The Real-Life Partners Of Hallmark Channel Stars
There is simply nothing more comforting than sitting back, relaxing, and throwing on a romantic film or series from the Hallmark Channel – especially during the holiday season. Sometimes all you want to do is grab a hot chocolate and watch two people fall in love and kiss under a mistletoe, and that is totally okay. We've all been there. The Hallmark Channel is known for producing incredible original movies, such as "Christmas Under Wraps," "The Lost Valentine," and "A Country Wedding." The Hallmark Channel is basically must-watch television!
If you are a hopeless romantic like us, then you may have wondered if any Hallmark actors have fallen in love in real life too. If you didn't already know, some of them have dated, gotten married, and even had babies. Let us tell you, some of their stories are equally as romantic as the films in which we've seen them. Here are the real-life partners of your favorite Hallmark Channel stars.
Victor Webster and Shantel VanSanten had three weddings
Hallmark Channel stars Shantel VanSanten and Victor Webster have proven that fairy tales truly do exist. After meeting on the set of the 2017 Hallmark film "Love Blossoms," in which they played love interests, the pair dated for four years before getting engaged in February 2021 (via People). Yes, we know what you are thinking — they are real-life Hallmark couple goals!
The pair celebrated their love with not one, but three dreamy weddings. The first wedding was a small, spontaneous civil ceremony at Pasadena City Hall in California on VanSanten's grandparents' wedding anniversary, August 9, after her grandfather unexpectedly died. In an interview with Brides, the actress described her decision to marry that day, noting that her grandfather was originally set to walk her down the aisle. "The idea of my grandparents being reunited and watching over our ceremony from above gave me some peace," she stated. "They were married for 63 years [and] had such a special, deep love. They were the example to me of how love is a choice and takes work. It wasn't perfect, but their love was always pure."
Their second wedding ceremony was held two months later in Napa, and the third took place in her hometown, Luverne, Minnesota, so older family members were able to see her wed.
Carlos and Alexa PenaVega have a sweet love story
Carlos and Alexa PenaVega's love story is like a real-life Hallmark movie! Unlike most famous Hollywood actors, the pair didn't meet on set, but at a Bible study group in Los Angeles. They were engaged by September 2013, and in January 2014, the Hallmark stars were officially married. According to Us Weekly, the pair had a luxurious destination wedding, and they tied the knot in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It wasn't until they were signing paperwork that Alexa Vega and Carlos Pena decided they were going to legally combine their last names. "We were literally at the county office in Ventura signing all the paperwork and the woman was like, 'Whose last name?'" Carlos told People. "I said, 'Let's see if this works. Carlos and Alexa PenaVega. Just one word.'"
In December 2016, the pair welcomed their first son, Ocean, and later their second son, Kingston, in June 2019 (via PopSugar). In 2021, the family welcomed a third baby — their first daughter, Rio Rey — according to People.
The PenaVegas are well-known actors in the industry, but their dance skills are also top notch. The pair competed against one another on "Dancing With the Stars" in 2015 (via ABC News). However, neither of them took home the trophy. They've also gotten to work on multiple Hallmark films together — including "Love at Sea," which was filmed on an actual cruise ship (via Hallmark Channel).
Patti Murin and Colin Donnell are couple goals
The theater couple of our dreams! Patti Murin and Colin Donnell met through a mutual friend and knew each other for eight years before they started dating. The two were then co-stars in the musical adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost," according to Playbill, and before too long, they were an item. Murin and Donnell have been in a number of shows and other projects together, including Hallmark Movies & Mysteries film "To Catch a Spy," but have never actually played love interests on camera. "You know surprisingly, it actually doesn't really happen all that often in theater or TV," Donnell exclusively told People in 2021. "It just hasn't worked out that way."
The couple married in 2015, and on July 14, 2020, they welcomed their first daughter, Cecily Philips Ruth Donnell, into the world (via People). Murin captioned her Instagram post of the big announcement, "Meet Cecily Philips Donnell, born on July 14th. She's strong as heck and ready to change the world, and we have never loved anything more in our lives."
Daniel Stine knew Rachel Hendrix before they were featured in a Hallmark movie together
If you are an active Hallmark movie watcher and a sucker for a good romantic comedy, then you know that Daniel Stine and Rachel Hendrix put on an incredible performance in the 2019 film "Midway to Love." If you haven't seen the movie, Stine and Hendrix play high school sweethearts who fall back in love all over again after several years apart from one another. However, this wasn't the first time the couple worked together on set.
