West Cork couple tie the knot on American TV

Amanda Murnane and Brendan Hayes first met in Dunmanway, Co. Cork. The couple shares three children and one grandson — but never managed to say "I do" as life repeatedly got in the way.

The Cork couple’s eldest daughter, Rene, received a diagnosis of leukemia in 2011, putting all marriage plans in the back seat.

It marked the beginning of a difficult time for the family, which included years of treatment, complications, and side effects.

Fortunately, Rene overcame the difficult years and has since welcomed her very own son, Wayne.

After all they had been through, Brendan was determined to give his other half an unforgettable wedding day.

The couple decided to travel to Los Angeles for a simple but special civil wedding ceremony — but after some time, none other than Jennifer Hudson was on board.

Brendan had emailed the producers of the singer’s TV show to see if he could get a hair and makeup organizer for Amanda.

Producers were instantly interested in the couple’s 27-year love story and offered to host the wedding on the show.

In a bid to ensure Amanda was none the wiser, Brendan told her they had won tickets to attend a live television recording of "The Jennifer Hudson Show" — as well as a photoshoot to go with it.

It was the perfect excuse for him to be able to bring his suit and Amanda’s dress for the big day.

Speaking about the unforgettable experience, Amanda explained how she thought she was walking into a TV studio.

"I was actually walking into one of the most beautiful moments of my life," she said. "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."

Brendan explained that he wanted to give his now-wife "something no amount of money could ever buy."

He said: "For months, I carried this secret, imagining the moment she’d realize what was happening. But nothing could have prepared me for the emotion of actually standing there beside her."

He added that he was partially overwhelmed; he managed to pull off the major surprise, but was even more overwhelmed that he was finally getting to marry his other half.

"When I looked into her eyes, Hollywood disappeared, the cameras disappeared, and for those few precious moments, there was only Amanda and me," he said.

"Somehow, on that stage, I fell in love with her all over again."

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.