The Wedding Cottage

This was a wonderfully romantic Hallmark film and I feel like standing up and cheering. It seems like there has been a long dry spell on Hallmark filled with forced box checking and political agendas that really marked a deviation from the romantic films that originally brought me to the channel. This was a film that transcended all of that. It was beautiful, sweet and very romantic.

Erin Krakow, who I love in When Calls The Heart, is wonderful as a wedding guide creator that together with her team gives away a dream wedding to a would be bride and her hero military groom. The problem, they want to do it in the famous Vermont Wedding Cottage which has been out of business for five years and is currently owned by a famous artist who has allowed it to go to ruin. Thankfully Erin's character Vanessa Doyle is a real go-getter and she does what it takes to convince artist Evan Stanford to let her fix up the cottage and hold the wedding there...and bring him coffeee every morning...all quietly, so he can concentrate on his next piece for an upcoming art show.

These two, Vanessa and Evan, fit together like beautiful romantic puzzle pieces. I loved the romance in this film AND Erin's urban wardrobe! Erin Krakow and Brendan Penny have wonderful on-screen chemistry which really makes this film work.

I highly, highly recommend this to all the romantics out there...you will love this film.

Not to be confused (and not in any way) related to The Christmas Cottage with Merritt Patterson and Steve Lund that aired on Hallmark a few years back.

Lots of Hallmark star power here. When Calls the Heart star (in a rare on-screen moment out of period clothing) Erin Krakow stars alongside Chesapeake Shores alum Brendan Penney, who is a reliable actor, no matter the role. He plays a somewhat curmudgeonly character - at least early on - in direct opposition to Krakow's bubbly, positive character.

After Krakow's character Vanessa promises a couple - competition winners - the dream wedding at The Wedding Cottage, she belatedly discovers that the cottage is in disrepair and must enlist Penney's Evan to assist in getting the cottage ready for the nuptials, which at first proves to be a bridge too far.

There's nothing forced about the chemistry between Penney and Krakow. They are very good in every scene together - but especially the "leaf blower" scene, which was particularly amusing - and The Wedding Cottage is a very entertaining rom-com. It could have been run-of-the-mill with any other stars, but Krakow and Penney definitely elevate the film.

This has been on Hallmark Channel recently. Have watched x3. I have actually laughed out loud each time. Worth watching just to see the expressions on Brendan Penney's face while Erin Krakow was being a klutz or making a passionate argument. Totally believable. Also worth noting his expressions as he grows fond of her.

As usual for Hallmark, the misunderstanding/conflict is pretty annoying but par for the course.

Overall, very enjoyable. Flows along well.

All supporting characters believable.

Must say though, what were they thinking when they dressed ErinKrakow in that ugly and matronly gown at the wedding.

The groom was introduced on TV as Staff Sergeant, but his insignia was for a Buck Sergeant. Also, with his injury, his campaign ribbons did not include a Purple Heart. Hallmark should always use a military consultant. Admittedly these are picky points for an otherwise excellent movie with true heart. Erin Krakow is always on character and Brendan Penny showed a transformation as his artistic side began to be seen in his work at the cottage and in dealing with Vanessa. Another highlight for me was the community spirit shown by town folks in pulling together and sharing their skills to make the wedding a reality.

I rarely write reviews and there a plenty of reviews with summaries. My Grandmother loved Hallmark. It was on practically 24/7 especially Thurs to Sunday. She often would fall asleep after finishing the movie but too (lazy) to get up. She passed last month. So I have been catching up on some of those I have missed and the new releases. As an artist and also someone who finds solace in gardening. Most things nature I feel very connected to. This movie really spoke to me in many ways. I felt the struggle of the artist because I live it but I am definitely NOT famous nor have a known name. I also felt the struggle of the now published author who misses their true passion. The connection to people, visual beauty and the ability to harness the spirit of love. All while putting it on display for the people who mean the most to the couple getting married. I felt the connection between the characters. I also felt it was closer to being more realistic and definitely more honest. This movie surprised me greatly. I laughed out loud, I chuckled, and I smiled so much the muscles in my face hurt. I loved the connection with nature, the amazing and stunning trees. I also appreciated the wildflowers as the main flower "theme". Too often simple, and natural beauty get overlooked.

This movie really did make me cry. I was in the army and my brother is a marine overseas over 8 years of his 13 in active duty. I lost the feeling in my legs in a training incident. We have lost many friends, brothers and sisters. Too many others have had to learn how to live with a new normal. It has been 19 years since I had real feeling in my legs and feet. Loosing a limb or two is more common than anyone wants to openly acknowledge. Alas I believe in Honesty almost to a fault. It is one of the main core values and code of ethics instilled in you. If you didn't understand them before you enlist they become essential after. We need those core values and ethics visualized. We need them on display interwoven with the beauty and nature of life. We are human and we all have storms to weather. We have mountains to climb. Some face similar lessons but rarely are the outcomes exactly the same. Why? Because we all have lessons to be learned and rarely are the outcomes supposed to be exactly the same. Even rarer that they are supposed to happen at exactly the same time. I hope that this movie will have a sequel. I would really enjoy a well made series with different couples coming to the cottage. Along with all the bumpy, messy real life that can happen when a real wedding is planned, created and made to happen. May this be a truly happy beginning!

That said: I just wish it was longer. I miss a real feature length film. This movie could have easily made a full 2 hour special (without commercials) and I have no doubt it would have been a hit. Sadly now we get so many commercials that without them we are now down to 83 or 84 minutes. We don't even get the whole 90.

Blessed be to all, I wish you enough and I hope you are always able to find the extraordinary within the ordinary ~CSM.