a natural born leader.  She excelled in academics and sports.

I have recently completed my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from The State University of New York at Oneonta.  I have since relocated to New Hampshire to be closer to someone I have grown very fond of.  Currently, I am attending Rivier College as a Graduate student, majoring in Reading & Literacy, I substitute teach, clean houses, and work for a small web design company in building web sites.  I am an Associate Producer and am busier than ever!

The move was tough – hard to leave central New York….Moreso, hard to leave the kids behind to a degree.  The telephone calls and emails just doesn’t cut it!    I will have to see how things go, I guess.

In NH,  the person I am with has three wonderful daughters who I now treat as my own.  The eldest is a stay at home mom of three cuties;  the middle daughter is a dream – she recently graduated from nursing school and stepped into a job, taking home a sizable income.  She has a daughter, age 8, who is cuddly, for the most part.  The youngest daughter is a student at the University of New Hampshire, with aspirations of being a high school English teacher.  I thoroughly enjoy the relationships of all of these people but my heart wishes my kids were close by…. perhaps one day  : )

So, in a roundabout way, there’s a little bit about me and my kids…..I would love to hear about you and yours!

A new reality TV Show coming to New Hampshire – “IronBrides”

I was recently told about a “new concept” from a co-worker.   He asked me and my daughter to listen to his idea and to tell him my thoughts.    He launched into this “idea” that he had.  I listened and was taken back by it.  My first reaction was – man, you have too much free time on your hands to think of such WILD IDEAS.

Daughter, Julia, just let it go in one  ear and out the other as she thought he was joking.

A week later, and still heavily talking about it, I was approached about being the Associate Producer.  Knowing that I already fill that capacity as part-time work, I guess he assumed I would fit this niche as well.

Two weeks go by and I now have had the time to think, reflect, and digest the many conversations that have been held.   I decided to become the Associate Producer for the new venture.    A venture delicately masterminded in a camper WAY UP in Enosburg, VT one weekend between George Jobel, a web designer and marketing specialist, and Jeffrey Thayer, a Videographer.  The new venture?    Iron Brides – a new television reality show featuring 6-8 wanna-be-brides and of the trials and tribulations, consulting, educating, and everything else that may roll into what the public would like to see from a reality tv show.

Choosing to become the Associate Producer was a step into a new adventure for me.  I am excited to coordinate schedules for auditions, tapings, venues, sponsorships…..its going to be GREAT!

In speaking with Julia, she couldn’t believe it….she said, “Mom, I thought he was kidding!” (LOL)

So far, an Iron Brides web site has been posted online at www.ironbrides.tv and a campaign has been launched at You Tube, Searching Iron Brides  www.youtube.com/ironbrides

The subscriptions to the You tube site have been growing steadily – each day showing increasing amounts. The viewing, subscriptions, and posting of talented people interested in becoming a television show host for Iron Brides, or to be a stand up comedian, and the Brides-to-Be, have been great!  It is hard to understand the technology that has absolutely driven this, what I once thought to be “crazy new concept”.

The new reality TV show, Iron Brides, is growing daily – it PROMISES to put New Hampshire on the MAP with television publicity!

I would like to hear back from you!  Jump on the wagon – its going to be a SWEET RIDE!

Phone calls, emails, more emails….Oh My!

All I need is to picture Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz in quoting my Blog title  : )

By the way, the writer of the story, The Wizard of Oz,  Frank Baum, once lived in a town in upstate NY known as Chittenango, NY.  There is an annual Oz Fest held to commemorate the author, storyline, and characters.

Speaking of authors, storyline, and characters…………the overwhelming responses for auditions, video tapings, questions and inquiries about the new TV show, Iron Brides has been fabulous. EVEN on Sunday the phone has been ringing and emails – they are becoming hard to keep up with.  I have created folders for each entry we have listed on our Iron Brides web site……found at www.ironbrides.tv

I feel like Dorothy, walking down that yellow brick road, looking around me, wondering, thinking aloud -

not lions, tigers, and bears……..but phone calls, emails, more emails……Oh My!

Love it!

–Chow

Iron Brides phone call inquiry from Entertainment Tonight & The Insider

I was extremely pleased to be the receiver of a voice mail from a representative from the TV Show Entertainment Tonight & The Insider regarding the TV Reality Show Iron Brides.  She and her counterparts at Entertainment Tonight are wanting more information about Iron Brides TV and its birthing in New Hampshire as I believe its possibly the first reality cable television show to be produced in New Hampshire.   I couldn’t believe it!   I turned to George, the Executive Producer of Iron Brides and said, “You’ll never guess who just called!”   I’m waiting to get the results from the phone conversation between the reps at ET and Iron Brides.

More later!

To my kids….

All of us lead very busy lives……..school, work, more work, and yet, more work!   Though we are all caught up in the business of things – remember,  you are respected and loved greatly!

–Mom

I’m SO excited, and I just can’t hide it…says Iron Brides Associate Producer

As the Pointer Sisters sang it….I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it…..I’m about to lose control and I think I like it!  As the Iron Brides TV Reality Show keeps blossoming – so is the thrill and excitement within me.  The Iron Brides emails and phone call inquiries have me so pumped up and energized – it’s hard to sleep at night!  Thoughts about the want-to-be Iron Brides completing their IB online questionnaires, scores of Show Hosts inquiring about the position for the Iron Brides television show, the countless people calling and emailing about the Promotional Demo we are scheduling to produce in southern New Hampshire the first weekend in October…. Wondering what people look like, how they are progressing with their audition videos, if they are getting them posted on the You Tube web page for Iron Brides at www.youtube.com/ironbrides .    The excitement is too much to keep within – I am looking forward to meeting everyone – I can’t hide it!

- Chow

Hey All YOU Iron Brides Fans – We Got One!

Iron Bride

Sound like the phrase from “Ghostbusters”?   We Got One!   The Iron Brides posting at our You Tube web site www.youtube.com/ironbrides  received its FIRST, OFFICIAL Wanna-Be-Bride posting this evening….And NO, she is not green, nor is she covered in slime!   Her name is Katie Gerrish, from Rockland, ME, a Financial Planner, and fiance is a Lobsterman.  Way Cool!  Her audition appears very relaxed – a good audition piece for Iron Brides and a great FIRST EXAMPLE!  She’s not alone however…   There have been MANY Iron Brides questionnaires submitted by girls in NH, MA, and ME.   Our Iron Brides bridal contestants have been BUSILY working on compiling their bridal auditions for the You Tube/Iron Brides postings.   I have counseled a number of girls on steps needed, brainstorming ideas on what to say or do, and scheduling appointments to assist in the video tapings that will kick off the first weekend in October.  Okay people – lets check out the latest video posting to You Tube’s Iron Brides web page because this New Hampshire Reality TV Show is a happening thing and yes, We Got One!   Next?   How about 50, or 100!

Focus Group, Iron Brides Needs YOU!

Iron Brides TV Reality Show is seeking people to form a Focus Group, Iron Brides.  Members will determine several details of just how Iron Brides’ Reality Show will be developed.  Participants for Focus Group, Iron Brides,  must be the minimum age of 21, creative, articulate, and team players.  Check out the Iron Brides web site www.ironbrides.tv, looking under “Focus Group Wanted” for more details.  We’ll see you ON TV!

Iron Brides – Ladies, Start Your Engines!

The Starting Line of the Iron Brides competition is crowded with energetic, eager, and positive want-to-be Bridal Contestants.  Which one will cross the Iron Brides finish line and be the winner of the $9,000 videography and photography package that will help round out their ideal wedding?   Intrigued public watchers will have to participate via Iron Brides web site www.ironbrides.tv, You Tube web page www.youtube.com/ironbrides, become a member of the Iron Brides team after reviewing materials posted on the Iron Brides web site, and lastly -  watch for the Iron Brides Reality TV Show to be aired in late winter, 2009.  As the Bridal Contestants work their ways through the lanes and turns of the competition, the spectators too, will be there waiting at the finish line.   And the winner is…………..?

IronBrides – What describes our IronBrides?

What decribes our IronBrides?    The Bridal contestants who have submitted their online questionnaires to date include women who range in ages from 21-30, are under 5′ 5″ in height and relatively petite.  Our Iron Brides contestants have professions such as student, nanny, customer service representative, health care, acting, home management, librarian, cna, and esthetician…a wide array so far!  This is what makes the selection of the Iron Brides wanna-be-winner both exciting and scary at the same time……The job and interview material gathered from the Iron Brides questionnaire are the beginning.  Next for these Brides-to-be are video auditions that will be posted on the You Tube web page for the public to view and comment on.  As the ratings begin to count up on the You Tube web page, the producers of Iron Brides TV will be busy securing venues and sponsors for the series.  So much to do, so little time.

Iron Bride Hobbies

Part of the Associate Producer’s job is to review the questionnaires submitted by our Iron Brides contestants.  I previously described our Wanna-be-Brides job professions.  After I finished, I wondered what hobbies these girls might have?    I’m certain all of them like to go shopping, many of them probably like a mixed coffee flavor, eat multiple ethnic foods, and have family traditions that they hope to continue after marriage.  I wondered how many of them like to go fishing or ice fishing, do photography, camp, like to hike the trails and mountains of New Hampshire, or garden?   Maybe some of them participate in woodsman field days and are in log rolling competitions, or are black belts.  Perhaps some are private investigators.  Do some of them know how to quilt, crochet, or knit?   I wish I could.  I wonder if some of them may follow NASCAR racing, fly gliders or airplanes, go deep sea fishing, or scuba diving.  HHMMMMMMMMMM……inquiring minds wanna know!

From Iron Brides Headquarters…..Hello fans!

Hello to all of my Iron Brides Fans!   I have swooped – I didn’t finish my Iron Brides Blog entry for yesterday.  I tried twice, in vain, to attach a picture with my text and twice, I lost all of my writing.  Exasperated, I told myself, I have got to get the emails out to the Bridal and Host Contestants for the Iron Brides auditions.  That was the goal for the day!

At Iron Brides Headquarters, busy, busy, busy, describes the environment of the office.  As the Associate Producer for Iron Brides, I am feeling alot of media competition these past few days….Who can compete with the McCain and Obama debate which pretty much consisted of “who is going to do what to get our country out of its existing crisis?”….and that they both agreed that “something has to happen.”  The long haul to the Presidential Election, and all of the mud slinging that goes along with it, coupled with the travesty of our economic system……my Blog articles for Iron Brides is competing for online traffic.

It is my hope that the “powers that be” can devise a bail out plan not as “giving” to the larger financers, however, looking at it from another vantage point,  what about the common man who has potentially accumulated debts….who is there to “lend” a hand when in need?

The writer at Iron Brides Headquarters finds it a bit challenging to meet the rankings of media stories focusing on the country’s political and economic insecurities, nevertheless, we are a nation of ONE and we will overcome!

At Iron Brides, the IRON is getting HOT!

The heat is on at Iron Brides Productions.   The advertising for the Television Production of Iron Brides has hit both the Newspapers and Radio Stations throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachussetts, Connecticut, and Maine.   The AP (Associated Press) has been spreading the word about Iron Brides Productions – which is AWESOME and the phonecalls and emails are out of this world!

Iron Brides’ Executive Producer, George Jobel, has been conducting telephone conferences with a number of newspaper and radio reporters, as well as bridal magazine reporters.   As an Iron Brides spokesperson, he has been asked to participate in a radio interview for a local station in Concord, NH.

Iron Brides’ Director, Jeffrey Thayer, has been out on location in Vermont wrapping up some contracts and is back in the New Hampshire area and is fully pumped up to begin video taping interviews of Bridal and Host Contestants for Iron Brides the first weekend in October.

Today, I had 9 Iron Brides Online Questionnaires submitted, yes, I said 9 Questionnaires…in just about 6 hours.   We have such a WIDE ARRAY of bridal contestants that I feel the Iron Brides Competition is really starting to HEAT UP!  

The number of inquiries for Iron Brides Hosting is phenomenal, for a lack of better words!   There should be a reality TV Show about TV Show Hosts……………….JUST KIDDING!   But all kidding aside – the response is terrific!   It’s going to be hard to select ONE person for this position.

Please check out the subscribers and video tape auditions posted on You Tube  www.youtube.com/ironbrides  it is growing every day.   

The Stats for Iron Brides and You Tube are increasing every day.  Searches on Google and Yahoo show a crazy amount of places that depict the Iron Brides name….thank you Internet World!

So, with all of the commotion going on at Iron Brides Headquarters….it is easy to see that at Iron Brides, the IRON is getting HOT!

–sizzle, sizzle………….hot, hot, hot!

Iron Brides Concierge – “Are You My Mother?”

Author, P D Eastman said it best in the childhood classic…..”Are You My Mother?”  As a hatchling bird paces far and wide, asking things it comes into contact with , “Are You My Mother?”  Trying desperately to find his Mom.  Alas, the hatchling does find his Momma and we have another happy ending.

So, what does it take to be a Mom….ALOT! …..What does it take to be a Concierge?  ALOT!   Can they be one and the same?   I THINK SO!    Typically, the term concierge refers to someone who represents another, runs errands and performs acts of courtesy in assisting another person or persons.

With respects to the Iron Brides Reality TV Show, the person chosen from the 10-12 applicants so far, our Concierge is going to have a very, very important role.  She, in a sense, is acting like a Mother to 8, yes, 8 brides-to-be.  She will be getting to know each and every girl, she will represent, assist, and run errands for them, she will perform acts of courtesy for them….She will definitely have a HUGE HEART and probably a certain degree of patience!  : )    Our Iron Brides Concierge will become almost, an adopted Mother to these girls.  They will learn to lean on her for support in many ways. 

My hat is off to the lucky person who is selected as our Iron Brides Concierge.   She will be privy to alot of the conversations from brides, between brides…..an intriging sense of emotions spewing at any given time, I would be willing to bet!  She will hear of dress designs, flower color schemes and choices, hair dressers and styles, caters they liked, what entertainers they may use, the venues chosen for the perfect wedding day and reception center…..She will hear it all………Lucky her!

Should the Iron Brides Concierge be made a part of the Reality TV Show Iron Brides?   Good question as she will have ALOT of the Inside Story of these 8 want-to-be Brides…

So, do you think that an Iron Brides Concierge serves as a Mother?    Should the Concierge be a part of the Iron Brides Television Series?   

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Iron Brides Cameras Start to Roll in Nashua, NH

The level of energy was simply amazing in the conference room at the Holiday Inn in Nashua, NH.  Before 8:30 AM, host auditioners were awaiting…..just think – a DJ, an inspiring actress from the Boston area, and two of the brides.  Now that shows interest!   By 9:00, we had a room full of men and women wanting to participate in the Iron Brides auditions.   As people were being given directions as to what the morning entailed, I introduced the girls and guys……….they took the ball and ran with it, so to speak, in chatting with one another.  One of our Bridal contestants, Lu Lu, brought Reeses Pieces cookies - that was GREAT!  I  had a  hard time keeping myself away from them…..addicting!   The girls were amazed at how I could sweep the room when making introductions, knowing each person’s name…guess you had to be there.  They were wondering how I could do that!  I told them that it was part of being an educator – you learn a classroom full of children’s names quickly – it builds rapport : )

We had two cameramen on deck.  Jeff, the Director of Iron Brides Productions, was assisting want to be bride, host, entertainer, and actor contestants through their audition tapings for the You Tube web site.  Dave Petty, our 2nd cameraman, was a tremendous asset, as he always is when working with us….he is flexible in turning from taking still photographs to videotaping reality events, is good with multi-tasking as well.  He was instrumental in rolling tape for Iron Brides skits…….which will be posted on You Tube within the next week. Make sure you check You Tube  www.youtube.com/ironbrides

What I felt to be heartwarming was the conversation from many contestants among themselves – as though they knew one another for some time…It made my job a bit easier.   Another thing that was nice to hear was that many of the contestants auditioning weren’t necessarily concerned about prizes per say, they are interested in the involvement of a reality TV Show.

When asked how they heard of Iron Brides before going to the web site www.ironbrides.tv, several said that they had heard about it from the radio, parents and friends had read it on Craigs List and told them to check it out, and others by surfing the internet as part of their wedding planning.

Hats off to ALL contestants who participated in the morning skits……….they were really good sports in learning, drilling, and taking instruction.   Hosts were given ideas and then sent off to improvise their own skits.   It will be interesting to see what is You Tube-ized from the footage taken.

THE NUMBER 1 question?   Why the power tools?  HHMMMMMM…….I guess the public will have to wait to see!  The only people who currently know are those who were there…… : )

Auditions, candid photography, still photography of brides in gowns, contestants, interviews between Iron Bride Host and Bridal Contestants, Concierge and Bridal Contestants – alot was happening.

We were very fortunate to be visited by a photographer and then a writer from The Union Leader, a major news source in New Hampshire.   Both Tom and Mike were able to view first hand, specifically Mike, a couple of the skits the groups coordinated and performed.  Thanks for the publicity, Union Leader!

We had a Bridal Contestant who is a JV Field Hockey Coach : )

We had two girls with incredible stories to tell – they are caught on tape and will be posted on You Tube shortly.

We had Hosts having a war over the microphone……INTENSE!

We auditioned a fabulous comedian who auditioned for the TV Show and January taping session.  Ironically, he also accidentally left his wallet behind and needed ID……unless it was part of the acting gig….  : )

We auditioned a couple of music groups interested in developing the theme music for the Iron Brides TV Show as well as perform one evening during the week of taping in January.

Lastly, we auditioned a late comer who had notified me early on that because of her schedule during the day, she could not make it for her appointed time.  She asked if there was any way possible for her to come at the end of the day, at 5 PM.   Not a problem.   4:50. in walks this petite young lady with a guy in tow.   I said, Kylin?  She said, yes, I’m here for the Iron Brides Audition.   This struck me wholly because here was a gal who couldn’t make it earlier due to scheduling conflicts, said she would be there at 5, and showed up a bit before 5 and with her fiance.  She depicted a sense of committment and perserverance by her attitude towards the taping.  Their audition was very sensitive.   I can’t wait to see her taping, as well as the others completed, on You Tube.  

Get out the kleenex, people….they are all going to be wonderfully felt, I have a feeling.

Iron Brides Taping – QUIET ON THE SET! (Blah, Blah, Blah)

As the crowd thickened in the foyer area to enter the Conference Room of the Holiday Inn in Nashua, NH, being used for auditions for the upcoming reality TV Show, Iron Brides, a slight sense of tenseness crept over me….Wow, this audition taping thing is really happening, I told myself.   Being a bit nervous, I found it hard to sleep the night before.  I kept wondering how many of the bridal contestants would show up, would the three host contestants who said that they were coming and wanting to work the bridal crowd be there….even moreso, I found myself wondering what all of these folks looked like…..how many were as vertically challenged as me……how many had blonde, light brown, or black  hair?   Did any of them sport tatoos that would be really visable, what would they expect from us, what sort of questions will they have, how did they learn about the reality TV Show……alot of silly thoughts, I know.  Just enough for inquiring minds, however!

As contestants came, checked in, and were given an overview of what to expect, the auditions and still photography sessions began.  The excitement in the foyer would grow a little from time to time and the Executive Producer would make an appearance from the Iron Brides Studio set up, and have to remind us with a SSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!  QUIET ON THE SET! comment.   After four or five times, one of the Bridal Contestants, Nicole, had mentioned that it was probably because of her…that somehow, someway, she seemed to find trouble….. HMMMM!  (ha  ha)   That grew to be the joke for the morning as periodically, the SSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH! remark would be given again and again.   People were trying hard to be respectful of the auditions being held within the conference room.  However, the level of excitement in chatting, skit planning, and new contestants being checked in made it hard to keep the noise to a “dull roar”.

One of our Contestants, who shall remain nameless, created a sign for George, the Executive Producer, as part of good fun which rounded out the morning session.  The sign read something like this…..QUIET  on THE SET!  (Blah, Blah, Blah)  -  I almost wanted to have it taped on someone’s back  : ) 

All in good fun, my friends!

A Special Thank You To All At Iron Brides!

After an energizing day of audition taping for the Iron Brides TV Reality Show that is coming to New Hampshire, I was absolutely BUSHED!

Regaining my wind today, I wanted to do a little catching up with college work, Iron Brides work, and my favorite, though I fall behind………Blog Work!    I find it hard to squeeze out the time to write, to help keep Iron Brides and the public informed of this wickedly fast-paced,  growing reality show project that is coming to fruition!  It is hard to describe!  

I am finding myself SO wrapped up in this project.  I now have a greater understanding of what my daughter, Julia, had meant as she described her many feelings, upon the completion of her high school musical and drama productions.  I remember her mentioning that all of the actors and actresses involved had formed a family-like connection and that for days afterward, there seemed to be a void in her life, in her schedule, which she ached for….My dear Julia, who is in Albany, NY attending college…..I know what you were saying now!   The only thing is, we are just getting started!

Through countless emails and several phone conversations, I have been getting to know people more and more.  Then, to meet one another face to face – it was alot of fun!   The preproduction and production of Iron Brides is going to be a great time.  There will be many friend relationships built between brides, brides and hosts, etc., and I am very happy to see and sense that.   Selected or not selected, you are all going to have alot of fun, enjoy the learning, and take some good memories with you to use through life.

Enough said!  What I had wanted to say before going on my speel, was a SPECIAL THANK YOU to all of the wonderfully talented, free spirited, and well mannered individuals who came to the audition being held in Nashua Saturday.  No matter what, remember the fun you had.  

To Jeff Thayer and Dave Petty, the Director and 1st Cameraman – I enjoy working with you…Dave, like you, I am also anal with organization!  Organization is GOOD!  : )  To Jeff and George, thank you for taking me on as the Associate Producer.  I know I will prove my worth to the team!   This is going to be a great experience for EVERYONE involved.  Along with the hard work will be the fun.  To Marie, thank you for all of your help with checking in contestants for auditions – it can be stressful at times I know. 

So, to all at Iron Brides – a huge Thank You for everything and please know that I support this venture 100 percent!

We ARE the IRON BRIDES! A Tribute to Colonel Jobel…

Sir, yes Sir!    Sing it………..

“We are the Iron Brides!

The Show Producer’s Brides.

Its gonna be fun,

‘Cuz we are the ones,

We are the Iron Brides!”

 

This is the Associate Producer’s tribute to the Executive Producer, Colonel Jobel———–You ABSOLUTELY HAD to be THERE! 

 F U N N Y, my good friend, G!!

From the desk of the Iron Brides Associate Producer…

A number of my blog entries feature the hype and excitement I experienced from the first open call auditioning for the new TV Reality Show, Iron Brides, held Saturday at the Holiday Inn in Nashua, NH. I received a great number of responses from those who attended and felt that the public could gain a greater sense of the excitement that was present on the weekend by reading what they had to say….

the first response is from one of the Bridal Contestants for Iron Brides. Deanna Barrett was a great sport and gal with a sense for adventure….

“Good Morning,

I had so much fun on Saturday! I must admit I was nervous walking in there not knowing what to expect. However Yourself George, Jeff and everyone else made me feel quite comfortable. It was very laid back and just a day of fun times that I will never forget! I can’t wait to see the skits up on you tube and the pictures. When the pictures a ready could you email them to me. Thank you so much, I look forward to working with you again soon! I will get my audition up on you tube hopefully by this weekend!

Deanna”

This resonse is from Pam, who is auditioning as a Concierge to the 8 want to be brides for Iron Brides:

“Hi Joann,

It was really great to meet you, George and all the rest this morning. That was a great group of contestants and I’m sure it will be hard to come down to the final few. All the brides were friendly and really excited about their upcoming nuptials. It is a very creative show and I truly would love to be part of it. Thanks for considering me..

Pam Pescatore”

This response is from a comedian, Jay Grove, near Madbury….

“Hi Joann,

I wanted to thank you, along with Jeff and George, for hosting such a well-organized and entertaining day. I’m glad that I was able to bring something to the table and get some laughs.

Please pass along my thanks to the rest of the crew. They were professional, organized, and creative.

JG”

And from a Concierge Contestant,

“Hi Joann,

I just want to say thanks again for the opportunity to let me work as Concierge with the brides today. It was great to meet you and all involved and a lot of fun. I will keep passing the word around if I hear of anyone getting married.

Thank you so much and good luck in the upcoming weeks.

Warmest regards,
Marianne Bornkessel”

And lastly for now, a comment from a local DJ….

“Joann,

Can’t wait to be part of it!!

– Nazzy”

Iron Brides at The Tilton Diner

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, George, Jeff, and I were invited to tour a potential venue for the production of Iron Brides. With this, we were asked to travel to Tilton, NH to also tour a film production location that would meet the needs of ANY film production crew wanting to put together a film in NH which would be a fraction of the cost in other neighboring states…….

I’m a little ole farm girl originally from central New York – cows, rolling hills, Adirondacks, and the Erie Canal….Please do NOT mistake my being from NY as being from NYC. In my 46 years of life, I have been to the Big Apple ONCE – two years ago….. So when people hear that I’m from NY, they “assume” I’m from the city – not even close! (LOL)

The point I’m trying to make is that being from a rural area in NYS, I had NEVER known that one of my favorite movies was filmed in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. I didn’t know that “On Golden Pond” was filmed here…I couldn’t believe that! Then to drive past the area – it was so AWESOME! “On Golden Pond” isnt the only film produced in NH…..I’ve heard that “Jumanji” was also filmed in NH….Pretty IMPRESSIVE for such a little area!!!

The point and plug I’m trying to make is that the film industry can have KUDOS by making use of the filming capacities and industry available here in their back yard!

We were asked to tour the Granite Media Center……..WOW! What a facility. If any film maker and film business is looking for a location to shoot – check out the Granite Media Center…for sure!!!

Mr. Bob Callahan, owner, personally walked us through the facility. It is my hope that the NH Film Industry can help to promote such business even more for film use.

