(GENTLE PIANO MUSIC) I am so sick of dating. I'm sick of friends trying to set me up with people. I'm sick of just wasting my time on people who don't want what I want. I have been in a few long-term relationships. For a number of reasons, they haven't worked out, and I think as I gotten older, I really know what I'm looking for. Heaps of my friends are engaged or married already and I'm just like, 'Where's mine?' (CHUCKLES) 'Where's my happy ending? Where's my Mr Right?' I've known that I've always wanted to get married at some point. And yeah, I'd really like to meet someone that, yeah, I can spend my life with. What brings you to Married at First Sight? I'm definitely ready to make a life with someone. More New Zealanders are single than ever before. And they're looking for love. I'm surrounded by so many friends who are couples or married. In today's world, there are so many options for meeting people. There's online dating, there's mobile dating. You get sick of the small talk and you get sick of going out on dates. There's almost too much choice, and it's becoming harder and harder to find a life partner. I don't really have trouble meeting people. Just the actual connection. So, a lot of people are looking for love, but are having trouble, finding it. Lovely to meet you. I'm Tony. Lovely to meet you. The best way forward to find authentic love, is reflected beautifully in this social experiment ` Married at First Sight. My name is Tony Jones, and I'm a counsellor specialising in relationships both individuals and couples, and I've been doing this for over 12 years. I'm Doctor Pani Farvid, and I'm a social psychology expert. I specialise in intimate relationships ` looking at the different ways in which relationships work, the different roles that people take on and what makes for a good relationship. These participants have been through every single other avenue to try and find someone that they want to be with. We're not looking for a six-week dating programme. We're not looking for somebody that's gonna be gone in two months. We're looking for their life partner. It's here. Twelve singles. And six marriages. This is the final moment, bro. I'm gonna be your stepdad. We'll fast track their relationships through honeymoons,... (LAUGHS) ...homestays,... Somebody hasn't flushed. Oh, that's so gross! I couldn't live here. (CHUCKLES) ...and time with the in-laws. OK, I'm over it. I'm done. I'm over it. I'm over it. I'm over it. He should be really really scared. If he's not happy, I'll sort him. Thanks, Dad. Who will find love... It's the time, now. It's hard. It's very (BLEEP)ing hard. ...when Married at First Sight? Can't believe you're my wife. Can't believe you're my husband! That was a bit different, eh? (LAUGHTER) Only a little bit, right? Copyright Able 2017 ...with Jay-Jay, Dom and Randell for breakfast on The Edge. Bringing you Married At First Sight NZ. I'm feeling super excited about tonight. Um, probably a little bit nervous to meet the other wives. Twelve singles are gathering in Auckland. Cheers. Cheers. Here's to 'Do I have to part?' I actually can't believe that I'm finally out of the racing gates, and I'm taking off. You know? Hi. How are you? At a hens' night,... Lovely to meet you. Lovely to meet you. I'm Lacey. I'm Angel. ...and stag do... If she's happy, I'm happy, you know? That's the right answer, right? before they each meet their match for the first time at the altar. The stag and hen do is incredibly important. It's an opportunity for all of the individuals to come together for the first time. It's, like, so over pulling in my rod, going out for a fish and coming back with a bloody crab every time. They hopefully can build up a bit of rapport, feel the sense of camaraderie. What are you hoping for in, uh` in your wife, mate? Oh yeah. Uh, good question, eh? Um... And they'll have each other as a support system to lean on, you know, throughout the experiment if things get a bit bumpy. I just hope she doesn't run, eh? I just hope she, like, hangs around. That` That'll be pretty awkward, yeah. It's weird to think in a couple of sleeps, I'm gonna be Mrs Somebody Else. This is... Even just being a Mrs is kind of crazy. Quite overwhelming. The guys I've met, they're not bad guys, but they're just not in the same place that I'm in. Like, they don't want anything serious, and I want something serious. I don't know really