Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To The Altar

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To The Altar - "Gallery" Talk

5/30/2018

Oliver, Shane and Joe chat in Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To The Altar

What we've seen of To The Altar, what we haven't and what it might mean.

After last week’s welcome surprise of sneak peek photos, air date, and the release of the tenth films’ title--- Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To The Altar---it’s about time we took inventory of what we know so far.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then even the few gallery photos we encountered spoke volumes on several issues, all within the confines of Norman and Rita’s upcoming nuptials. Even so, there’s just as much intrigue surrounding what we didn’t see and has yet to be revealed. Just for fun---let’s deconstruct and speculate on a few of those matters!

Guest List

Who We Saw: The POstables, Papa O’Toole, Bill Haywith, Hazel, Ramon, Gabe

Who We Didn’t See: Most notably absent are Sunny Haywith, Rita’s mom, and Ardis Parker Pennington Payne, whom Kristin (definitely probably…?) accidentally leaked would be in attendance in an interview right around the time they filmed To The Altar. Both absences from the recent selection of photos is certainly curious, but their omission could be linked to something as simple as the photographer not grabbing a photo of either woman on set, to them actually trying to keep the appearances a secret. I would think that might apply more to Carol Burnett (Ardis Payne) than Colleen Camp (Sunny Haywith), but you never can tell with these kind of things! More practically, it could have been the result of a scheduling conflict in one or both instances. In that case, how they handle the absence(s) will be interesting.

Gregory Harrison as Joseph O'Toole in Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To The Altar

I was also hoping that we might see if Papa O'Toole got a plus one---about time he found someone and settled down!

Who I Still Have Hope For: I have no idea one way or the other, but I’d like to put it out there that I would love to have Kimsicle crash the reception. If there has ever been a time to randomly bring him back, it’s this wedding!

The Main Event?

We actually know quite a bit about the wedding thus far---from Gabe performing, to Ramon being involved in some capacity, that it’s taking place at a barn---likely on the Kellser farm---and, surprisingly, we’ve even seen the dress! I won’t lie, the lack of effort to keep the dress a secret was a bit of a surprise, but it might be a nod to the truth that a wedding is about so much more than what the bride is wearing, with which I wholeheartedly agree. One thing is for sure---expect to bawl your eyes out! But is the wedding really the main event?

Norman and Rita’s wedding is likely no more than 15-20 minutes of the overall film, which means there is A LOT more movie still unknown. Until we get a synopsis---which has been noticeably withheld up to this point--- we can’t forget that the wedding itself is only a fraction of the whole picture. And even if preparations for the wedding do end up taking a majority of the movie, whether we follow NoRita planning last minute details, or follow Shane and Oliver fulfilling Maid of Honor or Best Man duties, not a single moment will be wasted when it comes to teaching us something about life, love and the true meaning of marriage.

Rita and Kristin at the spa in Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To The Altar

So what are you looking forward to about Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To The Altar? What questions have come to mind when looking at the current batch of photos? Share your thoughts in the comments---what better way to pass the time until premiere day?

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Sunday, July 15, 2018 at 9pm on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries! Tune in and set your DVRs!

Dress Shopping,
~C

41 Comments

Joy

5/30/2018 11:37:38 am

I was equally as surprised that they showed us the dress but then we shouldn't be... Martha will give us so much more than just a dress! I was, however, very perplexed by the fact that the engagement was shown. We didn't get any kind of hint about the kiss that I remember... did we? Either way, the episode will surely have some surprises for us!

Chandel

5/30/2018 11:42:00 am

No, they had no hint of the kiss in HG at all. I was on set the day before they filmed it, while Eric & Kristin were prepping for it, and I STILL had no clue!

Connie Gibson

5/30/2018 11:47:14 am

I agree with you wholeheartedly. As I've looked at the last picture, I keep wondering if the ring is a pearl instead of a diamond. You know " a pearl of great worth" because that is what Shane is to Oliver. This is a wonderful article. Thanks so much Chandel.