After we were through with Granite Media Center, George, Jeff, and I stopped by my favorite diner as I travel down 93S…..Yes, the Tilton Diner! That place takes you back to “Happy Days” with the Fonz, and Potsy….. The music and decor are SWEET! The food there – is the best! The staff – very, very friendly! George, being the networker he is and as outgoing as he is, was asking our waitress if he knew of any girlfriends who were going to be getting married. Our waitress said, yes, Jackie is. She turned on a dime and started calling “loudly” to Jackie. When Jackie had an opportunity, she came over and George offered her an Iron Brides business card. I quickly explained to her what the show was about and let her get back to what she needed to do…..
Monday night, an email showed up on the Iron Brides email listing from Bridal Contestants completing their online submissions as contestants. Jackie’s was there!

So glad that we stopped by the Tilton Diner. Very happy that George that is the networker and caring person that he is!

More details later ~

Our Wanna Be Iron Brides – Packin’ Their Power Tools!

For those who attended the Iron Brides Auditions at the Holiday Inn in Nashua, NH, this past Saturday, they know full well what transpired for action and skits, as well as what the messages were in the attached photos.

All in good fun, wanting to project an image of “independence” and “know how” for the 2009 Iron Bride, sporting Bridal Contestants such as Vania Crevier, Deanna Bennett, and several others whose photos will definitely be finding their way onto the Iron Brides Producer and Directors Web Blogs, knew how to act, work cooperatively, and have fun. The neat thing about all of this is that these young women absolutely had a wonderful time playing the roles that they did. The comments received and posted by MANY of these Iron Bride Contestants are a “contractors proof”.

Kiddingly, these girls are our “Iron Bride Poster Girls” …….ha ha ha – like I said, all in good, clean, and respectable fun. Thanks girls! You are THE BOMB!

I have been told more than once, “Joann, don’t get too attached.” There is no way not to…….

More later!

Compliments to Iron Brides Keep Emailing In….

I want to tell you about a couple more compliments I have received from Iron Brides Contestants, but first, a little about my day – because my days are getting a “little CRAZY.”

After substitute teaching in a school district neighboring Concord, NH, it was off to The Common Man Restaurant to be part of an interviewing process. Anytime you are in Concord, by all means, have lunch or dinner at The Common Man – great food, nice atmosphere! Because it was 3 PM, I opted out of eating…too much food makes for too much Joann and THAT is NOT GOOD! Our meeting wrapped up at 4:45, and I realized we had an audition contestant coming to Nashua very shortly today!

Not letting the grass grow under my feet, I boogied on down the highway toward Nashua, and called the host contestant, telling him that I was on my way…It was all good! He was on his way as well but nevertheless, beat me to the location…Anyhow, we had a nice visit, Jeff conducted his audition and talked shop with him regarding the film industry. A second audition contestant for the host position also stopped by during her appointed time. Ellen and Karl actually role played for part of their audition. Its wonderful how well people work together!

After we were finished, it was time to head home as my day was not finished. By phone, George and I, and also Jeff and I, got each other caught up on the days events. Iron Brides’ Executive Producer, George Jobel, had a productive day, which will be blogged about later. Jeff Thayer, the Director for Iron Brides, has been diligently working on getting auditions posted to the You Tube website. You need to check out the auditions – they are AMAZING! Go to www.youtube.com/ironbrides

When I opened email, I had 89 new emails since this morning when I left for school…..I started pouring through the material and would like to share some of the comments from people that have both pulled together their own audition tapes and from those who attended our session in Nashua last weekend.

This little gal, Jennifer Lessard, was our FIRST OFFICIAL Iron Brides Contestant to post her questionnaire to us online. She has had a dickens of a time getting a camera, a camera that would project her teeny-tiny voice, and alas, she burst the bubble. You have to check out her video on You Tube.

She dropped me an email recently stating……

“Joann,

Thank you for all your help and support!!! Lets hope I get chosen so I can obtain wedding planning skills!!
Its about time I marry my prince charming!!

Have a good day!

~~Jennifer”

Our bridal contestant from Maine, Kate Gerrish, who is engaged to a strengthy looking Lobsterman, AND whose pictures are posted elsewhere in my blog, has been following the Iron Brides website www.ironbrides.tv and my Blogs. Katie created her own video, which can be done and she had a very nice response even though she didn’t travel to Nashua for auditions….I did not want to have her drive that kind of distance, even though she would have, I’m sure….that’s the dedication I am seeing from these contestants! They are serious about participating – not solely for prizes but for the reality aspect as well…that is SO COOL!

“Hi Joann! I just wanted to say it looks and sounds like you guys had a great time at the auditions in New Hampshire last weekend!! Sorry to have missed it. I loved the “Iron Brides” with their wedding dresses and tool belts! I have been keeping up on your blog (and George and Jeff’s) and it sounds like things are coming along quite well. Great videos on youtube too! Hope I get the chance to meet you all soon!

-Kate”

Well, I have tons of work to do, for Iron Brides, Web Design, and College course work… Please keep following the Blogs posted on the web site for further updates! I will try my hardest to keep up with the Blogs : )

– Chow

Iron Brides Host and Concierge Contestants Showing Genuine Interest

Short ‘n Sweet~

I recently noticed a few of the Iron Brides Contestants vying for Iron Brides Host and/or Concierge posting positive comments on our You Tube website www.youtube.com/ironbrides on behalf of our want-to-be brides… My hat goes off to them! The genuine interest and concern for these young contestants does not go unnoticed! It will be contestants such as these people that will help make Iron Brides TV the success it is going to be!

Thank you ladies and gentlemen!

– Joann

Good News Travels F A S T! – Iron Brides

Hey New Hampshire! IT’S A SMALL, SMALL WORLD! Today, Wednesday, Nicole Corvini, a bridal contestant, entered her information via online questionnaire submission located on the Iron Brides Website www.ironbrides.tv. As part of my job, which I love, I emailed her back congratulating her and discussed her audition video options as well extending the invitation to her attending a Video taping audition session being held at the Sheraton Inn, in Portsmouth, NH, Friday, October 17th.

Nicole then responded with an email which would serve well to let the audience to read it themselves….

“Hi Joann,

I am very excited about this! My fiancee was having lunch today at The Common Man in Concord and one of the waitresses over heard him talking about getting married, so she told him about iron brides! We always joked that I should audition for BRIDEZILLAS but I haven’t been crazy enough…yet!

I would love to be able to come to the skit taping in Portsmouth, NH, but 2-6 next Friday doesn’t work that well for me as I work until 5 in Burlington, MA.

Is there anything else coming up that may be closer or during non-work hours?

I am looking forward to this opportunity! I can assure you I will be a top notch candidate for your show!

Thanks,

Nicole”

George, Jeff, and I were in a business meeting held Tuesday afternoon at The Common Man and George spoke with a waitress about Iron Brides TV Reality show, etc…

Good News travels FAST – ITS A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL………

- Chow

Next Audition? The Sheraton Inn in Portsmouth, NH

Calling all Want-to-be Bride, Host, Concierge, and Entertainment (musician, comedian, and magician talent) Contestants…… the Iron Brides film crew will be at the Sheraton Inn in Portsmouth, NH on Friday, October 17th, from 2PM – 8PM. We will be creating video tapes for the above mentioned auditions and then posting them on the You Tube Website. If you HAVEN’T had the opportunity to check out MANY of the auditions already posted, go to www.youtube.com/ironbrides to see who is there….may be someone you know!! Bring your ideas, props, fiance, pets, tricks….whatever you feel will give you the audition you are looking for. Here’s your chance to tell New England what makes you the Iron Bride! Got some really cool ideas for Skits? Please let me know by emailing me at joann@ironbrides.tv
Thanks!

On the 19th of October, we will be attending the Castle in the Clouds hosting gala of the Lakes Region Bridal Show, in Moultonboro, NH. That will be a fabulous event. I have never had the luxury of A) attending any form of bridal show or event, and B) having a beautiful wedding.

Yes, I have been married, and due to circumstances beyond MY control, well, you can probably figure that one out … I was married in a log cabin in a rural area of central New York on Valentine’s Day, 23+ years ago, by a Justice of the Peace. For that moment in my life, it was what I wanted. Why? well, I had never envisioned a big wedding because we would have been paying for it as a couple, and we couldn’t afford it. Anyhow, that was another chapter in my book of life that I will close….thanks! However, to go through the process again, I WILL do things much differently : )

On a much brighter note, my daughter, Julia, is planning on driving out from Albany, NY to attend the show in Moultonboro. I am excited because I haven’t seen her in 8+ weeks or so as she attends college in NYS. As far as the Lakes Region Bridal Show, I have sent in her registration. NO…..Julia cannot participate in the NH Iron Brides TV Reality Show, however, she asks how the production is progressing and has been a subscriber to You Tube and My Space, helping to strengthen the popularity on the SUNY Albany Campus…..Way to go, Jules!

More information on the Auditions in Portsmouth later!

- Chow

Iron Brides Producers touring NH Resorts and Venues for Lodging

The Producers are busy setting up appointments to meet with facility or general managers of a number of the lodging/resort areas found in New Hampshire. Their focus? They are looking for the facility that can house 30+ people during the 8-9 day filming of the tv reality show, Iron Brides, to be conducted the second week in January, 2009.

They are seeking a facility with 2 mid-large size conference or ballrooms, an oversized kitchen area, or places with condominium-style rooms in which people can cook, swimming pool, and a pleasant view of the wonders that New Hampshire has to offer.

During the next two weeks, Iron Brides Producers will be meeting with personnel to see what arrangements can be made. If you know of a facility that you have stayed in that would make for a very nice backdrop in the television show, and that it would fit the bill for our specifications, let me know!

Thanks to all of the readers of my blog – you are great!

From Bridal Consultant Email Inquiries to Media News Releases, Iron Brides is as Ablaze as New Hampshire’s Foliage is..

From Bridal Consultant Email Inquiries to Media News Releases, Iron Brides is as Ablaze as New Hampshire’s Foliage is……
In New Hampshire, both the Mountainsides and Iron Brides are ablaze with picturesque beauty and are the talk of the town…..let me explain ~
I received an email inquiry from Madeleines, a privately owned Bridal Boutique located in Portsmouth, NH. She had learned of Iron Brides a day prior to contacting me. She wanted to become part of the Iron Brides Focus Group and indicated that she was sending out a bulk email to all of their boutique’s brides informing them of an audition day scheduled at the Sheraton Inn in Portsmouth, NH, next Friday, October 17th, from 2-8 PM. I thought that very, very kind of her. Not only did she mention that, she told me that she and co-workers at Madeleines had said time and again that there should have been or should be a reality show focusing on brides and their weddings.
To this I say, “Madame Senior Bridal Consultant, your wish has been granted!” The Iron Brides concept, in about its 5th week of fruition, is as ablaze with popularity and BUZZ, as the landscape of New Hampshire is with foliage.
Speaking of fall foliage, George met with the management of two venues on Thursday, discussing hotel and film shooting accommodations during the second week in January for the Iron Brides TV Reality Show. Afterwards, he has ventured out on a 4-day vacation with daughter and grandchildren, in celebration of her 29th birthday.
George and I stay in contact on a daily basis. He spoke with me concerning his appointments and told me that he was contacted by Foster’s Daily Democrat, in the Portsmouth area. The writer questioned and discussed the Iron Brides concept as well as obtained information regarding upcoming Audition Day scheduled for Friday, October 17th, at the Sheraton Inn, in Portsmouth, NH.
Speaking of MEDIA, along with the Foster’s Daily Democrat, The Hippo, New Hampshire’s largest Art s & Entertainment Weekly paper is running an article, to be released Thursday. Mike Cousinneau, writer at the Union Leader, was on task at the Holiday Inn during our first shoot. He called me earlier this week to let me know that our coverage will be found in this Sunday’s edition of The Union Leader….. Gotta get me one, two, or three copies of that!
Jeff has been working VERY diligently in getting all of the tapes processed from the very FIRST Audition Day for Iron Brides held Saturday, October 4th, at the Holiday Inn, in Nashua, NH. You can go to the You Tube web site and see a wide array of bride, host, and entertainment auditions…www.youtube.com/ironbrides
I have been working closely by email and phone calls with current contestants – brides, hosts, and entertainment, making sure they have everything in order, and asking if they want to participate in skits and interviews that will be held during our SECOND Audition Day to be held in Portsmouth. I have been manning 2 – 3 phones plus answering emails some days at the office….WHEW! I’m out scanning venues in the Mountains Region, taking in the hiking trails and mountain foliage that is ablaze with crimson red, pumpkin orange, school bus yellow colors, with scattered in by forest green conifers. Leaf Peepers, get out there and take in the sights…They are simply picturesque! No where are the mountains as beautiful as New Hampshire, Vermont, and my stomping ground, upstate New York. I truly miss the Adirondack Park, with its IMMENSE mileage of wilderness…If you can pencil in the time, pack some snack foods or cash to stop for lunch or dinner – and hit the pavement…get out with your camera and peep some leaves. Time is not on our side, ‘cause before you know it, ole man winter will come barreling down on us hard once again.
I’m going to be out of touch for a day or so, but will try to keep up with the blog…There is SO much happening now….as I said, both Iron Brides and New Hampshire’s foliage is ablaze right now!

Have a great Columbus Day weekend!

Iron Brides Auditions slated for Friday, October 17…

In case you haven’t heard it yet, Iron Brides Productions will be at the Sheraton Inn in Portsmouth, NH Friday, October 17th, from 2 – 8 PM. We will be conducting auditions and skits, role playing and interviews for those who want to become part of the hottest reality tv show to ever hit the New Hampshire area.

Questions or concerns, please contact Joann Mills 603-717-2727. You can check out the information on the Iron Brides website as well – www.ironbrides.tv and at You Tube www.youtube.com/ironbrides. We will see YOu on TV!

From the New Hampshire Seacoast – It’s great that there is going to be a reality TV Show about Brides!

As I briefly mentioned in a blog while out on the road, I received an email inquiry from a Senior Bridal Consultant at Madeleines Bridal, a privately owned Bridal Boutique located in Portsmouth, NH, she had learned of Iron Brides prior to contacting me.   Being in the bridal gown and formal wear business, as well as holding other professional characteristics, she has inquired of the Iron Brides Focus Group and possibly being a member of the group. 

 Being knowledgeable and also very caring, she indicated that she was sending out a bulk email to all of their boutique’s brides informing them of an audition day scheduled at the Sheraton Inn in Portsmouth, NH, next Friday, October 17th, from 2-8 PM. I thought and still think that that was incredibly nice of her.

Not only did she mention that she wanted to do this as a favor, she told me that she and co-workers at Madeleines have said that there should have been or should be a reality show in New Hampshire or in the New England region, focusing on brides and their weddings. 

I think that this concept is just what the WWW, Wide World of Weddings, has ordered!  I have a feeling that MANY women out there would like to see a cable TV reality show about brides and the endeavors they face in preparing for their dream wedding!    NO, this is not intended to be “Bridezilla” in nature…..its meant to be lively, challenging, heartwarming, and fun for the bridal, host, and entertainment contestants…..evenmoreso, pleasing to the cable TV audience. 

More on this later!

What some of the Iron Brides do…..

One of our Iron Brides at work......

As a Mother of two children in their early 20′s, as well as being the Associate Producer of the new Cable TV Reality Show being produced in New Hampshire later this fall which enables me to meet by email, telephone, and in person, many, many bridal contestants…..I feel like a Mom to MANY, MANY 20+ something years olds……….its hard to describe.   ONLY a Mom would really be able to relate to me on this one : ) 

Its my job to assist contestants with auditions, questions, and inquiries…..sort of what a Mom does for her children on any good day, wouldn’t you say?    I compile the Online Bridal Questionnaires, respond to the girls who have entered the contest, and continue to follow up with them on their audition progress, or if they need help with video taping, give them a little nudge on getting their stuff submitted,  that sort of thing…..I try hard to accommodate their need – regardless of who or where they are in the New England area.  

In looking over what some of the girls do, I have found them to be well rounded in careers and things that they like to do.  I have gals who coach Field Hockey, Cheerleading, and Youth Sports…ummmm, a couple of dance instructors, day spa owners-workers, several  medical professionals, marketing, accounting and financial personnel, and estheticians.   There’s a housemanager – thats what I need at times!  There are a few full-time college students, graduate students, attorneys, and legal assistants. With this, there are also a few able to stay at home Moms as well as a part-time dairy farm worker on the family farm.

I am enjoying the wide array of professions and likes of these young women.   It’s hard to list each and every contestant with respects to their professional capacity, however, KUDOS to you for your hard work and efforts!  I wish each and every one of you the best in your wedding planning, the Iron Brides Contest, and with life’s endeavors.

Iron Brides fans, Julia is coming from Albany, NY to visit and attend the Lakes Region Bridal Show

Glider pilot - Cape Cod, 2006

I am so excited that my daughter, Julia, is coming to visit this weekend! Attending college at The State University of New York at Albany, majoring in Environmental Science, minoring in Biology, it is hard to get to see her! When she isn’t studying or working at Price Chopper Supermarkets, she is white water rafting down the Hudson River, preparing for her role in her local fire department as a volunteer firefighter, or involved in politics on campus. She has a few pets -they are 3 little rats, Flower, Ebony, and Whitey…I have spoken of Julia in previous blogs.

She is coming out for the weekend and between audition shoots in Portsmouth on Friday, and also at the Castle In The Clouds on Sunday, I plan on spending alot of quality time with her. I miss her alot and the time spent together will be short but wonderful!

Moms and Mother-in-Laws out there, spend as much time as possible with your children…before you know it, there is ALOT LESS QUALITY TIME because they become independent adults leading their own lives… The ole “remember whens” start to creep up on you, as a parent….

As far as the upcoming weekend, Julia will be attending the Lakes Region Bridal Show, being held at the Castle In The Clouds, in Moultonboro, NH. I went ahead and submitted her online entry for this event and hope that the weather for this is as nice as this past weekend was. Even though she is from NYS, I told her she should check out all options in reviewing various wedding topics.

Julia is just in the “looking a little bit” stage in wedding preparation – what girl DOESN’T want to look at and dream of how their wedding will take shape – REGARDLESS of age? Being from New York State, Julia will not and cannot be a part of the Iron Brides Production, however, she is getting earfuls from Mom. She is happy that we are able to assist these nervous, not so certain how to go about this or that done, kind of young ladies. Knowing Moms and Mother-in-Laws will be there to assist, Iron Brides is just one more perspective in support for these girls : )

I find myself rambling from time to time….so much to say, I guess. As far as my own daughter’s wedding plans, tentatively, Julia has two plans on a wedding in the next 2 years – option 1 is in the Adirondacks, followed by white water rafting and then leaving for a honeymoon. Option 2 is a location wedding – see you in the Caribbean for a wedding….

As the Associate Producer of the new reality tv show, Iron Brides, I am being immersed into the lives of young soon-to-be-brides via email and phone conversations. ALL of these young ladies are very excited about their lives, employment, and preparation of their weddings. There is SO MUCH to have to inquire about in preparing for a wedding. I am very, very happy to be a part of a team that is going to be able to provide samples of professionals who can give the brides ideas of what to and what not to look for or do when planning.

This is going to be a fast and furious week with auditions, tapings, and interviews being held both in Portsmouth and Moultonboro, NH both Friday and Sunday, October 17 and 19. Will keep you informed, readers!

- Chow

The genuine interest seen in Iron Brides Contestants

I have noticed over the past week and a half that a great number of the contestants who have expressed an interest in the Iron Brides TV Reality Show that is going to be produced in New Hampshire early January have a high level of interest in many capacities.

I have received emails from bridal, host, and entertainment contestants.   I have had brides who have auditioned, participated in skits, and added comments to blogs, etc., ask if there was anything that they could do to assist with the Audition Day scheduled for Friday in Portsmouth.  

When speaking with host contestants, they are rearranging their Friday schedules to accommodate meeting new bridal and host contestants.  

Jay Groves, a stand up comedian from Barrington, NH, said he would reform his day to drive to Portsmouth to meet new contestants. 

Iron Brides readers………do ANY of these people HAVE to accommodate the producers and new contestants who will be in Portsmouth?  No, they do not…..It is absolutely MARVELOUS that these people want to add to the production in any manner possible.   I find it very generous!  

As I have seen through a series of auditions, emails, and phone calls, the people wanting to partake in this television production are committing themselves because they truly, truly want to be a part of it – that is genuine in my eyes and heart!

- Thanks to all of you!

AHHHH…The Associate Producer of Iron Brides is WORDY!

I’m sorry!   I apologize for my “blogginess.”  I do not mean for my blogs to be so wordy and tag driven that Search Engine Fairies are picking up my conversation so frequently. That’s not the focus here… Its just that the whole concept of a cable TV reality show being produced in New Hampshire is soooo coooool!  Better yet, I am a part of it.  Me and a bunch of amazing contestants whom you can meet on You Tube  www.youtube.com/ironbrides. 

The way I see it…………….Inquiring Minds Want To Know…..

As far as my blogginess, you can catch Jeffs, George’s, and mine at the Iron Brides web site www.ironbrides.tv     My blogs are informative, but wordy, George’s are statistical, and Jeff’s are a blend of videography, film aspects, and statistics as well……

 

- Chow

Wouldn’t she make a nice Iron Bride?

An Iron Bride?   No, actually, I came across a photo of Julia from her High School Senior Prom.  Being her Mom, if she could have, I think this young lady would have made a nice Iron Bride contestant.   However, because I am an affiliate with the production of Iron Brides, coupled with the fact that she does not “technically” live in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Maine, she cannot.   She can be an observer of Iron Brides from NYS however.   As a Mom, to me, she will always be a beautiful, young lady and daughter  :  )

Gotcha!

Love ya Critter!

- Mom

 

 

Iron Brides readers….It’s like a “Cinderella” dream!

An Iron Bride contestant shopping for bridal gowns...

Iron Brides readers ~ It’s like a “Cinderella” dream. I wanted to share an email I received LATE last night from a bridal contestant who as been trying and trying to get her audition completed on her own. She couldn’t make the Auditions held in Nashua, NH on October 4th, because she was babysitting at the last moment. Nevertheless, she has gotten her video tape done and its posted on You Tube.

The bridal contestant is Sara Bush, from Plaistow, NH. Sara has sent pictures of trying on bridal gowns and comments. I want to share the email messages and a photo of the dress she liked best with you so that you can get a sense of what it must feel like to be a mother of the bride, and to be the bride herself and see your daughter or yourself in rows and rows of mirrors trying these gowns on. It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside from reading this. It’s like a “Cinderella” dream!

Hi Joann, I just finished uploading my Bride audition tape to the YouTube site (WOOHOO!!). Hope you enjoy it.

I have also attached a few pictures of me in my wedding dress and trying on some other dresses.
Hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks,
Sara”

After viewing her pictures, I replied back to Sara….

So Sara,

Are you down to 1 of these 3 choices? Oh My Goodness! They are adorable! The upper body shot (the strapless dress) – is that a slim fitting cut or sort of poofy at the bottom? That picture is very pretty. All 3 fittings are pretty. Thank you for sharing them with Iron Brides!

Joann

AND THEN, THIS IS the statement from Sara that makes me feel all giddy inside……….

“I believe I am going with the big poufy ball gown, every time I put it on it brings tears to my eyes and I get ”that feeling” =)
- Sara”

What do you think, Iron Brides readers?

Iron Brides Readers – Hang on to Your Hats!

Anyone affiliated with the Iron Brides Production will understand exactly what I mean after this week is done. I have been trying to do laundry, make dinner, do college homework, and answer emails since early afternoon. ALOT has been happening in the world of Iron Brides today…..

A phone call from a radio station out in the seacoast, The Shark, WOKQ , called asking George if he would like to participate in a morning talk show radio interview on Friday of this week.

Additionally, we also have radio advertising running on 98.7, The Bay,out of Dover. I saw online today that Fosters Daily Democrat, www.fosters.com today published an article about our Auditions Day at the Sheraton Inn in Portsmouth on Friday. Last but not least, a news reporter, Ira Kantor, from the Boston Herald, called asking questions for an article to be in the Herald on Thursday. With his questions, he asked if he could interview bride want-to-bes from the Massachusetts area. I called and emailed 9-10 of them and gave them the information on that. They were excited to hear of that and 7-8 were going to call him back.

I have been answering 2 different phone lines and emails since 10 AM. Today alone, I took 16 calls on one phone, 9 on the other, and 5 of George’s calls. Coupled with this, I worked on +50 emails. Between phone calls and emails, I am strategically trying to schedule the Audition Day for Friday, October 17th, from 2-8. I had 10 online submissions from bridal contestants today alone… With regard to the Audition Day, I’m wanting to space brides, hosts, and entertainers out enough throughout the day to enable all people time for still photos, auditions, interviews, and possibly skits. As of now, I have 26 contestants with scheduled times, and 12 with uncommitted times, but contacted via email. Oh, I’m not complaining….its just difficult to multi-task sometimes.

In addition to catching parts of the NH Film Festival, fortunately being held in Portsmouth, I have scheduled appointments to meet with Betsy, of Bridal Vision and Kathleen Saco, an Insurance Representative on Thursday of this week. Fridays’ appointments consist of meeting with Elizabeth and Natalie, of Madeleine’s Bridal Boutique in Portsmouth, Jay of Portsmouth, and then the Audition day beginning at 2 PM, and continuing until 8 PM.

Saturday….I don’t recall what Saturday may bring….I know that my daughter Julia will be out here from New York.

Sunday, we will be attending the Lakes Region Bridal Show at the Castle In The Clouds, in Moultonboro, NH as vendors auditioning brides for the Iron Brides Productions. Julia will be attending the Bridal Show and brunch that day…who knows, I might be able to sneak off for a little while to visit vendors with Julia….SSHHHH!! Don’t tell George or Jeff, thats all!

