Branford Stars In New Holiday TV Movie

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

BRANFORD, CT – Among the scores of Branford connections to the Hallmark movie “Romance at Reindeer Lodge” currently airing on television is that well-known real estate agent Vicky Welch is among the many extras who gets a few seconds of camera time.

“I’m in about four scenes,” said Welch, who added her administrative assistant is also in the movie, which was shot in parts of Branford, North Haven, Hamden and New Haven.

“It was very exciting,” said Welch. She said her big on-screen moment was when she was pretending to buy tickets at Kaplan (really Tweed-New Haven) Airport.

Since the show has aired on the Hallmark channel, Welch said she has received lots of calls and call outs from people on social media who have seen her appearance. “It’s been a lot of fun,” Welch said.

Welch isn’t a stranger to being in front of a camera, as she was also involved in an HGTV show “Beachfront Bargain Hunt.”

Even though, she said, “You don’t realize how much work is really done behind the scenes around you – the cameras, the production people, everything.”

“Romance at Reindeer Lodge” is about a group of adults from different parts of the country who have sworn off partaking in holiday events. Two of those people are Molly, played by actress Nicky Whelan, and Jared, played by Josh Kelly.

Upon arriving at Reindeer Lodge, they discover it’s a Christmas-themed ranch. With no flight out until after Christmas, the group ends up staying. Soon the Christmas activities melt everyone’s cynical hearts. And Molly and Jared’s love begins to blossom.

Caron’s Corner is just one of the locations in Branford used to film a variety of scenes. Pasta Cosi, Possessions, PS Fine Stationers, and the Branford Town Green.

By the way, the Branford Green was established more than three centuries ago when Welch’s great uncle, John Taintor, willed his home lot to the town in 1699 to erect a new meeting house, the predecessor of the First Congregational Church of Branford.

Welch, who was “born and raised” in Branford, said she was so thrilled to be part of a production that starred her hometown.

“Branford’s such a great town,” she said. “The restaurants, the shops, the trails. It’s all so special.”

Submitted photos