Daniel Stine, who is also a writer, producer, and director, made his film directorial debut with "Virginia Minnesota." Hendrix played the leading lady of the film, and the two reportedly first met on set (via MEAWW). The couple got married, though not too much is known about their relationship as they have kept their personal life pretty private.
Eric Winter and Roselyn Sanchez were married before they worked together on a Hallmark film
Eric Winter and Roselyn Sánchez were actually married way before they starred in a Hallmark film together! According to InStyle, Winter popped the question in December 2007 in Puerto Rico while they were kayaking together at midnight — which sounds very romantic, but also terrifying at the same time. "I was petrified she would drop the ring," he said. "It never left the box. She accepted; I shut the box and told her she could see it again on land."
One year later, the pair exchanged vows with a four-day wedding celebration in November 2008 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. A few years later, the couple welcomed their first baby girl into the world, Sebella, and eventually, a baby boy named Dylan in 2017 (via Us Weekly). After having a daughter, the family of three was excited to add a boy into their home. "I was shocked my first baby was a girl. But the most important thing was I wanted to have a healthy baby. I was over the moon when I found out it was a boy," Sánchez said.
It wasn't until 2019 that the couple brought their romance to the small screen, starring in the Hallmark film "A Taste of Summer," which was part of the channel's annual "Summer Nights" slate of movies (via Hallmark Channel). This marked Sánchez's first Hallmark film (via IMDb) and Winter's fourth (via IMDb).
Lacey Chabert and David Nehdar have kept their relationship private
Hallmark Channel star Lacey Chabert is happily married — and a mom! The "Mean Girls" actress tied the knot with David Nehdar, and the couple is known for keeping their personal life out of the spotlight.
In 2014, the couple said "I do" with a private wedding celebration, according to People. "I wanted it to be personal. He's not in the business and we like our privacy, and I just think relationships are hard enough without the opinion of strangers. So we try to keep it as personal and private as possible," Chabert said. Between dresses not arriving on time to her shoe breaking and other things somehow going wrong, the actress described the big day by saying, "It was perfect chaos."
In 2016, the actress announced that she was pregnant in a tweet. "Kitty doesn't seem as excited as we are about this ... I'm pregnant!!!! My husband and I are thrilled & so thankful," she wrote alongside a photo of her dog. Chabert and Nehdar welcomed their daughter, Julia Mimi Bella, in 2017 (via People). While appearing on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" in January 2022, Chabert confirmed that her daughter does know she played the iconic role of Gretchen Wieners, in case you were wondering!
Taylor Cole married Cameron Larson during a difficult time
Like many 2020 brides, the coronavirus pandemic put a wrench in Taylor Cole and producer Cameron Larson's wedding plans. Unfortunately, what was supposed to be a celebration of their love with over 100 guests ended up being a small, intimate ceremony with just the bride, groom, a few family members, and the officiant, as it was unsafe and risky to travel during this time, according to People. Rather than rescheduling their wedding day, the couple, who met on the set of a Hallmark Channel movie, decided they couldn't put off getting married any longer. "We couldn't wait — we were too excited to profess our love and commit to each other. It sounds a little cheesy, but when you know you know, and we wanted our forever to start as soon as possible," Cole told People.
Although their wedding day wasn't exactly how they imagined it would be, the couple still found different ways to make it special. Not only did they have the entire ceremony livestreamed online so their friends and family could celebrate, but Cole even got walked down the aisle by her father virtually. How, you may ask? Well, she attached a phone to her arm and had her dad on a FaceTime call! "Luckily, it worked well and several of our virtual guests commented how sweet that moment was for them — as it was for all of us," Cole said.
Paul Greene and Kate Austin welcomed their first child together in 2021
"When Calls the Heart" actor Paul Greene, otherwise known as the beloved Dr. Carson Shepherd, became a dad for the second time in December 2021, when the Hallmark Channel star's fiancee, life strategist Kate Austin, gave birth to their first child together. "Our little guy Austin is born!" Greene told People. "We are tired but beyond happy!" Greene was previously married before his engagement to Austin and is a father to son Olivier, whom he shares with ex-wife Angi Greene Fletcher.
According to Us Weekly, Greene and Austin started dating in 2014 and became engaged in May 2019. The actor shared on Instagram that he proposed while they were vacationing together in Italy. "Something extra romantic happened in Italy last night. I am very excited to share my engagement to the most gorgeous woman (inside and out) that I have ever met. Beyond thrilled to begin this next chapter together," he wrote in his post.