So, by days end on Sunday, we all, as Iron Brides Production and Readers, will better understand why it was important to “hang on to your hats!”

Iron Brides Readers – Just for Kicks Can You Give Me Some Good, Clean, Skits?

To all Iron Brides Readers and Fans….No, not just “sports” fans, but bridal fans too!

I wanted to put this out to you……..I would love it if you would respond to me with some good, clean skit ideas that the Brides, Hosts, and Entertainment Contestants could do during their Audition Days on Friday and then again on Sunday of this week. Outside thinkers and input can often add to projects. Please nothing gross or distasteful – short and sweet…..but humorous and maybe a slight bit embarassing – but thats all. Check for gags and funny skits online, etc..

Please comment on this blog or email me at joann@ironbrides.tv

Just think – Your skit idea will be on You Tube at www.youtube.com/ironbrides

Iron Brides Audition Day in Portsmouth will be “totally” spooky~

Spooky, Spooky

Iron Brides readers………..I came up with the coolest project for Iron Brides Host, Bridal, and Entertainment Contestants during our Audition Day at the Sheraton Inn, in Portsmouth, NH on Friday.

Everyone will be carving a pumpkin, keeping the seeds, and using this time to get to know one another a little better….Each person has been asked to bring a small to medium sized pumpkin, carving tools, patterns, if they so desire, and artistic talents.

Even better, the contestants have been asked to bring a Halloween costume for a group photo op as well as smaller group pictures….

I have had a tremendous response from contestants and their excitement is like, WOW~

A great cooperative learning activity for all of these guys which should be fun.

Iron Brides, like ocean waves, hit the NH Seacoast

The Iron Brides Production staff hit Portsmouth like the ocean waves hit the NH Seacoast. Steady waves of business, conversation, and animation on behalf of the IB staff, bride, host, and entertainment contestants, helped to make the Iron Brides Audition Day at the Sheraton Inn, in Portsmouth, a HUGE success!

The success of the auditions could not have happened, were it not for the generosity of the Sheraton Inn and their qualified staff. Your assistance in working with 40-45 people during the afternoon and evening hours is appreciated by all of us! Many thanks to you…your facility is wonderful! My hat goes off to the news writers, photographers, and radio talk show hosts who have graciously followed our events in Portsmouth. Without you, we would be really small fish in the sea….You are great! Thank you and, hec…keep it up : )

**For an updated account of newspress and radio information, visit the Iron Brides website www.ironbrides.tv**

Coupled with this, I do not mean to brag, however, the events of the day would never have been if it weren’t for the talents of the Production Staff. Jeff Thayer, David Petty, our film and camera operators, question and prompt administrators – a Great Job! George Jobel, thank you for securing the Sheraton Inn and overseeing the events of the day, making certain the contestants were comfortable.

Before the Audition Day began, I didn’t know what to expect as I had scheduled 22 appointments for auditions. Each audition takes about 20-25 minutes to fully complete. What concerned me was the amount of publicity Iron Brides was receiving, via the high number of news releases, radion advertisements, and such. The BUZZ is great! Calculating figures for the day, Iron Brides auditioned 30+ contestants: 17 bride, 8 host, 3 entertainment, and 2 presenter auditions and still photographs. This, coupled with 5 skits, pumpkin painting, and a number of giggling girls dressed up in Halloween costumes made for a very interesting day.

Thank you to Betsy, of Bridal Visions, John Dye, of Sole Training, and Kathleen, a financial planner, for stopping by the Sheraton Inn to observe the Iron Brides audition process – it was good to see all of you.

The rounding out of the day was the still photography of want-to-be Iron Brides (Melissa, Kylin, Stephanie, Amanda, and Jennifer) dressed in both street and formal wear, singing…………you guessed it! (following the military song….)

“We are the Iron Brides,
the Show Directors Brides,
We’re gonna have fun,
‘Cuz we’re the ones,
We are the Iron Brides!”

Like I said, Iron Brides, like the ocean’s waves, hit the seacoast….somewhat gentle and leaving a slight footprint in the sands of New Hampshire’s coastal area….

Portsmouth, NH – A place that allows you to architecturally step back into time.

I LOVE architecture! Why I didn’t take classes to be an architect, I find myself asking EVERY time I vist a colonial New England town. Visiting the Portsmouth area, the Iron Brides production staff toured some of the area. Due to time constraints it was abbreviated, however, is on MY LIST to go back to Portsmouth to take in more of what is a beautifully constructed area.

Looking at the building structures and facade of downtown streets…..the brick and mortar buildings, each with different trimmings (I especially like the ornate dental trims), the array of steeples (oh how beautifully lit at night they were), the uneven brick sidewalks, are beautiful. As I walked the streets both day and night, I found myself speculating what it would have been like to have travelled these very streets during the 1800′s…what did the area look like then, what did the wharfs look like, the people….

Walking inside buildings, shops, and stores….the antiquated scents, the uneven, pine wooded flooring, the thickness of brick walls, the wooden trim – intriguing! I have wondered if I am strange, or if others make similar observations…hmmm!

These thoughts are something I want to learn more about and shall. I have been in the Strawberry Bank area, walked several streets in Portsmouth, been to Boston’s Quincy Square, as well as the Plymouth landing area…I want and will learn more about what New England had and still offers those who like history and architectural history combined. Reality is – there is such an abundance of history in this area – it is my hope that people tap the information that is available!

Iron Brides reading fans – What a Weekend!

What a weekend…..is about all I can say! From Thursday til Sunday, it was run, run, run….BUT FUN, FUN, FUN! The Iron Brides Producion team attended NH Film Festival events with a friend, Portsmouth host, and aspiring young actress, Hilary Warburton. We met a number of people who love their jobs in the film industry. Friday took us to the Sheraton Inn in Portsmouth, where we auditioned 30+ people for various contestant positions (brides, hosts, entertainment), had host contestants work with brides and entertainment people in compiling their own skits and ended up with 5 or 6 by days end, and also had some pumpkin painting and Halloween costume pictures created. This information will be available to the public by week’s end. Everyone did a fabulous job!

As auditions begin to come to a close soon, it is going to be time to sift through audition after audition, qualifying each one of them, in the selections for 8 brides and 2 hosts….’Twill be an emotional day!

Saturday was a catch up day…Did get to the Haunted Park at Canobie Lake in the evening….COLD!

Sunday was off and running again, as we headed north for The Lakes Region Bridal Show, sponsored at The Castle in The Clouds. What an absolutely wonderful way to round out the weekend! The weather was perfect, the location and view – absolutely breathtaking! The Lakes Region Bridal Show and ALL of its participants – absolute professionalism depicted through the entire day. Many, many, many thanks to Kathi and her husband, as coordinators of the Lakes Region Bridal Show and Magazine, in allowing us to also be participants and for a job WELL DONE. In speaking with people there, they all said that they felt the event was well attended…..great job!

A tour of the Castle in the latter part of the afternoon was intriguing! One of the assistants to “the Castle” took us on tour of the Castle and WOW, is all I am going to say. IF you have the opportunity to visit a location as intriguing in history, story, and location, The Castle in the Clouds is AN ABSOLUTE MUST!

My daughter, Julia, came out for the weekend and to also attend the show as it is her very first show in beginning wedding preparations for late next year. She said the brunch, the atmosphere, the information given to her – was very instrumental to her. She asked a host of questions to the girls of Andrea’s Dress Shop, the cake demonstrator, and of others. She was happy to have attended and thought the view was likened to the Blue Mountains in the Adirondacks, however, there is no castle at the location she is thinking of….but there is a fire tower! (LOL)

Three or four of our already auditioned bridal contestants were also participants of the bridal show, as well as three new online auditioning brides. In all, we added 13 new bridal auditions to our portfolio Sunday….communication does pay off!

Well, it is off on another adventure this afternoon as George, Jeff, and I travel north to meet with venue properties and their management in what I hope to be as the location of our Iron Brides television production. MORE on that later!

Thank you to all for such a terrific, informative weekend!

Later!

Joann

Iron Brides in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire

Off to the Lakes Region Monday, amid the various stages of fall foliage….the waxy oak leaves depicting their shade of burnt sienna, other tree species with their paler shades of reds, yellows, and oranges….HANG ON, LEAVES, HANG ON!

Traveling as a trio to a venue in the Lakes Region, I studied the leaves laying on the grass, pavement, and sidewalks and wished I was a child again. Oh how I would love to rake the leaves into a HUGE pile and jump in them or bury one of my kids again, to have them spring outward…..the good ole’ days!

Thinking of that also reminded me of the Charlie Brown Halloween Special….you know, the part where the Peanuts crew has a pile of leaves….Linus then decides to run, full-blast, into the pile of leaves……..alas, he is carrying his lollipop. What does he say after the fact? “Never jump into a pile of leaves with a wet sucker!”

This analogy is likened to the Iron Brides team making scheduled appointments with well established venues within New Hampshire – we aren’t running into a pile of leaves, or a venue, for that matter, without thinking about what is best for both parts of this potential team network……what and how will the venue chosen benefit greatest from our Iron Brides team efforts, media, and video commitments, as well as what and how Iron Brides will be able to film their cable television reality show on their premises. Done correctly, this union is a win-win relationship for both entities. No one will be in a pile of leaves holding onto a wet lollipop covered with leaves. Both teams will be prepared, informed, and working in unison.

All I can say is that we are discussing option at this time……

Iron Brides readers, I will tell you that the venue most recently visited is absolutely gorgeous! As a country girl originally from upstate New York, the venue was located on roads less traveled, the leaves also in various shades – leading to this resort in the hilly terrains – this reminded me of resort areas found in the Adirondacks in New York…my old stomping ground.

Not having been to this facility before but told all about it, I was WOWED by what the facility had to offer! The decor, the amenities, the view….Oh, the view! The owners, the management, and staff were very, very cordial and a pleasure to meet.

Enough said….it is my hope as an Associate Producer, that final agreements will allow us to work collaboratively with one another to create the first cable television reality show in New Hampshire.

With that being said, I think I’m going to go out and rake up some leaves…….MINUS the wet sucker!

: )

Iron Brides News Stories and TV News Headlines

Iron Brides readers – for up-to-date information that has been being covered by interested media counterparts, I am attaching the Iron Brides web site’s Press Page link for you to refer to:

http://www.ironbrides.tv/NewsStoriesAndTVNewsHeadlines.html

I am WOWED by the fantastic amount of coverage we have been given by the various media sources within New Hampshire. MANY thanks to all of you who have been riding the Iron Brides wave!

– Joann

Associate Producer of Iron Brides…..”I gotta be part of this ‘cuz I LOVE cake!”

When the Iron Brides Executive Producer and Director told me of meeting with company owners and representatives of Fredericks and Jacques Pastries, wedding cake producers in New Hampshire, I was like, I’m going! I’m going! I LOVE cake! In more ways than one I love cake!

One way that I love cake, aside of eating it…YUMMY!, is that as part of the Iron Brides production to be produced and aired in early 2009, the girls will be inside the events, trims and trappings of pastry specialists and of how their expertise goes into each and every wedding cake as it is made. The girls, in turn, will 1) learn about this craft and 2) put their skills to the test later as well.

The other reason is that I am shopping for my daughter, Julia’s cake. I have looked at a number of pastry shops online, have visited Fredericks Pastries in Amherst, and was WOWED by the beautiful array of cakes, cookies, and confections… : )

Anyhow, visiting pastry shops will be incredibly and deliciously FUN!

I have very EXCITING News!

I have some very exciting news, but…………..SSSHHHHHHHHHHHH! I have to wait to tell my Iron Brides readers.

I you want some hints about my scoop, email me a question…..I can say more by the end of the week!

– Joann

“Linus, move over…..there’s another “Great Pumpkin” in this patch!

Iron Brides Halloween contestants - Suzanne, Cindy, Rebecca, Jennifer, Tricia, Amy, and Karin (the pumpkin painter too)

Linus, move over……..”and get rid of that stupid blanket,” blarts Lucy on the Peanuts Gang and their Halloween special. Is it obvious that I am a Charlie Brown and “Snoopy” fanatic? Yup!

Anyhow, as the Associate Producer of Iron Brides, I scheduled pumpkin painting at the recent audition day held in Portsmouth’s Sheraton Inn. I want to share with the Iron Bride Blog Readers, a couple of photos of “Great Pumpkins” as well as a few shots of the want-to-be brides and hosts that were great sports in wearing Halloween costumes!

Just wanted to share…………………..

Iron Brides Audition Day Pics….Halloween Fun in Portsmouth

Halloween fun - Suzanne, Cindy, Rebecca, Jennifer, Tricia, Amy, and Karin

Our own Suzanne Lewis thinking “There’s no place like home!”

Jennifer’s “Blushing Bride”

Karin’s depiction of the “Iron Bride”

Halloween fun – Suzanne, Cindy, Rebecca, Jennifer, Tricia, Amy, and Karin

With only having received a few photos from the audition day in Portsmouth, I wanted to give the readers the opportunity to see a few of what I have…..there are many more, just not on my disk – keep checking, keep having your fans check you things too….we are down to the wire on Iron Brides Contestant submissions.

If you didn’t look carefully, you would almost believe that Dorothy, from the Wizard of Oz, dropped in on our Audition Day at the Sheraton Inn. Dorothy, is actually Suzanne Lewis, a Host contestant and morning radio co-host of a station in the Portsmouth area. Great costume, Suzanne!

Our own Suzanne Lewis thinking

The girls brought pumpkins to paint. I have shared one with you, but because it was so darn cute, I wanted to display it AGAIN along with another…..

Jennifer

This creative bunch of bride and host contestants dared to adorn Halloween garb as part of the fun during the day – do you recognize any of these young ladies?

The marvelous world of………..CAKES, CAKES, AND MORE CAKES!

Hey all you Iron Brides Bloggers and Readers………..I just wanted to share with you that we have visited with a couple of very reputible Wedding Cake bakery designers and I can fully see why brides and their mothers have a hard time deciding on what type of wedding cake to have for the wedding.  There are several choices….plain cake or that with SCRUMPTIOUS filling(s).  Do they want flavored and/or colored frostings, types of trimmings, frostings,  and accent colors,  what is the number of people attending the wedding ceremony, the number of tiers, the location…is the cake being delivered or picked up by the bridal party.  WHEW!

Even more intriguing, were the facilities of the bakeries visited…..absolutely stunning!   The assistance and professionalism of each person encountered while there was most reassuring!    The shops were well stocked with both display samples of wedding, special occasion, and smaller confections, as well as their in-store refrigerator cases with cake stock for sale to the public.  There were novelty flavored chocolates, and such, to be used as wedding favors.   I felt like a small child on a field trip and/or like I was inside a Dr. Seuss book with the contemporary look and feel of some of the cake samples.  The designs and color-schemes were absolutely spectacular, to say the least!!!!  It was great!

The reason I am telling you about this is that as part of the Iron Brides Production and reality tv show, the 8 brides to be will be visiting a wedding cake bakery and design shop. They will have the opportunity to see a wide array of cake choices and with the intent of learning more information and asking questions appropriate to the ordering of their own wedding cake for their special day.    I have seen 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6-tiered cakes on display.  I have seen traditional and contemporary wedding cakes, as well as oodles of specialty cakes.   For about  4 hours so far this week, I have been in the marvelous world of CAKE!

Later!

Iron Brides Auditions Stretching Far AND Wide!!!

The hype of the new cable TV reality show set to be produced in New Hampshire is stretching FAR AND WIDE! By FAR AND WIDE, I mean……….Midland, OHIO and Dover, NEW JERSEY…… Yes, I said Midland, Ohio and Dover, New Jersey. Anyone from New Hampshire know where these areas are?

I am amazed by the coverage Iron Brides is getting via Internet and media sources. Unfortunately, these two bride-to-be’s are not eligible for this contest, however, as the TV show shifts from regionally to nationally programmed, they may possibly have their turn then, depending on their wedding date.

So……..good news travels FAR AND WIDE, wouldn’t you say?

– Joann

Associate Producer of Iron Brides Hits Triple Digits with her WordPress.com Blog

HOLY COW! SHA-ZAMMMM! What else can I say? THANK YOU, THANK YOU, to my Iron Brides Blog Readers….Because of all of YOU, the number of Blog readers (thats YOU), was greater than 100 readers today. More than 100 people have gone in and read 1, 2, or more of my articles today. Total number of reads since September 25th, 1,319!

This is HUGE as this promotes the BUZZ of the Iron Brides show. This is GREAT news as this TV Reality Show is really, really growing legs in New Hampshire. Keep up the reading and definitely tell others of Iron Brides…… The ride is going to be great as Iron Brides forms partnerships with pronounced sponsors and both entities help to constructively promote one another……a WIN WIN situation!

Oh yeah, the stats for my Blog Pages which have been online almost 1 month are:

Total views since 09/25/08: 1,319

My Busiest day: 111 — Thursday, October 23, 2008

Views today from Blog Readers like you: 111

Totals
Articles Posted to date: 53

Comments from wonderful Blog readers: 13

Categories I use to describe my Blogs: 6

Tags used to describe my Blogs for Search Engines to recognize me: 183

Thank you all!

Iron Bride Readers – You Tube Auditions Require Subscribing From You To View & Rate

Hey Iron Bride Blog Readers and Crazy Fans!    I wanted to let you know that WHEN you go to the You Tube web site, www.youtube.com/ironbrides  to view, comment, and/or rate the auditions posted there, you MUST become a You Tube SUBSCRIBER (means creating a username and password), in order to have your “view” actually count towards the person you are viewing…..points add up everytime a person, who is a subscriber, visits the site.

So, if you have an older parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, that type of relative….who just isn’t really computer savvy, please lend them a hand in getting them a username and password that is easy for them to remember  :  )

Then, hang the information on the fridge so that they can remember it later……  :  )

Thanks, guys!

Joann

Iron Bride Blog Readers: Brown Luxury Limousine becomes Iron Brides “Exclusive Limousine” Sponsor

Iron Brides Blog Readers….I’m Off to Upstate NY to visit Julia and go tour venue sites in the Lake George region.  But knowing how girls love to talk, I wanted to share something with you because I will be out of reach for a couple of days.  Iron Brides Executive Producer, George Jobel, met with Greg Brown, owner of Brown Luxury Limousine Service, located in Londonderry, NH.    Brown Luxury Limousine Service has formed a sponsoring partnership with Iron Brides Productions, as being the “Exclusive Limousine” service and sponsor for Iron Brides’ Cable TV Reality Show that will begin taping next month.

Greg and Brown Luxury Limousine Service stands behind the statement, “Luxury Vehicles Without Luxury Prices.”   Check out his website    www.nh-limo.com to see how prestigious his limousine business is.  On his website, in addition to seeing a very popular fleet of vehicles, you will note that his website is available in the following translations:  English, Spanish, German, and French!

Greg seems to like the flair of Lincoln’s automotive line as he has some award-winning picks.  Some of the vehicles that make his fleet include a 2007 Mercedes S550 Sedan, a number of 2007 Lincoln Town Cars (stretch limos), 2007 Lincoln Town Cars, 2007 Range Rover, Lincoln Navigator Stretch Limos, 2008 Lincoln Navigator, a number of Lincoln Town Car Sedans, 2007 Ford E350 14 Passenger Vans, and 2008 Ford E350 Passenger Vans.  He can accommodate many needs you may have.

Iron Brides Blog Reading Fans, this is a wonderful opportunity for both Brown Luxury Limousine Service and Iron Brides.

Now, that’s what I’m talking about!

– Joann M

What a day!

Like most folks, today was again BUSY!   But, its Friday……..Ahhh, Friday!    I was in Tewksbury, MA this morning, then back to Nashua to work on web design and Iron Brides production work.   George was meeting with appointments previously set up in Londonderry and Portsmouth.   Alot is going on it seems.  Jeff is busy cranking out Iron Brides audition videos and posting them on the You Tube website www.youtube.com/ironbrides   

If you can take a few minutes out of your BUSY day, check out the auditions that are posted and leave these aspiring contestants some constructive comments….they would appreciate it, I’m certain!    I have to pack and head to NY to visit my daughter, Julia.   After I settle in Albany late, late tonight, I will fire up the laptop and take some time to look at some of the auditions that are out there…..NEVER enough hours it seems….

Joann

Iron Brides and Madeleine’s Daughter Bridal Shop

Iron Brides Blog Readers……Hey girls -  before I head out the door to Albany, NY, for the weekend, I wanted to let you know something that is absolutely fabulous news….

As Associate Producer of Iron Brides Productions, I am very, very pleased to announce that Iron Brides will be working collaboratively with Madeleine’s Daughter Bridal Shop, located in Portsmouth, NH on an “exclusive sponsorship” with regard to the Iron Brides Reality TV Show.    Madeleine’s Daughter is the premiere boutique chosen to be the exclusive wedding bridal shop for this production.

Madeleine’s Daughter Bridal Shop is a full-service salon and assistants to hundreds of brides in finding their perfect wedding gowns and making wedding dreams come true. They have gained the trust of brides throughout the New England region and have an impeccable staff that offers the utmost in personalized attention,  from the selection of the gown to the final alteration. 

Liz and Natalie, I eagerly look forward to working with you during the upcoming months.  This will be a very rewarding venture for both Madeleine’s Daughter Bridal Shop and Iron Brides Productions.

Have a great weekend!

 

– Joann

I’m leaving town on a VERY GOOD note, says the IB’s AP ~

This Iron Brides Associate Producer is leaving town on a very good note………this afternoon having secured a privately owned, premiere bridal dress shop, and a prestigious limousine service as “exclusive sponsors” for Iron Brides Production of the Television Reality Show being produced in New Hampshire.

The exclusive sponsorship of both Madeleine’s Daughter (www.madeleine’sdaughter.com) and Brown Luxury Limousine Service (www.nh-limo.com) are a sheer welcome to our team.  

The level of media and personal BUZZ that the concept, Iron Brides, has created is absolutely phenomenol.  Just check out the number of pages that both Google and Yahoo search engines post when you search the topic   Iron Brides -   its in the thousands!    The media forms, both near and far, have been extremely supportive. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE – IRON BRIDES FEELS WELCOMED TO BE PRODUCED IN YOUR STATE~

Iron Brides Readers- I’m back from NY, feeling both happy and sad….

Had a nice weekend in upstate New York…..touring a resort in Lake George, going to a bridal dress shop in Albany with Julia, and eating homemade mexican food for dinner….YUM!   Julia’s fiance, is the Manager of one of the Marriott Inn’s located in Albany…its a brand new facility, open 9 days now – wow, what a place!   The decor was contemporary, mixing hues of goldenrod, maroon, and olive green throughout the facility.   Very, very plush!    I even had bottled water and apples in the refrigerator that was in the suite.  Thanks, Frank and Julia~

Dress Shopping…….The trying on of dresses didn’t become emotional until…………until………..until the veil went on……up to that point, it seemed like another formal gown occasion for Jules.  But when the sales rep put the veil on my daughter, I started crying! I didn’t let her see though….I was tough!  For the rest of the day,  I had mixed emotions…..happy and sad I guess.  Happy, very happy for her – she absolutely beamed standing on the pedestal at the shop.   I was and am so proud of her!  But also, I was sad….sad that my little girl is growing up….This will be my first wedding for my children.   One more to go after this one.

So, all of you Iron Bride contestants and moms, and mother-in-laws, you make ABSOLUTELY SURE that you go with your daughter to the 1, 2, or 3 dress shops to try on gowns….whether its your first, second, or greater daughter, the feeling is probably the same……ecstatic, yet gut-wrenching to endure.  You love the occasion for your daughter, but also have to face the fact that she is moving on to the next chapter of her life.

Oh yeah, make sure you take tissues with you  : )

– Joann

We have a new member of our Iron Brides Production TEAM!

Arriving back in the Nashua area yesterday afternoon, I met with Jeff and George at the Holiday Inn in Nashua to meet with the newest member of our team.   Alot of the Iron Brides contestants and assistants on hand will probably recall him….Dave Petty – you know, the guy who at Nashua’s Audition Day took still photography pictures of brides in wedding gowns packing power tools, running video tape for the “Fight for the Mike” skit, back up video for the “Sounds Off” military gig done with Iron Bride contestants and Jay Groves, stand up comedian.

Other Iron Bride contestants will recall him from the Portsmouth Audition Day where he again, was taking still photograhs, getting the absolute best shots of bridal contestants and their “irons” or of the zany group of Trick or Treaters that were really bride and host contestants……tooo cute!!!  Dave was again running around like a crazy man, getting the film footage for skits completed at the Sheraton Inn as well.   I haven’t seen this footage as of yet, but am eager to!

I have had the opportunity to work with Dave on other video and photography shoots.  Working with George in completing web site design, I spend  ALOT of time with George, working in office and out on the road in sales.  I assisted in a couple of photo shoots that Dave completed with us. One being for a healthy line of home baked cookies, owned and operated by Claire Metzger, Healthfulicious Cookies.  Her website is scrumptuiously found at www.delicioushealthycookies.com.   Another web site that Dave shot was for a sports trophy and engraving store, also in the Concord area….Saymore Trophy, and that is found at www.saymoretrophy.com

Dave provided a wide array of photography projects at our meeting.  He has wedding, children, family, photos…he even had some incredible black and white photos of civil war reenactments that really, really looked true!  He does great work and will be an asset.

Dave has always been a great guy to work with – he is calm, cool, and collected.  He is friendly and approachable.  He enjoys his job, clearly!   I am truly looking forward to his being a member of the Iron Brides Production Team….

Thanks, Dave!

Iron Bride contestants – The Heat Is On!

Iron Bride readers – we are in our final days of accepting auditions for host, bridal, and concierge contestants.  October 30th, is the last day to submit auditions for the Iron Brides Production.   Questions or concerns, please call me at 603 717-2727.

Iron Brides Contestants – THANK YOU!