where to find the good guys any more. It's quite hard. I am definitely looking for my Prince Charming. I've kissed a lot of frogs, and I'm ready to find my prince. (CHUCKLES) Staggies! Hello, Dominic. Who are you? Your son? (LAUGHTER) Why am I still single? Hello? Anyone know the answer to that one? I dunno. Um, uh, I suppose I've been quite picky. Cheers, lads. Cheers. I don't believe in getting involved in a relationship with someone that won't transpire to something else. There's no point. You end up getting hurt and everyone comes out often a bit worse. What's your reason for coming on this show, then? Cos I wanna find love. Don't we all? We gotta get it out there ` this is my` this is my third marriage. It's your third marriage? I've made all the mistakes, and I know what to do now. So, that's why marriage at first sight's gonna be good, cos you get stuck in it, and you're in it, you know? (LAUGHS) It's happening. Hi! Hi! Hi. I'm Bel. You look familiar. This man waiting for me may have seen me before from 'The Bachelor'. The reason I went on 'The Bachelor' was to find love, but I didn't find love there. Now this has come up ` another opportunity for me to find love. My friend text me, she goes, 'I had a dream last night, and you're marrying Ed Sheeran.' I was like, 'Oh that's quite nice. All right. I'll take that.' Everyone's getting married. I never saw myself as, like, getting married, like, without, like` I never thought I'd be here. No. I don't think any of us did, eh? I just kind of saw this opportunity and thought you know, 'This could be amazing. This could be great. 'Both people are in it for a genuine reason.' Um, so, yeah, why not? Wassup? What's up? How are you? Hey. How are you? Nice to meet you. Hi. Nice to meet you. I'm Bel. Lacey. Assuming that I'm the only guy at the hens' party, which is kind of funny. But I tend to find that women have a little bit better chat then men anyway, so, should be good fun. Wondered how you guys were gonna react to that. Like, a guy walking in, like, 'Hey.' (CHUCKLES) Cheers! Cheers! (LAUGHS) Yay. Awesome. It is starting to feel a lot more real now, meeting other people who are going through the same thing as myself. How was your family? Did they take it fine? They don't love it. Oh, really? My parents ` nah, they don't like it at all. Are they coming? No. Nah. I grew up in a quite a conservative Catholic family, growing up, gay, I suppose. LGBT people and Catholics haven't had the best relationships in the past. Nah, it's actually fine. It's fine. It's just, um,... Like, they're all about, like, marriage equality and that sort of thing, so that's fine. They're not necessarily happy with the idea of marrying a complete stranger. What are you guys, like, most looking forward to as far as, like, being married, you know, and what comes with it? Sex. (LAUGHTER) With all the singles assembled,... Hey. How you going? ...it's time for the experts to officially kick off the experiment. Fantastic to see you all. You're all looking very well. Hydrated, I can see. Lovely to see your beautiful smiling faces after what's been a lengthy and gruelling process putting you together with your ideal matches. How you all feeling? (ALL TALK AT ONCE) We really appreciate the trust that you've put in both Pani and I. And we certainly hope that we're gonna repay that with your future partners. And right now, at the other side of the city, are all the grooms to be. Also going through the absolute roller coaster of emotions that I'm sure you guys are now. This experiment's going to be huge. Over the next six weeks, you're going to be experiencing several intense relationships milestones that usually take a couple years to go through. This whole experience is gonna be filled with highs and lows, as we'd expect from any relationship. But you've got five people alongside you here. This will be the support network that will serve you well for the remaining six weeks of your time. Here's to forever. Cheers to forever for the third time, Dom. (LAUGHS) Like it. But this is the last forever. Oh, I hope so, mate. This is the final forever. I hope so. Coming up ` Here we are. Match day. the experts reveal our first brides,... Very driven, very focused on where she's at, what she's doing. ...and the grooms they've been matched with. He's quite an introvert and quite a deep thinker as well. But how will the news go down with