Hallmark Spring Fling: Right in Front of Me

 

Carly has every intention of staying in the background as a bridal stylist, helping brides with the right clothes for their weddings, and not putting herself in the limelight. When she goes to visit her friend, she discovers the wedding of a college classmate that she wasn't invited to. She has a second chance with a crush when she meets Nick, a chef trying to move up in his career by introducing new additions to the menu. The two meet and strike an immediate friendship, just as Carly runs into an old crush from college.

Our top favorite elements:

1.) The Meet-Cute

Carly meets the handsome Nick when she makes a comment about his empanadas and comes out of the kitchen to find out what was wrong with them. This creates a basis of friendship for the two of them as chitchat about their college choices, parents, and cooking gives them a connection. The meet-cute is one of the most important elements in a romance or romantic comedy and this one has a delightful one. 

2.) The Stunning Location

Hallmark always has beautiful locations for their films that create an aesthetic that matches the tone or season of the movie. This is no exception with a stunning wedding location at a hotel with bright flowers and brilliant architecture that creates fine details for the background. We love the location with the shops, the background, the flowers, and the cheery aesthetic that brings spring to life. 

3.) The Friendship to Romance

Nick and Carly meet and become fast friends. This is an element that we love the most about this movie. They aren't angsty or have a love-hate relationship. The two are simply friends and Nick makes it his mission to help her get the nerve to talk to her old crush. In return, Carly helps him make connections so he can strike out on his own as a chef. Both are workaholic that holds themselves back from reaching the full height of their dreams from fear of the limelight. Their friendship comes with plenty of romantic moments while also some humorous ones such as a "mild allergic reaction" when he accidentally serves food that makes her break out in hives. The friendship between them creates a rom-com that has a buddy comedy vibe and a whole lot of charm. 

4.) The Three for the Firestarter Challenge

One of the best moments is when Carly convinces Matt and Nick to take part in a firestarter wings challenge with her. At first, the two men didn't want to take part until she convinced them to try a wing with both unable to finish a single wing. The two had to chug down some milk while Carly happily finished the wing without a problem and won a free hat. One of the best moments in the movie with top-notch humor and a great scene that sums up the character perfectly. 

This is one of our favorite movies from Hallmark with a delightful duo that falls in love by being friends first. They're the sort of duo that we would watch a whole series of these two and how they encourage each other to step outside of their comfort zones to push themselves and take a chance on themselves. 

Quotes:

"See, I'm like a bridal ninja." - Carly

"You want me to go clothes shopping when I'm on a break from my clothes shopping job?" - Carly

"You can't fall in love with someone until you love yourself." - Carly