A December Bride

A December Bride is a light-hearted and heartwarming romantic-comedy that unravels during the beautifully festive season. The 2016 Hallmark original movie is directed by David Winning and stars Jessica Lowndes, Daniel Lissing, and Jay Hindle in major roles.

The plot revolves around the captivating and vivacious life of Layla O'Reilly, a budding interior designer, splendidly played by Jessica Lowndes. Layla is an ambitious woman driven by passion and love for her craft. Her creative and keen eye turns even the simplest place into a beautifully inviting space. However, her personal life is marred by a betrayal that shakes her faith in love.

The story is set in motion when Layla's ex-boyfriend marries her cousin, an event leading to an unexpected and unwilling encounter with the best man, Seth Murphy, portrayed wonderfully by Daniel Lissing. While this situation is already tensed due to the past events, a miscommunication leads their entire social circle to believe they are engaged. Instead of clarifying the situation, Seth initiates a deal with Layla: they pretend to be engaged until his upcoming business deal is finalized. In return, he offers her the golden chance to decorate his new house which, in itself, is a dream project for any interior designer.

Seth Murphy, besides being a successful entrepreneur, turns out to be a considerate and charming man – a perfect gentleman. Daniel Lissing brilliantly portrays the complexities of Seth's character, demonstrating a fine balance between his professional ambitions and personal affections.

Adding to the story's color is Jay Hindle as Layla's ex-boyfriend and husband to her cousin. Jay's character adds certain dynamism in the story, playing his part in the transforming relationship between Layla and Seth.

As the fabricated engagement continues, Layla's initial discomfort and resentment towards Seth blur into something far different. The beautiful Christmas backdrop, the elaborate family gatherings, the shared secrets and laughter they share, all contribute towards an unforeseen bond between the pair. In Seth, Layla finds not only a partner to display her creative prowess, but she also discovers a friend, confidant, and an unexpected romance.

However, the beauty of the budding relationship is threatened by their pseudo engagement lie. Layla and Seth must navigate through this emotionally confusing yet tenderly beautiful maze as they collectively cherish the spirit of Christmas.

The romantic tension between the characters is well-handled and convincingly built. Jessica Lowndes and Daniel Lissing share palpable chemistry on-screen, making the viewer root for their characters' happiness. The movie beautifully captures the essence of an unexpected romance, combined with the drama of misunderstandings, sorrow, humor, and Molly, the lovable but over-enthusiastic aunt.

A December Bride is more than just a love story; it canvases bonds, family, second chances, dreams, and healing. The cinematography and direction beautifully capture the essence of the holiday season with Christmassy bright color palettes and cozy settings, contributing excellently to the movie’s aesthetic appeal and festive vibe.

Christmas brings with it the charm of miracles, and as the viewers travel through Layla's and Seth's story, they are left wondering whether they would experience their share of a Christmas miracle or not. No matter what, the viewers are sure to be left with a sense of comfort as the movie tends to enchant everyone with its beautifully warm ambiance and moving romantic tale, making A December Bride an uplifting and delightful watch during the holiday season. This film is not just another romantic Christmas movie. It is a hallmark of love, dreams, hope, and the magic that Christmas carries within it.