their families? I am going to get married to a complete stranger. Oh lord. (EXHALES SHARPLY) In your dreams. In Auckland, our experts are about to reveal their first matches from our 12 singles. So, here we are. Match day. So, touching on Lacey first. Yes. So, here we are. Very driven, very focused on where she's at, what she's doing. Yep. And big hearted. I am Lacey Swanepoel. I am 30 years old, and I am a consultant for a professional services firm. I'm single probably because I'm very particular. I'm very fussy. I'm very independent and quite set in my ways, but, yeah, looking for the right one. So, I'm looking for someone tall, dark and handsome. (CHUCKLES) I thought my life would look very different to this. I thought I would be very much like my sister and have kids and be settled and life will sort it out, but not so far. But I'm never gonna be one of those people that holds back, and, yeah. I'm never gonna hold back on love. So, my ideal guy is definitely a family guy. My family are super close. They are the most important people to me in the world. We have the biggest fights, but again, the best moments are with them, and they probably would do anything for me. So, the hardest thing for my future husband to accept possibly won't be me, it'll be my darling twin sister, because if she doesn't like him, it's not going very far. Lacey and I have a love-hate relationship. We are very much alike and very competitive, so we are the honest type that'll just question anything and expect a blunt response from it. Ultimately, this is about my happiness. What's really fascinating with Lacey is that she's on that cusp of the introvert-extrovert, which makes her a really interesting person to try and match. In terms of what she's looking for, she was really quite adamant that they had to be family-orientated ` clearly, a value that's really important to her. They also had to be fit, active, but also quite outgoing. So, who do you think is a good match for her? We've got a few men who are in the right sort of age range. I guess there's Luke. My name is Luke Cederman. I am 34. I surfed competitively since I was probably about 13. Though I did get used to pay to surf, which was absolutely amazing. I got to travel around the world and just go surfing. It's probably less about the surfing and more about just getting in the ocean. You feel humbled when you go in the ocean, cos it's a whole lot of water. It's a lot of water. I wouldn't consider myself that confident, not when it comes to putting myself out there and trying to get a date. I got no game at all. I'm terrible. I dunno, probably just scared of rejection. I just like things just naturally occurring. Which is why this is so different for me, because this is definitely not naturally occurring. Like, this is a completely set-up, mega super date. So this is extremely different for me. I can't say that I think it will be right for me. I just really hope it is right for me. He's quite an introvert, so he's` he sort of balances her out a little bit because she's so, sort of, outgoing and so vivacious. She's also a bit of a deep thinker and Luke is quite a deep thinker as well. He might be someone that slows her down a bit, and she might be someone that gives him that little boost or push that he needs. I really like this match, and I like it because it's not so obvious in that there are areas of growth and that's what we really want to support with any couple but especially this couple. After six, seven weeks, I think these guys would probably just show the biggest areas of growth. Great. I'm excited. So, now we have Claire. She's one of the older women that have applied to be on the show, and she brings so much vivaciousness and energy. My name's Claire. I'm 51. I'm a mother. I have three children, and I'm a function coordinator in Palmerston North. I have been single for four years. I've gone out of my comfort zone a lot. I like to do pole exercise. Bit of a peacock. (CHUCKLES) Most of my life, I was married. I was married at 22. I had the house, good job, three wonderful kids, so I did have what I wanted ` that's what I wanted. But we were so young when we got married that, once we had children and everything, it just all changed. Well, he left actually; met someone else. She got divorced about four years ago. But one of the things she's found is that she can't find the right kind of man to have a commitment with. I want somebody who gets me, that doesn't wanna, like, put me in a corner or change me. I like who I am. It's been great being single for four years, but I think it's time. I really feel it's time. She needs someone who is sensitive, caring, and who will really treasure her. So, there's Dominic. I'm Dominic Timmon. 