To all of my Iron Bride Blog Readers and contestants -  thank you for all of your reading support and followings.  Even moreso, a HUGE congratulations to all who auditioned for the Iron Brides cable television show.   I know, I know……..the finalists haven’t been mentioned, however, the information will be made public in the next couple of weeks.  

There is so much to do…….Jeff is busy editing and putting together video auditions….which are time consuming.  George is out meeting with sponsors.  I am working with contestants, answering questions about completing auditions, the how tos……, the when will we knows, and the wonderful comments that have been coming in regarding other auditions viewed.

Remember this….no matter what….the experience of being a part of Iron Brides, no matter how great or small – is an absolute trip!   Stay in touch through all of this…..this builds relationships guys!

 

– Joann

Iron Brides Readers….Do You Find Yourself Wearing “Many Hats?”

I find myself often tired and have been trying to figure out why.   I like to think that I can handle whatever life throws at me….I have always been able to.  I filled the role of the sports Mom….running kids back and forth to sports practices, attending just about EVERY game for boys football, girls soccer, boys and girls basketball, and girls softball – both home and away games.  Assist with Drama productions at school, participate as a member of 2 different Boards in the town in which I lived. I worked full-time and attended college part time. Wow – thinking and writing about it…what a CRAZY woman!  

Maybe I am not “quite” as invincible as I used to be?   Maybe I’m still running full tilt and need to slow down a tad?   Currently, I am pursuing my Masters Degree (part time), substitute teach, clean houses, act as Associate Producer for Iron Brides and in web design work.

I guess one thing that is apparent from writing and visualizing after writing this text is that the wearing of many hats is prevalent.  The crazy thing is……I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE DOING THIS!   There are more and more and even more people (women and men) who are living the same craziness as me…..

Okay, I will admit it – I am and have been told that I am a work-a-holic.  I can’t help it…..I lived in a family of 8 children, me being the second eldest….couple that with living on a 120 cow dairy farm in central New York – we HAD to work….so, I guess its engrained. 

So, ironically the next question I have is…………I wonder what color hat I should wear? 

: )

Iron Brides Blog Readers: I’ve a few questions for you…

INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW . . . . . . . . . .

I would like to know if you would help pique my curiosity by responding to the following questions or ideas:

If you were going to order your wedding cake, would you go with a more traditional or contemporary style?  Do you know from whom you would order?   Have you completed any cake tastings?

Have you thought about whether or not you would use a limousine service?  If you have, who do you think you would contract with?

In shopping for bridal gown and bridesmaids dresses…..would your Mom or Mother-in-Law be a part of this?   Do you have bridal shops or boutiques in mind?

If you could have a catered buffet, what types of foods would YOU like to have?  Italian, homestyle, chinese, sushi???

I’m asking these questions 1)  out of curiosity, and 2)  these are questions I would also ask my own daughter, Julia….

So, if you could help me out with brief answers, that would be SUPER!

Iron Brides responses to “Bridal Planning” Questions given them….

I sent the Iron Brides Readers some “Open Ended” Questions pertaining to exploring options for wedding cakes, limousine services, bridal shops, and catering/personal chefs.  I was fishing for responses and information regarding some of the planning items for their weddings by asking these questions to see what the girls are looking for these days.   With this being said, I would like to share the responses of 3-4 bridal contestants…. Kylin, Jennifer, Tarryn, and Amy. 

Girls, thanks for your candid responses.  Your feedback will provide constructive information to others I am certain.

 

From Kylin Szlosek:

We would like a buffet. I’ve been to some weddings where they had a sit down dinner and I was bored having to sit and wait. I want people to be able to move around, sit where they want, dance when they want, and eat when they want.

As for a cake, well, we were thinking of cupcakes layered in a shape of a cake. We’re not big on cake, and I would rather everyone dancing then sitting.

I would love to have a limo. We want the ceremony and reception on the beach, so I would just like to have a limo that would bring our guests from the hotel to the beach and back to the hotel after the reception. That way everyone can have fun and drink, without driving. So there will be no worries.

I’m very excited to go try on dresses this weekend. I’m going with my best friend, who is also going to be my maid of honor.
I would love my mom to go, but I don’t want her to feel guilty or sad that she can’t afford to help me with the dress. I would rather surprise her.

 

 

From Jennifer Lessard:

My perfect wedding cake would be BOTH trad. and contemp. because well I want my wedding to be a mixture of both! I have a cousin who specializes in pastries~ she’s like my sister and wants to do make and bake! BUT I also have a friend of the family’s whose a head chef His thoughts are very unique.. MAYBE I could bring my cousin and him together and something beautiful and tasteful will come out of i t!! Speaking of tasteful my cake testing insist the occ. party cake made by Betty Crocker!!!

A Limo.. hmmmm…. havent even thought of that!

Shopping for a bridal gown.. I would want my dad to be there he has been my Mr. mom for a long time! and if my parents got along I’d have my mom there too! My wedding gown well we all know I already have 1.5 lol. So maybe my first gown I can get fixed up a bit and if not.. then I would go everywhere until I put on that dress that makes me CRYYY!

Sit down dinners… not my thing EVERYONE NEEDS TO stuff their faces from my catered Italian buffet!  I mean HELLO!?!? HONEYMOON!!

I care to some extent what my wedding is like..
But looking into his eyes when we say we do is what everyone will cherish most.. and remember~~

 

  

From Tarryn Brandl:

 

Hi Joann,

 

How r u? I was just looking at your blog and wanted to answer some of the questions u asked. I have to tell you I love all three of your blogs they are always entertaining, witty, and insightful yet make you stop and really think about things… I like that!

 

So here go my thoughts:

 

Cake- I would certainly go with contemporary the things they can do edible ingredients just fascinates me! I’ve heard great things about both Jacques and Fredericks Pastries so I’d probably start there.

 

Limo- While we would certainly go with some type of car service my fiance Sean really wants an antique car (but I can’t find a dealer anywhere!!!) Should we use a limo I have always used Grace Limousines for proms and other events that required a limo so I’d probably stick to what I know and use them.

 

Bridal Shopping- Of course I want my mom there, and all my bridesmaids, and if my mother in law wanted to come sure why not! I’ve heard great things about Madeleines Daughter and plan to go there first.. they also are the only carrier of Jim Hjelm bridesmaid dresses in NH and I love his stuff. I’ve tried to stay away from big places like David’s Bridal for the soul fact that it is always so busy and I think a little generic but you never know where you’ll find your perfect dress. Right?

 

Catering- Well I LOVE LOBSTER… however I think it would be a bit to messy for a wedding and not to mention the price tag. Perhaps this will be the rehearsal dinner! I think the food is very important at a wedding. I’m very much a meat and potatoes kind of girl so I’d work off that… classy and tastes good but nothing super fancy or else I wouldn’t eat it because I’m very, very  picky!

Hope this helps a bit!

 

Of course first and foremost I need to find a Location!!!!!! Which is much harder than I thought it would be

 

Take Care

Tarryn

 

 

 

From Amy Dole:

wedding cake Id go more contemporary to represent my fiance & I.  One of my best friends is a pastry chef in Boston, she went to the CIA, and also has a cordon blue degree (not sure if spelled that right) her cakes are gorgeous and she offered to make one for me as a wedding gift.  I haven’t decided flavors or done tastings. I might have a grooms cake to not sure!

I havent thought about where id get a limousine from yet. 

when shopping for a gown my mum will definatly be there and my mother in law will most likely come too!  Just depends on her schedual… she loves me   I want a dress from madelines daughter.  Madeline was my great uncles wife.  Her daughter Janet is who opened the store.  Im big on family, So thats where I am going. 

I really want a sit down dinner at my wedding and open bar! but for the rehearsal dinner, or bridal shower If I got that catered I would probably do italian, or work with the caterers to come up with something that represented the seasons best.  Like in the fall I cook differently then I do in the summer and id want the menu to reflect that.

I want my wedding to be an experience for everyone who attends. I also want it to really represent who Lance and I are.  Every detail of the wedding I want personalized.  Hope that helps!

Iron Brides – The last day……….

Iron Brides Blog readers and fans – Friday, October 31st, was the last day to submit online questionnaires and any inquiries regarding auditionings for the Iron Brides reality show. Oh how quickly time passed!  It was just the beginning of October and we were in Nashua for the first audition day for Iron Brides.   WOW!

With 8 weeks behind us, ALL of the Iron Brides contestants can be proud of themselves for what they have done…..even for this!    If you have an hour or so, take the time to visit the Blog pages on the Iron Brides website www.ironbrides.tv and read over the information.   Jeff’s blog is a video-technological perspective, George’s is somewhat statistical, and mine….I guess its somewhat “diary-like” but that is what I want – I want to appeal to my readers by providing ”real-life” events and thoughts….

Checking out You Tube www.youtube.com/ironbrides over the course of the weekend as well will enable you to evaluate contestants, view, rate, and see what their viewing statistics look like.   If YOU were part of the group to decide 8 brides and 2 hosts, who would you vote for, what would you look for in a contestant?   This is not an easy endeavor to take on, believe you me as there are a number of factors that go into the selection process. 

Well, being a Saturday, I’m going to grab a cup of coffee, my lap top, and take some time to look at the Iron Brides’ amazing online auditions that have been posted on the You Tube site.  There are a great number of auditions and skits that I have not had time to see….this is my time!

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!

– Me

Iron Brides Bloggers…..I enjoy the comments received

In reponse to the questions asked of wedding cake, bridal gown, limousine, and catering/chef planning, I have received several responses which I find very informative.  The insight allows Iron Brides Readers to learn a bit more about the bridal contestants.  It also gives others constructive advice on what to or not to look for…..these are good things!  

I wanted to share a comment I received over the weekend from Stephanie Douglass of Manchester, a bridal contestant who participated in the Portsmouth Audition.    You can find her bridal audition as well as a whole host of others online at the You Tube website, www.youtube.com/ironbrides

This response is from Stephanie~

“My fiance Jim and I chose our cake last weekend, and let me tell you it was the best thing we’ve done so far since being engaged.  Eating all the cake you want?!!!?  We created our own cake from Jacques and it is a mix of traditional and contemporary and we are so excited to see the final product on our big day!

As for the limo situation… our ceremony and reception are going to be held at the same place so we won’t really need one for that long.  But we had the same idea as Kylin who wants some sort of limo or bus to be able to take guests back to the hotel(s) safely!  We haven’t even started looking into that!

My wonderful mom is making my gown, which I am so excited about.  So of course she will be involved in the trying on of dresses!  I went with a few of my bridesmaids last weekend to try their dresses on and it was sooo much fun!  BUT it did become stressful, since I had my heart set on green as our color, so did Jim.  But I got the impression my girls weren’t too thrilled about it, they of course insisted they were cool with it.  But I think that was the first time in the planning process where I kind of thought, “wow this is going to be harder than I thought!” 

Would welcome other shared thoughts on what they would look for in wedding planning processes ‘ cuz this is fun!

IRON BRIDES BLOG READERS – SKITS R UP!

Iron Brides Contestants, Blog Readers, and Fans!   You’ve gotta check out the You Tube Website for Iron Brides….www.youtube.com/ironbrides   The auditions, skits, and extras are all posted on You Tube.  

SO…..if you haven’t already subscribed, please subscribe with a username/password, and then rate the auditions, skits, and comment on what you think!

What one(s) did you like most?

Iron Brides Recipes……

It’s getting colder outside.  with it getting colder, I’m finding myself wanting to bake goodies – but am kind of tired of making “the same old things”….  So, I’m looking out to the Iron Brides blog readers, bride, host, concierge contestants, whomever wants to….to swap some recipes with me.

I’m looking to make some great desserts for Thanksgiving because my two kids from upstate NY will be coming to New Hampshire.   Wanting to WOW them with something unexpected I was hoping perhaps we could share a few recipes.

I will take a couple of hours tonight to rummage through my recipes to see what I can find and I will post a couple then.  Could be fun!

Thanks!

Iron Will, Iron Minds, Iron Steel, Iron Brides…..

It’s 12:30 AM and I just got home from an Iron Brides Production meeting.  I wanted to offer one bit to the blog readers……whatever Iron Will or Mind you may have, as versed by many people the last few days, remember to vote today.

– Joann

Oh, I LOVE IT! Recipes from Iron Brides Bloggers….

“I’m not that great of a cook, but I love making desserts. Enjoy, it’s yummy!”…..says Kylin Szlosek of her Peanut Butter Pie recipe.

Oooh, Oooh, Oooh………here we go Iron Brides readers and recipe hounds!   I received my FIRST yummy recipe from Kylin Szlosek…. Check this one out – it sounds easy and tasty!  Send more, girls and guys~

PEANUT BUTTER PIE!!!!
What you will need:
1 graham cracker pie crust
1 cup of peanut butter
8oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup of sugar
12 oz. container of whipped topping, divided
11 oz. jar of hot fudge, divided

Mix together the peanut butter, cream cheese, and sugar. Fold in 3 cups of whipped topping. Spoon mixture into the pie shell. Using a spatula, smooth mixture to edges of pie.

Reserving 2 tablespoons of hot fudge, place remaining hot fudge into microwave for 1 min. Spread hot fudge over pie to cover the peanut butter layer. Refrigerate until serving time.

Just before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over hot fudge layer, being careful not to mix the two layers.

Place the 2Tbs. hot fudge in a small baggie or sandwich bag and knead for a few seconds. Cut a tiny hole at the end corner of the bag and drizzle lines over pie. Do the same thing with 2Tbs. peanut butter going in the opposite direction of the hot fudge.

And that’s it!
I’m not that great of a cook, but I love making desserts. Enjoy, it’s yummy!

An excellent pie crust recipe to share….

Flaky Pie Crust 

Chop together:

 

2        C  Flour

¾   C  Oleo  OR   Crisco

1   tsp salt

¼  tsp baking powder

5 – 7   T  cold water

 

Chop using a pastry cutter or fork. 

Roll out on a floured surface.

Makes 2 crusts.

 

 

Baking times may vary – check for doneness.

 

Baked Pie Shell  425 degrees  10-15 minutes

Apple Pie     -    425 degrees   50 minutes

Berry Pie      -    425 degrees   35 minutes

Custard Pie  -    325 degrees   45 minutes

 

This is an easy pie recipe and is very flake-like.

– Joann

Iron Brides Recipe Readers…Holiday Chex Mix…..AKA…..White Trash

Holiday Chex Mix…..AKA…..White Trash

4 ½  C  Rice Chex cereal

4 ½  C  Corn Chex cereal

1 ½  C  salted peanuts

2 C  pretzel sticks (broken in half)

1 LB bag of M & M’s (plain or peanut)

 

1 ½ LB White Chocolate (Nestle’s White Chocolate Chips work well)

 

-         Melt white chocolate using a double boiler on LOW heat  OR in microwave (CAREFULLY)

-         Pour over the mixture

-     Fold together and cool

-         After chilling, break into pieces

-         Store in airtight container

 

You could add raisins, etc., for creativity!

 

Iron Brides Blog Readers – One more goodie recipe for tonight…..

 

- Joann

A Day In The Life of Iron Brides…..

I’ve been up since 5 AM, viewing some of the final auditions posted on You Tube, which, by the way, are ALL posted now.  Thanks to Jeffrey for this – it takes many hours to complete.   Please grab some munchies and review the material.  The skits are pretty darn funny!  Now that all of the auditions are posted, reviews will begin within the next week and final contestants determined.   I am certain contestants are getting anxious and can say that the announcements for finalists will be forthcoming soon  : )    Hang in there!

I grabbed a cup of coffee at Dunkin Donuts and headed out to the polling center at 5:35 and was actually 25th in line….pretty cool!   If I were still in upstate NY, I could wander into the Town Garage after school or work (5 pm-ish), get checked in and then enter the 1 booth voting area with virtually no line.  Ultimately, for the township garage, there may be 250 people maximum in a voting day.  I’m keeping in mind that rural NY is of course, not like the Nashua area in NH.

Just to share:   I would like for Iron Brides Blog readers to consider submitting recipes that are their favorite desserts, munchie foods, or cookies, etc…  This is fun and Iron Brides readers can see what people like to create  : )  Gives us all something FUN to do!

Later in the morning, I put together correspondences for entities involved in production work for Iron Brides, etc…

I met with a couple of website clients to assist them in creating their shopping cart for their site, as well as formatting their layout.  Other sites needed search engine optimization and link enhancement to complete.  

Somewhere in this day is college coursework…..

How was your day?

Iron Bride Contestants sharing recipes….Great Stuff!

There have been a great number of recipes for some VERY, VERY ingenius foods, desserts, snacks, and such.   If the brides-to-be do not mind, I would absolutely LOVE to share their recipes with Iron Brides Blog Readers.  See, this is incredible! 

From Tarryn Brandl and Amy Dole, here are two desserts that sound like  absolute MUSTS:

From Tarryn ~

I have a great recipie for you! Its actually more of a project but its fun and tastes great and you can use practically anything you’d like! The best part is no baking required. Last year I made these for everyone for christmas and wrapped with celephane and ribbons and they were awesome!! Not as indepth as it appears   The trick with chocolate is to work QUICKLY.   Chocolate Treat Bowls   What you Need:   your favorite chocolate chips (a combo is fun of white, dark, and milk chocolate) aluminum foil silcone brush or brand new paint brush (that u don’t mind throwing away) cereal bowl wax paper   Optional nuts (any kind u like) dried cranberries peppermint candies, butterscotch, caramel…. really anything that goes with chocolate. almonds with skins   Chocolate Bowl 1.Take a deep cereal bowl and line it with aluminum foil so it makes the shape of the bowl. 2.Melt about 2 cups of chocolate using directions on the bag 3. Use your brush to paint chocolate on the bowl you made with the foil (make it thick) 4. Put the whole bowl in the freezer for atleast 15 minutes Don’t remove from freezer till your ready to fill 5. Remove the bowl, now gently remove foil from the chocolate place on wax paper 6.Once there hard you can actually decorate them with chocolate by driseling the opposite colored chocolate all over the outside.. then put back in freezer to cool.   PS…. they don’t always have to look pretty the end may be ragged thats ok.   The idea is to fill the chocolate bowl with all kind of goodies,heres some I typically do:   White Chocolate cranberries and almond Bark 1. Line cookie sheet with peice of wax paper 2. Smash almonds (you can put in a bag and smash with a spoon) 3. Melt White chocolate following directions on bag 4. Pour slowly or use the brush to poor chocolate onto wax paper 5. stir in almonds and cranberries 6. put in fridge to cool 7. once cold and hard break into all different shaped peices.   Cinnamon Almonds 1/2 cup water 1/2 sugar 3 tsp or to taste cinnamon greased cookie sheet 1.Boil water, sugar, and cinnamon, stir often 2.Add almonds and toss to coat. 3.Remove almonds with slotted spoon. 4.Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes Store airtight.   Chocolate Covered Candy Canes Dip 1/2 the candy cane in melted dark chocolate put on wax paper in fridge to harden   There is endless things you can do with these bowls, you can fill with cookies, candy, nuts, bark, anything you can think of…. the idea is to really fill them with lots of color.   ENJOY! From Amy Dole ~ Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes These are impressive and easy!  Who doesn’t love molten lava cakes straight from the oven? You can also make these in advance then bring them to room temp while your eating dinner, then after when everyone’s clearing the table and drinking wine or coffee, you can pop them in the oven and 7-9 minutes later they can be served! Ingredients 6 Ounces of bitter sweet chocolate chopped ¾ Cup Butter (plus some to butter the ramekins) 3 Eggs 3 egg yolks ½ Cup sugar 3 tsp flour 6 tsp cocoa powder Melt chocolate, and butter in a double boiler, or if you don’t have a double boiler then use a glass bowl, over a pot of water!  Stir until smooth, remove from heat.  In a separate bowl beat the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until thick. Pour melted chocolate into eggs slowly!  Try not to make chocolate scrambled eggs lol…  Beat in the flour, until just combined don’t over beat! Butter 6 ramekins, put a tsp of cocoa powder in each one and then tip them around until the butter is coated in chocolate.  Pour your batter in.  Place on a baking sheet, and bake at 450 for 7-9 minutes.  Outside should be set.  Inside will be molten.  Invert ramekins onto plates and let them sit for a few seconds.  They should pop right out!

 

Thanks, Girls!   These are great ideas.

An Iron Brides Cookbook? You bet….

Not only can these Iron Brides girls iron, these girls can cook!   The Producers at Iron Brides are asking the contestants of the Iron Brides Production team to rummage through their Grandmothers, In-Laws, Mothers, Fathers, and their own old, new, and creative recipes in creating the first Season I Iron Brides Cookbook.

The response is creating a COOKING FRENZY!   I’ve had a great number of responses of some very, very appealing dishes, desserts, and treats.   Not wanting to let the cookies crumble and give away all of the recipes, I would like to share with Blog Readers just what this Project has started…..its creating more ties between brides-to-be and their Moms, their future Mothers-In-Law, and Grandmothers…..that is JUST what I want to know and hear!   How about including a section in the Iron Brides Cookbook focusing on “Bridal Shower” foods, beverages, desserts?

A couple of responses from Iron Brides bridal contestants, Sara Bush and Vania Crevier…..

From Sara Bush…..

“Hi Joann, I think this is a great idea! I am super excited!  Planning my wedding has already brought me closer together with my family as I find myself calling my mother, grandmother, fiancees mom, etc. almost daily to discuss and get their input on wedding detail,  I will certainly be calling them for recipes now too!

I’ll be back in touch soon!”

 

and from Vania Crevier….

“Hey I think the cookbook is a WONDERFUL idea!!  I think there should be a portion in it with recipe ideas you can use for a bridal shower too! Maybe you put in pictures of the brides and their food! I can’t wait to see how it comes out!”

Now, don’t you think that a collaborative Project such as an Iron Brides Cookbook would make for an invaluable gift?   More on that later!

Sara Bush

Iron Brides Cookbook Idea…..SWEET!

Iron Brides Blog Readers……..Do you think that an Iron Brides Cookbook is a novel idea?    EVERY Iron Bride that has responded so far thinks that it is A GREAT IDEA!   Here is one more testimonial to the Cookbook idea, from Tarryn Brandl, a bridal contestant from Nashua, NH:

“While I am just getting home from work…. I had to comment quickly on the cook book idea… I LOVE IT!! I think ur all crazy for getting yourselves into another project but am sure it will be a huge success and can’t wait to contribute!!!  I will reply to your questions in the other email first chance I get in the am… but for now I’m off to spend my first moments of the day witha bowl of ice cream, Sean and my lil pups and fill myself in on this election!!! Have a good night!”

 

There you have it!   More later…..

Iron Brides Recipes – Still Coming In!

I have been receiving a nice collection of recipes from contestants, ranging from entrees to desserts and candy recipes, to sports game snacks.  Does anyone have any casserole, vegetable, or beverage recipes they’d like to share?

Question to readers….have you been to a bridal shower?  What would you like to see served at a bridal shower?  Any ideas to share regarding etiquette for a shower?  We could include a small section in the cookbook that focuses on bridal showers.   Let me know your thoughts.

Iron Brides Blog Readers – What are your weekend plans?

Iron Brides Blog Readers……….what are your plans for the weekend?    To the Iron Brides contestants, are you wedding dress shopping, cake tasting, or going out to lunch with the girls?  Maybe a girls night out – that would be FUN!  To the Moms and Mother-In-Laws, are you helping in planning weddings, maybe doing a little Christmas shopping, going out for lunch?   How about the Dads and Father-In-laws?  What are you doing this weekend?  Maybe taking your daughter or soon to be daugther-in-law out for breakfast or lunch?

I’m trying to figure out what to do with the whole weekend…..partly working on IB stuff, some web design work, college course work, household stuff (that never ends, it seems), but would like to go to Connecticut on Sunday….We’ll see.   Let’s be creative here  : )

If you have a few minutes, I’d like to hear what’s going on in your world for the weekend!

I’m having “a girl moment” here….

ARGH……SIGH, and SIGH!   Iron Bride Blog Readers…I’m having a girl moment here, I think.     Ive been sharing thoughts, ideas, questions and concerns, alot of recipes lately, wedding plans, and today weekend plans with a whole bunch of girls who, for the most part, the same age as my two biological children, Ryan and Julia.  

After logging onto the WordPress website to think about what good stuff to write about tonight as well as to check my reader stats, something came over me…..I felt like I got smacked!   I saw the number of readers (web traffic) that I was getting and realized that everyone is probably on the edges of their seats waiting, wondering, and waiting more….)   I try to keep my Blogs upbeat and informative…to what girls like to read, actually.   

Almost on the verge of tears (yeah, I get emotional over things….I remember when, at the age of 13 and 12,  my younger brother tried to kill a baby mouse in the barn and I freaked out, screamed at him and then saved the mouse)…I’m drama I know!      ANYWAY…..feeling like I was going to start crying, I realized what my deal was….its that so many of these girls have been reading and reading blogs and commenting, they’ve been emailing me about this and that, etc., and now, its almost to the stage of picking only 8 girls.  Its hard to fathom…..having established a rapport with these girls….I can’t think of not having a small inkling in their lives by simple emails and blogging stuff….  Ive been told that I’m getting too attached…..”Jo, you’re getting too attached”  and I scoffed at that remark thinking, “Naw, I’m not.  They are like my own kids actually.”  But truth be known, they actually are in a way….

I truly hope that EVERYONE READING THESE BLOGS know how important EACH AND EVERY CONTESTANT (BRIDE, HOST, CONCIERGE, ENTERTAINMENT – YOU NAME HIM/HER) is in making the auditions, the skits, the conversations, and eventually the television show the ABSOLUTE HIT it is going to be.   

WORKING TOGETHER, HAVING FUN, BUILDING LONGER LASTING FRIENDSHIPS…WE ARE GOING TO ROCK NEW HAMPSHIRE WITH THIS PROJECT~

Okay…time to regroup, grab a cup of tea and get immersed into some work to minimize fleeting thoughts.   Maybe a glass of wine, or a whole box of chocolates will help…….YUMMMMM!

