You know that feeling when you're scrolling through Hallmark or Great American Family and you stumble onto a movie that just feels... comfortable? That's Love by Design. It originally dropped back in 2014, and honestly, it’s one of those rom-coms that survives on the chemistry of its leads rather than some massive, world-ending plot. People still search for the Love by Design cast because the movie manages to capture that very specific "big city girl returns to her roots" trope without being totally insufferable. It’s got Jane Seymour. It’s got the fashion industry drama. It’s got the gorgeous Romanian countryside.
The Core Players: Who Really Made the Movie Work?
At the center of everything is Jane Seymour. Let’s be real—she’s the reason half the audience tuned in. Playing Vivien, a high-powered, slightly terrifying fashion magazine editor, she basically channels a softer, more "made-for-TV" version of Miranda Priestly. Seymour doesn't just act; she commands the frame. It's wild to think she's been a Bond girl, Dr. Quinn, and now a staple of these heartfelt dramas, yet she never feels like she’s phoning it in.
Then you have Giulia Nahmany as Danielle Luca. She’s the heart of the story. Danielle is a struggling fashion scout in New York who gets fired by Vivien and has to head back to her home in Romania to find her "authentic self." Nahmany actually co-wrote the film, so her connection to the character feels pretty personal. She isn't your typical cookie-cutter rom-com lead. There’s a sincerity there that makes you actually root for her when she’s crying over a ruined career or falling for a local guy who owns a farm.
Speaking of the local guy, we have David Oakes playing Adrian. You might recognize him from much "grittier" stuff like The Borgias, Vikings: Valhalla, or The White Queen. Seeing him in a lighthearted romance is almost jarring if you’re used to him playing schemers or historical villains, but he pulls off the "soulful romantic interest" surprisingly well.
A Deeper Look at the Supporting Cast
It wasn’t just the big three. The movie filled out its world with some solid character actors who brought the New York vs. Romania contrast to life.
- David Lipper as David: He’s the classic "New York guy" presence. Lipper has been in everything from Full House to big-budget indies, and he provides that necessary tether to Danielle's urban life.
- Olivia Hallinan as Claire: Best known for Lark Rise to Candleford, she brings a bit of British charm to the mix.
- Alexandra Weaver as Beatrice: She plays the "workplace rival" role. You need that person you love to hate to make the protagonist's struggle feel real.
Why the Location Was the Secret Star
Most people looking into the Love by Design cast don't realize that the setting influenced the acting quite a bit. They filmed on location in Sighișoara, Romania. This isn't a Hollywood backlot. When you see Danielle walking through those cobblestone streets or looking at those medieval towers, that's the real deal. It adds a layer of texture that most budget romances lack.
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The contrast is the point. The movie starts in the cold, grey, high-pressure environment of Manhattan. Then it breathes. It opens up. The cast looks more relaxed in the Romanian scenes, which mirrors the character development. Adrian (David Oakes) feels like he belongs in that landscape, which makes the choice Danielle has to make—stay in the village or return to the glitz of the city—actually feel weighted.
Where Are They Now? (2026 Update)
It’s been over a decade since the cameras rolled. The career trajectories of the Love by Design cast have been pretty varied, to say the least.
Jane Seymour hasn't slowed down a bit. In 2026, she’s still a powerhouse, recently wrapping up more seasons of Harry Wild, where she plays a retired literature professor solving crimes. She’s become a bit of a mogul in the lifestyle space, too. Honestly, she’s the blueprint for how to have a long-term career in this industry without losing your mind.
David Oakes has leaned heavily into his "prestige drama" status. While he did the romantic lead thing here, his heart seems to be in historical epics and stage work. He’s also a big advocate for environmental issues, often using his platform to talk about wildlife conservation. He’s one of those actors who is "famous enough" to work constantly but "low-key enough" to walk down the street without a riot.
Giulia Nahmany has continued to bridge the gap between the Romanian and international film industries. She’s moved into more producing and lifestyle branding. She’s kind of the Martha Stewart of Eastern Europe in some ways, mixing wellness, fashion, and film.
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Addressing the "Fluff" Factor
Look, critics weren't exactly kind to Love by Design when it came out. It sits at a fairly low rating on most major review sites. But there’s a massive gap between what a "film critic" wants and what a "viewer on a Sunday afternoon" wants.
People love this movie because it's predictable.
That sounds like an insult, but it's not. In a world where everything is "subverting expectations" and being "dark and gritty," there is a massive market for a movie where the girl finds herself, the guy is nice, and the scenery is pretty. The Love by Design cast understood the assignment. They didn't try to make Citizen Kane. They made a comfort movie.
What Most People Miss About the Production
The film was actually a significant co-production. It represented a push to bring more international attention to Romanian film sets. The crew was a mix of local talent and international professionals. If you watch the credits, you'll see a lot of Romanian names. This wasn't just a "drop-in" American production; it was a collaborative effort that helped put Sighișoara on the map for travelers who wanted to see those "fairytale" streets in person.
The Enduring Appeal of Danielle and Adrian
The chemistry between Nahmany and Oakes is what keeps the movie in rotation on streaming services. Most rom-com pairings feel forced—like two people who just met at a table read and were told to look "in love." Because Nahmany was so involved in the script, the dialogue feels a bit more natural.
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Adrian isn't just a hunk; he's a person with his own history. Danielle isn't just a victim of a mean boss; she’s someone who lost her way and used her heritage to find her footing again.
How to Watch It Today
If you’re looking to revisit the Love by Design cast in action, the movie pops up frequently on:
- Amazon Prime Video (usually for rent or through a Freevee-style ad-supported tier).
- Hallmark Movies Now (it fits the brand perfectly, even if it wasn't a "Hallmark Original" per se).
- Local Cable Syndication (it’s a favorite for midday slots).
Actionable Steps for Rom-Com Fans
If you enjoyed Love by Design, you shouldn't just stop there. There's a whole world of similar "lifestyle-and-location" romances that use a similar formula but offer different flavors.
- Check out Jane Seymour’s recent work: If you liked her as the boss, watch Harry Wild. It shows her range and her ability to carry a show.
- Explore David Oakes’ historical roles: If you want to see him do something totally different, watch The Pillars of the Earth. It’s a complete 180 from the romantic Adrian.
- Visit the filming locations (virtually or in person): Look up Sighișoara. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Even if you never go to Romania, the history of that town is more fascinating than the movie itself.
- Support Indie Rom-Coms: Movies like this often get buried by big studio releases. Following the actors on social media (like Giulia Nahmany) helps you stay in the loop for their smaller, more passionate projects.
The story of the Love by Design cast is a reminder that you don't need a hundred-million-dollar budget to make something that people will still be talking about a decade later. Sometimes, all you need is a good location, a legendary actress like Jane Seymour, and a story about going home.