58. Live in Palmerston North. Been here 12 years. I'm a retired police officer. When I went to the police academy, we all got given nicknames ` Psycho, Mad Dog, there was Killah, and that was the women. I was Mr Fluffy. And you know why I was Mr Fluffy? Cos of my advanced empathy skills. Um, Elise, Isabelle? Yeah? Could one of you set the table, please? And I guess that's what made me a good home dad, cos I care. I care massively about my children and I'm their Mr Fluffy. He was the only person to get full scores on the measure of compassion and friendliness. So he's someone who has a lot of love to give. He's someone who's very caring. He's been married a couple of times. Didn't become a dad, actually, until I was 42. Bit of a late starter in that area. Girls, whenever I do my pancakes, I always see shapes and faces in them. (LAUGHS) Oh my God. I can see a Pacman in this one. They keep me youthful. It's not easy. I think when you get to the age that I am, it's kinda harder to find someone because you're more formed. What I say is ` we've all got baggage, and the older you get, the more baggage you've got, but I like to feel that all my baggage has been declared, and it's in the overhead locker of life, not strewn all over the aisles. I still have great belief that I will find someone, and hopefully she's waiting for me out there somewhere. All we've got to do now is to get to know each other. (LAUGHS) Oh dear. (LAUGHS) Oh dear. What a laugh, eh? I'm so looking forward to it. And I am committed. I'm totally committed. He's really got that zest for life, a youthfulness that I think reflects Claire's zest for life. Too old? There is` There is a seven-year age gap and I think possibly for Claire, on appearances, she might not like that, but again, it's about balancing the wants and needs. And I think he's exactly what she needs, and if she gives him a chance, it could be all that she ever dreamed of. So, I was` I am particularly excited about these two, because I believe this is the very purpose of this experiment. It is. Acknowledging the wants but really going to town and finding somebody that really addresses and nurtures those needs. I'm excited about this one. Me too. Good match. Up next ` wedding plans are in full swing,... The name's Bond. James Bond. I look amazing, right? (LAUGHS) You do. Yes. Cheers! ...but doubts start creeping in. If I don't like him, you'll be getting the eyes from me. Don't mess around with my mum. When was the last time we played a game of rugby? Oh, I haven't played rugby for a couple of years, I think. Couple of years. Today's the day when our first brides- and grooms-to-be will break their big news to their families. Married at First Sight is probably quite a polarising thing. There will be some family members who are very supportive. There might be some family members who are really cautious. So, family could add to the pressure or it could relieve it. We should go out there one day. Yeah. Oh yeah, I'm getting married too, by the way. What are you`? What are you talking about? (CHUCKLES) I'm getting married. You're getting married? Yeah. Who`? Who are you getting married to? To a girl. I dunno. What? I dunno what you're talking about. (CHUCKLES) I get married to someone that I've never met before. So, actually, get married, married? Yeah, married, married. Like, legit married. It's a bit different, though, eh? Good on ya. Yeah. Good on ya. It's a bit different, all right. Yeah, it's a bit different. Although, I'm really surprised for Luke. He does kind of out-there type stuff. But, yeah, I'm definitely, definitely supportive of him. Hopefully` hopefully it works out well. It could be anyone. (LAUGHS) Could be anyone. You don't even know. I've no idea. Oh well. (LAUGHTER) So, today we have my parents. (LAUGHTER) My twin sister, and we have some really good family friends. They've kind of been our family since we moved to New Zealand. Um, so I know you guys are here under the pretext of Dad's 56th birthday, um, but I have some news. I'm definitely nervous. Not about the wedding