Its going to be a fun but difficult week, next week…  Stay tuned Iron Brides readers.

 Respectfully,

Joann

–Later!

Compiling final questionnaires from bridal contestants

One of the tasks  for me this weekend is to compile the final questionnaires sent to the bridal contestants in the early part of this week.  I have received a great number of responses – all with great information that lends to describe and characterize each woman.  I had not read them as they were received….I wanted to wait until I had about 25-30 in hand to read, note, and get teared up over, in the interim.  After compiling the data, members will begin to review the material.

Like I said in a former blog….it is kind of an emotional time right now, beginning to read and share the Iron Bride contestants information with group members – working towards the selection of only 8 isn’t going to be easy. 

Well, I’m off……..

Enjoy the weekend!

IRON BRIDES CONTESTANTS, BLOG READERS, AND FANS

Iron Brides Productions is in the beginning phases of the final selection of the eight bridal candidates for New Hampshire’s first Reality Cable Television Show.    These Iron Brides women  have been submitting their auditions, emails, final questions, recipes, and comments, in which the group will evaluate.  These materials, as I said,  are in conjunction with the auditions posted on You Tube (the ratings, views, and comments).  

Today, I have been working fast and furiously in getting final contracts emailed to the contestants of Iron Brides.  The contract specifies the rules and agreements in participating….being 21 years of age, engaged to be married, making certain they complete the paperwork, of course their video on You Tube, and lastly, having their wedding in NH, northeastern MA or southern ME after February, 2009.   The response is HUGE!

I want to make SURE that the Iron Brides Contestants understand the filming dates that were specified in the contracts sent.  I have been sending replies to each contract received, asking the women to double check that the dates and times needed for filming were conducive to their personal/work schedules and lives and to let me know if problems existed.

The dates being spoken of are the following:

November 22, 2008 9AM- 5PM

November 23, 2008 9AM- 5PM

December 5, 2008 3PM-11PM

December 6, 2008 9AM- 5PM

December 7, 2008 9AM- 5PM

December 13, 2008 9AM- 5PM

December 14, 2008 9AM- 5PM

January 18-25, 2009 (full days) 9AM on the 18th through the 25th

Girls, if you have ANY questions or concerns, please email me, okay?  Hang in there….we will know things by the early part of next week!

- Joann

Iron Brides Blog Readers….Here We Go!

Hey everyone!  The time has quickly come for Iron Brides Production to begin the final selection of the 8 bridal contestants for the TV Reality show being produced in New Hampshire.    As the Associate Producer, I have been working with all of these girls in various ways….The next week is going to be tough in many ways because we can only select 8……8 out of 46 who have completed all of the necessary requirements….OH BOY!

Compound the problem even more by having to select the Hosts…..2….2 out of 18 who have completed the necessary requirements.

I have said it before and will say it again….I am so very proud of everyone who has participated in this production – I hope that after selections are made, the contestants will continue to follow the production in any way possible and helpful.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

 

– Joann

Iron Bride Blog Readers….It’s Official….

It’s official…….Julia called me tonight and is “officially engaged”.   

I haven’t seen her yet, as she is in Albany, NY.  She said that after being asked to go for a ride late this afternoon which was to a jewelers shop.  Im certain after giggling, gooing, and gaaaing, and trying on a number of rings, she picked out a ring made of white gold, with a 1 Ct diamond solitaire and 2 sapphires on each side…..

I’m holding alot of mixed feelings now that it is “for real”…

My baby is grown up…..I’m very happy for her!

Iron Brides Readers ~ Here are the kind of hearts that the younger girls have……..

I wanted to share two responses I got this morning regarding a short-diddy blog that I put up last night after receiving a phone call…. 

 This comment is from Jennifer Lessard, the first bride-to-be who submitted her application way back when….She’s very petite, but FULL of energy, fiesty, and has a very huge heart.  During auditions, she brought additional formal wear for girls to borrow in the event they didn’t have any or forgot to bring their own.  She also brought extra pumpkins for the pumpkin painting event held.  She is a dairy farmers’ daughter and there is a picture posted of her with a jersey calf in the blog listings.

Anyways….from Jennifer regarding the email I posted last night about Julia ~
AHHHHHH YAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!  I HOPE she has the wedding of her DREAMS!!!

 And this one from Julia, who didn’t know I had put the blog up…..(I know, sneaky!! LOL ).  Julia is my daughter and best friend.   I had both happy and sad feelings when learning that yup, this is for real.  Before the symbolic committment, it seemed like the usual conversation and thoughts.  Mom’s gotta get used to this…Course, I can always remind Frank that she is “just a loaner” and actually belongs to me!  Though she is in NY, she hears about Iron Brides from friends and me.

This is the response from Jules…
Thanks, mom! Love yaaaa and I can’t wait to see you this weekend! It’s gonna be a blast!

 

Have a good day y’all!

Iron Brides Blog Readers and Fans…This is how Moms think and feel….

I received a very nice response from one of our Iron Brides Moms.  Thanks, Mom!  Laurie Allinson’s Mom, Barbara Allinson,  is obviously an Iron Brides Blog Reader.  I hope she enjoys what is being said.  From what she indicates, she knows full-well, what the experience is like in being a Mom with a daughter becoming newly engaged.  I don’t know how or what other Moms think or feel….but, MAN, it is tough on the heart strings!

I want to share Barbara’s response with our readers in my Blog, versus her response being in the Comments section alone. 

“First off CONGRATULATIONS MOM!  When Laurie came home and told us she was engaged I had many of the same mixed feelings!  Thrilled for her to start her own married life after watching her become a beautiful young adult.  But I was also sad for me, sad that my oldest child was “leaving the nest” so to speak.  As parents we give our children our  hearts and when they grow up and move on with their lives it’s like having a piece of your heart out there in the world making it’s own way.  And yet, isn’t that a wonderful feeling as well!  Enjoy every minute of it!”

–Barbara Allinson

I can see that Mrs. Allinson is very proud and happy for her daughter, Laurie.  Thanks, Barbara!

 

– Joann

Iron Brides follow-up to what Moms think and feel with their baby girls getting married….

Okay Iron Brides readers……I think I have hit on an Iron Brides topic of conversation that would be absolutely AWESOME to have Moms of daughters newly engaged, or having been engaged for a longer period of time get involved in.   I have gotten a couple of sensitive responses from women on “what Moms think and feel” upon learning that their daughter is engaged to be married.

I would LOVE to see just how many Mothers of brides-to-be want to share with Iron Brides Readers and Fans, what they thought and felt, or even currently think and feel.   This would be so cool!  Please consider and lets open the lines on this topic to whomever wants to express how they feel.  Okay Iron Brides Contestants and Blog Readers…..talk to Mom and/or even Dad and ask them to respond…It will be alot of fun to see what and how people think and feel.

Amy Dole, one of the bridal contestants, responded with a very cute, but also very accurate response….

“My mom said to me “you know how excited you get when Jack learns something new like how to clap, or to wave etc. now imagine he was getting married.” That really put it in perspective for me!!!”

– Amy Dole

 

Rebecca Phelps said the following with regard to hearing of my daughter’s official engagement…..

“CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! To you and Julia!!!! My most important advice as a bride planning a wedding is HAVE FUN WITH IT!!!! One of the best things since I got engaged is how close my mom and I have become. We were close in the first place, but this has given us someting special to bond over. I wish and hope the very same for you and Julia!!”
~Rebecca Phelps

She also had this response to what Moms think and feel……

“You know, as young daughters we are excited to start a new phase of our lives and get married and all. I think we forget how emotional it can be for our family members and our moms in particular. Thank you for the reminder Joann and Barbara!!!!!”
~Rebecca Phelps

Now we’re talkin chicken….”My fiance’s favorite chicken ~

I wanted to share an entree recipe that, depending upon who makes it, might taste “just a little bit better”.   This recipe is from one of our Host Candidates, who is also a soon-to-be bride…..  : )

Let me know what you think…..who could make it better…….bride-to-be or fiance?  Hmmmmm…..

Where’s Emerill when you need him?

 

My Fiancé’s Favorite Chicken

(He cooks this chicken once a week, after I taught him how to make it.  Now, he thinks his chicken is better than mine… ha ha  ha …….yeah right!!)       : )

 

 Ingredients

 

4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons of milk or cream

1/4 cup of flour

1 cup dry Italian Style breadcrumbs
1 1/2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
salt/pepper

 

 

Preparation

 

Preheat oven to 350°.

 

Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.

 

Place flour in a shallow dish. Combine mustard, egg and cream in a shallow dish. Combine breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley and garlic in a shallow dish. Dredge 1 chicken breast half in flour, turning to coat; shake off excess flour. Dip in egg mixture; dredge in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat with remaining chicken, flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumb mixture.

 

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken; lightly fry for 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove from heat. Place chicken on baking sheet and put in a 350° oven for 10 minutes or until chicken is cook through. Serve with a garden salad and rice. Enjoy!!

Iron Brides…A Wonderful “DAD” comment….”WAY TO GO, DAD!”

Iron Bride Contestants….You have got to acknowledge that when I say, ”parents love to reminisce about their children!”  that they absolutely do!    I have the FIRST response from a Dad – in fact its from Karin Lilly (repeating what her Dad, Tom Lilly, had told her)…. and I absolutely want to share this with the WORLD!!!  I think it is AWEWOME to have these little responses to share…I don’t know about anyone else, but it makes me, as a parent, feel pretty darn proud of these kids (grown up or not, they are still our kids, babies, etc…)

One day, you will better understand what we, as parents, mean by this….

Anyhow, this is Karin and her Dad’s response….

“What my Dad ,Tom Lilly, said to my fiance’ after he asked for my hand in marriage was, “this is probably the happiest I have been in my life other than the day she was born.”   I definitely agree with all the other brides – it brings your family alot closer to together.   I dont know who is more excited – my parents or us!!!”

What more can I possibly say? How true could this possibly be?

Thanks for sharing that, Karin!

– Joann

From an Iron Brides Mom….

I received a very notable email from the mother of Laurie Allinsen, Iron Brides bridal contestant. Barbara sent me a nice email this evening and said I could share it….

Joanne,

I think a part of me is still in denial and the wedding is 8 1/2 months from now! It’s been almost a year since Laurie became engaged and it’s now beginning to dawn on me that this is really going to happen… my baby, a BRIDE! When Laurie tried on wedding gowns I sat not really absorbing the process. My sister was with us and she was the one who cried looking at her while I too saw the beautiful girl trying on prom dresses and looking lovely, but never really thinking “my daughter the bride” I am sure when we go for her fitting it will hit me like a ton of bricks and I will be the one sobbing in the bridal shop!

So the nightmares have begun, where reality has begun to set up shop in my brain! Guest lists, menus and oh no, I have to find a dress??? What will we forget to do to make her day perfect? Will the reception be a joyous occasion? Will everyone like the location or will the cows down the hill from the gorgeous place we chose waft an unpleasant scent through the July dusk? Will the photographer show up on time? What about the church? Right now the church that Laurie grew up knowing, was baptized in, made her first communion and confirmation in, is up for sale. We do have a “backup” church, but Laurie has her heart set on being married in “her” church. Cakes, flowers, liimos, OH MY! I feel like Dorothy in OZ right about now, so out of my element! For so many years I was “just a mom” to 7, the mother to six beautiful little people here on Earth and one little girl in Heaven. Now they are all growing up, the youngest becoming a teenager in a matter of weeks! Pretty soon all my babies will be grown. SIGH

And I guess I am not the only one having the nightmares! Laurie has told me that she has woken up in a panic after a dream about her wedding. Her latest one was that she forgot to buy shoes for her gown and ended up running into Walmart in her wedding gown and buying a pair of flip flops on her way to the church!

But, I know I can’t stop time, I can’t keep her my baby forever, and I really don’t want to. It’s not really like letting go, because I have been letting go all her life: her first step, her first day of school, her first bike ride, her first date, her first prom, her first car ride alone after getting her licence, the day we left her alone at college. Yes, my baby is grown up, but she knows where “home” is and can still be a little kid when she comes home to visit. Just today she came by after work and took her two younger sisters 14 and 12 back to her house for one of their famous “girls nights”. When Laurie used to come home from college she would gather them in her room for a movie night and sleepover. It’s nice to see that really, while everything seems to be changing, it’s still staying the same as traditions are just moving to new places. I am just going to hang on for the ride and enjoy seeing what happens next as all my children grow up! I am sure there will be lots of tears on the journey, but also lots of smiles and heartfelt happiness.

Barbara

It’s interesting to see and hear what or how people feel.

Thanks, Barbara….thanks Laurie!

Joann

HOW to select the Iron Brides Show Hosts

I cannot sleep….way TOO much on my mind these days! Boy, not only do we have to select 8 final Bridal contestants, we also have to select 2 Show Hosts ( preferrably 1 male, 1 female) out of the ooodles of auditions posted. Iron Brides Readers and Fans….I would like for you to tell me who you feel/think would serve best as Iron Brides Show Hosts and WHY you feel/think that.

Please log into the You Tube website, www.youtube.com/ironbrides. Select the Host category on the right hand side, scroll through contestants, and YOU tell me who YOU think and feel would be the better Hosts…..

ALL of these selection processes are going to prove difficult. I’m looking to my blog readers for some intell….

Thanks!!!!

– Joann

Iron Bride Readers and Fans….Producers added 2 Bridal Alternate Positions

In a production meeting held tonight, groupmembers discussed and decided to add two alternate positions for Bridal Contestants for the Iron Brides Production. Instead of having only eight bride-to-be women, we will have ten. All ten will be participating in the day to day events given.
I am glad that it has been extended to ten…..as it is, it is going to be very difficult to select the ten from the original 46 applications received.

Iron Bride contestants needing to submit any final paperwork have until 5 PM Wednesday, to provide their final questionaires and Echosign Waiver Form. Groupmembers will be meeting later in the evening to review and make final decisions. I am told that the process could take a number of hours because of the need to review each candidates’ information. It will be interesting to read the final questionnnaires, review the original applications, and discuss possibilities. On a lighter note, I feel that all of the girls who auditioned will support those who are able to move on.

The time is growning near……hang in there, Readers!

Iron Brides Blog readers and fans…..Like correcting school test papers, the selection will take some time….

Iron Brides Blog Readers and Fans…by this I’m including bride and host contestants, concierge, and entertainment personnel for the reality tv show production, Moms, Dads, Mother and Father-in-Laws, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, pets of all kinds…everyone involved in the soon-to-be brides’ lives….

Iron Brides Production members have started and will continue reviewing each individual bridal, host, concierge, and entertainment auditioner that submitted material for this production. Wanting to do the best job possible, each person will be individually reading and assessing the information given them. Likened to correcting school test papers, this selection process will take some time, thought, pen or pencil, ALOT of coffee, and maybe some snickey snacks!

So, just want to ask all of you to just hang on a little while longer….You’re a fabulous audience. My Blog statistics show it! Thanks!!

- Joann

Iron Brides Readers….Check out the music video posted on Iron Brides’ You Tube site

Iron Brides Blog Readers and Fans…..You’ve absolutely GOT TO check out the You Tube music video recently posted and tell me what you think about this….Could it be used on the Iron Brides Television show as introductory music? Check out You Tube at www.youtube.com/ironbrides

Play it a couple of times to get the feel for it….log in and rate it…lets see if this song can rock NH!!!

– Joann

Yeaaa!!! Julia is coming out to go to Madeleine’s and Jacques!!!

Julia is coming home to NH tomorrow evening…Yippee! We are going to go for some YUMMY cake tasting at Jacques Pastries on Saturday morning, followed by travel to Portsmouth, to work with wedding experts at Madeleine’s Daughter.

After having been to both Jacques and Madeleines Daughter, I told Julia that regardless of getting married in Lake George, NY, her cake and dress were coming from NH. Meeting both Liz (owner of Madeleine’s Daughter) and Natalie (Senior Consultant) in partnering as an exclusive sponsor of Wedding Gowns and apparel for the Iron Brides Production, I told Julia that what she experiences there with the girls will be like nothing she has ever been exposed to. Even with all of the formals and proms she’s attended – I guarantee the attention she gets from the representatives of Madeleines will surpass anything from her past formal shopping experiences. Another thanks to Madeleine’s Daughter for our joint venture…it is going to be GRAND!

And the cakes!! WOW, the cakes! I have been telling her and telling her, sending website links, and given her postcards picked up from Jacques, that the cakes displayed at their shop are “out of this world!” I told her that there are contemporary, traditional, special occasion, wedding cakes to die for, mini desserts, and candies….all made right there on the premises! I also told her that some of the designs have the colorations and “kick” per se, that you would see right out of a Dr. Seuss book…they are THAT VIBRANT!!!

Speaking of Jacques…..they have partnered with us as the exclusive Wedding Cake and Pastry sponsor for the Iron Brides Productions. Kudos to the ownership and staff at Jacques…this is going to be a great production! I cannot wait until Saturday to bring Julia over to see your displays…. PS: I’ve been watching my sweets because I want to get a sample of wedding cake….. As I have said in former blogs… I LOVE CAKE!

This promises to be an exciting weekend….PLUS, I will get to see Julia’s engagement ring….It’s hard to say that…”engagement”….yikes! Oh well, get used to it, Mom. I’m going to focus on the fun.

Okay, off to meetings. Later, readers and fans!

– Joann

Iron Brides Show Contestants are selected….

WOW, after hours and hours of reading, sharing and comparing notes, reviewing videos, looking at comments, views, and ratings, group members of Iron Brides met and developed the listing of bridal contestants and television show hosts.

The members involved want to thank everyone for their participation in the audition process….you are ALL Iron Brides and fabulous hosts! More on this later…

The Bridal Contestants chosen for the Season I production in New Hampshire are

Tarryn Brandl
Tricia Comi
Nicole Corvini
Vania Crevier
Amy Dole
Jennifer Lessard
Darlene Ramsey
Kylin Szlosek

Alternates:
Deanna Bennett
Stephanie Douglass

Show Hosts:
Jill Sullivan-Grueter
Brian Eibert

It is my hope that those who auditioned will rally behind the contestants selected to promote the first cable reality television show to be produced in NH.

– Joann

Thanks, Kathleen Saco

Kathleen Saco, an insurance representative for MetLife, as well as a Financial Planner, is a sponsor of the Iron Brides Production, being produced in NH. I would like to thank her for joining efforts with the Iron Brides team and look forward to working together.

Ms. Saco will be a presenter to the bridal contestants, providing them with insurance and financial consultations….both powerful tools necessary to put into place, insurance and financial needs that are needed in life (securities).

She will bring to the table, years of experience as representatives of insurance and financial planning. I am looking forward to her teachings – viable information for younger audiences.

Thanks, Kathleen!

Iron Brides Blog Readers and Fans – Check out various media sources for information

Over the course of the weekend, Iron Brides Productions was invited to attend two gala bridal events. Working closely with the hosts of both Madeleine’s Event Central and The Lakes Region Bridal Show, we announced bridal and host candidates for the production of Iron Brides, New Hampshire’s first cable TV reality show.

Many thanks to Jay of Madeleine’s Event Central, for allowing us to participate at the creatively planned event held at the Ethan Allen Furniture Gallery, in Portsmouth, NH. Also, another thank you to the Hoppers for allowing Iron Brides to attend another great bridal event, sponsored by The Lakes Region Bridal Show.

We incorporated the bridal shows with the opportunity to announce the bridal and host candidates for the production. In Portsmouth, we announced Darlene Ramsey, Tricia Comi, Nicole Corvini, and Vania Crevier as bridal candidates…They were estatic, and jumping all around! It was great because they had no indication during the event leading up to their being selected – it was great! In Concord on Sunday, we announced Amy Dole, Tarryn Brandl, Jennifer Lessard, and Kylin Szlosek as bridal contestants. We also announced Jill Sullivan-Grueter and Brian Eibert has the two show hosts.

The selection process WAS grueling. Many hours were spent combing over the materials (both in print and online)….nevertheless, selections have been made. It is my continued hope that the remaining auditioned contestants will join forces to make Iron Brides what it is meant to be…the most wholesome television reality show to be aired yet…Stay tuned (no pun intended)….

– Joann

Iron Brides Productions Welcomes Studio Mark Emile

As Associate Producer of Iron Brides, I am very pleased to welcome Mark and Betsey, of Studio Mark Emile, professional photographers, with studio located on Main Street, in downtown Nashua, as a season sponsor of Iron Brides’ cable televisions bridal reality show. Iron Brides looks forward to working with Studio Mark Emile in the upcoming months.

Blog readers, Moms, Dads, Mother and Father-in-Laws of brides to be, please check out the website for Studio Mark Emile at www.studiomarkemile.com to see the wide array of professional photography available, or visit their studio in downtown Nashua.

Iron Brides Blog Readers… Never A Dull Moment…..

CALL ME CRAZY! 50 lashes with a wet noodle! I have dropped the ball with respects to blogging! I am sorry! Things have been absolutely CRAZY! Trying to wrap up Season I finalist selections, working with media and setting appointments, organizing other people, and then………..SHA-ZAMMM! Starting the audition process in the Boston area for Season II, Boston. Call me CRAZY! What I don’t want to do is start talking and blog…blog…blog…….. (blah, blah, blah…trying to get my words up to date in one blog posting….) LOL..

Girls need to “discuss” things, right?

As Associate Producer, I have been a teammember traveling to assist in the creation of video profiles for our partnered sponsors, working with potential candidates for programming, assisting new auditioners, etc.

Every night for about a week now, there have been production meetings lasting until about midnight each night. Bleary-eyed, roll out in the morning, do the work I do as part of my livelihood and with it, what needs to be done for Iron Brides. Lately, I have been answering 2 telephones simultaneously…..creative, hey?

The creation and morphing of Iron Brides is absolutely mind-boggling! I had NO idea that a job such as this could be FUN, however, require alot of attention. I’m not trying to fluff my feathers or toot my horn, but boy, am I tired! I tell myself that this production is creating so much BUZZ, that man oh man, its going to be AWESOME!

I am looking forward to an actual day off where, there are no phone calls, emails (tons of them), or any other design work needing attention. Maybe Thursday (ahhhhhhh…….Thanksgiving Day)! We shall see.

Well, need to get ready for Friday morning. Iron Brides is working with partnered sponsor, Madeleine’s Daughter Bridal Boutique, to continue creating a business profile for them, and with this, have WCVB, out of Boston, on deck taping the Iron Brides production process…..pretty intense!

After the morning is complete, it is off to the Hawthorne Hotel situated in Salem, MA, to begin the first day of Auditions for Iron Brides’ Season II-Boston preliminaries….

NEVER A DULL MOMENT!

Every Bridal contestant is an Iron Bride

If I have said this once, I have said it ten or more times…..EVERY Bridal Contestant who has presented an audition for the production of the TV Reality Show, Iron Brides, in my eyes and heart, is an Iron Bride.

These women have created an online video, asked friends, family, etc., to view and rate videos, commented to blogs, etc. As the contest narrowed down, 8 women were selected from 45+ full applicants, along with 2 alternates. The final decisions were difficult to determine as all of these women have strong qualities.

The 8 and 2 have been selected, yet as I have said before…ALL of you are IRON BRIDES! Don’t forget that….you have a strong sense of compassion, and a heart so full of love for others, its unbeatable!

I wish the best to ALL OF YOU!

– Joann

Iron Brides Theme Song….Catch It!

After a long, but very, very productive film-taping day, I wanted to tell Iron Brides Blog Readers and Fans about a theme song possibility and ask them to research this young woman on the You Tube website to see for themselves.

Iron Brides Productions LLC, was approached by the parents of a young MA woman with a creatively designed audition tape. I listened to it ONCE and, as Charlie Brown said in one of Charles Schultz’ cartoons………..”THATS IT!” I felt strongly that her song fit our bill. I forwarded the link to both George and Jeff, who listened to it, compared notes, shook heads and said, let’s meet with this young woman and her parents.

We have met a couple of times to discuss elements of song production, and the mechanics involved. I would like the public to view for themselves and to please comment their thoughts to me about the Iron Brides Theme song, written by Jodie and Bill, instrumentalized by Bill, and lyrics being sung by Amelia Rose by going to You Tube www.youtube.com/ironbrides and look for Iron Brides Theme Song…..You tell me what you think! I think its CLASSIC and CATCHY!

Thanks you guys!

– Joann

Auditions for Season II, Boston….

Iron Brides Production staff is busy, busy, busy! Not only are staffers beginning the production of the Season I – New Hampshire television series, staff members are also beginning the Audition Process of Iron Brides, Season II, Boston Series. The information has been posted on the Iron Brides web site, www.ironbrides.tv Season II. All of the rules apply to Massachusetts as did for New Hampshire. Any woman age of 21 and older, and planning on being married in MA, after July 15th, 2009, is eligible to participate. Check the website for further information.

Season II promises to be as much or more informative…..it shall be fabulous! More on that to follow. Follow the Blog pages for information.

Iron Brides’ Associate Producer says “Thank you”

As the Associate Producer for Iron Brides Productions, I would like to thank ALL of the media sources who have been and continue to follow the Iron Brides Production train, which is building up so much steam. With the velocity of PR that this production is generating, it is DEFINITELY a train ride to get hooked up to. A host of newspapers and media sources from the central part of New Hampshire, and on over into the seacoast area have been all over the Iron Brides publicity…..To that I cannot say it enough….. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I feel without a doubt that it is TOTALLY AWESOME to talk about such a production!

To the Portsmouth Herald, thank you.
To Foster’s Daily Democrat, thank you.
To The Union Leader, thank you.
To The Concord Monitor, thank you.
To The Hippo, thank you.
To the Nashua Telegraph, thank you.
To The Boston Herald, thank you.
To the online sources at Seacoast Online and Foster’s Online, thank you.
To the wonderful radio talk show hosts at the surrounding radio stations, THANK YOU.
To any I may have forgotten to address upfront, please know that I mean what I say….thank you all!
(Remember, I’m a little-ole farm girl originally from upstate NY, so if I did miss one of you accidentally, I apologize : ) )

Your professionalism and demeanor throughout this publication does not go unnoticed!

