The Wedding Cottage

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.

One thing I typically look for in the Hallmark romances is the level of relationship building. Some plots put the main couple together so seldom you wonder how they even remember each other's names.

This movie puts the leads together most of the time, and it works. The plot starts out with a bit of antithetical romance which is quickly stripped away as the lady wedding planner puts a cottage back in order.

Unfortunately the "relationship crisis" is one that's been horribly overworked, when one of the leads thinks the other has betrayed their fame to the press. I had to knock off a star for a lack of originality there.

However, overall we liked the story and the characters, and we're glad we watched it.

I enjoyed the chemistry between the two leads. It's nice to see a female lead that is not so high strung or annoying, In the beginning she was a little but the movie gets better. This movie is probably the best one I have seen in a long time, I enjoyed the cottage scene and even the music. I liked the male actor Brendan Penny. It's nice he is paired with a Erin. Usually he is paired with the most annoying females on hallmark. This movie is one of the better ones I have seen him in. Watch if you are looking for an easy going romance that will get you in a good mood. I also love the scenery of Vermont.

8.2 stars.

How about a romance for romance sake? 'The Wedding Cottage', is a passionate romance featuring a wedding planner and a sculptor.

There is absolutely nothing amiss in this story, everything is rational. There are no major squabbles, only true to life disagreements.

Vanessa needs to use Evan's dilapidated old cottage for an upcoming wedding she is planning for her clients, but unfortunately, this once popular wedding venue has deteriorated due to disuse. Evan has lived alone there for years creating masterpieces of art...he might be a certifiable genius. She requests the use of the old cottage, but he is stubborn and will not agree to let her fix up the place, even at her own expense. She pokes and prods at his softer side and still he does not budge, but eventually he succumbs to her charms. Their relationship develops naturally as their curiosity for each other grows.

'The Wedding Cottage' is a very gratifying and passionate love story. You won't have to cover your kids' eyes or send them to bed but you might be tempted to. Don't worry, this is still rated G.

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.