or what I'm about to walk into, but more about their reactions and how they feel about the situation. I think my sister will probably be a little bit annoyed that she didn't know about this. We have a really close relationship, so she might not like that very much... at all. I am going to get married to a complete stranger. ALL: What?! In your dreams. Gee, that's a hell of a thing to do, Lacey. Ta-da! Oh, wow. So, do we get to meet him or...? Um, so you'll get to meet him on my wedding day, probably a couple of hours before I will. Oh lord. Bloody hell. Hearing Lacey getting married, I feel as though I'm losing my twin sister. It's a very thorough process, and they don't just pick people, they find matches, so... they found me a match. So, you're marrying him for good? Like, married, on paper? This kind of thing is expected of Lacey. She does random ideas and throws them out, but I'm not sure she understands the full ramifications that come with making this decision so fast. It's all a surprise to me on the day ` just as much as you guys. Oh, wow. To have this thrown in the mix with kind of no notification or heads-up is gonna put a bit of a strain on our relationship. So, it's probably gonna be a little bit hard for Lacey and I going forward. (CHUCKLES) I'm actually pretty nervous. (CHUCKLES) I'm dressed like a hobo and you're, like, all dapper looking. Yeah, we'll get you there soon. Yeah, OK, cool. I dunno. I'm a little bit worried also that she` she might just not get me at all. She just might not understand me. And, yeah. Whoa, hold up. What's going on here? Yeah, I look pretty good, I think. I mean, I'd say a strong seven out of 10. Soft eight, maybe. Soft eight? I'm a little bit worried about getting that negative reaction. Probably just like a lot of people who aren't confident. They're probably scared of rejection. I guess I would be too. You have to put yourself out there to either get rejected or get accepted. But, then you're just like, 'Oh, nah. You look ugly.' I-I don't want that. So, my ideal guy would be taller than me, have dark eyes. Probably not a beard, but, I mean, we can shave that, so that's OK. A funny guy. A warm guy. But also someone who's open to doing something a little bit different. Wow. Oh, it's beautiful. It is. Really, really pretty yeah. It is. I look amazing, right? (LAUGHS) You do. Yes. Did I do good? Is he gonna be able to get it off you at all? (LAUGHTER) You don't want it ruined. I dunno. I like the black. But, I want something that has a bit more pizazz. I love the suit. I love the cut, the fit, All that sort of stuff. But, I want something that has a bit more personality to it. In Palmerston North, twice divorced dad, Dominic, is about to confide in his daughters. There you go. All right. My children, they all matter to me immensely in terms of what they think of about what I'm undertaking. I need their approval, and if they don't approve,I won't do it. Well, I've got something to tell you. Well, OK. I'm getting married. What? What do you mean? What is it? I'm marrying a complete stranger. You're gonna have a stepmum! (CHUCKLES) It's kind of, like` You don't really know what to think about it. It's really weird, I guess. So, do you know anything about her or anything? Do you know what ` I don't know anything. It's really, really secret. You know, MI-5? It's just like that. MI-5 ` it's just like that, all secret squirrel. I'm really positive about it. I really believe it can work, and I love a fairy tale. And I think this one could end in a fairy tale. I do. I do. I do. I do. (CHUCKLES) They have to have, like, a real good sense of humour. Yeah, sense of humour, really outgoing ` just do anything. And isn't too straightforward. Have to have, like, a big personality, I guess. Yeah. Mama Claire's kept a secret. Doesn't happen very often. Well, I just have to tell you. There is somebody in the room that does know about this. So, obviously, we've done the application and everything, but I did not think that she would get on this. At all. I'm getting married. What? (ALL EXCLAIM) Yeah, I know. Do you believe it? Eh, Rebecca? I don't believe it. (LAUGHTER) Cheers! Cheers! Whoo-hoo! I'm getting married! I'm happy for you. It's gonna be good. I'm a little bit scared. (LAUGHTER) I'm just worried that he's not gonna be what she wants. It's gonna be an emotional wedding. Even though some people think it's a bit