Sincerely,

– Joann

Iron Brides first full-weekend of Production

Along with beginning Auditions in Salem, MA, Iron Brides Production Staffers worked 13-hour days Saturday and Sunday, in the beginning productions for the upcoming reality television show being produced in New Hampshire and set to air February 2009.

The eight bride-to-be candidates, hosts, and crew, worked long and hard to put out some really decent film footage, according to Director, Jeff Thayer, Executive Producer, George Jobel, and 2nd cameraman, David Petty. Seeing some of the tape, still photography, and listening to discussion, I am very pleased with what I am seeing thus far….CRAZY thing is that “we’ve only just begun….to tape.” Most unfortunately, I am not at liberty to disclose any pertinent information about what is being taped…..sorry!

Our film and taping events could not be what they are without the grand facility which is being used…..we have been fortunate to be invited to form a partnership with The Radisson Hotel of Nashua. This is a beautiful property, nestled in southern New Hampshire (Split Rock Road, Nashua). The generosity and professionalism depicted of Steve Lambert, Vice President of Operations, along with all of his staff, is greatly appreciated. Many thanks to you all. This is going to be great!

Is it an Iron Bride or is it a little Nanook from the North?

Iron Bride Or Little Nanook from the North?

Ahhh……..is this a marvelously captured photograph of an Iron Bride OR is it a little Nanook from the North? Inquiring minds want to know! If you know which Iron Bride this is………tell me~

Ahhh haaa haaaa! (sneaky little devil, aren’t I?)

– More to follow after photo developments : )

HAPPY __ rd BIRTHDAY to Iron Brides’ Executive Producer, George Jobel

Does anyone know this guy?

Iron Brides Blog Readers and Fans! Join me in wishing George Jobel, Executive Producer of Iron Brides Productions, a Happy __ rd Birthday!

Clue….. 50 something……….. tee hee hee!

Iron Brides Blog Readers: A sharing moment…….

I received a very touching email and wanted to share it with Iron Brides readers…..With this being said, if you haven’t had the opportunity to read a number of blogs lately, I have published several for you to read…..

I did want to, and asked permission to share this email from one of our Iron Brides…..

“Hi Joann:

I’m so great right now. But, I must admit I miss my Iron Brides. More than I thought I would. They are all just dolls!! I felt so connected to them all. I feel like a part of me is missing tonight. I know after this wonderful experience I will have so many new friendships and life long buddies. I have already set up times to meet up with some of our Ironbrides and some have asked for some cooking lessons. Which I am more than happy to assist with. So, When George says Trust me, I with no hesitation in the future will. You guys know what you are doing. The true testimony to the Ironbrides is “the bonding of some really terrific Strong, well educated and independent women” !! We’re real and not fake ….. Thank you for all we accomplished this weekend and I cannot wait for our next taping session. I miss you all so much, yes George you are included as is of course Joann, Jeff and Dave and hello Dan our limo driver…. Thanks again..”

– DR

PLUS, feel free to check out the Portsmouth Herald’s photo slideshow and articles online which are posted on the Iron Brides website, www.ironbrides.tv

ARGH! I can’t sleep!

Well, its 2:40 in the morning….If you are up too, read through my blog entries as there is alot of good info in there.

I just started 2 loads of laundry, cleaned the kitchen stove, and ran the dishwasher….I can’t sleep! I have toooooo much on my mind…..

I am sharing another response in asking the bride contestants how they were feeling after their first weekend of taping for the reality tv show.

This response is from Jennifer:

“I miss everyonnnnneeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so much! I never want this to end.”

Well, there you have it! I think I will go take a shower and clean it while in there….I have a big job to do at 8 AM….

Have a great day!

– Joann

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER!

GOOD MORNING, GEORGE.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU AND WE AT IRON BRIDES HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT BIRTHDAY!

– Joann

Heading to Central New York for a day or so…

Iron Brides Readers….I’m heading to Albany and then Utica, NY for a day or so to visit Julia and Ryan. I haven’t seen Ryan in a number of months and miss him…He is my oldest of the two (23), and will be in his last semester at Utica College, graduating in May (yippee)!

I am intrigued at the number of email responses from the girls indicating how much enjoyment their first weekend of taping was, and better yet, of how they miss the other girls. Our efforts have paid off!

I will be in touch!

– Joann

Iron Brides Readers and Fans – What are you thankful for?

I’m sitting in the lobby of the Marriott TownePlace Suites, writing to all of the Iron Brides readers and fans….wondering what others are thankful for? Some may say, they are thankful for their health, safety, job security, etc… It is my hope that you are thankful for all of the things around you…family, friends, and health. As you gather for Thanksgiving, share what you are thankful for…share moments from your past, as well as hopeful events for the future…before you ask for the pumpkin pie : )

Have a great Thanksgiving….

– Joann

Iron Brides Blog Readers…yeah, even on Thanksgiving…

Thanksgiving is going to be at Julia and Frank’s this year….quite a switch for me. I have always been used to having the holidays at home, my house. Julia wanted to take a stab at doing the meal preparation this year. Aww, why not let her have a turn? Anyhow, Julia loves to cook and is pretty darn good, for her being 21, thats great! I have taken 1/3 of the responsibility from her and have been cooking in the suite I am in…like I said, its sheik!

Speaking of suites, I’m at the Marriott Towne Place Suites in Albany, NY. Julia’s fiance, Frank, is the General Manager of this brand new facility. It is gorgeous-contemporary design, adorned in colors of yellow (goldenrod), shades of red (burgundies), and greens (olive)….pretty sheik! There is a full kitchen, living room, spacious bedroom, and 2 flat-screen televisions…nice! If you are ever in the Albany, NY area, definitely consider staying at the Marriott Town Place Suites, 22 Holland Avenue, Albany.

I got off an tangents…again! Sorry. What I wanted to simply do is ask readers what their favorite food was for Thanksgiving? Tell me what it is or better yet, what it “was.” Along with that, what was the best part of the day? I like to hear what other families traditions are……nice to share!

Have a great day everyone!

– Joann

Iron Brides Readers, fans, and NEW Bloggers!

Iron Brides Readers, fans, and what is this? New Bloggers? Whoa, ho, ho! Take a looky at the web site for Iron Brides www.ironbrides.tv, and check the “Blog and Comments” navigation button…there’s a new look there…..

The bridal candidates are now blogging….way cool! What’s happening is that each candidate is responsible to select a given topic (yes, homework–which relates to the wedding planning process), and then are to research and share by posting their new found information in their blog by a given time. This is a way for each of them to learn another aspect of wedding planning processes.

Along with the given assignment, each candidate is certainly able to blog more than just about their assignments. It actually becomes addicting in a weird way….. It’s kind of like a diary…..I know, I know….

So, readers and fans, please feel free to check the website for Iron Brides, read through the blogged information and if you have questions or comments, please ask or tell them. I’m certain other brides-to-be can take snippets of information from the blogs…

What an easy way to learn about a given topic as well as getting to know the candidates a little better.

- Later!

It’s December…..already? The IB is taping this weekend!

AFTER reading, please tell me what you think!

Iron Brides blog readers…hard to believe that it is December already…..wow, how time flies!

With it being December, Iron Brides Productions will be taping the weekend of Dec. 5-7th in a number of locations…..busy, busy, busy… Keep an eye out for these eight women in your travels – you NEVER know! You might run into them!

As part of the taping process, we are instituting a new “technology” known as Webcasting…Pretty cool, hey? From what I’m told, webcasting is kind of like, Reality TV, in its finest. Think about it, when you are watching reality TV, you are kind of seeing other peoples’ lives. But one of the controls from or during the making of many reality TV shows is that the shows you see on TV all have the footage that the producers and directors choose to let you to see. I’m told that webcasting removes such perameters. And with the amount of taping that we will be doing for the TV show, there will be snippets during the taping that online viewers participating in the Webcasting element will be able to see. Basically, when you watch online in real time, you will see things that others won’t. You will be viewing it almost first….NOW that is COOL!

So, if you want to be ‘on-set’ with us this weekend and see it real, live, unfiltered, sign up at http://ironbrides.tv/IronBridesUpdatesByEmail.html ~ We’ll announce the schedule and viewing instructions there.

Speaking of taping this weekend, SSHHHH!!!! I would like to share with you a few professional photographs of the eight selected girls, etc., taken by Mark at Studio Mark Emile, in downtown Nashua (website www.studiomarkemile.com) —check them both out!

Here is a group photograph including Tricia, Vania, Darlene, Jennifer, Kylin, Nicole, Tarryn, and Amy.

And this photograph is of one of the professionals at work….it is Mark Levesque, of
Studio Mark Emile…

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And lastly, Jill Sullivan-Grueter, one of Iron Brides’ Reality TV Show Hosts interviewing the other half of the business, Betsey Levesque, of Studio Mark Emile…

If you are considering holiday photography – I urge you to consider contacting Betsey or Mark at the studio. Their work speaks for itself!

That, my friends, is all that I can share for today….have a great day!

PS: The Portsmouth Herald is running an Iron Brides story in the Sunday Paper (today)….check it out!

– Joann

With December, comes Christmas, with Christmas…..

comes, PRESENTS, GOODIES, AND MORE GOODIES! I had an idea, a simply, incredibly, awfully awful idea (sound like the Grinch?)! Would blog readers like to “share” recipes? They MUST be original (as in Great Grandmas, Grandmas, Aunties, or Moms, etc… NOT from a magazine, cookbook, etc., because of publication principles, okay?).

I want to share a Peanut Butter Ball recipe that I have had forever, which was from my Mom….next time? Rum Balls (slurp!)

Peanut Butter Balls

2 sticks margarine
1 3/4 – 2 C crushed graham cracker crumbs
1 tsp. vanilla
12 oz. peanut butter
1 lb. confectioner’s sugar

- Mix all of the above ingredients
- Roll mixture into small balls, about 1 “
and place on waxed paper

- Then, melt in a double boiler set up over LOW heat,
1 – 12 oz. bag of chocolate chips
1/2 a bar of paraffin wax

- Dip peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate using a toothpick or
cake tasting tool

- Lay out on the waxed paper to firm up

- Store in an airtight container

Iron Brides candidates with Homework…I mean – Blogwork!

Blogwork? yes, Blogwork. The bridal candidates of Iron Brides do have homework as their blogwork. Say that 10 times fast!!!

Each bride to be is given five essay questions relating to the wedding planning process. In turn, one question is selected, researched, and reported on in their blog. You can read and comment on their blog by visiting the Iron Brides website at www.ironbrides.tv, “Blog and Comments” navigation button. I am flattered at the information that is posted.

KUDOS to all of these women for their efforts!

– Joann

Iron Brides Blog Readers – Sharing Recipes

I would like to know if our Iron Brides bloggers would like to share some holiday cookie and dessert recipes? After giving the Peanut Butter Ball recipe, I simply HAD to follow up with the Rum Balls………They are VERY ADDICTING….* * * hiccup * * *

Rum Balls

12 oz. chocolate chips (melted)
1 C sugar
2/3 C rum
6 T light corn syrup
4 C vanilla wafers (crushed)
2 C walnuts (crushed)

- Melt chocolate chips, add sugar, corn syrup – remove from heat, mix well.
- Add rum, wafers, and walnuts (last).
- Shape into little 1 in. balls…can roll in either granulated sugar or confectioners sugar.
- Important – store in an airtight container

Blogging templates offer as many options as buying a new car….

Iron Brides bridal contestants have established their new blogs under the WordPress.com website. Now that they have had a chance to get used to the concept of “blogging” they are wanting to tweek and modify their blog pages. GO FOR IT!

WordPress offers a wide array of design templates and optional features to choose from. One could almost swear they were shopping for features in purchasing a new car! The easiest way to modify your blog page is to….

Log in
Highlight the “My Dashboards” which will advance you to a new page that lists a bunch of options such as “Write, Design, etc….”
Under Design, you can then peer through 4-5 pages of various themes of backgrounds, and can also select the number of columns you would like.
To top off your stuff, subcategories such as “Widgets” will give you all of the goodies in the outer columns of the blog.
This is not hard to do, just takes some time…..

So, if you have about 15 spare minutes, GO FOR IT….jazz up your blog page. The choices on designing this are much easier than choosing options when buying a car!

– Joann

Iron Brides bloggers, readers, and fans….The sky’s the limit….

I was peering through emails today and taking note of the comments I have received from the brides to be….Every single person has said that they missed the other girls, they can’t wait until the next taping session, that they have thoroughly enjoyed the taping and events thus far, and thanked the producers for giving them the opportunity to participate in this cable television reality show.

While reading these compliments, I felt a genuine sense of compassion coming from these girls. They have mentioned that sure, the photography/videography package would be nice, BUT, almost all of them mentioned that they are looking forward to the bonding, the friendships, and times spent as a group. Others mentioned that they are hoping to maintain this friendship long after this production is over.

That, my friends, is just what I had hoped to achieve. The friendships and bonding between people is something that typically, cannot be taken away! Reading and knowing what I know, I already know that this television production has been a success. These girls are GENUINE! You can’t beat that!

Iron Brides has a “mini-teaser” of the upcoming production….

Blog readers and fans…..check out the online web-teaser that has been ingeniously put together for the internet. Interested Iron Brides fans can check out the “teaser” which depicts a little bit of what the show may entail…..Oh, we can’t give out ALL of the good stuff! That is for the breaking of the 13-week series of Iron Brides. I guess you’ll have to stay tuned.

Until then, check out……http://blip.tv/file/1530422
It’s pretty cool! Tell me what ‘cha think!

– Later!

There’s No “I” in TEAM!

When it comes to success, it can’t be done by only one. You can’t say or have I did this, I did that……Look at political campaigns and parties. No one person can complete what needs to serve the good of the community, state, or nation. Sports teams…..it takes more than one person to drive the football down the field….more than one person to score the extra point. Basketball, its awfully difficult to make much of an interesting game with just one on one.

Like these examples, we at Iron Brides know that it takes a TEAM to make a production successful. The sponsors, the production team, the brides to be, the hosts, the parents and familymembers of everyone involved. This is a commitment that requires everyone to give it their all. There is no room for I did this, I did that…its We did this and We will do that…that makes what we are doing the success it is.

The sponsors for Iron Brides Productions, LLC, have all been working side by side with us – it has been a great amount of fun for all. We are a TEAM. The producers, working alot of CRAZY hours planning, brainstorming events, putting out small fires, are also a TEAM. The hosts, they are planning the outlines of the show – definitely a TEAM. Working with the sponsors, producers alone, means that the hosts are a TEAM. Top this off with the brides to be – they are a TEAM within themselves, however, put them into the mix with the rest of us…..we have a WINNING TEAM…

No sireee…….there’s no room for “I” in this group! That’s a great feeling!

Like it or NOT, WordPress has updated to version 2.7!

WOW! Like it or NOT! WordPress has updated its blogging website content, format, and ease of blogging.

Call me “old school,” however, I sort of liked the old format….this new version appears “BUSY” to the eye, hard to comprehend.

Like grass growing, I guess its going to take time to adjust to this, as well as a certain amount of patience in NAVIGATING around the new “Dashboard.”

More later…I’m going to go and “self teach” myself on this new format!

Iron Brides taping weekend….

WOW! We have alot to do in a small window of time! Not wanting to break Disclosure Rules that have been signed, I cannot tell the Iron Brides Blog readers and fans exactly what we are doing this weekend….

I can tell the world that the Iron Brides and Brown Luxury Limousine are participating in the “Vintage Christmas” parade in Portsmouth, NH this Saturday evening. The girls will be festively dressed in “Vintage English-style dress”….it will feel like we’ve stepped into Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” This will prove to be a great time!

The girls will be staying at the Nashua Radisson Inn during the course of the weekend and will be actively involved in various taping events.
They will leave on Sunday, excited with all that transpired, but also a bit tired, as it is like “true work.”

Excited to be part of this production…the girls are terrific!

Thank you to the wonderful Sponsors we have partnered with, all sources of media for their coverage, the Director, Executive Producer, the Hosts, Brides to be, and their families and friends for the continued support and hype being given to Iron Brides Productions!

– Joann

Iron Brides, Studio Mark Emile, Madeleines Daughter, and Sole Training….ALL in 1 DAY!

Iron Brides blog readers and fans. I want to share one thing with you in this Blog posting….Short N Sweet!

From Betsey and Mark Levesque, of Studio Mark Emile, in downtown Nashua, whose business is fabulous studio and still photography……
They came to Portsmouth on Friday to shoot stills of the Iron Brides….

See for yourself at their blog….

Studio Mark Emile – http://studiomarkemile.blogspot.com/

Tell me what ‘cha think!

Portsmouth Vintage Holiday Parade for Iron Brides….

Loading girls into the limousine from the Hotel Radisson at 4 PM, heading to the seacoast to participate in the Portsmouth Vintage Holiday Parade….who would have known the excitement, friendship, and FUN!

The girls, dressed in their vintage style of dress – looked very impressive! Yes, Tarryn, even YOU looked stunning!!!

The excitement of the group was unreal. They have formed such a click that it is awesome to watch! Along the journey, I heard them talking about the Iron Brides competition…they were saying that they didn’t care about “winning the big prize – they were grateful for the friendships that they have made.” Now that is HUGE!

The line up in Portsmouth was intense! Dan, of Brown Limousine, chauffered the girls and did an excellent job. By the way, Dan – congratulations on your wife’s pregnancy and thanks for sharing the photo of the sonogram! Could easily see how happy a Dad you are! KUDOS to you! Best of luck….NEXT TIME though….you be there for the sonogram!!!!

The parade goers ranged from infants to elderly….the streets were lined with people. The participants of the parade involved church groups, some of Second Grade teacher, Tricia Comi’s girls in a Brownie’s Girl Scout Troop (good for you….I remember the days of being a G S Leader in central NY)!! Keep it up! And other participants of the parade were bag pipers, marching bands, walkers, floats…some with lights, some with lights and music! The best part? The Iron Brides and Browns’ limousine!!!! YEAH! The brides to be walked the parade route shaking hands, telling parade goers who they were, what they were about, and handing out holiday post cards to them. Some of the girls were even telling the crowd “vote for me” —-I thought the election was over!!

After the parade, it was dinner time — we went to a “Fresh City” restaurant near the circle in Newington….don’t ask me – Im from central NY………..but, the food was fresh and delicious!

The ride home was bonding…..alot was discovered about one another and it is my sense that these girls are in this competition OF LIFE and FRIENDSHIP for the long haul! Just ask them! They have their own blogs that you and ask and comment on.

Enough said….have a great evening….the parade was a HOOT, Sunday promises to be equally as fun! Best part – they have NO idea where they will be going tomorrow! Girls – you are GREAT!

– Joann

Iron Brides blogging assignment…

Iron Brides blog readers and fans. Each week, the girls are given the choice of up to 5 questions to research and answer by posting their findings on their own blog pages. They are given the topics Monday, and assignments are due 10 PM Friday evening.

The assignment for week 3 is as follows:

1) What determines what type of jewlery and jewelry style most suitable for the bride to wear on her big day? Tell me at least four things that need to be taken into consideration on selecting the types and correct pieces? Lastly, do you have your own preference/choices yet, and if so, what are they going to be?

2) The phrase, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a silver sixpence in her show”…….where did the phrase originate from? Does it apply to you? Would you or will you incorporate any of it into your wedding and/or life? Do you know anyone who as followed this tradition?

3) Having met with your life coach and talked about yourself as well as having learned some different values and skills in wedding planning, would you plan your wedding differently if money were not an object? Tell me at least three instances in which you would or wouldn’t change things as of this point. Be sure to tell how or why you would or would not change things, based on what you have learned.

4) You have just been hired as a Wedding Planner for a planning company in southern California. As part of the hiring process, you are to “plan” the wedding of a Hollywood celebrity and are told it can be male or female. The task being given from your new employer is that you are to plan what needs to be scheduled to make this celebrity’s BIG EVENT – money is no object. Tell me as a wedding planner, the name of the celebrity you are planning for, and what you as a wedding planner, will do for this celebrity….from engagment to honeymoon.

5) An Extra…….having been an Iron Bride for a little over a month now, tell me how you feel. Has this experience had an impact on your life? If so, how? If you had it to do over again, would you have entered this competition? What does your fiance think about this experience now? Lastly, what would be your advice for future contestants?

The count down is on…..

until Christmas. My how the time goes by. It seemed only yesterday kids were going door to door Trick or Treating. It seems the older we get, the quicker time passes.

Hard to believe that young adults equivalent to my own are planning weddings…..as I said how time flies!

Parents would agree ~

This tray of “stuff” is from the Chez Boucher French Cooking School….

Iron Brides contestants were given trays similar to what is depicted in this photograph, along with an array of delectable vegetables, chicken breasts, hard breads, etc…, and after demonstrations and teachings, were allotted a window of time to prepare their own meal as a team.

Looking at the photograph, can you guess what they might have been making:

Studio Mark Emile on the “spot” for Iron Brides

Mark Levesque, of Studio Mark Emile, was on the spot last Sunday, catching 7 brides to be telling Santa what they wanted for Christmas.

Check out his photo op on his Blog page…

Studio Mark Emile – http://www.studiomarkemile.blogspot.com

—Shhhh!!!! Don’t tell Mrs. Claus

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful,……

the Radisson delightful,
and if there’s no place to go,
Iron Brides will be taping their show!

Iron Brides Weather The Storm…………….

I know, I know………..HARSH! The thing is however, with holidays facing us there isn’t alot of taping options available. So, it’s kind of like they say in the film business………..”the show must go on.”

The girls are all safe, but do face some homeowner challenges…. some without heat, some without heat, water, and electricity. Some had the day off – all due to Mother Nature’s fury sweeping through New England.

To stay on production, we do have to ask the Iron Brides, testing their will in a sense, to continue on with the schedule and literally “weather the storm.” There are too many important events and presentations scheduled that cannot be cancelled. They will have a better understanding of this after tomorrow is finished.

Enough for now…I’m going to go make some dinner before its too dark in the kitchen and I cannot see. I feel like a pioneer woman…………….ALMOST!

The Ice Storm over…..now the aftermath….

Iron Brides Blog readers and fans….WE ALL should take a moment when we cross the paths of the utility workers of all forms (power, electrical, telephone & internet, heat…the list goes on…) and to make certain we thank them for all that they are able to do…..

Many, many without power…..these guys and Im sure a few gals, are out there, doing what they do best to help aid the rest of us…..cold fingers, ears, and toes…working in the worst of elements and possibly dangerous work conditions…..

It is my hope that others, like myself, make it a point to stop in my tracks and tell those people I cross in my path, THANK YOU for ALL that you do! It means alot! The smile and comments that come from them is “priceless!”

Iron Brides Weekend FULL of taping!

Though New Hampshire experienced a WHOPPER of an Ice Storm as the weekend approached, the taping for Iron Brides went on….”the show must go on” as they say…..

The girls, a little stressed, showed up at the Hotel Radisson, on Saturday morning, 8:50 AM, to start their weekend of taping for the production of Iron Brides.

Lengthy interviews, recapping events that had occurred went on during the morning session. While one was interviewed, the others talked about their personal lives enduring the storm and its effect on them and those that they love. At times, the girls, sitting in a circle, were rubbing the back of the girl in front of them…..de-stressing……

The trials and tribulations of life, the economy, holidays, tapings, the weather…..all of these elements can take its toll on anyone. Working together, they found ways amongst themselves to comfort one another. These girls are a committed unit of 8 – a nice thing to see!

The afternoon was deliciously fun as the brides-to-be traveled via Brown Luxury Limousine to participate in a cake tasting event coordinated by the staff of Jacque’s Fine European Pastries Shop, in Suncook, NH. The girls had a fabulous experience…they looked like little princesses being catered to by the knowledgeable staff. Thank you goes out to all of those at Jacques for their time spent with us!

The flavors of cakes…..wow…where to begin! There was carrot cake, red velvet, chocolate, vanilla, lemon, and even almond. Sampling these different cake flavors with an array of fillings (fruit and truffle paste) such as apricot, raspberry, strawberry, lemon, or chocolate, white russian, lemon creme, etc….it was HEAVENLY! The girls got really crafty and mixed flavors as well……raspberry with chocolate truffle….ohhh ohhh…so good!

If you want to experience this, you need to go to Jacques! And with the holidays looming……consider Jacques for your party needs….they have beautiful holiday cakes, packaged gingerbread and sugar cut-out cookies, as well as confections….. Check them out at www.jacquespastries.com

The latter part of the day was experienced with a software presentation that was out of this world! The girls were given a fabulous demonstration of a wedding organization software tool, created by a husband and wife team. The software, according to the girls, is “user friendly” and will allow them to use for just about any planning event, even after their wedding day has past.

I will provide blog readers and fans with more information on “The Organized Wedding” in a little bit….

Have a GREAT day!

– the weary writer!

Iron Brides Blogging – Week 4 and counting…

Iron Brides blog readers and fans. Each week, the girls are given the choice of up to 5 questions to research and answer by posting their findings on their own blog pages. They are given the topics Monday, select one to research, and assignments are due 10 PM Friday evening.

The Iron Brides Blogging assignment for Week 4 is attached. This week there are only 4 topics, with 1 extra. Have fun with this : )

1. This is a 3-part question, however is fun and relatively easy…You are a sales representative for “The Organized Wedding” Software company and have to create a sales boost for public use. Remember to use the title of the software when you write. Going through The Organized Wedding CD on your own, provide a description of 8-10 aspects of this software tool that would make this CD a “must” for brides-to-be and their fiance’s in planning or organizing their wedding. Express 3-4 additional “unique” features that this software can provide, aside of wedding planning or organizing. Lastly, tell me as a user yourself, what you feel is most beneficial and/or constructive in this software program for both you and your fiance.