Candace Cameron Bure celebrated 25 years of marriage in 2021
D.J. Tanner is all grown up! The "Full House" alum celebrated 25 years of marriage to her husband Valeri Bure in June 2021. And their first meeting was apparently all thanks to co-star Dave Coulier!
Candace Cameron Bure opened up in an Instagram post about the night she first met her husband at a hockey game in 1994. "In light of our 25th wedding anniversary, I did some internet digging. The first photo is the night I was introduced and met my future husband, Valeri Bure. This photo was taken in 1994 at the Luc Robitaille charity hockey game [Coulier] invited [Bob Saget], Lori Loughlin and me to," she wrote alongside a few photos of the night in question.
According to Us Weekly, the pair got married in 1996, and they have been together ever since. Two years later, they welcomed their first daughter Natasha in 1998, son Lev in 2000, and son Maksim in 2002. Corny pun incoming: Sounds like they've got a pretty full house!
In another Instagram post celebrating the milestone in their relationship, Bure opened up about the "secret" to a successful marriage. "Grace. Grace. Grace. Communication (which is so important but difficult when one partner isn't willing.) Sex. Laughter. Patience. Lots of patience. Love (a verb. which must be put into action, it's not just a feeling)," she said.
Jen Lilley and husband Jason Wayne have been busy growing their family
Hallmark Channel actress Jen Lilley and husband Jason Wayne's family keeps growing and growing! The "Mingle All the Way" actress met Wayne back in 2004 and they tied the knot in 2007 (via Country Living). That means they have been together for well over a decade!
People reported that the couple adopted their son Kayden, who was in foster care for 984 days, in June 2019. That same year, Lilley welcomed her first biological child, daughter Julie Evangeline Wayne, on July 30 (via People). One year after that in October 2020, they welcomed their second son, Kayden's half-brother Jeffrey, who was also in foster care for over 800 days. In 2021, Lilley announced she was pregnant a second time, and their family of five is about to be six!
"I'm so, so happy," Lilley exclusively told People. The Hallmark star is due in May 2022. We are so excited for the happy family to welcome baby No. 4!
Jill Wagner welcomed her second child with husband David Lemanowicz in 2021
Hallmark actress Jill Wagner officially welcomed her second baby with husband David Lemanowicz in August 2021 (via Us Weekly). The "Christmas in Evergreen" star shared the big news in an Instagram post dedicated to Lemanowicz for his support while she was in labor. "On August 19, 2021, you held my hand as we welcomed our sweet little Daisy Roberta Lemanowicz into this world. Neither one of us knowing the madness the hours following would hold," she wrote. "One of the reasons I fell in love with you is because you always made me feel safe. I guess I never truly knew how very important that was until now."
Wagner and Lemanowicz previously welcomed their first child, Army Gray, in April 2020, after tying the knot years earlier in 2017 (via People). Lemanowicz also has a daughter named Lija from his first marriage.
Wagner continued her Instagram post by sharing that she experienced serious complications and found herself in a scary situation as she was in the hospital. "When I had complications after labor I know it was scary for you. How did you hold it all in? You never broke. You were a rock. My rock. You made me feel safe, although my situation was not. I watched you care for our newest daughter during that time (while I could not) and I know she also felt safe in daddy's arms."
Chad Michael Murray tied the knot with Sarah Roemer and became a father
Early 2000s heartthrob Chad Michael Murray is off the market — and he's a dad!
After ending his marriage with fellow "One Tree Hill" co-star Sophia Bush in 2006 (via People), Murray began dating Sarah Roemer following their meeting on the set of the Crackle series "Chosen" in 2014. E! News reported that the pair officially tied the knot by January 2015. To the publication, he explained why he keeps his personal life out of the spotlight. "I'm a romantic. I'm a family guy. I want that core," Murray said. "I tend to keep everything quiet. I love my life. That's the part that I keep for myself."
A few months later, the famous couple welcomed their son into the world, and by March 2017, they had a baby girl.
Chad Michael Murray and Sarah Roemer are known for keeping their life incredibly private, so when the "Gilmore Girls" alum shared an Instagram post that showed him cuddling his daughter with the caption, "The snuggles are real," our hearts instantly melted.