Dalynne

5/30/2018 12:25:49 pm

I like the idea of a pearl ring.

Dalynne

5/30/2018 12:23:44 pm

I’m definitely going with Oliver not caring about meeting her family in regards to their engagement. He already told her that she is not her sister. I am perplexed as to why they would leak the photos, but I’ll take it! Part of me worries that they’re saying hey this is the end, so we’re giving you the engagement, but I push those worries aside. They wouldn’t dare give us an engagement and not give us a wedding. Would they? Holding on to the edge of my seat in excitement and hopes for more!

Marybeth link

5/30/2018 01:48:17 pm

I want to go on record here that I’m hoping for more than a ShOliver wedding in future films. This show us about so much more than just romance. I don’t think that’s the ultimate end we want. We want to see Martha show how love & faith will take these two couples through the good and bad times, the ups and downs of married life. Martha’s a gifted writer who can do that with great skill. Plus the issues she tackles in the delivering of the letters give us so much to think about. I think we should ask Bill and Michelle for more than just a ShOliver wedding—our show can deliver more than that and we’re hungry for all the lessons it can impart.

Dalynne

5/30/2018 01:56:13 pm

I want that too. 😊

Dalynne

5/30/2018 02:12:46 pm

I’m just saying we have to have another wedding before we can get all that. Here’s hoping that all happens. I’m dying to see little Normans, Ritas, Shanes, and Olivers running around the DLO. That would be #SheerlyAwesome

Doug

7/21/2018 11:10:55 am

My thoughts EXACTLY!

Patsy

5/30/2018 01:59:28 pm

Dalynne, I had the same thought - this is the end of the series and they are leaving us with the engagement. As I recall, I read that there was no promised episodes after HG, and the scene with Oliver going down on his knee to pick up Shane's letters was written by Martha in case it was the last episode. I am very pessimistic that Hallmark is going to do any more SSD episodes, and I find this even more likely after the ring appearing.

Dalynne

5/30/2018 02:05:41 pm

Oh I’m leaning more towards optimism, just a small part of me is worried. I don’t think this will be the end. The cast is hopeful too.

Darlene Coward

5/30/2018 01:22:29 pm

Maybe Oliver already called Shane s mom and asked for her blessing?

Marybeth link

5/30/2018 01:35:43 pm

I like the idea of a “steady” ring, though the champagne celebration looks more celebratory than that. I was thinking that Oliver’s decision might have to do with the letter mystery they’re solving and/or the details of the wedding. Maybe the letter mystery is about someone who waited too long and lived to regret it. Maybe something happened to Sunny or Ardis. (Remember Crystal revealed that she couldn’t talk about Collern Camp so something there will be a surprise). Also, Kristin said that this film is her favorite because of the incredible job Martha did of weaving wedding to mail mystery. Then there’s the fact of the woven cloth in the photo with Ramon. Sunny was a weaver. Probably Ardis knows a thing or two about ceremonial cloth and objects. That will no doubt be a major symbol in the film that will speak to Oliver. And Oliver will no doubt be moved by the words in a ceremony uniting two people so close to him. I think the impact of all those elements makes him realize life is short and he shouldn’t delay a real display of his intentions for Shane. He intends to stay by her side no matter what complications Alex and Shane’s mom bring. That’s a great subject for a new film in the future. Wish ther’d bd an SSD film at Christmas which was set up well in TRLT. Plenty of time to get that done in late summer/fall!

As for all these photos being of the wedding, that's the one thing they’ve always been able to say—it’s been no secret from the start. If you think about it, in every SSD film gallery, the pictures have focused mostly on one setting leaving lots of room for surprises, so I think we should expect a lot of those in #ToTheAltar.

Darlene Coward

5/30/2018 02:21:06 pm

I agree Marybeth. There are the lessons to learn from marriage and also the lost letters from every episode. There were so many stories told in Touched by an Angel. I know Martha has thousands of others to tell in SSD.