2. You have been working with Helen Dutton, life coach, for several weeks now. Express at least 5 of the positive effects that having a life coach can have on an individual (not specifying yourself….but “in general”). What could such a person do for someone, how could this person impact their personal lives or business affairs, etc. What negative impacts could there possibly be in having a life coach, if any? Lastly, what has been your own experience in working with a life coach?

3. You have had multiple experiences in a cake pastry shop. To help other brides-to-be, share what your experience has been in working with Jacques Fine European Pastry Shop in Suncook NH (you can share the cake tasting day, however, leave out the cake frosting day, okay?). Provide details of the cake and filling flavors….
Not mentioning ANY other pastry shop names, have you noticed any differences or similarities between shops? Seeing what they have on display for wedding cakes, etc., what or who would you recommend to other cake “shoppers?”

4. You have been given $6,500. to use for your wedding. Big question………..how best use this moola? Think about this. I want YOU to ask your fiance what HE would do with the $6,500 and write about it. THEN, I want YOU to say what YOU would do with the $6,500. and write about it. What were the similarities or differences?

An EXTRA – Share a holiday recipe (appetizer, entree, or dessert with the Readers of the Blogging World!

Have a great week, ladies!

While the “Weather Outside is Frightful…”

the taping was delightful……

This past weekend, a wee-bit challenged due to mother nature, was full of taping for the reality show, Iron Brides. The brides to be and staff, though weary and a little blurry-eyed, worked hard to get the job done and did a superb job at that! Kudos to all of you!

Sunday after cooking with Matt at Nonnies, in Concord, they each enjoyed handmade meatballs and pasta….de-lish!

The afternoon wore on with an Iron Brides holiday bash….what a time! Thank you to Nazzy for DJ-ing our event. You were awesome!
We found girls and fiances who could burn up the dance floor. It appeared that everyone had a great time~

Now what I will bet is settling in for all of the cast of Iron Brides is a small sense of emptiness……”wow, we aren’t taping this weekend…” I’m thinking that these are thoughts most likely going through people’s minds right about now. This production staff and crew has created a sense of family…..hard to put a finger on. Ask anyone who blogs and is part of Iron Brides if they feel this way and I would be willing to bet, yes, they too feel the same way. This is an A-Okay thing in my book.

We will be scheduling another taping day, but not until Dec 28th. Until then, it is emails, blogs, and phone calls to stay in touch.

So while the weather outside might be frightful, the Iron Brides bonds are most certainly……….DELIGHTFUL!

Iron Brides debut on “The Chronicle”

A number of people have commented to Iron Brides staff of watching the behind the scenes action work for the filming of Iron Brides…all of which was aired Tuesday evening on “The Chronicle” on channel WCVB out of Boston (an ABC affiliate)………Unfortunately for me, I was on my way back from completing web sales in Vermont, and missed the airing…..

Nevertheless, a number of brides caught the viewing, as did George’s Mom, Arlene. I guess she believes that a television show is really in the workings! She hears repeatedly from George that he is really busy with this production….she saw why last night. She thought it was “wonderful”.

All forms of media have been very receptive to the Iron Brides production that is taking place. Thank you for your continued support – it truly means alot to us!

The staff at the Hotel Radisson in Nashua – again, thank you for the help and accommodations you provide – you have a top shelf facility in Nashua. Keep up the good work!

Iron Brides bloggers and fans……stay tuned – more to come!

RECIPE TIME! Holiday Mix, aka “White Trash”

Strange…..for sure, however, A MUST HAVE recipe! I have no idea why the name is as it is…… This was from my younger sister, Laurie. Julia is making a double batch of it to take to her fiance’s house next week.

White Trash/Holiday Mix:

4 1/2 C Rice Chex cereal
4 1/2 C Corn Chex cereal
1 1/2 C salted peanuts
2 C broken pretzel sticks
1 lb. bag of M & M’s

1 1/2 lb. white chocolate

- Melt white chocolate (the chips work great)
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the dry mixture
- Mix carefully
- Spread out on cookie sheets (covered w/ wax paper first)
- Chill, break into chunks/pieces
- Store in an airtight container

Very good stuff…..addicting!

Iron Brides Blog readers and fans: Mother Nature….Round 2

For a great number of people throughout New Hampshire, they are still without power. Couple that calamity with the storm warnings issued today telling residents to brace for snow measuring up to 10 inches in places…..”good grief, Charlie Brown!”

Friends of mine got power restored Thursday, only to have a transformer blow out this morning, shutting them off again….as of this evening, they are still without.

My heart goes out to the number of utility workers who are putting in 12-15 hour days….not an easy task by any means! I hope people are conscientious of the work, dedication, and know-how of these professionals.

In the interim, brace and plan for another estranged weekend dished out by Mother Nature……only in the Northeast!

Iron Brides Blogging Assignment – Week 5

Please choose one out of the four to descriptively write about. Then, complete the “extra”.

Have fun with this project!

– Joann

Blog Topics:

1. Remember when?………You are traveling back in time for this question. Remembering back to when you were younger and it was the Holiday Season…..Thinking creatively, write about some of the best childhood or young adult moments you can remember – families, traditions, etc., what did you do, where were you, who was there. To entice your blog readers, try using your “senses” (smell, taste, touch, seeing, feeling, hearing) that sort of thing, to bring your memories to life, so to speak through detailed writing. If the Holiday Season was not so joyous for you as a child or young adult and you want to share, that is okay too.

2. Picture this…..We are traveling in time for this question. It is the Holiday season, year 2014. You are married, might or might not have children…etc… what would your holiday planning be for the year 2014? Think creatively and write all about what you hope Christmases in the future will be like for you and those you love. What kinds of traditions would you continue to do or would you “start” on your own now that you are nicely married and settled in together? Think of extended family, where Christmas will be, crafts, traditions, baking, how much $ would you spend, etc…

3. This is a question to see how crafty and frugal we may be…..this is also a GREAT way to get some easy gift ideas too. The economy is a little rough right now. With that, spending is probably a little less than you had hoped for. Do a little research and see what kinds of “inexpensive gifts” are out there that you could make and share 4 things on your blog. (For example: I found a cute project on my Family Fun Magazine link online to make a Snowman Doorstop….take a hexagon shaped paving block that has a square end on it, paint it white, paint eyes, nose, mouth on the square part of it, then paint buttons on the hexagon part of it, get some felt material and make a scarf. then use some felt or fabric to make a hat and hot glue it on…..pretty cute and inexpensive).

4. Thinking “outside of the box” on this because you are already engaged…..What are your thoughts on people getting engaged at Holiday time (Christmas and/or New Years Eve)? If you find it romantic and could have your proposal asked all over again at Holiday time, describe in detail what the setting would be like, where, who would be there, etc… If you do not find it romantic, describe why you feel that way and what your preference(s) might be.

EXTRA BLOG Question: Wondering what holiday songs people ofen have “stuck in their heads”, research a Holiday song. Put the song’s title in your blog (make sure you give credit as to where you found the material) and list that as well. Explain the songs’ meaning and then why you chose it (sentimental value, it speaks of people overcoming obstacles, family issues, its jingle, etc). Oh yeah, please try to refrain from using something like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” ha ha ha – think of something a bit older…..

Iron Brides Blogging Assignment – Week 6 but whose counting?

Six down………….2 more to go…………yoo hoo! Let me know that you received this email, okay?

Blogging assignment for Week 6 is as follows and will be posted on my Blog Page as well. Have fun with these, okay?

1. Insurance is assurance. Research online the following types of insurances: Term Insurance and Whole Life Insurance. Define the differences between the two. Is one better than another, requirements of each, how much is enough, etc… Which type would better suit your needs? What if you were elderly…which type would better serve you? If you have young children, which type is best?

2. Negativity can rules its ugly head! Research the website www.acomplaintfreeworld.org – Describe in a couple of paragraphs, what or how the concept impacted Will Bowen’s life. Tell me at least 3 ways the bracelet concept can be implemented to decrease negativity found in society. What are your thoughts after listening to the presentation and how can this concept help you in life?

3. Sometimes engaged couples attend premarital workshops. Workshops include Engaged Encounters (http://www.engagedencounter.org/), Preparation for Marriage Program, With This Ring, Couples That Rock, etc. Research at least 2 programs, contrast them, and explain why or why not you might choose to participate.

4. Research types of premarital counseling. Describe what they are, who frequently does them, their usefulness to ‘average’ couples, and your feelings about the topic.

AN EXTRA CREDIT – for 20 points:

Beginning this week and for the next 2 weeks, we will offer EXTRA CREDIT topics. If you write honestly and transparently about the topic, 100 words or more, you will receive 20 extra points for each week of extra credit topic participation. So please note, to participate in extra credit you must write on 1 topic from the 4 offered topics, AND also write 100 words about the extra credit topic as well.

This weeks extra credit topic:

Write about the ‘glass ceilings’ in your life. What things do you believe you cannot do because of fear or inability other than a physical limitation (examples: jump out of a plane, handle spiders, speak in front of an audience, become President, etc.). You must tell us why you can’t do this/these things, and if you had a previous experience with it (negative experience). In addition to this, include 1-2 totally awesome things you wish you could do before you turn 60 and why you have mentioned these things.

Have fun with these!

– Joann

Happy Holidays!

Iron Brides Blog Readers and Fans….

What are your plans for New Years? Oh what to do? Many people elect to go out to dinner with friends, have a party, go to a party, or just stay home. What are your plans?

To go out to dinner with friends………do you go somewhere formal – fine dining, or informal – pizza, wings, and beer?

To have a party? Thing is, being on the heels of Christmas…..financially it can be a pinch….the way around that? Have a “themed party” and ask people invited to bring a dish. That cuts costs and also gives you some new, yummy recipes. What works great you ask? Mexican, Chinese, Italian, desserts, game night w/ fingerfoods……all pretty easy and alot of fun! Ask others to bring beverages…….soda, beer, wine, etc… Another point that impedes parties – liability….people are becoming more cautious of the liability of others by holding parties….Be sure to have it organized so that keys are collected, drivers are designated, and precautions are in place – you will have a very nice evening and rest assured.

To go to a party? Some people go out to parties. If you plan on doing this – think of the party host(s)…..what could YOU take to help alleviate the expense and supplement the evening fun? Think about that and its easy as well.

Just staying home for New Years Eve? It is my thinking that more than ever, people are electing to just stay home, order food in, watch a bunch of movies, play bunches of board games, switch the tv to Times Square in Madison Square Gardens by 11:55 pm to watch the ball drop and celebrate ringing in 2009. That is economical, easy, safe, and fun! Have kids? Let them stay up and share in the fun as well! A family affair that they will always remember!

So, whatever your plans for New Years Eve………plan with safety in mind, okay?

We will talk again next year!

Christmas wants and wishes….

What did people want and wish for for Christmas?     I want to hope that children received something meaningful, fun, and maybe even something that was needed for Christmas.   

I wanted my kids to be in New Hampshire – nothing more really.    It was heartwarming to hear both of them say that they really didn’t “want” anything for Christmas…they just “wanted” to be together at some point.   They have never been kids of materialism…..they enjoy hanging out, cooking, watching movies, playing some games…that sort of thing.  

 Acknowledging that they are grown up and have other people sharing their time…this was a reality check that was hard to sort of deal with.   It was my first Christmas without them being with me.   They had extra plans this year….Ryan, after taking on a new job, had to work the day after Christmas, so thinking he was going to travel 5.5 hours from Utica, NY for Christmas was not an option.  He did go to his girlfriend’s family’s house for the day and had a wonderful time.   He is so loved by them…I am joyfully happy that they think so much of him.  He is a really good person!

Julia, being newly engaged, traveled with Frank to Plattsburgh, NY to have her first Christmas with his family.   She was warmly welcomed into the family and McKeon Christmas traditions.  She was complimented on the wrapping of presents as Frank’s mom asked her if she had her gifts wrapped at the Mall…..Julia said, “No, I wrapped them…I had lots of practice helping my mom wrap as fundraising events during Girl Scout years.”  She said she received some white water rafting supplies that she will need next season…Im like, oh boy!  Thinking safety!

I spoke with both kids several times during the course of the day which alleviated anxiety a little….its just not the same.

I will be traveling to central NY this weekend, however, and we will celebrate Christmas together..looking forward to it greatly!

Iron Brides Blog Readers and Fans…..What are your plans for New Years Eve?

So, how many of you will play board games?   How about a good LONG, CONTROLLING game of Monopoly – see how many properties can be snatched up, houses and then hotels plopped down on the spaces so that when your opponent very unfortunately lands on your space, that he is forced into bankruptcy, turning over just about every property card he owns, bartering with you, practically begging you to take payments……kinda sounds like the financial crisis our economy is delivering us actually…..

Anyway, back to the fun of board games and New Years Eve celebrations….  Monopoly can be alot of fun, but can be a long game.  When you are on a roll, literally, you can be a big winner.  But it sucks to land on Board Walk or Park Place….simply sucks!

More my style of game?  Pictionary…..I rock at drawing things and having my partner guess.  Hilarious part of that game is that other teams will be watching you draw rather than their own partner…..lol!

Anyone for Guesstures?  Its like a charades game but you are timed!   That can be hard, depending on the level you select!   Taboo is an older classic that may not be on the shelf anymore…..

I picked up a new game last year that we play alot!  It is Catch Phrase.  It is an absolute blast….but try to get a partner who can read into your thoughts and that you are able to bounce good thoughts and ideas off of.  Ive had partners in the past that just cant get your clues or hints.   Basically, you select a category and are timed.  You are given a word clue and you have to identify the word clue and cannot give any of the word in your description.  The partner on your team has to listen to your descriptors and guess the word.   While this is going on, the timer is ticking down faster and faster it goes…….you have to pass it to the next team as you guess the answer.  Thing is, if you arent quick enough, you will be caught with the game in hand as the buzzer goes off….thats a no no!  If you are really cagey, you can time your descriptions and answers so that as the game time ticks faster and faster, guess the answer and then pawn the game off to the opponent………shhhh!!!! Dont tell George!   He doesnt know that we have an angle when we play this game!

How about a good old fashioned game of Twister?    How about Twister with a few drinks in you?   That could be fun!

Thing is, there are so many thought provoking board games out there that its hard to NOT find a good game to play.  So, as you eat, drink, visit, and enjoy your New Years Eve, pull out a few board games and recreate the good old days of fun!

Iron Brides and New Years Resolutions

What resolutions are you looking to instill as 2009 rolls in…..wow, 2009. Hard to believe actually.  I remember seeing a futuristic movie in the early 80′s in the theatre and the time printed on screen would something like the date of 2009, 2010…scarey!

As the new year comes into play, I often wonder what resolutions people may make?  What are yours, if you elect to make them?

I call them “mini goals” actually.  It sounds alot more manageable and realistic than “resolutions.”  That word sounds quite formal and serious.

My “mini goals” or “resolutions” for 2009 are to get involved in some runs in New Hampshire.  I would entertain the idea of a marathon….but as I get better conditioned.  Ive started an exercise, yoga, and cardio program that has already shown me physical improvements.  I dont really need to lose weight per se, but wanted to tone up a tad…  I feel the mini goal of running in competitions will keep my focus on this regimine. 

I want to set aside more quality time to have with my kids….though they are going to be 21 and 23 in March, they still are my babies!

I want to continue pursuing my Master’s Degree and will do that through the year.  I want to teach and my heart is set on that so….I need to get that plan into motion.

I want to read alot more than what I have allotted myself to do so far.  Hanging out at Barnes & Noble was a favorite pasttime in central New York…..fun to drink coffee and read for a few hours.

I want to do alot more hiking this summer…..it seems there was always some excuse as to why I couldnt get up north this past summer – that has to stop.  My second love, besides the classroom setting, is the woods and hiking trails.  Being more familiar with the trails in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate NY, I have to become more familiar with the White Mountains of NH now.  This state has alot of nature to offer people and I am wanting to be one with all of that!  Camping – bring it on!

Ive always wanted to begin writing and illustrating children’s books…..I may have to see what kind of time I have for that project……its on the back burner though.

Something I do want to do and could start right now is getting into a ceramics studio.  I would love to start going to “You’re Fired!” and start working on projects.  I could even get a head start on gifts for next Christmas…..HEY, what a novel idea!

It is my hope that my circumstances in my life are such that I will no longer be single after 2009……hows that for a “mini goal” or “resolution”…..maybe I need to categorize it as a “miracle?”

Anyways………..whatever your “mini goals” or resolutions….have fun thinking, planning, and maintaining them.  Its a positive attribute to life actually  : )

Have a great New Year~

Iron Brides Blog Readers and Fans……

Iron Brides wishes you and yours a “chilly” but very Happy New Year!    Reports online, in the newspapers, and in restaurants and stores depicted a lull in New Years Eve celebrating.   The advisories of snow and extreme cold temperatures kept many people inside, looking at the outside….

Whether (weather) you were in or outside, the festivities could still transpire.  Its who you were with that made the evening what it was.

It is our hope that you have a prosperous and joyous New Year!

The Mills’ go to Albany….

Friday afternoon, I’m off to Albany to spend the weekend with Julia.  Ryan and girlfriend, Alyse, along with her twin sister, Audrey, will also be joining us in Albany.  The Mills’ go to Albany, I say!   We will be sharing our Christmas this weekend as the actual day was shared with both Julia and Ryan’s significant others….yea……Mom is on the back burner  : (          Mom’s gotta adjust to the whole sharing thing.  I will be strong…. lol!

In addition to Christmas………..sshhhhhhhhhhh!  Don’t tell Julia…..but we have a surprise engagement party planned as well.   Its going to be a HOOT!  I’ve invited the Mills and Rogers sides of the family.  It will be good to see everyone and they will be able to formally meet Frank, Julia’s fiance’.

I called Julia this morning, asking her vague questions about the wedding planning process.   I hadn’t recalled her selecting colors yet so I inquired that of her.  She said, “Oh my gosh, Aunt Laurie just asked me that the other day…..” and half-laughed at it….I blew it off by sayin, “well you hadn’t fully decided and I have been wondering lately, so as to shop for things soon….”  WHEW!

She “thinks” we are coming specifically for Christmas.  She has to work Saturday morning, getting out at 2:30, and the party is slated for 3……should be great!

More on that later!

Have a great weekend!

Iron Brides Blogging Assignment – Week 7

Blogging topics for week 7are attached.  I will be posting this information on my blog as well.  Please let me know if you received this email….thanks, girls!

Topic 1:

The Upstream/Downstream fable appeared in the original Rodale edition of High Level Wellness.

“It was many years ago that villagers in Downstream recall spotting the first body in the river. Some old timers remember how Spartan were the facilities and procedures for managing that short of thing. Sometimes, they say, it would take hours to pull 10 people from the river, and even then only a few would survive.

Though the number of victims in the river has increased greatly in recent years, the good folks of Downstream have responded admirably to the challenge. Their rescue system is clearly second to none: most people discovered in the swirling waters are reached within twenty minutes, many in less than ten. Only a small number drown each day before help arrives — a big improvement from the way it used to be.

Talk to the people of Downstream and they’ll speak with pride about the new hospital by the edge of the waters, the flotilla of rescue boats ready for service at a moment’s notice, the comprehensive health plans for coordinating all the manpower involved, and the large number of highly trained and dedicated swimmers always ready to risk their lives to save victims from the raging currents. Sure it costs a lot but, say the Downstreamers, what else can decent people do except to provide whatever is necessary when human lives are at stake.

Oh, a few people in Downstream have raised the question now and again, but most folks show little interest in what’s happening Upstream. It seems there’s so much to do to help those in the river that nobody’s got time to check how all those bodies are getting there in the first place. That’s the way things are, sometimes.”

How does this story impact or relate to you and your family?

 

Topic 2:

Annette Simmons writes in her book “The Story Factor” that “People don’t need new facts, they need a new story.”  Describe how Iron Brides is helping you to write a new story or a new chapter for you replacing habitual negative states of thinking with a positive way of being.  How is it impacting on your loved ones?

 

Topic 3:

You are engaged….What are you and your fiances wedding daydreams?  Have they been amended with having the experiences given by presenters at Iron Brides?  Along with these questions answer each of the following in its own short paragraph form:

What are your best memories of real and movie weddings?

What are your best romantic times spent together?

What is your favorite music?

Do you have favorite charity(ies)?  If so, what are they?

Do you and your fiancee have favorite foods?

What are your favorite colors?

Do you have a favorite travel destination point?

What things have you and your fiancee decided “together” upon doing or incorporating into your special day?

Have there been obstacles along the planning process that you may not have agreed upon?

 

Topic 4:
When you talk about wedding flowers, what do you think the florist actually hears coming from you? Most people have different interpretations of commonly talked about words in describing flowers, such as romantic, or rustic looking…..Communication is key. Do you know what to look for, how to describe, and how to ask about pricing flower arrangements?  Conduct a little research on wedding florists and also ask yourself if you know how to ask questions and what to look for when considering flowers for your special day?  How do you begin to describe to a florist what you might be looking for, what questions to ask, etc. How do you price arrangements?   If you approached a florist feeling confident in what you want to say,  prepared with ideas, and questions to ask, what do you think the florist will be able to offer you? (i.e.  to you rustic may mean one thing, whereas to a florist, it may mean another…)

 

EXTRA CREDIT:

“How does it feel?”   Planning your wedding isnt just to choose a color or a style, per se, its also to choose a mood.  Through the planning stages and actual wedding day, what do you imagine your wedding will feel like to you and your guests?    Try to limit the feeling to ONE WORD that will, in a nutshell, describe what your wedding mood will be.  Then, list characteristics that help define your wedding mood such as:

the defining characteristic

best setting

what the most expensive version would include

what you would make due with

what colors would be seen

what you would be wearing

what your cake would be like

what food serving style would you have

favors would look like what

would there be an after-party

how about a morning-after brunch

what would you hope to hear from guests as they leave

 

(My Example)

MOOD:   Rustic Wedding

the defining characteristic   -  all natural, in the woods

best setting   -  mountain peak, overlooking lakes in the Adirondacks

what the most expensive version would include – float planes that can take off and land on water

what you would make due with – wooded area close by

what colors would be seen – natural elements of browns, greens, rusts

what you would be wearing – slim fitting gown, champagne in color

what your cake would be like – 3-tiered, woods-like effect OR log shaped cakes

what food serving style would you have – buffet style of American spun foods

favors would look like what – small hiking backpacks

would there be an after-party – yes, on an island in the center of the lake

how about a morning-after brunch – yes, after everyone was up we would go out for breakfast or lunch

what would you hope to hear from guests as they leave – that they had the greatest time and that having a rustic themed wedding was just as it described both of us as we are outdoorsy people

 

 

Have fun with this!

Mills – McKeon engagement party a SURPRISE!

Worked like a charm!   Julia never knew about the party…EVEN with my mentioning it in my blog…..I was taking a chance here…however, she hasnt been mentioning having the time to read my blogs lately, so I thought…….what the hec!   Lets see what happens!

Julia worked the morning at Price Chopper, a local supermarket in the Albany, NY area.  After work, she came to the Marriott thinking that she would be spending some time with her brother, Ryan, and me.   Frank, her fiance, dragged her into his office, to allow us to get everyone assembled into the room of surprise by saying that he wanted her to bring the Christmas presents into his office.  He then followed her down the hallway and said that he had to check the heat in the conference room….

She walked in first and was completely “floored” by the people.  Her grandparents on her dad’s side of the family were there from New Jersey…she hadn’t seen them in quite some time!  Uncles, Aunts, friends, cousins, nephew, neices, you name it, they were there!

The party was delightful!  The food, fabulous!  A good and memorable time spent in Albany.

Its important to keep family first in life….the rest, is just “history”.

Iron Brides Blogging Assignment-Week 8 – The Final Week!

Good afternoon girls!

Enclosed are the last four blogging topics for Season I Iron Brides – New Hampshire.   As you have been doing in the past, please select one of the four topics listed to write about.  An extra credit is also included if you want to participate in writing about that as well.

Please drop me a quick email letting me know you received this, okay?   THX!

BLOG TOPICS:

1.  What change(s) have you made personally as a result of Iron Brides?   Consider your wedding, your relationship with fiancé, family, or friends, or a financial change.

2. What insight(s) have you gained as a result of Iron Brides?   Did you have any “ah-ha” moments?    Share your insights and thoughts.

3.  Have you grown personally or professionally as a result of Iron Brides? Tell how you have grown.

4.  What are you most proud of in your Iron Brides involvement? 

EXTRA CREDIT:

 Each of you has grown through your Iron Brides experience. What are you going to do to continue your personal growth(s)?    What action(s) will you commit to?  What are you willing to change?  What has your fiance’s, and your families reaction been to this committment?

 Have fun with this girls!

Take care!

 Joann Mills

Associate Producer

Iron Brides to begin Season II – Boston

Iron Brides Productions television crew is beginning the audition process for its Season II – Boston series.   Working collaboratively with bridal planning experts of The Wedding Day Exposition, Boston, MA, we will be maintaining a booth set up  at the Seaport World Trade Center, January 11th, and again on January 18th, at the Wyndham Boston Andover, from 11:30-3:30 PM.  Ticket price for the Seaport show is $12., and the Andover show is $5.

Please check out their website for more details by visiting  www.weddingdayonline.com

Thank You, Iron Brides…It has been real fun!

I barely scratch the surface in defining my emotions when I say, Thank you to everyone who has been a part of Iron Brides Season I – New Hampshire Series.   From its birth, it was hoped to be a positive, rewarding experience.  Selecting 8 contestants and 2 alternates out of 76 brides to be was hard to do.

Many, many day and nighttime hours have consumed alot of the production staff’s lives and time….but to have a quality product, it was necessary.