of a have. To me it is a wedding, and it's my chance to meet someone. TEARFULLY: She really deserves someone to make her happy. Oh! She deserves nothing but love, and I hope he gives her that, so, yeah. Oh! Yeah. Oh no, I'm gonna cry. Ooh! What are you gonna be like on the day? I'm gonna be a mess. I am gonna be such a mess, and aren't they beautiful? I'm very protective of her ` very. Way more protective than I should be. If I don't like him, you'll be getting the eyes from me. Both of you? I'm her only daughter, so... It'll be all right. He should be really, really scared. (LAUGHS) We'll be having strong words. I'll have a little chat with him. Oh, great! What a bit of thread can do to an old man, eh? Yeah, very much so. Easy model. First impressions very very important, and, yeah, it's really pivotal for me to make the best impression possible, because people tend to read books by their cover, eh? And this is my cover. And there's an interesting little book underneath it. The name's Bond. James Bond. (CHUCKLES) Anyway, cheers! (CHEERING) Yay. Thank you. If I could have a message to him, it would be ` don't mess this up. I'll hunt you down. So, don't` don't mess around with my mum. The morning of their wedding day is finally here, and our singles are about to marry complete strangers. It's 9am, so in two hours, my husband is gonna meet me, which he's gonna be super excited about. Um, and it's gonna be awesome! I'm feeling surprisingly relaxed. It is a pretty big day today cos I am getting married. I'm a little bit worried, cos I don't really feel that nervous. I feel quite excited about the whole thing. The tie that we still have to learn how to tie. Yep. I'm still waiting for the nerves to actually kick in. I'm a little bit worried that it's just all gonna, like, just, like, smash me in the face with nerves, so I'm just trying to manage that the best I can at the moment. My twin sister is getting married. I hope what he knows what he's in for. Like, I guess Lacey's a very strong woman. So, I` it's kind of exciting for us to see who they paired her up with, and what's gonna actually come out of it. LAUGHS: Yeah. So, Skye's a little worried. But she is my twin, and we're super close, so I kind of expect it from her. What she really means is she's super excited and can't wait to meet her future brother-in-law. Oh, I dunno if we'd go that far. I wouldn't go calling him brother-in-law immediately. He'll have to be vetoed at some point. Just saying. He'll have to be what? Vetoed. 21 questions. Like, there'll be the stock-standard 'What do you do? Where are from? 'What are your ambitions with my sister? Do you wanna have kids? 'How do you feel about having a second wife in your life? Cos we're basically attached.' He's getting two, but he only signed up for one. And yet, she won't call him a brother-in-law yet. I'm, like, it seems to go two ways, Skye. (CHUCKLES) She's trouble. There you go. Ooh. Shit's getting real. That's pretty schnazzy, eh? I think it'll probably all hit me at some totally random point where I'm unprepared and it'll just go 'Boom! Luke, you're married. 'There's your wife,' and I'll be like, 'What?! What's happening to me?' Is that, like, not too bad? Hey, Lace. Yeah? Are you ready? (GASPS) So pretty. Wow. That's so amazing. Shit, that's pretty. Turn around. Turn around. See? (CHUCKLES) Grandma's little thing. EMOTIONALLY: Yes. It's very nice. Oh, Dad. You're so cute! I certainly didn't imagine this is the way she would get married. I sincerely hope that it works well for them. That's my only concern ` that I don't want her to be hurt in any way. That` That's all it is. You've ruined my makeup, but that's OK. Love you lots. If he's not happy, I'll sort him. Thanks, Dad. (GIGGLING) More apprehensive than excited. I mean, think about it ` you know, you don't know what's gonna be (CHUCKLES) at the end of the aisle. Thanks, Dad. You don't get a choice whether I like him or I don't like him. It's` You're presented with something and you're gonna have to live with it. No, I won't run away. I'm in this for the long haul. I can't remember how I felt in my first wedding, it was so long ago. But this experience is just exciting. I am enjoying every moment. And it's so nice having, you know, my daughter here, my two best friends. Wow, shit's getting real, girls. No, it's not. Yes, it is. I know that I entered her in this. My intentions