Joy

5/30/2018 02:23:04 pm

Hmmm - now that you mention it... this is the first time we haven't gotten a glimpse of any co-stars that will be there for the mail piece of the story.

Dalynne

5/30/2018 03:02:09 pm

My “intrigued” comment didn’t look like it was replying to you, Joy, so I’m reposting, to say I’m intrigued with that too. Big deal if they’re not telling us anything about the letter.

Dalynne

5/30/2018 02:40:09 pm

I would LOVE another Christmas movie! First thing I thought of at the end of Road Less Traveled.

Dalynne

5/30/2018 10:00:12 pm

If you watch his face at the end of Road Less Traveled when Rita is talking about marriage and children you can totally see the wheels turning in his head like he’s thinking about it. Also, that fact that they focus on him when she’s talking to Shane is a clue. No need to focus on him if his thought aren’t important in that moment. It will be fun to see how this all plays out. And how much time has passed between movies. 😊

Stephanie

6/7/2018 10:36:24 pm

I had the same thought! Rita is talking about how she can't imagine being married or having a family or a future without Shane and the camera cuts to Oliver looking thoughtful -- thinking "ditto"? ;)

Dalynne

5/30/2018 02:41:48 pm

Yep. Totally intrigued by that.

Rick H

5/30/2018 02:59:10 pm

Nothing particular to add except to say that I’ve enjoyed this insightful discussion very much. Thank you, ladies.

Dawn F. Bullok

5/30/2018 03:11:34 pm

This is so much fun to be wondering about NoRita's wedding details and anticipating what will finally be in the movie! Mentioned on twitter that it seems odd there is no ring on Shane's hand during recessional but we see one in a later photo w/tender glances between Oliver and her. When did he put that on her finger? Have to agree with others that the most unique way to treat this series would be to have several more showing life after the wedding for both couples. I know whatever Martha writes I will be teary eyed and thankful for her amazing talent.

Paula

5/30/2018 04:26:28 pm

Love the insight, Chandel! I will enjoy every moment of anticipation and viewing the actual movie. What a gift each movie is. I have hope for more.

jane

5/30/2018 04:29:07 pm

I wonder about Oliver wearing a suit and not a tux- looks like Dad is involved with the tie. Sure there is a story involved. Can't wait to watch the new movie. .

Dalynne

5/30/2018 09:51:32 pm

I’m guessing that has something to do with the case. Maybe he got tied up and was late to the wedding.

Cheri

5/30/2018 09:17:27 pm

Perhaps The ring Shane is wearing is part of the mail mystery and Shane is wearing it for safe keeping. Oliver and Shane are having a moment about what if! Then there can be endless more episodes. I would really love another SSD Christmas movie too!

Dalynne

5/30/2018 09:50:32 pm

She’s showing the ring to Rita though and that smile is not a fake engagement smile. There can still be lots more movies with them engaged and married. 😃

Robin A. Collier

5/30/2018 09:33:58 pm

As to Shane's ring.. I still see a big Pearl. More significance than diamonds. Perhaps Oliver gave Holly a traditional ring, a diamond, but Shane is everything non-traditional for Oliver as we have seen in his movements forward. A pearl would be a "perfect" ring for her.

Dalynne

5/30/2018 09:48:39 pm

Agreed.

An Appreciative Fan

5/30/2018 10:33:23 pm

If Rita's mom is absent, I trust a valid reason given will be given. It seems obvious that for whatever reason Oliver missed getting dressed for the wedding. That feels like a major part of the plot. As far as the engagement, I think Martha is trying to give us as much of the Shane and Oliver story as possible. By this point if Hallmark had aired even 4 a year we should be on #16 instead of #10. When they filmed this movie there didn't seem to be any promise of more to come. We certainly hope and pray for many more to come. This is Hallmark at its finest.