As part of the Iron Brides team, the Director, Associate Director, his support staff, the Executive Producer, and I have spent 5 – 6 weekends planning, taping, and wrapping up, film footage of 8 of the greatest women and brides to be that I have been fortunate to have met.

Next week, we will commence on a grueling 8-day schedule, taping from 6 AM until 10 m PM most days….ready or not, here we go!

It has been my dream from the beginning that all of these women be “winners” by the end of the Iron Brides contest….that in many ways, each will achieve.  As of this writing, I am 100 percent certain that I am right in what I say.  They have gained great insight being exposed to educational tools that will assist them in life skills, as well as eye opening experiences in helping them prepare for their wedding.

Each of the contestants brings something special to the television show….if Ellen or Oprah’s staff members were or are able to catch segments of what this production has been doing for the past 3 months……. which, as the contestants depicted through their own blogs,  has impacted the lives of 8 women – WOW! The production and storyline of this show has already succeeded!   That is all I can say!

Thank you Amy!  You are charming, artsy, and clearly love your son.  You keep up the good work!!!

Nicole!  You are one organized woman…you make me look bad!  (LOL)   The best of luck to you in everything you do.

Vania – I am so very glad you attended the Bridal Show in Portsmouth that Friday evening….WOW!  You have so much potential and are an absolute go-getter!  Best to you!

Kylin….you are so polite but nicely competitive!   It is so obvious that family means the world to you…..you continue to hold those thoughts, okay?

Jennifer….little Jennifer!   You’re my little Dairy Princess!   You would  give the shirt off of your back for anyone!   I think the world of you for that, but, you too,  young lady, need to take the time to smell the roses for yourself….YOU are important!!! Never lose sight of that!

Tarryn – our outstanding dance instructor and organizer!  You are just so awesome!  You bring such spirit and hope to all of us!   Your pups are your children……that is an A okay thing!  Many people adopt pets and they become their love!

Tricia, you wow me girl!  You are a go-getter, teacher, and wow!   You keep up the good work.  Best to you in the house remodeling…..been there, done that! You will save alot of $ doing it yourselves let me tell ya!

Darlene………you are incredible!  You bring alot of spunk and humor to the group.  A bad day is never near you…..you have the ability to lift people and pull them close – keep that!

Dave and Kyle – to two of the best Iron Brides camera people I know….KUDOS to both of you!  Dave, if August 15th changes for you…you let me know as I am in need of a wedding photographer in Lake George remember!!

To both George and Jeff….it has been real, it has been fun…..but even moreso….Iron Brides has been real fun!

The best to a final week in taping Iron Brides  Season I – New Hampshire.

Respectfully,

Joann Mills

Associate Producer, Iron Brides Productions

Iron Brides……”On your Mark, Get Set…..

Go!”    

Iron Brides Productions is beginning its 8-day taping schedule, beginning with the soon to be brides meeting at the Hotel Radisson in Nashua, NH.  The girls will be weighing and measuring in, checking to see how their nutrition and physical conditioning has played out during the last 3 weeks as they have been working their 5-Tibetan Rites routines and strength training exercises. 

After that, its off to a bridal show at the Wyndham in Andover, MA, where they will serve as Iron Brides-NH Embassadors to the Season II-Boston preparation.  They will meet with a variety of vendors, using their learned skills as Iron Brides shoppers, to ask the appropriate questions of vendors, and to be aware of how to find the vendor that will best suite their needs.

After the bridal show is over………OOPS!  I cannot disclose what happens after the bridal show……we are taping the rest of the series.  Iron Brides readers will have to follow the blogs as we travel, work, and have fun! 

Better yet, Iron Brides television viewers will be able to see snip-its online and also look for it on cable tv beginning the first week in March, 2009.

Well, ta ta for now, blog fans!

Iron Brides Taping for Season I – Joann Mills, Associate Producer says “the Iron Brides will be up to their elbows in stainless steel”

Join us Friday January 23rd, 3:30 PM, at the Portsmouth Sheraton for a live taping of Iron Brides at its best!

Whats’ happening?  The brides will be participating in taping events at the Portsmouth Sheraton Inn Thursday evening and Friday.   What is different for this taping event compared to what the girls have been involved in is that on Friday, families, friends, and media involved are invited to participate in this live event being held at the Sheraton.   Seating is limited to 40 people, so arrive early.

The brides are welcome to bring two guests to participate as audience goers in the taping.   The event is expected to run about 90 minutes, and they will take questions from the audience about what it has been like to compete.

I cannot divulge what the brides will be doing during this taping, however, it will clearly provide “good visuals” as the production crew depicts “the Iron Brides will be up to their elbows in stainless steel”…..

See you Friday!

Iron Brides – Time of Your Life!

As an avid Seinfeld follower and remembering the show that wrapped up the Seinfeld series, I wanted to share the lyric, “Time of Your Life” by Green Day, in its relation to the 16 + day production tour of Iron Brides-Season I – New Hampshire.

Time of Your Life, by Green Day

Another turning point,
A fork stuck in the road.
Time grabs you by the wrist,
Directs you where to go.
So make the best of this test,
And don’t ask why.
It’s not a question
But a lesson learned in time.

It’s something unpredictable,
But in the end is right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

So take the photographs
And still frames in your mind.
Hang it on a shelf of good health
And good time.
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial.
For what it’s worth,
It was worth all the while.

It’s something unpredictable,
But in the end is right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

It’s something unpredictable,
But in the end is right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

It’s something unpredictable,
But in the end is right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

 

******** To the Director, Assistant Director, 2nd cameraman, Executive Producer, the hosts, and all eight brides…………THANK YOU for being a friend and I truly hope you had one of the best times of your life!

 

- Joann Mills, Associate Producer

Iron Brides….TTFN, but NEVER Good Bye~

The production taping for the reality television series, Iron Brides-Season I New Hampshire is still hanging on our heels, more specifically, in memories……ALL of our memories….the Directors, cameramen, Executive Producer, the hosts, and brides to be.

What a time we have had!   The great, the good, the pretty good, the indifferent…..that is what makes us who we are.  That is how we all grow and learn….how we benefit!

Every one of us who have been involved in this production has laughed, cried, joked, counseled……it has been truly enlightening.

I have spoken in previous blog pages of the greatness each member of Iron Brides has given to the successful production that will be seen soon…..

I wish to say TTFN (ta ta for now) but NEVER say Good Bye!

Iron Brides, Season I…..It’s a Wrap!

Sunday evening, January 25th, was the final closing date and time for the taping of Iron Brides’ Season I – NH reality television show series.    Iron Brides production crew and camera men, hosts, and eight brides to be had spent a full eight days together to tape what will be deemed a reality show that breaks the boundaries with regard to 2009 television.

As an Associate Producer, I can vouch for all of us that the show is definitely packed full of  ”realistic life events” that do happen in women’s lives.    Putting a number of women together for eight very full days, and with that 4-5 weekends previously worked on together, they do get to know one another, actually quite well!     The show will depict many elements, moods, and times had.

The taping was in a host of locations throughout New Hampshire.   It would be great fun to share where the Iron Brides production took place but that would spoil the viewers fun….just wait, you will be able to see ALL of this very soon.    Air time is scheduled for the first week in March.

In the interim, its edit, edit, edit……..auditions for Season II – Boston, MA.   Never a dull moment!

Iron Brides Moment – “Time of Your Life”

To my Iron Brides blog readers and fans……as an avid Seinfeld follower and remembering the show that wrapped up the Seinfeld series, I wanted to share the lyric “Time of Your Life” by Green Day.   In some way, I feel the lyric has a tie to the 16 + day production tour and wrap up of taping Iron Brides-Season I – New Hampshire.

If taping 16+ days is hard on people and their emotions….just think of years!

Time of Your Life, by Green Day

Another turning point,
A fork stuck in the road.
Time grabs you by the wrist,
Directs you where to go.
So make the best of this test,
And don’t ask why.
It’s not a question
But a lesson learned in time.

It’s something unpredictable,
But in the end is right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

So take the photographs
And still frames in your mind.
Hang it on a shelf of good health
And good time.
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial.
For what it’s worth,
It was worth all the while.

It’s something unpredictable,
But in the end is right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

It’s something unpredictable,
But in the end is right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

It’s something unpredictable,
But in the end is right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

 

******** To Iron Brides’ Director, Assistant Director, 2nd cameraman, Executive Producer, the hosts, and all eight brides…………THANK YOU for being a friend and I truly hope you had one of the best times of your life!

 

- Joann Mills, Associate Producer of Iron Brides

A Sense of Commitment and Accomplishment

As the Associate Producer of Iron Brides reality television, new to New Hampshire in March, 2009, I hold a sense of commitment and accomplishment, moreso than something missing from me……Do I miss the girls….yeah, but I know I can call, email, and arrange time with them at almost anytime!

I have gained ten new girlfriends……..a number of them aged to be my children   : )  ;  others my peers….and it feels “NICE!”  I have gotten to work with a great bunch of guys who are in the production field of filming and that was also a delight.

The Monday after the week-long taping of Iron Brides was BLEARY-EYED for probably ALL OF US!   It was hard to get back into the routine of everyday life.  We all have acclimated, I am certain….

Through the audition process of Season I-New Hampshire Iron Brides production, I was privy to 75+ brides to be who completed application processes.  It was then reduced to 10 (8 candidates and 2 alternates).  Working with Jeff, George, and a panel, the 10 women were selected.  It was not an easy task to choose only 10 out of +75, let me tell ya!

The auditions, skits, and beginning tapings saw the group beginning to bond together.  Next thing I new, the women were sharing email addresses and hooking up for lunches, etc…. it was GREAT!

The week-long experience, as they can tell you, was FILLED with excitement, suspense, and emotional times.  As the week progresses, I sensed the realization that everyone knew that it was a matter of days until the end was here.

I feel strongly that these women, the hosts, the crew, and production team as a whole, formed a “family” in bonding laughter, sharing jokes, using shoulders to cry and hold onto, and “just using the time and getting to know one another better.”

Iron Brides and those involved displayed a sense of commitment and major accomplishments in many, many areas.   Alot of personal growth, reflection, conversation, and good times occurred.

Season I Iron Brides – KUDOS to you!  You ARE the ORIGINAL!

Do I miss the women, as I said, sure, I do, however, we ARE all girls…and girls figure out a way to get together : )

– Joann

BUZZ AT ITS BEST! I’m BACK, says Iron Brides Associate Producer….

Iron Brides Associate Producer has not truly “been anywhere” however, has been very, very consumed in work, Iron Brides, college coursework, substitute teaching, and helping her daughter, Julia, plan her own wedding that will be held in Lake George, NY, in August, 2009.

There has been soooo much to do in recent weeks with the week-long taping event for Season I – Iron Brides New Hampshre production, along with beginning auditions for Season II – Boston, MA, which is right on our heels with a schedule that is filling up rather quickly.

The blogging, my friends, will resume by the AP,  and I do apologize to my readers for not being more frequent…. just  juggling a few too many balls lately, I guess.

More later – TTFN~

 

- Joann

Iron Brides Season I Premiere Event

Iron Brides Season I – New Hampshire, is scheduled to host its premiere event Friday, March 20th, at Nonni’s Italian Eatery, located in the Holiday Inn, Concord, NH.

The Iron Brides contestants, hosts,  Director, Assistant Director, and Executive Producer, will be on hand to answer questions given by members of the media that will attend the first showing of this event, beginning at 3 PM.

At 7 PM, the Premiere Event is scheduled for invited quests only to view the premiere, have a buffet dinner, catered by Nonni’s Italian Eatery, and dance the night away to “Party Time” out of Boston, MA.

Season I – Iron Brides, will officially be aired on My TV next Thursday, March 26th, at 11 PM.  Please check the website out for further information.

Iron Brides Season I……..

It ain’t over ’til its over, says Iron Brides Associate Producer, Joann Mills.

On March 8th, a number of Iron Brides Season I contestants were on hand to complete a segment of footage for the television show incorporating Voo Doo Tiki Tequilla, an informative presentation by Saturn of Nashua, and consulting candidate brides-to-be from Massachusetts who are interested in becoming future Iron Bride contestants for Season II-Boston.

The women participated in a mixology segment, creating videos on preparing wonderfully tasty margueritas, and sharing them with the women from Massachusetts.

The Season II candidates were able to ask questions, brainstorm and participate in skits with Season I brides to be, and learn what the candidates in Iron Brides Season I experienced as contestants.

Needless to say, by days’ end, the women had exchanged email addresses and I received emails from the Massachusetts candidates that evening telling of the fun that they had experienced and the hope that they would be considered as contestants.  I also received emails from current Season I Iron Brides contestants telling me of the fun that they had and that they enjoyed sharing their events with possible contestants.

Submissions for Iron Brides-Season II-Massachusetts, are still open.  Iron Brides Productions is looking to hold at least two more skit event days after the Season I Premiere is completed later next week.

There is a lot of  activity going on at the moment but, hey, when you have something this good, you can expect to be only but busy~

– Joann

Iron Brides Countdown is near……

I have not seen the first episode yet…..I too, have to wait until Friday afternoon/evening to see the Premiere of New Hampshires’ first reality television show catering to the elements of bridal and wedding experiences, and women overcoming obstacles in their lives and feeling that they can voice themselves.  

Understanding the busy schedules of the media, Friday afternoon, members of the media are invited to attend a premiere showing of Iron Brides Episode 1, being held at the Holiday Inn, Concord, NH.   At 7 PM, a VIP party is being held for invited guests, promising to being +80 people for the Premiere Showing, dinner, and dancing the night away with “Party Time” out of Boston, MA.   

I am very certain that New Hampshires’ Season I Brides to Be contestants are very, very, anxious to see what unfolds.  I know I am…

Thank you goes out to all of the media sources who so graciously have been covering this television concept since its birth,  late August, 2008.   In a little over 7 months, a group of skilled individuals put together what promises to be an uplifting reality tv show that will be broadcast on My TV, out of New Hampshire.     A huge thank you to all of the cast, crew, and sponsors, who helped make this production what it proves to be————-THANK YOU!

I cannot go into all of the details now……however, can invite the public to stay tuned to watch it next Thursday evening, March 26th, at 11 PM, on the My TV channel.  In addition to My TV, there will be online episodes available to view by logging into the Iron Brides website, www.ironbrides.tv  (but you have to wait until late next week). 

More later!

 

Joann

Check out the Iron Brides Website for teezers….

Associate Producer Joann Mills is asking her readers to check out the websites of Iron Brides (www.ironbrides.tv)  and You Tube (www.youtube.com/ironbrides) as they have several “teezers” posted on them….I know, teasers – (just being cute here…) for the public to view.    With editing under way and Director and Assistant Director pouring over film footage, shot by Jeff, Dave, and Kyle, a great many sound bytes and visual clips are being taken as intro pieces to the premiere of Iron Brides – which by the way, airs on Thursday, March 26th, at 11 PM on My TV, out of Derry, NH.

Check the teasers and the Auditions for Season II – Boston Series!   More for you later!

Iron Brides Readers….Iron Brides Premiere Thursday!

Iron Brides Associate Producer, Joann Mills, is reminding blog readers and fans that New Hampshire’s first reality television show, Iron Brides, is airing Thursday evening, 11 PM, on My TV, Channel 18, out of Derry, NH.

The web episode is viewable on the Iron Brides website….www.ironbrides.tv  -  Two episodes will be posted at the online site per week….Check it out!

New Hampshire Iron Brides-to-be…..

As you prepare for your Premiere evening parties……….thank yourselves for the wonderful input, inspiration, talent, conversation, and fun that each of you brought to the production of Iron Brides Season I – New Hampshire.

It has truly been great working with you and we ALL have grown in many ways!

KUDOS to all of you and enjoy your show!

Joann

Giving Iron Brides credit where due…

As an Associate Producer, I would like the Blog Readers and Fans to help me thank those who made Iron Brides Season I – New Hampshire, a “Reality”!

Thank you to George and Jeff, for having put this vision together while in the northern elements of Vermont last July.

Jeff, thank you for the creativity you bring to the table.  Alot of time, energy, sweat, and brainstorming goes into putting out an awesome production – wha laa~its beginning….but dude, you gotta entertain the idea of cutting back on the coffee!  LOL…

George, thank you for the whit you depict on set…..hopefully, Kyle has had the camera on you a few times….You shall see, my friend!  Kodak sleeping moments, perhaps?   Being the EP, the PR, and handling other tasks as they surface is not always easy….keep up the hard work……  The wonderful sponsors that are partnered with enjoy working with the girls and our staff….

The outstanding sponsors that have enabled the production crew to put together Iron Brides Season I – THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS!  With out your support, this would not be.  Check the weekly episodes on My TV, 11 PM, Channel 18, or at the website, Iron Brides, www.ironbrides.tv  “Watch an Episode”.   Thanks!!!

Thank you David Petty, Associate Director, for your multi-talented performance and ingeniousness with both still photography and video camera work!  Your giggles and input are always welcome!

Thank you Kyle Petty………..you and that curly red hair!! LOL!  You have ALOT of potential in the world of film.  As a film student at Fitchburg State, you will add to your portfolio of studies working as an Assistant Cameraman on this and future Seasons of Iron Brides.  The brides to be, the hosts, and the crew really enjoy your expertise, and “how you know” to get that camera in the faces of others without bothering them…..still remains a mystery to me!  Keep up the fabulous work….when you are rich and famous as a big-name Director…think of me, okay?

Jill and Brian – what fantastic Show Hosts you two have been!  You two are like peas and carrots!   You both have alot of potential for future television programs!  Thank you for all of your input, support, help, and patience throughout this production!  See you both in Hollywood!

Gene at My TV!      T H A N K    Y O U!    Thank you for giving Iron Brides Productions the television slot for airing its first reality tv program!

Television viewers, blog readers, and fans…………..thank you for all of the support!  It is wonderful!

To the families, fiance’s of the brides……….THANK YOU for your support, patience, and guidance……I know that the girls have been ecstatic about the production and wanting to fill you all in…….THANKS!

Steve Lambert, Radisson  Hotel, Nashua…..Thank you to you and your staff for all that you have done for Iron Brides.  Your professionalism and graciousness depicted is priceless.

The Hendersons, Sunset Hill House – KUDOS!  Many, many thanks to your hospitality, teachings, and support during the stay and tapings at your venue.  You all are fantastic!

The Sheraton Harborside Hotel, Portsmouth – thank you for your generosity as a venue to Iron Brides.

Lastly, to the eight brides to be……

Tarryn – I feel like I sort of found you…I remember talking back and forth with you 8-10 times before you even auditioned!  LOL~  I am so glad that you did and were selected.  You are such a bouncey, compassionate young woman – thanks for all that you do and are!

Nicole – our little Nicole from Massachusetts!  The look on your face at the Ethan Allen Gallery in Portsmouth, after learning you were a contestant…..priceless!  You have alot of potential – you are a go-getter!  Best to you, kiddo!

Tricia – WOW!  Thats about all I can say!  You are energetic, bubbly, and a go getter!  Keep up the good work – everything you seem to touch works wonders!  Best of luck as the remainder of the school  year comes to a close!

Vania – I will never forget the Ethan Allen Gallery event……..you made my day that day!!!  I was SO glad you found me that evening!  You have so much to give the world and the people in it.  You are wonderful, young lady!   Enjoy the remainder of your school year – only about 6 weeks to go!

Jennifer – little Jennifer!  I remember your audition….I remember the pictures of the little jersey calf you had sent me….that means alot to me!   You are such a positive, inspiring young woman with a heart bigger than the state of NH.  Best to you and yours!

Kylin – you are such a positive role model to all of us!   You are one who knows what hard work is and you know that you get out of life what you put into it!   A hard worker and you are down to earth…that is awesome!

Amy – you too are a hard worker and down to earth.  Clearly, it is evident that family means the world to you.   Good luck with school, family, and the wedding planning.    Let me know if you have some time to go hiking this summer – it would be fun!

Darlene – you are like another Mom to these girls!  You bring life experience and know how to the production.  Your sense of humor is always welcomed by everyone.  Your kids are clearly a large part of your life….enjoy!

If I did not recall each and every person who has touched the lives of Iron Brides Production personnel, I apologize.  It takes a number of people to produce a quality television program- something that WE ALL have discovered this spring.  Thank you!

Season II personnel – review the elements on the Iron Brides website….this is truly what it is ALL about!

Respectfully,

Joann Mills,  Associate Producer

Happy Birthday, Ryan Mills!

Ryan Mills………Happy 23rd Birthday to you!

Love,

Mom

Happy Birthday to Julia Mills

Happy 21st Birthday to Julia Mills!

Love,

Mom

Iron Brides BUZZMANIA – Iron Brides Productions Makes Its Debut

And inquiring minds want to know!  What did viewers think of the reality television show, Iron Brides?   Please kindly let me know your thoughts!

Iron Brides Buzzamania was alive up to and during the day Thursday as people read blog pages and would ask production crew members, the hosts, and most of all, the brides…..”when and what time is the show going to be on?”   Ahh…….the girls “have been” being asked those questions and many others like that for quite some time….however, they have been asked to refrain from speaking of the elements involved in the production of the show.

The first episode, introduces the eight contestants and teases its way into physical training with John Dye, owner of Soletraining, in Portsmouth…walking into a neighboring pizza shop in the plaza where his studio is located and “busting” the girls eating pizza.   The show then catapults to the Radisson in Nashua, where taping began on a blizzard of a snow day in New England….yikes!   The girls made it, but some were not too happy about it.   Iron Brides will unveil (no pun intended) a great number of intruguing moments in the lives of people….stay tuned for more!

My hat goes off to the production crew in the compilation of putting Iron Brides together….KUDOS to Dave, Jeff, George,  and Kyle~

Nice job!

Iron Brides’ Episode 2 is online now….

Iron Brides bloggers and readers – check out the website of Iron Brides at

www.ironbrides.tv   and click “Watch an Episode” to view the first two episodes of Iron Brides reality tv show….  Please email me with comments on the two episodes at joann@ironbrides.com   – Please include your name, gender, and location in your response.  We are looking to our viewing public for their input and awareness of the show…

Thanks!

Iron Brides Season II – It’s almost closing time….

have you been asking people to check out your auditions and leave comments after registering at the You Tube site?     Audition selections will begin mid-April….are you ready?

Iron Brides’ Season I episodes are available online at www.ironbrides.tv, “Watch an Episode”  in the event you were not able to view the Thursday night shows (11pm – MyTV)….

I have been told that Episodes 3 and 4 are in the final editing stages and promise to be really, really good!

Later!

Iron Brides Season I ramps up for voting the winner!

Iron Brides Production crew and contestants spent a full weekend this past weekend, holding auditions for Season II – Boston Iron Brides, as well as holding interviews with Iron Brides Season I contestants who are ramping up to what may be one of the greatest, exciting events in their lives (other than their wedding day of course)….the online public voting for the Season I NH Iron Bride.

More information will follow in the next day or so……check the Blog pages at the Iron Brides website for further details and instructions. www.ironbrides.tv

Thanks!

Iron Brides Season I Voting – May 9-May 15

Public, online voting for the winner of Season I – New Hampshire, begins at midnight, May 9th, and ends May 15th.

Vote For Your Favorite Season I Iron Brides Contestant

Voting Opens 12:00 AM on Saturday, May 9
Voting Closes 11:59 PM on Friday, May 15
To vote visit: http://ironbrides.wordpress.com/

Should you have questions, please contact Joann at joann@ironbrides.tv
Thank you!

Iron Brides’ Season I Contestants….

My best wishes to you during your voting period.   Each of you have brought so much to this television production, to our lives and yours as well.   The growth, inspiration, and friendship that has evolved is heart felt.  The ride has been truly one of great fun!  Good luck!

– Joann

Iron Brides Season I Voting – Going On NOW!

Iron Brides blog readers and fans, Iron Brides Season I – New Hampshire has been going on for almost 24 hours now. At last check, Iron Brides public voters tallied +800. There is no way to even begin to declare a winner. Voting will continue until Friday, May 15th, at 11:59, when the voting polls for Iron Brides Season I will close.

Tell family, friends, co-workers, colleagues, neighbors, etc., to check out the contestants interviews online at the Iron Brides website…
www.ironbrides.tv

Voting is found at the following site: http://ironbrides.wordpress.com
and only one vote per computer is allowed.

Good luck ladies! You are all winners!

– Joann

Iron Bride Wedding

Now "There's Your Sign" as Jeff Foxworthy would agree........definitely a John Deere, bonafide Country-Themed Wedding.

The country-style wedding for Jennifer Jean Lessard and William Goldthwaite was held Saturday, June 27th, at the Lasting Legacy Farm, in Rochester, NH.

The bride, a country girl at heart, opted for an outdoor wedding, and had a wonderful sunshiney day!   Family and friends gathered as Jennifer and William exchanged carefully written wedding vows each had prepared.   The ceremony was followed by a catered country-style barbeque which offered the best potato salad I have ever had.  I captured some cute photos and wanted to share them with blog readers and fans.

Jennifer and her bridal party, stepping out in the sunshine

Jennifer chose dark purple and brown as her colors – both looked attractive as an outdoor wedding took place.  Flower girls and  maids of honor were close family and friends of hers.

Jennifer and William with William's Dad on the left, Jennifer's Mom and step-Dad on the right.

Jennifer and William posed with parents after the wedding ceremony had completed.

Newly married, Jennifer and William stand in a receiving line.

Jennifer’s step-Dad performed the wedding ceremony for the happy couple.

The happy couple celebrating by dancing their first dance as husband and wife.

Ceremony being over, the couple rides off to the reception on “the mule” …..

Jennifer, with two close friends and Iron Brides Contestants, Amy and Darlene.

A beautiful wedding cake, with an outdoor-woodsy flair to it…..

An outdoor, woodland flair-style cake

Mr. and Mrs. William Goldthwaite in a receiving line….