were so good. But now it's here, it's the day, and I am so nervous, and I am so uneasy about it now. I regret it a little bit. Oh, my God. I'm gonna have a stepdad. (CHUCKLES) I'm just trusting this process. I know that they know what they're doing, so I'm just going with it. Well, I just don't want him` What? ...to be an idiot. He won't be an idiot. How do you know that? You don't know who he is. (POP!) That was a lively one. Right, just arrived at the apartment, and it's wedding day, and boy, am I nervous. It kind of all came to me this morning in a wave of nervousness, but really excited and really looking forward to meeting my lovely new wife. Have you thought about the prospect of having an instant stepmother? Um, I don't` I feel I haven't thought much of it, but I feel like as soon as I see her, it's just gonna hit me, and I'm gonna be like, 'Oh.' I think the most bizarre thing is the fact that the children, this afternoon, are gonna get a new stepmother, which is kind of really odd, and you kind of think of Cruella De Ville. You know, the lady out of '1001 Dalmatians' ` the evil stepmother. But I'm sure she'll be nothing like that. How many years younger than you? 24. No, I'm only kidding. (LAUGHTER) No, no, actually even my age would be cool as long as he's not a grumpy old man. I do not want a corpse, I want a man that's got energy. I want somebody that wants to do things. My other deal breaker is that he has to be taller than me. He has to be taller than me so I can wear my heels. Ah! Hold stomach in! (LAUGHS) Put it away. OK, OK. I'm ready. This is just freaking me out. Why is it freaking you out? Cos I don't want him to be an arsehole. I don't him to be, like` treat you... I just want him to treat you the way that you should be treated. Here's to forever and my new wife. Cheers, girls. You look really beautiful. You look beautiful, all of you. Give me a hug. Oh, thank you for coming. It was lovely to see you in these beautiful frocks. I feel extraordinarily positive about it and I really do have a genuine heartfelt belief that it will work, and we will go the distance. Maybe you shouldn't have done this. What if this is the best thing that's ever happened to me? But what if it's not? Yeah, but you can't the what if's. You cannot do the what if's. Maybe we shouldn't have done this. I can't right now. Shit's getting real. Go over there and have a drink. It is really hard seeing Rebecca upset. She doesn't understand this process. I'm` I'm still understanding it, but I dunno. I just have a good feeling about this. So, in about 40 minutes, we're gonna be wherever we're at, and it is gonna be real. It's gonna start happening. Ahh! I am freaking out a little bit. I am trying as hard as I can to believe in this process, that's completely what I'm relying on at this point. Phew. Crikey. With all the science and the kind of thought that's gone into it, I can't wait to see who this guy is. But it's something you've gotta work at. It's not something that just happens. Even though it's been done scientifically, and relationships don't just happen at a click of the finger. It's something you've gotta work at. I'm definitely nervous. I'm the kind of person that makes a decision and 100% goes for it, so we're still here today. Oh God, it's up here isn't it? Here they go. The nerves are hitting. The nerves are hitting. Oh, (BLEEP). (EXHALES DEEPLY) Hey, everyone. Oh! Standing up there all by myself in front of her closest friends and family ` this is real. This is happening, but I was just trying to not think too much. So, have you done one of these before? (LAUGHTER) Cool. All right. We got this, yeah. Oh, hey, all good my girl. It's here. It's starting. Can't leave now. I would be lying if I said looks didn't matter at all. The worst thing that could happen would be no connection at all. Oh, shit. They're right there. And I can see him. Can you? Yeah. Hi. Hey. How's it going? I'm a little bit worried I may not be appealing or attractive to her and vice versa. I hope when she sees me she's just like ` double thumbs up. (DRAMATIC MUSIC) Oh crikey. It's all go now, eh? (LAUGHTER) Just standing up there for quite a while, just waiting and just anticipation of meeting my bride for the very first time. I'm freaking out a little bit. I hope when she sees me she's just like ` double thumbs up. Thanks, Dad. (TENSE MUSIC) Hi. Hey. How's it going? (LAUGHTER) Dad, you can leave me here. Hey. Uh, I'm Luke. Lacey. Lacey. Nice to meet you, Lacey. Nice to meet you. This is a bit different, eh? Only a little bit, right? Yeah. Um,... yeah. No, well, yeah ` you take it away. (LAUGHTER) Thank you, Luke. I will. PANI: First impressions can be really important. It takes seven seconds to make a first impression, but it takes 90 seconds to figure out whether you're attracted to someone. Luke, meet Lacey, which you've just done. Oh, OK. Sorry, I jumped the gun. I look up, and I was like,... 