Ramona Cousins

5/31/2018 11:14:13 am

Thank you Chandel for your insights. So much fun reading yours and everyone’s predictions. Even though it’s hard to wait for To the Altar, I do love the anticipation of the new movie. All the excitement in the texts, tweets and Facebook messages is so fun. Martha is a genius! Her writing inspires continually thinking of the plot line and character development. I am constantly thinking about the series and the messages. I don’t think I go through a day without saying “Trust the timing!” Thank you Martha for giving us so much to think about and discuss. Love you all POstables. What a family you have created Martha!

Michelle

5/31/2018 07:33:00 pm

Is it too much speculation and reading into a picture, to suppose a foreshadowing of a Christmas wedding between Shane and Oliver based on the red dress and green tie?

I’m glad I’m not alone in finding this series interesting enough to speculate on fictitious characters!

I also find it interesting that both Shane and Oliver have never been inside each other’s homes. Perhaps, this is because of set limitations, but for the purposes of symbolism, I think the next step in their relationship should include being allowed to enter inside - beyond the porch.

I hope more episodes are commissioned! This series is so much richer than most of the cheesy romances aired.

Dorothy Eubanks

6/2/2018 09:09:17 pm

I agree with you completely. The views of Shane and Oliver in their individual homes would reveal it characters more. They are moving past the porch scenes now. I wonder, if the series continues, if home scenes of Rita and Norman will be shown? The DLO, of course, will be the central gathering point for our fearsome foursome always.
Since there has been no news of continuing this most wonderful series, I have had a terrible thought nagging me in the.back of my mind that maybe someone or someone's do not want to continue their role in SSD. This is a frightening thought! Although I do think that the "no news of renewal" is caused by Hallmark and programming gurus, Michelle Vickery and Bill Abbott , I hope. I took great hope when the survey about preferences about the number of SSD movies preferred was sent out the first of this year. I have been concerned about the number of the people who answered the survey possibly affecting the decision to renew. All I know is that I will be devastated by the loss of SSD if it is not continued.
It is amazing how very involved we have become with the lives of fictional characters. That is, I'm sure, the result of the incomparable writing and acting of the stories. I love the mysteries that Martha weaves into the plots and the relevance they have to the issues and problems of today's world. That does not exist in ANY of the trite mysteries shown on HMM with which the channel is inundated.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered To The Altar will certainly be another of Martha's gems. I am praying that it is not her last! I want her stories to go on and on. Television viewers and especially us devoted fans all over the world need this family show to continue. There is so much to Signed,Sealed, Delivered has to both teach us and entertain us.

Linda Lake

6/9/2018 10:25:34 pm

I could not agree more. Love this series very much. The characters, the message, the incorporation of faith into every one. Amazing writing, delightful characters. I so hope many more episodes are made. I want this to be a book so I can turn to the final pages and find out what happens. Guess I will need to trust the timing.

LAVERNE SCHIFFER

6/30/2018 10:26:06 am

Dorothy, I couldn't agree more. SSD is more than just a Movie, it is an inspiration to all of us. The Casting of
Actors is perfect and the messages it sends to everyone are exactly what the World needs ! I did jnot get a survey or questionier or I would most certainly have requested SSD go on for years to come with these same Actors.

Darlene Coward

6/3/2018 10:44:58 am

Since all of the actors have talked about how much they love working for Martha and saying her words. I don't think you need to worry about the actors not returning when renewal happens.

John G

6/15/2018 10:57:02 am

I am from the UK and stumbled accross SSD while my wife was watching other films on SKY Movies 24 Channel. We saw a couple of the films first and were hooked. I then streamed the pilot and the whole TV series and we have watched and rewatched all the movies to date. Two great love stories with marvellous lost letter plots.
As Shane says "You have made a believer out of me" and we are looking forward with great anticipation to "To The Altar". Finally Rita & Norman tie the knot and it looks as though Oliver has finally come to his senses and wastes no more time in proposing to Shane?
This series is one of the best on TV either side of the atlantic, the acting by all concerned is of the highest order and each instalment is comedic, serious, sad, but ultimately heartwarming.
MW was inspired when picking the cast, most of whom were unknown to us, as they portray their individual characters with all their quirks and now no one else could play them.
We have only recently found the A&D blog site but are proud to call ourselves "Postables" too and like you all hope sincerely that HMM continue with this series for years to come!
Best wishes to you all.

