A Harvest Wedding

The 2017 film A Harvest Wedding is a heartwarming romantic drama that beautifully intertwines the themes of love, second chances, and the magic of life in a small town. Directed by Steven R. Monroe and produced by Timothy O. Johnson, the movie features a talented ensemble including Jill Wagner, Victor Webster, and Merren McMahon, who deliver incredibly nuanced performances. The realistic portrayal of the characters and the picturesque setting makes it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a good romance saga, set amidst the beauty of countryside life and topped with the pleasantness of a wedding to remember.

Jill Wagner plays Sarah Bloom, an accomplished and career-oriented wedding planner from New York, known for her excellent talent in turning the nuptials into exquisite events. Despite her prowess and success in the big city, she remains deeply connected to her upbringing in a small countryside town, which has influenced her aesthetically curated wedding styles.

As fate would have it, Sarah is given an assignment to plan a wedding on a farm setting during the harvest time. She is soon to realize that this assignment is not just any other job but a homecoming of sorts. The farm where the wedding is to take place belongs to the family of her high school sweetheart, David Nichols, played by Victor Webster. Coming face to face with the hometown and the man she left behind sets the stage for much introspection as the movie progresses.

Victor Webster’s character, David, is a hunky farmer and the elder son of the Nichols’s family. He is the quintessential next-door guy, warm, humble, and the one who was left heartbroken when Sarah moved to the city. As Sarah returns back to her roots, old feelings are rekindled, and buried memories surface, making David question if he ever moved on or just was waiting for her all along.

The subplot beautifully captures the dynamic interactions between Sarah and the bride-to-be, the vibrant Abbey Nichols, brilliantly portrayed by Merren McMahon. Sarah's professional approach to wedding planning is taxed by Abbey's indecisiveness and the latter's casual approach to her own wedding. It becomes more complicated because David, Abbey's protective elder brother, has his apprehensions about transforming their family farm into a trendy wedding venue.

Sarah and David's relationship starts on a cordial note, but latent emotions soon find their way to the surface. They rediscover their feelings and the deep connection they once shared. Meanwhile, Sarah’s clients, Abbey and her fiancé, make bizarre wedding requests, providing a vein of humor running through the story. The movie also highlights the warmth, love, and camaraderie between the townsfolk, adding an additional layer of allure for viewers.

Throughout the story, both Wagner and Webster deliver compelling performances. They beautifully depict the complexities and sentimentalities inherent in first love and the joy and pain of reunions. Both characters have their share of vulnerabilities and strengths, serving to make them more relatable to the audience. Meanwhile, McMahon adds vitality to her character making Abbey an absolute delight despite her flighty ways.

This film beautifully juxtaposes city life against town life, effectively emphasizing the tranquility and harmony one can find in simpler settings. It also highlights the values of family, friendship, love, and especially the arduous yet satisfying journey of planning a perfect dream wedding. One can’t help but get captivated by the scenic shots of rolling farmlands, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, alongside the calming, scenic views of the countryside that add to the rustic charm and magnetism of the movie.

In conclusion, A Harvest Wedding is a gratifying romance movie that offers a refreshing take on love, reunions, and embracing change. With top-notch performances, a well-written script peppered with humor, and a vividly picturesque backdrop, this movie is sure to cater to all romantic souls. It invites viewers to experience the intensity of a shared past and a potential future that could play out amidst the rustic charm of harvest rituals and a mesmerizing fall wedding.