Love Takes Flight: Inside Hallmark’s Love in the Clouds and Its Balloon-Filled Charm
Hallmark’s Love in the Clouds is more than a feel-good romance cinematic treat – it’s a visual blast through Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the famous Balloon Fiesta. This article delves into where the film was filmed, what makes its cast so special, and how the story fuses love and adventure in the sky.
With a backdrop of spectacular visuals, intricate performance footage, and pure off-stage, the story focuses on discovering Years & Years’ unique sound and how they’ve found their voice. Why it matters: Hallmark fans and theatergoers respond to movies with real locations (whether urban or small town) and stories that leave the heart flying.
Shooting Location: Albuquerque, NM
Love in the Clouds was not only set in Albuquerque — it was shot there. The colorful southwestern city provided the perfect setting with its natural beauty and cultural verve. The production showcased true sites such as Balloon Fiesta Park and the Albuquerque International Sunport.
The shooting occurred in December 2024, although the real Balloon Fiesta occurs in October. Scenes filmed live at the event combined well-directed editing and a green screen. The result? A romantic backdrop for a home that looks and feels like the real thing.
The Balloon Fiesta: Love Letter To New Mexico
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is more than a backdrop — another character in the film. The festival is the world’s largest hot-air balloon event and showcases more than 500 balloons.
It is a nine-day riot of color, flight, and community. Screenwriter Lisa Hepner, a native of New Mexico, highlighted the festival in her first Hallmark script. She sensed that it would bring something magical to the film.
Through a combination of actual event footage and reenacted scenes, the awe-inspiring energy of the fiesta came alive on screen. The balloons buoy the story, both literally and metaphorically.
Hot-Air Romance: Brooklyn Meets Jared in the Sky
The story is about Brooklyn, a reporter covering the Balloon Fiesta. There, she meets Jared, a hot-air balloonist with a charming but closed-off heart. Their love story drifts into the scene gently, tethered in real feelings but flying on adventure. Jared likes to provide couples a romantic hot-air balloon ride, but is gun-shy about love.
Brooklyn helps him open up. They can play off one another in a way that makes the movie’s emotional moments feel earned. The script treads deftly between heart and humor and uses the skies above Albuquerque as a visual metaphor for what can happen when you take emotional risks.
Stars Hearts: Main Actors and Actresses
McKenzie Westmore portrays Brooklyn. It’s not like she’s a screen novice—she’s starred in Star Trek, Passions, and All My Children. Her Hallmark debut sees her bring her opera-bred presence into a warm and charming role. The movie stars Paul Greene as Jared, and he’s no stranger to Hallmark movie fans.
Best known for When Calls the Heart and multiple Christmas movies, Greene adds charm and depth. He even contributed an original song of his own to the film, “Love Is in the Air,” for personalization. The supporting cast, Gail O’Grady, Lorenzo Lamas, and Alexis Zollicoffer, adds heart to this joyful ensemble.
It’s About More Than Just the Balloons
It features several notable locations around Albuquerque. Here’s some of the spiciest scenery and local flavor those gates offer. El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina provides colorful scenery. Its gardens, waterfalls, and art helped to warm things up naturally.
Scenes were also shot at the Sandia Peak Tramway, a mountaintop experience that provides viewers with a bird’s-eye view of love. The Albuquerque International Sunport was another spot, with its local art and semi-urban architecture providing depth to airport scenes. Combined, these include the setting, and, of course, the city itself is a character.
Honest Cast Reactions: A Joy Behind the Scenes
The stars professed their love for the movie on social media. Greene told his host he had a “high-flying time” and was excited to pull out all the stops to perform his original song. Westmore shared images from the Sandia Peak Tramway and described the filming as “magical.” She showed off her new look and fawned over being alongside a hot-air balloon.
Alexis Zollicoffer said the cast and crew “are an absolute joy.” Koppany Pusztai compiled the shoot with a message of thanks, saying he’ll forever be “flying high on the memories.” Their posts provide a personal layer that fans love to see.
From Favourite Project to Fan Favourite
For screenwriter Lisa Hepner, Love in the Clouds wasn’t just a job, but a dream. She was raised in Albuquerque and longed to see the Balloon Fiesta depicted on screen. She married her adoration for the city with a story celebrating adventure and feeling.
The film is a mashup of local pride and a global love-and-healing message. It’s that emotional bedrock that makes it resonate so intensely with audiences. It’s real, joyous, and visually delightful—all the qualities Hallmark fans love.
FAQs
Love in the Clouds filming location
The film was shot entirely in Albuquerque, New Mexico, using actual locations, including Balloon Fiesta Park and the Sandia Peak Tramway.
Who are the stars of the movie?
McKenzie Westmore and Jared play Brooklyn, who Paul Greene plays. They’re both seasoned actors and Hallmark regulars.
Is that an actual video of the Balloon Fiesta?
A few (mixed with recreated scenes) were shot during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Did Paul Greene pen a tune for the film?
Yes, he did write and sing “Love Is in the Air,” a song from the film.
When was the first time Love in the Clouds aired?
This movie first aired on the Hallmark Channel on May 10, 2025.
Final Words
Love in the Clouds reads like more than fluffy, feel-good romance — it’s an eye-popping love letter to Albuquerque and the risk-taking attitude. The film is a total emotional delight between the actual real-world locations and the actual real-world cast reactions.
The combination of local flavor, scenery, and strong performances makes it a standout in Hallmark’s bouquet of romantic offerings. This movie is worth watching if you’re a hot-air balloon fan or enjoy a good love story.
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