Rae Zahradnik link

7/1/2018 05:26:04 pm

I pray that this will not be the last SSD .....it is impossible to find shows where there is no sweating or sex.......the has a Christian base.....the actors are so good that I find myself having to remind myself that they are actors playing a role.....I think Papa OToole needs to find a love of his life.....given his first marriage wasn't all that great, he needs to find someone that will give him a great one.....Shane and Oliver need to continue their romance until they finally reach the alter also.....I just pray that this is a show that doesn't end,

L Davidson link

9/8/2018 07:05:27 pm

This should not be the last movie. It feels rushed and the audience is cheated. We need the development of Shane and Oliver's relationship and their marriage. I say give us at least one more. A Christmas special for Shane and Oliver's wedding with as many of the guest stars from the series and movies as possible in attendance as the congregation and to thank the postables for the positive impact on their lives. The down syndrome girl from the series could do the flowers for example. The angel from the Christmas special should also have an appearance and we need to met Shane's family. I think Shane's mum should get together with Joe and I would like to see Steve and Dale get together at Shane and Oliver's wedding! We could also meet Norman and Rita's first adopted child. There is loads more scope and potential. Please we need more SSD movies. Don't let end on just the engagement!

Chris Janowicz

4/28/2019 01:59:20 pm

Let's talk about Papa O'Toole. Joe noticed that Oliver was very distracted during the bachelor's party. He even questioned why Oliver wasn't able to even LOOK Shane in the eyes! Seeing Shane in the wedding gown had rocked Oliver's world. But Joe didn't know that. And Oliver wasn't ready to talk specifically about that. He only hinted that Shane had said or done something that changed the way he looked at her. Oliver asked Joe to pick up his tux jacket after a final alteration. He obviously asked Joe to bring "the green tie" too. Joe was thrilled to do this for his son! He's been rooting for Shane all along. Joe came alone to NoRita's wedding. But we know that Joe is looking for female companionship in Denver, Colorado during his retirement years. Rewind to Dudley Curly's retirement party. Joe & Dale Travers were enjoying some friendly conversation. They even danced together with smiles on their faces. I looked at that and thought "why not?" There are some issues to overcome. She's younger than Papa Joe. Oliver admitted to "crushing" on Dale 15 years ago. Dale is a believer and active in the church choir. Joe's response to Oliver's "divine delivery theory" suggests that he's not ready to embrace faith in the Lord. But we don't know for sure! He allowed Oliver to attend Sunday School as a boy. I can see Dale being involved in future episodes with the POstables. Dale has been supportive of Oliver & Shane through their budding romance. I can see Dale continuing her friendship with Oliver & Shane. Pooling their investigative talents has been successful in solving 2 mysteries so far. I think Martha Williamson may want to address other controversial topics like terrorism & violence in the workplace, shootings of civilians & gun control, political scandal, human trafficking - the list goes on and on! I could see the POstables getting pulled into a variety of contemporary societal scenarios. One more thing - I want to see Valerie Bertinelli as Shane's friend, Becky, in another episode. She gets credit for sending Shane to Denver. She gets credit for the POstables having "wide powers of postal discretion". She spotted Oliver as the right kind of guy for Shane when he was still married to Holly. She should come back now that Oliver & Shane are engaged. I think the POstables have it in them to win another Dark of Knight Award! Oliver needs to meet Shane's family back East. Becky is in Washington, DC. Come on, Martha! Work with us!!!!

dixie bruggeman

9/21/2020 11:18:43 am

Of the entire Hallmark line up of movies SSD tops them ALL - not even close. Certainly Hallmark wouldn't cancel this wonderful series. I hope not as this is another Martha Williamson winner. And the casting is as perfect as one could ask for.

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