Upamanyu Biswas
Hallmark’s ‘Love, Romance & Chocolate’ tells the story of Emma Colvin, a New York accountant whose romantic trip to Belgium is upended after a sudden breakup with her boyfriend. Subsequently, Emma is consoled by her friend and undertakes the getaway vacation on her own. While staying in her Belgian inn, the protagonist meets a gifted chocolatier named Luc Simon, who is busy participating in a chocolate-making competition for the upcoming Belgian royal wedding. Although from separate worlds, Emma’s kitchen skills make her a valuable asset for Luc as they team up together, laying the groundwork for a potential relationship. Under the direction of Jonathan Wright, the romantic movie balances the beauty of Belgium’s quaint cityscape with the burdens of the heart and a serene aesthetic.
Where Was Love, Romance & Chocolate Filmed?
‘Love, Romance & Chocolate’ was entirely filmed in Belgium across three different cities, Brugge, Ghent and Brussels. Principal photography on the project began in November 2018 and was wrapped up by December. Belgium is known for its medieval towns and Renaissance-era architecture, which have been meticulously preserved in a pristine condition over the years. A lot of the country’s settlements are built over historic locations that blend both modern amenities with the elegance of traditional environments. This helps create a sense of cultural identity, immersion, and shared values. In many ways, the cityscapes of the European nation resemble towns from a fairy tale novel. Thus, by setting the narrative against the backdrop of the country’s idyllic neighborhoods, the Hallmark film enhances the romantic themes at its heart.
Brugge, Belgium
Filming for ‘Love, Romance & Chocolate’ took place in the dazzling city of Brugge, the capital of the West Flanders province in Belgium. The team may have lensed some shots at the Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce, a 4-star hotel at Wollestraat 41/47, 8000. The city is distinctly defined by its cobbled streets, canals, medieval buildings, and historic landmarks. It is also famed for its renowned chocolatiers, an aspect that is reflected authentically in the movie’s narrative. Outside their love for chocolate, travelers are also welcome to indulge in a wide array of impressive museums, breweries, and delicious eateries. One can embark on open-air boat rides across the city’s canal, which parallels the beautiful boat rides of Venice, Italy. Films and shows that have been lensed in Brugge include ‘In Bruges,’ Hallmark’s ‘Love Blossoms,’ and ‘Annette.’
Ghent, Belgium
Some key scenes for ‘Love, Romance & Chocolate’ were also recorded in Ghent, a port city in the northwest section of Belgium. It is mainly known as a university town and cultural hub, exemplified by its historic buildings. The city is also home to some prominent public squares and marketplaces, which were often the center of town settlements in the past. Some of its popular landmarks include the Castle of the Counts, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, Saint Nicholas’ Church, Belfry of Ghent, and Ghent City Hall. The region is adorned with a mix of Renaissance and Gothic-style architecture, setting the stage for some scenic and jaw-droppingly beautiful locales. As such, it offered the perfect backdrop for Emma and Luc’s blossoming romance and their chocolate-making aspirations.
Brussels, Belgium
Another important filming spot for ‘Love, Romance & Chocolate’ was Belgium’s capital city, Brussels. The area is renowned for its unique cuisine, which is distinguished by local delicacies like waffles, chocolate, French fries, and alcoholic beverages. Brussels is also the headquarters of numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and boasts an eclectic range of historic landmarks that are the heartbeat of the city’s character and personality. The inhabitants are always warm and friendly towards tourists, who can enjoy the spectacle of one of Europe’s most important cultural and commercial centers in a low-key but vibrant environment. It is also a popular haven for romantic getaways, making it the perfect spot for couples, tying into the Hallmark movie’s plot.
Love, Romance & Chocolate Cast Details
‘Love, Romance & Chocolate’ is led by the stellar performances of Lacey Chabert, Will Kemp, and Brittany Bristow. Chabert is a Hallmark veteran, having appeared in over 40 movies for the network. Outside her live-action roles, she has also lent her voice to a diverse range of characters in animated films, shows, and video games. Her screen partner, Kemp, is a Hallmark regular himself. He is also a gifted dancer trained at the Royal Ballet School. Meanwhile, the Hallmark connection continues with Bristow, who has appeared in several movies by the network, showcasing her familiarity with the grounded, emotional, and feel-good narratives characteristic of the channel.
Lacey Chabert as Emma Colvin
Lacey Chabert stars as New York accountant Emma Colvin, who is recovering from a recent breakup with her boyfriend. The actress is best known for playing Gretchen Wieners in ‘Mean Girls,’ Amanda Becker in ‘Not Another Teen Movie,’ Penny Robinson in ‘Lost in Space,’ Dana Mathis in ‘Black Christmas,’ and Meg Cummings in ‘Dirty Deeds.’ She can also be seen in ‘The Christmas Waltz,’ ‘The Color of Rain,’ ‘A Merry Scottish Christmas,’ and ‘A Wish For Christmas.’
Will Kemp as Luc Simon
Will Kemp features alongside Chabert as the famed chocolatier Luc Simon. Kemp’s prominent work includes roles such as Henry Stuart in ‘Reign,’ Mitch Saunders in ‘Spinning Out,’ Blake Collins in ‘Step Up 2: The Streets,’ and Velkan Valerious in ‘Van Helsing,’ where he stars opposite Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale. His other notable credits include ‘Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce,’ ‘Doom Patrol,’ Hallmark’s ‘A Not So Royal Christmas,’ and ‘Paging Mr. Darcy.’
Brittany Bristow as Marie Gruben
Brittany Bristow plays Marie Gruben. She is most noted for starring as Amber Gibson in ‘Just Jake,’ Megan Henry in Hallmark’s ‘A Safari Romance,’ Maya in ‘Shadowtown,’ and Nicole Everett in ‘The Love Club.’ She also appears in ‘Hudson & Rex,’ ‘Good Witch,’ ‘Royal Matchmaker,’ ‘No Sleep ‘Til Christmas,’ ‘Love on the Right Course,’ and ‘Wrapped Up in Love.’
Other cast members include Guillaume Dolmans as Max Van Dender, Joseph Olivennes as Frederic, Floriane Bibauw as Petra, Loriane Klupsch as Annabelle De Meyer, Maarten Ketels as Liam, Tess Bryant as Barbara, Christopher Morrison as Jake, Charlotte Anne Bongaerts as Tina, Kevin Van Doorslaer as Todd, and Anthony Scott as Finn. The Hallmark movie also features Sarah Christoyannis and Katrijne Merrigan in minor roles.
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