Monday, June 15, 2009

Emotions Run High at Weddings and on “Harper’s Island”


from June Hoffman of Megasound



Weddings are already an emotionally charged event. The most recent “Harper’s Island” episode proves fighting based on emotions and fear can be just as bad as alcohol-induced fights.

In my 20+ years in the wedding industry, I have witnessed three physical fights at weddings. Two fights were fueled by emotions and alcohol and the third was aggravated by stupidity and hormones. With that being said, real Fort Wayne brides might want to consider limiting alcohol at their wedding reception. This will save money as well as unneeded stress during the party portion of the evening.

Most reception facilities require security at events hosting alcoholic beverages. Just think about it; if someone had hired security for the “Harper’s Island” wedding, there would be a wedding and less than thirteen episodes in this mini-series. Maybe, the next four episodes will bring some bliss to this unlucky couple.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

"Harper's Island" Wedding Stress Builds


by June Hoffman of Megasound


“Mayhem” and “chaos” are the two words that fully describe the most recent “Harper’s Island” episode. I am sure that many brides CAN identify with this type of stress.

This episode sure may be a shocker to some real brides. The “Harper’s Island” pandemonium is not about “the bride”.

The real bride lesson is about reassurance. Even during the worst wedding havoc and confusion, families (and true friends) stick together. With that in mind, be sure to thank your loved ones for all that they are and all that they do for you (especially during the trying wedding times).

Enjoy your wedding planning and always ask for help when pre-nuptial anxiety takes hold of you.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Should They Call Off the Wedding on "Harper's Island"

by June Hoffman of Megasound
Is it Time to Call Off the Wedding?

I have been suffering over the last episode of “Harper’s Island”. As the chaos ensues, the idea of the wedding becomes bleak.

Real brides have surely experienced anxiety and strife before their wedding day. Apprehension and adversity cloud the idea of the “happiest day of your life”. Calling off the wedding is apparent for the fictional bride and groom on “Harper’s Island” and in some cases, very true for many real couples.

The real lesson this week on “Harper’s Island” is to determine the true reasons for considering breaking off the engagement and calling off the wedding. An unknown serial killer sounds like a “good” reason. Even the death in the family might be cause for additional stress and a possible reason to at least delay the wedding.

If unresolved issues or other serious concerns about your fiancĂ© are causing doubt on marriage, then look into those areas. Open communication and working together are really useful tools and help you get to the alter and forever after. Hopefully, the next couple of weeks of “Harper’s Island” will show helpful means for brides and grooms to say “I do”.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Bridal Academy Sponsors Office Hours for Your Wedding Planning

The Bridal Academy Sponsors know that your time is limited when planning a wedding. To help you with your scheduling, find the sponsors store/office hours below. Feel free to contact any of the sponsors directly with wedding planning questions or suggestions for upcoming Bridal Academy sessions.


The Wedding Place




Bridal Gowns * Tuxedos * Bridesmaids Dresses * Flower Girl Dresses
Mothers Formal Dresses * Shoes * Other Bridal Accessories

Located at 4618 Speedway Drive Fort Wayne, IN
Call 260-482-1250 or check out their website for more information

Store Hours
Monday * 12:00pm-7:00pm
Tuesday * 12:00pm-7:00pm
Wednesday * 12:00pm-7:00pm
Thursday * 12:00pm-7:00pm
Friday * 11:00am-5:00pm
Saturday * 10:00am-4:00pm
Sunday * Closed


The Monogram Shoppe




Wedding Invitations * Save-the-date * Wedding Party Gifts
Bridal Registry * Other Wedding Planning Items

Located at 6410 W. Jefferson Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN
Call 260-436-3138 or check out their website for more information.

Store Hours
Monday 10:00am-6:00pm
Tuesday10:00am-7:00pm
Wednesday 10:00am-7:00pm
Thursday 10:00am-7:00pm
Friday 10:00am-6:00pm
Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday Closed **
**1st Sunday of month open 12:00pm-4:00pm


Megasound


Ceremony Music * Officiant Services * Reception Entertainment

All Meetings By Appointment Only (Located in Fort Wayne, IN )
Call 260-484-2460 or check our their website for more information

Monday 10:00am-8:00pm by appointment only
Tuesday 10:00am-8:00pm by appointment only
Wednesday 10:00am-8:00pm by appointment only
Thursday 10:00am-8:00pm by appointment only
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed


Happy Planning!!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Chilling Episode Offers One Lesson for Brides


from June Hoffman of Megasound



The most recent installment of “Harper’s Island” showed its true “horror/thriller/mystery” colors. It only took six episodes for the remaining characters to finally realize that something was very, very wrong at this destination wedding. I guess a macabre “accident” involving the father of the bride was a real wake up call.

For real brides, only one realistic lesson emerged from this chilling episode. Insurance for the engagement ring and/or wedding ring(s) would be an important purchase. If a ring was lost, stolen, or mistakenly thrown in the water, at least a replacement would be possible for the couple.

The series is at a half-way point. Hopefully, “Harper’s Island” will still offer some lessons for real brides in the weeks to come.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Real Brides Planning Help from "Harper's Island"


from June Hoffman of Megasound


This week’s installment of “Harper’s Island” certainly had a lot of action. It was almost as exhausting as a real wedding and certainly a lot messier. I spotted three interesting lessons that real brides could learn from this riveting episode of “Harper’s Island”.

When assigning your groom a decision-making task, make sure he completely understands the importance behind that part of the wedding. If his eyes glaze over when you talk about selecting napkin rings and salad forks, you may want to give your groom a different wedding chore. Otherwise, you might be surprised when each place setting is graced with paper napkins and plastic utensils.

The days leading up to the wedding are stressful. Brides and grooms need to agree ahead of time that the wedding comes first. Other people’s drama can wait until after the nuptials.

A rehearsal is important and beneficial to get logistics in place for the wedding ceremony. Make sure that all of your wedding party members know when and where to meet for the practice run. Pending any unforeseen situations, a wedding rehearsal will take less than a hour.

Happy planning to all brides and grooms. Your wedding should be less stressful when you plan ahead with the valuable lessons from “Harper’s Island”. We will have to wait two weeks to see what really happened with the falling chandelier. Hmm…maybe a lesson there about selecting a secure site that isn’t caving in around the wedding ceremony.

Monday, May 4, 2009

"Harper's Island" Portrays Real Wedding Whirlwind





by June Hoffman of Megasound


This last week’s episode of “Harper’s Island” reminded me that weddings are a whirlwind. Bridal couples can become consumed with the excitement of their wedding day and may become oblivious to what is going on around them. I guess that is why the “Harper’s Island” characters are so unaware of missing people (and even a little dog).

One lesson that “Harper’s Island” provides to real brides is to slow down and enjoy the wedding experience. Some suggestions inspired by this episode.





  • Steal a few minutes to spend some time alone with your fiancĂ©. That private time will serve as a re-energizer as well as a reminder of your love.


  • Take pleasure in the special time with your bridesmaids and girlfriends. The bachelorette party or a bridal tea are great bonding sessions.


  • Avoid other people’s drama. Expending that extra energy will only zap your resources. If you have to deal with it, try to put it off until after your wedding day.


  • Limit your alcohol consumption. Drinking may be fun at the time, but the results of over-indulging will take their toll on you.


  • A relaxing swim in a pool has its benefits. Schedule time to swim with a friend so you can watch out for each other.


Don’t sweat the small stuff. Real brides might find that difficult to do sometimes. Just remember that you are going to marry the man that you love. Let’s hope the same is true for “Harper’s Island”. We will have to wait until next week.