Ritesh Sharma
Helmed by Marco Deufemia, ‘Hearts Around the Table: Jenna’s First Love’ is a heartwarming Hallmark romance that is unmistakably trademark of the channel. Part of the ‘Hearts Around the Table’ movie collection (originally titled ‘The Hearts of Robin Lane’), The film follows a dedicated nonprofit event planner named Jenna Whitaker, who is tasked with organizing a charity gala for billionaire philanthropist Tom Redlands. However, she soon discovers that she must collaborate with Andrew Clarington — Tom’s right-hand man and her former love. As they navigate the pressures of pulling off a grand event, the cozy streets, rustic cafés, and serene lakeside settings rekindle long-lost emotions. With the town’s close-knit community watching their every move, Jenna and Andrew must decide whether their love story deserves a second chance.
Hearts Around the Table: Jenna’s First Love Filming Locations
Following the trend of many beloved Hallmark movies, ‘Hearts Around the Table: Jenna’s First Love’ was filmed entirely in Ontario using locations such as Georgian Bay and Newmarket. The movie brought together a stellar ensemble cast, making the most of their time both on and off-set. Filming took place from August to November 2024, and throughout the production, the cast shared an incredible bond, bringing warmth and authenticity to their performances. Beyond the long hours of shooting, they also found time to unwind and enjoy each other’s company, creating lasting memories. Whether it was through shared laughter between takes or exploring the area together, the cast formed a connection that translated beautifully onto the screen.
Georgian Bay, Ontario
Located in the southcentral part of Ontario, Georgian Bay served as a primary filming location for ‘Hearts Around the Table: Jenna’s First Love,’ providing its distinct waterfront scenery and small-town charm. The region’s expansive shorelines, marinas, and lakeside cottages were used to create an authentic setting that aligned with the film’s themes of love and nostalgia. The production captured the bay’s rocky landscapes, dockside areas, and quiet inlets to add a visually appealing yet grounded atmosphere.
Several lakeside properties and public waterfronts were featured in key scenes, offering a natural backdrop that complemented the film’s storyline. Georgian Bay’s rural roads and wooded trails were also utilized for outdoor sequences, enhancing the film’s intimate and reflective moments. The region’s natural lighting and open landscapes played a crucial role in creating a warm and inviting visual aesthetic.
The location’s accessibility and relatively quiet filming environment made it a practical choice for production. Georgian Bay’s well-maintained infrastructure allowed the crew to efficiently set up and capture scenes without major disruptions. The area’s reputation as a filming destination further contributed to its selection, ensuring a smooth shooting schedule. The film benefits from the bay’s well-preserved scenery, making it a fitting location for Hallmark’s signature storytelling. Other notable productions filmed in Georgian Bay include ‘The Lighthouse,’ ‘Blackberry,’ and ‘The Incredible Hulk,’ all of which utilized the region’s distinct landscapes to enhance their visual storytelling.
Newmarket, Ontario
The town of Newmarket in the York region of Ontario is another shooting location for ‘Hearts Around the Table: Jenna’s First Love’ and provided a structured as well as accessible filming environment to the team. The town’s historic Main Street, lined with red-brick storefronts and locally owned businesses, was used for exterior and street-level scenes, adding a traditional small-town feel to the film. Its mix of commercial and residential areas allowed for diverse indoor and outdoor settings without requiring extensive modifications. The production also likely utilized Newmarket’s public parks, such as Fairy Lake Park, for outdoor sequences. These locations provided controlled yet natural spaces for key moments in the story.
The town’s well-kept infrastructure and availability of filming permits made it a practical choice for Hallmark’s production schedule, minimizing logistical challenges. Newmarket’s established presence in the film industry further contributed to its selection. Its balance of urban convenience and classic small-town aesthetics made it a fitting choice for a film that required both residential and commercial backdrops. The town’s cooperation with production teams ensured a smooth filming process, helping to bring the film’s setting to life effectively. Several other productions have been filmed in the region, including ‘The Boys,’ ‘The Vow,’ and ‘It,’ each benefiting from the town’s blend of historical and modern locations.
Hearts Around the Table: Jenna’s First Love Cast Details
The main cast of ‘Hearts Around the Table: Jenna’s First Love’ includes Ashley Newbrough and Steve Lund, both of whom bring their distinctive screen presence and experience to the film. Newbrough is known for her ability to portray emotionally rich characters with warmth and sincerity. With a career spanning various romantic dramas, she has built a strong connection with audiences who appreciate heartfelt storytelling. Steve brings a dynamic presence to the film, effortlessly blending charisma with depth. His versatility allows him to navigate both lighthearted and intense moments with ease, making his performances engaging and relatable.
Ashley Newbrough as Jenna Whitaker
Ashley Newbrough portrays Jenna Whitaker in the movie. The actress is best known for her roles as Sage Baker in ‘Privileged’ and Kyra in ‘Mistresses.’ She has also starred in several notable Hallmark films, including ‘Small Town Christmas’, ‘Love in Glacier National: A National Park Romance,’ ‘Love Under the Stars,’ ‘Christmas for Keeps,’ and ‘The Christmas Setup.’
Steve Lund as Andrew Clarington
Steve Lund takes on the role of Andrew Clarington. He is best known for his role as Nick Sorrentino in ‘Bitten’ and Tim in ‘Single All the Way.’ He has also been a familiar face in Hallmark productions, starring in ‘A Mrs. Miracle Christmas,’ ‘Winter Castle: Baby,’ ‘It’s Cold Inside,’ ‘Unlocking Christmas,’ and ‘Love Upstream.’ Beyond Hallmark, he has appeared in ‘Hemlock Grove,’ ‘Haven,’ ‘The Banana Splits Movie,’ ‘Wildhood,’ ‘Faith Heist,’ ‘Within These Walls,’ and ‘Schitt’s Creek.’
The supporting cast includes Mindy Cohn as Angie Hartman, Jake Epstein as Josh Adler, and Al Mukadam as Tom Redlands. Also joining the ensemble are Mishael Morgan as Shari Adams, Kathryn Davis as Kiki Mercer, and Marie Dame as Marsha Cutler. Additionally, Eve Crawford takes on the role of Margaret Clarington, while Gillian Mauro portrays Terry. Kato Alexander appears as Sam, while Klé McKoy plays Arthur. Justice James, who plays Rory Nelson, ultimately rounds out the cast of ‘Hearts Around the Table: Jenna’s First Love.’
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