Hulu's Wedding Planner: A Romantic Comedy To Watch

The Wedding Planner is a 2001 romantic comedy starring Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, and Bridgette Wilson-Sampras. The film follows the story of Mary Fiore (Lopez), a successful wedding planner who is so busy planning other people's weddings that she has no time for her own love life. That is until she is rescued from an accident by Steve Edison (McConaughey), a handsome paediatrician who happens to be the fiancé of her latest client. As Mary and Steve are forced to spend time together, they must confront their growing attraction to each other. The film was directed by Adam Shankman and also stars Justin Chambers and Joanna Gleason. It is available to stream on Hulu.

The plot of The Wedding Planner

The Wedding Planner is a 2001 romantic comedy film starring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey. The film centres on Mary Fiore (Lopez), a successful wedding planner in San Francisco. Mary is so preoccupied with coordinating the nuptials of the rich and famous that she has never had time for her own love life. However, things change when she meets a handsome doctor, Steve Edison (McConaughey). Unfortunately, he is engaged to one of her clients, heiress Fran Donolly (Bridgette Wilson-Sampras).

Mary is ambitious, hardworking, and extremely organised, knowing exactly what to do to make any wedding a spectacular event. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she falls (quite literally) for Steve. As she pursues her career ambitions and tries to plan Fran and Steve's wedding, Mary finds herself caught between her professional goals and her growing attraction to the groom-to-be.

While on the phone with her colleague Penny (Judy Greer), Mary's shoe heel gets stuck in a manhole cover. A speeding dumpster comes hurtling towards her, but she is saved by Steve, who pulls her out of harm's way. They meet again at an outdoor movie screening in the park, where they dance and almost kiss before being interrupted by a downpour. Mary later discovers that Steve is the fiancé of her client, Fran. Angry and conflicted, Mary rebukes Steve for leading her on, but Penny reminds her that her career is more important.

As the wedding preparations continue, Mary's life becomes even more complicated when she is reintroduced to her childhood acquaintance Massimo (Justin Chambers) by her father, who wants them to marry. Mary is not interested, but Massimo unexpectedly shows up at a potential wedding venue and introduces himself as her fiancé, much to her horror. While on a horseback ride with Fran's parents, Mary's horse is frightened by Mrs Donolly's singing, and once again, Steve comes to her rescue.

Amidst all the chaos, Mary learns that her father's marriage to her mother, which she had always considered perfect, was actually arranged. Confused and conflicted, Mary navigates her feelings for Steve while trying to balance her career aspirations. As the wedding day approaches, Mary must decide between following her heart or sticking to her professional commitments.

The Wedding Planner is a classic tale about love, destiny, and the unexpected twists and turns of life. It's a light-hearted and charming story that explores the challenges of navigating career ambitions and romantic pursuits.

The cast of The Wedding Planner

The Wedding Planner is a 2001 romantic comedy film starring Jennifer Lopez as Mary Fiore, a successful wedding planner in San Francisco. The cast also includes:

• Matthew McConaughey as Steve Edison, a paediatrician who is engaged to Fran Donolly.
• Bridgette Wilson-Sampras as Fran Donolly, a catering heiress and Mary's client who is planning her society wedding to long-term boyfriend, Eddie.
• Justin Chambers as Massimo Lenzetti, Mary's childhood acquaintance who her father wants her to marry.
• Judy Greer as Penny Nicholson, Mary's colleague and friend.
• Alex Rocco as Salvatore Fiore, Mary's father who tries to set her up with Massimo.

The film also features Joanna Gleason as Mrs. Donolly, Charles Kimbrough as Mr. Donolly, Fred Willard as Basil St. Mosely, Lou Myers as Burt Weinberg, Frances Bay as Dottie, Kevin Pollak as Dr. John Dojny, and Kathy Najimy as Geri, Mary's boss.

The director of The Wedding Planner

The 2001 romantic comedy "The Wedding Planner" was directed by Adam Shankman, marking his feature film directorial debut. Shankman has also served as a judge on the TV show "So You Think You Can Dance".

Shankman's other directing credits include the film adaptation of the musical "Hairspray", starring John Travolta and Zac Efron, as well as A Walk to Remember, The Pacifier, and Bedtime Stories. He has also directed episodes of the TV series Modern Family, Glee, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

In addition to his directing work, Shankman has produced several films, including Going the Distance, Step Up, and The Last Song. He has also served as an executive producer on TV shows such as The Amazing Race and Step Up: High Water.

The release date of The Wedding Planner

The Wedding Planner, starring Jennifer Lopez, was released on 26 January 2001.

The romantic comedy centres on Mary Fiore (Lopez), a successful wedding planner who has never had time for her own love life. That is until she is rescued from an accident by Steve Edison (Matthew McConaughey), a handsome paediatrician who happens to be the fiancé of her latest client. As Mary plans the wedding, she and Steve are forced to confront their growing attraction.

The film was directed by Adam Shankman and also stars Justin Chambers and Joanna Gleason. It had a budget of $35 million and grossed $94.7 million at the US box office.

The Wedding Planner was added to Hulu in November 2023.

Other movies like The Wedding Planner

If you enjoyed The Wedding Planner, starring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey, there are plenty of other romantic comedies with similar themes that are worth checking out. Here are some recommendations:

The Back-up Plan (2010)

Zoe, tired of waiting for Mr. Right, decides to have a baby on her own. However, she meets Stan on the day she's artificially inseminated, and he seems to be the one she's been searching for.

The Accidental Husband (2008)

When radio love guru Dr Emma Lloyd convinces Patrick Sullivan's fiancée to end their engagement, he sets out to teach her a lesson for interfering in other people's lives.

Two Weeks Notice (2002)

An environmental lawyer, Lucy Kelson, goes to work for a billionaire, George Wade, to preserve a community centre. George becomes dependent on Lucy's guidance, and a romantic relationship develops between the two despite their differences.

27 Dresses (2008)

Jane has been a bridesmaid 27 times and is always focused on others' happiness. When she meets a journalist named Kevin, he broadens her horizons, but he has ulterior motives.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

Andie Anderson, an advice columnist, tries to write a piece about how to get a man to leave you in 10 days. Meanwhile, advertising executive Benjamin Barry makes a deal that he can make any woman fall in love with him and sets his sights on Andie.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

A Greek woman, Toula, wants to live life before settling down, but her family is focused on finding her a nice Greek man to marry. When she meets an English teacher, Ian Miller, and falls in love, she must keep their relationship a secret because he isn't Greek.

Monster-in-Law (2005)

Charlotte "Charlie" Cantilini has had a string of bad luck in the dating department, but she thinks she's found Mr. Right in Dr. Kevin Fields. However, she soon discovers that his mother, Viola, is a living nightmare and is determined to scare her away.

My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

Food critic Julianne "Jules" Porter receives news that her longtime friend, Michael O'Neal, is getting married. She realizes she's been in love with him and sets out to sabotage the wedding when she meets the bright-eyed bride-to-be.

Plus One

This comedy follows long-time friends, Alice and Ben, who agree to be each other's "plus ones" as they attend a never-ending parade of weddings.

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