MAFS star reveals surprising behind-the-scenes secrets about final vows: 'Had to pretend'

And just like that, we’ve made it to final vows on Married at First Sight Australia! It’s been such a rollercoaster this year and I truly didn’t expect some of these couples to be the last ones standing. I was surprised overall that there was such a high rate of couples who stayed together this year at final vows.

I remember back to how nervous I was for my final vows. Producers told us that we weren’t able to communicate during those days leading up, which I think everyone knew was not going to happen for us. I think it was pretty obvious at that time what our decision was going to be, but they wanted to make sure no super important chats were happening over this period which could have affected the final outcome.

I also don’t think they wanted us to be sharing what our decision was with each other either, which is fair. It was interesting to see how our storyline was very much focused on the distance between Perth and Sydney - and how it was going to be a big decision for Ollie to commit to moving to Sydney or if he was going to stay in Perth. I think the producers wanted to create a bit of suspense on what our outcome was going to be.

Behind-the-scenes

Fun fact: final vows are the only other time during filming where your hair and makeup will be done other than the wedding and they provide you with an allowance for your dress. I think it was just a couple hundred dollars but I remember thinking, 'Finally!'

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The final vows are a big day - you start makeup early in the morning and you film a full interview with the producers talking about your decision and your experience on the experiment. With the actual vows, you shoot everything in one take and there are cameras set up everywhere (almost exactly like how the weddings are filmed). Our final vows were filmed at the most stunning location in Blackheath - I remember my jaw dropping when I got there because it was just so beautiful. We had a huge crane that swung out across the viewpoint and captured such a stunning shot of us so it was very special.

Of course, it wouldn’t be MAFS without a few extra repeat shots so I did have to do my walk a few more times and read out bits from our final vows again to get more angles. Another funny thing was that I had to film a bunch of my entrance shots for about another 45 minutes right after the final vows which was just hilarious.

I had to pretend to look all nervous walking through the forest but I had already filmed the final vows and had committed to Ollie! But, it had to be done to get all that footage for your TV viewing (you're welcome!) I still can’t watch my final vows without getting emotional, it was truly such a beautiful day and I remember being so happy and content in that moment.

Now, let’s get into some of the final vows from the current season.

Jono and Lauren

I don’t think anyone was surprised to see the ending of Jono and Lauren. I have to say though, the second I saw the forest set up it gave me instant flashbacks to Alyssa and Duncan’s final vows. I was already expecting the worst as soon as I saw the camera pan to the location. I think both Jono and Lauren had valid points in their speeches to each other.

I didn’t love how much Lauren was rolling her eyes and the faces she was pulling during his vows, though. It would’ve been so much stronger if she had stood there with an unbothered face as he was reading and then hit him with what she had to say. Honestly, I'm just dying to see how the drama unfolds at the reunion with the Ellie situation and I know I'm not the only one!

Sara and Tim

Sara and Tim were one couple we were pretty unsure about. There’s been a lot of conversation about if he did the right by staying with Sara. From my perspective, I can see both sides of the argument but I think there’s a lot of respect for the fact he was able to work through issues with her and they could be a united front. How authentic is this? I’m not too sure, but I do think he helped Sara through all the cheating drama and I certainly appreciate how much he had her back with things.

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Jack and Tori

Every season there’s a couple that ends in a bit of a blindside and I think we were expecting this for Jack and Tori. But also, I just had no idea what that man was going to say. I bet the whole of Australia was convinced Jack was going to dump Tori at final vows, and although I would have loved to see how that played out, I'm glad that he didn’t. He was probably a bit too harsh with some of the things he said in his vows - I know the producers ask you to be honest but some stuff he could’ve said more nicely.

Jade and Ridge

Jade and Ridge’s final vows were cute. I hope Ridge can step up his maturity moving forward and be a good partner for Jade but only time will tell. But I do think these two are quite well suited and hope for the best for them. I just couldn’t help but feel so bad for how windy it was at their final vows! Jade’s hair was flying everywhere and I know that would’ve annoyed me SO much.

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Eden and Jayden

Eden and Jayden are just too cute. The location was stunning and they both just looked so happy. I do worry about Jayden’s maturity and if he just says what he thinks people want to hear. In recent events we’ve seen in the media, it looks like he’s already going around and disrespecting Eden which is pretty disappointing to see. Eden deserves the world and needs someone emotionally available and mature and I don’t think Jayden is there yet.

Now bring on the reunion! It’s going to be a juicy one.

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