Danica McKellar found love again with lawyer Scott Sveslosky
Everybody's favorite star from "The Wonder Years," Danica McKellar, aka Winnie Cooper, finally found love again! Prior to her marriage with lawyer Scott Sveslosky, the actress was married to composer Mike Verta from 2009 to 2012, with whom she shares joint custody of son Draco (via E! News). After the divorce was finalized in 2013 (via TMZ), McKeller met Sveslosky and immediately knew there was something special about him. "I knew. I was like, 'Oh my God, this is the person I've been dreaming about my whole life,'" she said in 2014, as reported by Us Weekly. She continued, saying how he felt that connection early on too. "I knew I loved him almost instantly, and we were saying 'I love you' on the fourth date. Sometimes when you know, you know." The couple officially tied the knot in 2014, Fox News reported.
In an exclusive interview with Country Living, McKellar opened up about what it takes to have a happy, healthy, and successful marriage. "It's not always easy, it's not totally perfect, and my secret to a happy marriage is: Keep working on it," she said.
Hallmark's Chris McNally and Julie Gonzalo met on set
Chris McNally and Julie Gonzalo are quite the couple. The actors first met in 2017 while filming the Hallmark romance "The Sweetest Heart," and reportedly, McNally made quite the impression on Gonzalo, as noted by Us Weekly. "He's such a wonderful, wonderful person and a terrific actor," Gonzalo told FanSided back in 2018. The feeling was clearly mutual, and later that year, the pair even adopted dogs together. In an interview with Media From the Heart, McNally spoke about Gonzalo and their then-recent additions. "My girlfriend and I each adopted a puppy, so I'm looking forward to being home with them when I can."
Despite the couple's Hallmark romance, McNally and Gonzalo have kept parts of their romance pretty private. So naturally, some of their fans were shocked when the duo announced that they'd welcomed a baby into the world on June 5, 2022. The "Supergirl" star shared the news on Instagram with a photo showing off the newborn's tiny hand. "Our hearts are full," Gonzalo wrote before adding, "Welcome baby M."
People revealed that the pair had been so secretive about their newest family addition that even friends and former co-stars were delightfully surprised by the announcement. Some of the commentators offering congratulations on the pair's post included Justin Long and Rachael Leigh Cook.
Kevin McGarry and Kayla Wallace are a real-life Hallmark couple
Kevin McGarry and Kayla Wallace are more than just costars in Hallmark's "When Calls the Heart." According to Entertainment Tonight, rumors of the two dating began circulating in 2020 when McGarry shared a photo showing two coffee mugs and Polaroid snaps of the pair along with the caption "Photo evidence." Still, a source reportedly told ET that the gossip about McGarry and Wallace was more than speculation — it was true.
After it was revealed that the actors were indeed an item, McGarry and Wallace became more open about their relationship (via Heavy). For example, the pair frequently share pics of themselves on social media, like Wallace's Instagram Story photos of McGarry on his birthday, which show the actor making a funny face as he stares at his birthday treat. Wallace also shared an ultra sweet holiday photo of the couple for Christmas with a picture of the duo inside a heart-shaped ornament. "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear," she captioned the image. One sweet short clip – in which McGarry appears at the end to shower the "Heatwave" actor in kisses — even calls McGarry one of the five things she loves most.
Kavan Smith and his wife Corinne Clark keep a low profile
With plenty of eyes on celebrities due to fan and media attention, it's no surprise that some stars prefer to keep parts of their personal lives private. According to Us Weekly, this definitely seems to be the case for married couple Kavan Smith and Corinne Clark. For those not in the know, Smith is a Canadian actor who gained notoriety thanks to his work in "Stargate: Atlantis," "Eureka," "Rogue," and "Love on the Menu." More recently, he's earned attention for playing Leland Coulter in Hallmark's "When Calls the Heart." His wife, Clark, is a Canadian casting director who's been a part of well-known projects like "Blade: The Series," "Unspeakable," "Deadpool," and "Lucifer."
The couple is ultra-private regarding their relationship. Still, despite the pair's lack of activity on social media, there's some evidence of their relationship for those willing to sleuth. For example, in 2017, Smith shared a photo of a dinner plate amid a scenic backdrop which he captioned, "My wife's birthday dinner." He even mentioned the pair's sons that same year, showing off some homemade ravioli and sauce, which he captioned, "Made by my boys."
