West Cork couple tie the knot in American TV surprise: 'I kept the secret for months'

Bantry sweethearts were the first couple to get married on ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’ with the host acting as celebrant — and the bride had no idea until that day, writes Breda Graham

West Cork couple Amanda Murnane and Brendan Hayes became the first couple to tie the knot on The Jennifer Hudson Show in Hollywood.

A West Cork couple have become the first couple to marry on The Jennifer Hudson Show, with the Oscar-and Grammy-winning host acting as the official celebrant in front of a live studio audience.

After 27 years together, three children, a grandson, and a lifetime of memories, Amanda Murnane and Brendan Hayes finally said ‘I do’ while making American television history.

On Friday, October 23, the couple from Bantry in West Cork became the first ever couple to marry on the popular American chat show at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California.

What made the occasion even more special was that Murnane had no idea she was about to be married on American television after Hayes spent months secretly arranging the surprise alongside the show’s production team.

The couple, who first met in Dunmanway, had originally planned to travel to Los Angeles for a simple civil wedding ceremony, having decided that 2026 would be the year they would finally tie the knot.

Hayes, who had other ideas, contacted The Jennifer Hudson Show back in August in hopes of arranging a little something special for his now-wife on their wedding day, initially enquiring about the possibility of having her hair and makeup done, and perhaps having a small part of their celebration filmed.

The show’s producers were immediately interested in the couple’s story, particularly their 27 years together and their journey from Ireland to Los Angeles. Having never hosted a wedding before, the production team set about planning something far more extraordinary.

Amanda Murnane and Brendan Hayes became the first couple to tie the knot on The Jennifer Hudson Show in Hollywood.

Over the following months, Hayes worked closely with producers to keep the surprise completely under wraps, while Murnane believed they had secured VIP tickets to attend a recording of the show, complete with a professional photoshoot as part of their experience.

Having already purchased a wedding dress for their planned civil ceremony, she was persuaded by Hayes to save it for the supposed photoshoot, giving him the perfect excuse to arrive at Warner Bros. Studios with a suitcase containing his suit, waistcoat, and her wedding dress, without raising any suspicion.

On October 23, the elaborate surprise was finally revealed as Murnane discovered that she wasn’t simply attending a television recording, but was about to marry her partner live on stage with Jennifer Hudson.

Speaking about the unforgettable experience, Murnane said: “I thought I was walking into a TV studio, but I was actually walking into one of the most beautiful moments of my life.

“After 27 years together, I thought Brendan had run out of ways to surprise me. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I went to Hollywood expecting memories, but I came home with a husband and a moment I’ll carry in my heart forever.”

The emotional ceremony saw the couple exchange vows in front of the studio audience, with a selection of friends and family also watching remotely via Zoom, some of whom made a brief appearance on the show.

Hudson, who was delighted to be part of the couple’s special day, enthusiastically declared during the recording: “For the very first time in JHud history, I now pronounce you man and wife!”

Before adding: “We did it! We brought a beautiful Irish love story to Hollywood!”

Amanda Murnane having her hair and makeup done ahead of her wedding in front of a live studio audience on The Jennifer Hudson Show. 

But behind the Hollywood glamour is a love story that has endured its share of challenges. For Hayes and Murnane, who have spent almost three decades building a life together in West Cork, where they raised their three children, Rene, Clarice, and Michael, marriage was always on the cards, but life kept getting in the way.

Their eldest daughter was diagnosed with leukemia in 2011. The diagnosis marked the beginning of an incredibly difficult period for the family, with years of treatment, complications and side-effects understandably taking priority over wedding plans.

Thankfully, their daughter overcame those difficult years and has since welcomed her own son, Wayne, bringing a new chapter of happiness to the family.

After everything they had been through together, Hayes was determined to give Murnane a wedding day neither of them would ever forget.

Speaking about why he wanted to arrange the extraordinary surprise, Hayes said: “After 27 years together, three children and a grandson, I wanted to give Amanda something no amount of money could ever buy. For months, I carried this secret, imagining the moment she’d realise what was happening. But nothing could have prepared me for the emotion of actually standing there beside her. 

"Part of me was overwhelmed that I’d pulled off the surprise, but an even bigger part was overwhelmed that I was finally marrying the woman I’d loved for almost three decades. When I looked into her eyes, Hollywood disappeared, the cameras disappeared, and for those few precious moments, there was only Amanda and me. Somehow, on that stage, I fell in love with her all over again.”

For Hayes, the most meaningful part of the experience was seeing his life partner celebrated after everything she had given to their family over the years.

The couple were also full of praise for Hudson and the show’s production team, who they said went to extraordinary lengths to make the occasion special, coordinating everything from the studio arrangements and wardrobe to transport, all while ensuring Amanda remained completely unaware of the plans.

“Jennifer and her entire crew were beyond exceptional in their kindness. Her excitement was completely genuine, and she spoke so beautifully about celebrating love and the importance of showing up for the people we care about,” Hayes said.

“What the show gave us was far more meaningful than anything material. It was the opportunity to celebrate nearly three decades of love and commitment in a way we will remember for the rest of our lives.”

• The couple’s wedding aired on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Tuesday.