Pascale Hutton and Danny Dorosh have been happily married for years
Hallmark stars Pascale Hutton and Danny Dorosh are a happily married couple, according to Us Weekly. For those not in the know about these two fabulous actors, Hutton is a Canadian actress and producer who's best known for her work in "Sanctuary," "Fantastic Four," and "Chaos." She was nominated for the Best Lead Performance by a Female in a Feature Length Drama Leo Award for her role in the film "A Simple Curve" (via Rotten Tomatoes). Hutton also plays Rosemary LeVeaux in the Hallmark series "When Calls the Heart." Like his wife, Dorosh is also a Canadian actor. He's known for his work in "Food for the Gods," "The 4400," and "It Must Be Love."
According to Us Weekly, the pair tied the knot in 2002. They have two children together, though detailed info on the kids has been kept out of the media. Still, in an interview with Media From the Heart, Hutton revealed that their children are very close to their father. "They think he is the best person who has ever walked the earth," she stated. Likewise, the Hallmark actor is also grateful that her husband always has her back. During the chat with MFH, Hutton explained, "I have an incredible support network who helps maintain balance of our household when things are crazy and I am working a lot." She added, "My husband is the most incredible man in the world."
Brennan Elliott revealed that his 'fearless' wife Cami has cancer
Having a good relationship means that your partner is always there for you through both the good times as well as the difficult ones — in sickness and in health. This statement is definitely true for Hallmark star Brennan Elliott and his wife, Cami. As noted by the Daily Mail, the pair made things official back in 2011 when they tied the knot. The couple had two children together, a boy and a girl. In April 2022, Elliott announced on social media that his wife, Cami, had been getting treatment for an aggressive form of cancer. In his message, the actor asked his fans and followers to keep Cami in their prayers.
The actor explained that his wife had dealt with cancer previously but had now been diagnosed with "Stage IV metastatic gastric cancer." He continued, writing, "There is no one I consider braver, stronger, more Fearless." Elliott also revealed that his partner hadn't lost hope even after undergoing numerous surgeries and rounds of chemo. Though he admitted to being a very private person, he was optimistic that sharing Cami's story could help others in similar situations. Likewise, Elliott has also kept his fans updated on his wife's journey, and just a month after announcing the sad news, the actor revealed on Instagram that Cami was halfway through her treatment process. "So proud of her!" He declared, later adding, "Keep fighting babe!"
Alison Sweeney and David Sanov are happily married
The love story of Hallmark star Alison Sweeney and former California Highway Patrol officer David Sanov first began in the late '90s (via Washington Independent). However, the pair's connection goes back even further. These lovebirds have known each other since they were children. In an interview with Access, Sweeney revealed that she and Sanov's parents were friends. "His dad and my mom play the violin for feature film soundtracks, so we've actually known each other our whole lives, " the actor said. Likewise, the sparks for the pair's future romance were there right from the start. "I totally had a crush on him when we were kids," Sweeney said.
Later on, the duo decided to pursue a relationship and dated for more than three years before finally tying the knot on July 8, 2000. On February 25, 2005, they had their first child, Benjamin, and on January 12, 2009, they welcomed their second child, a daughter named Megan.
The couple isn't shy about sharing their love for one another. In an interview with Health magazine, Sweeney described how she and Sanov celebrate their relationship milestones (via E! News). "Every year on our anniversary, we have a dinner date and talk about how our relationship is going," she revealed.
Benjamin Hollingsworth and Nila Myers celebrate their family
In November 2012, actor Benjamin Hollingsworth married Bar Method teacher and lingerie designer Nila Myers after a two-month engagement, according to Us Weekly. "Today is the day," the "Virgin River" star tweeted. "I am so lucky to have found the woman I love and I want to grow old with," he added. Since then, the pair has grown their family.
As of this writing, the couple has three children: two sons, Gatsby and Hemingway, and a daughter named Juniper (via Bustle). Both appear to really love being parents, and in an interview with Parents Canada, the Hallmark actor gushed about spending time with his kids. "I love the unconditional love in their eyes when I get home from work or pick them up," he said.
The happy family has chosen to relocate to Canada to create their dream home in a cozy mountain town, but they still frequently share plenty of photos for their curious fans. For example, in 2021, Myers shared a photo on Instagram of one of their sons and praised her partner's parenting skills. "Watching you be a dad has been one of the greatest joys of my life," she wrote. In June 2022, Myers shared a compilation of family images on her Instagram feed and openly expressed missing her husband while he was away. "It's more clear now than ever just how important you are to our family," she wrote.