'Good job.' He has amazing blue eyes, a little cheeky smile. I was happy with what I saw. Be interesting to see what will or won't happen with that beard over time, but small things, right? So, a few words about marriage ` when love itself comes to kiss you, don't hold back. Love is the bridge between you and everything else. When I first saw her, I was like, 'She's a beautiful girl,' and from what I've picked up so far, she seems like a pretty bubbly kind of person. You know, she sounds really cool, and I thought that was a pretty good start. I now ask ` do you, Luke Brent Cederman, take Lacey Swanepoel to be your wife, sharing with her a life of love, friendship and laughter? LACEY: Give him more. Give him more. Do you promise to stand by her through all times, encouraging her individuality, respecting her needs? So, what do I do now? (LAUGHTER) You answer me. Say 'I do.' Oh, yep. Y-Yes. Yeah. Yep. 'I do.' Nah, is that the bit? Yes. Oh, I do. Yeah. (LAUGHTER) Sorry, this was all new to me. So, do you, Lacey Swanepoel, take Luke Brent Cederman to be your husband, sharing with him a life of love, friendship and laughter? Do you promise to stand by him through all times, encouraging his individuality, respecting his needs? Yes. Yeah. Sure. I do. (LAUGHTER) That's all the things you said, right? Yeah, there you go. Yeah, yeah, but you nailed it. It's all right. I mean, we nailed it. It's like it was planned. Totally. She was, you know, giving back what I was putting in. We instantly had some form of understanding of each other, so I mean that's always a good start when you meet someone. Luke, here we go. Here are your vows. So, he had his little quirks. I don't know if he was planning to be humorous or if he just is naturally humorous, but, um, it's cute. It's cute that he doesn't just go with the straight-laced approach. I, Luke Brent Cederman, take you Lacey Swanepoel` Swanepoel? That'll do, yeah. OK. Cool. Uh... To be my wife. Hopefully you like Mexican food, but if you don't, that's totally OK. Hopefully you like the ocean a lot. Uh, once again, if you don't, that's totally fine with me. Um, what I'm saying here is that I really look forward to getting to know you. I'll respect you and respect your decisions, your likes and your dislikes, uh, your values and your morals and all the other stuff that's important to you. Um, but` but it would be really good if you do like Mexican food. (LAUGHTER) I do like Mexican food. Good. I make real good nachos. Oh, great start. I, Lacey Swanepoel, take you, Luke Brent Cederman? Yeah, nailed it first time. Nailed it. To be my husband, AKA hubby. Um, I will always be honest with you. I will show myself to be vulnerable with you. I will be my true self. I will give all of myself, all of the time, and I will respect and support you when you're right and especially when you're wrong. (LAUGHTER) Sweet. Oh, wow. Thank you, Lacey. I could see that he was nervous. Um. Yes, put it on her finger. That one there, eh? Yes. Yeah. But it's a good thing, right? It means that he's taking it seriously, and he actually has feelings about however he's feeling about this. You know, that's sweet. I now have great pleasure in pronouncing you husband and wife. Luke, you may kiss your bride. (QUIRKY MUSIC) Awkward. That was, like, first draft, right? Yeah, did it! Sweet. How do you reckon that went on a scale of one to 10? Like, at least a nine and a half. CLAIRE: Let's get` Let's get` (EXHALES DEEPLY) OK. I can do it. It's just a wedding, right? Beautiful. Oh, my God. You look so pretty. No crying. I just wanna look nice. This is me. You either like me or you don't. Aw. You look very nice. You look stunning. You ready? I was born ready, hon. (GUEST CHATTER INDISTINCTLY) OK, girls, this is it ` the final part of the journey to the venue, the celebrant and my lovely new wife. I think about her a lot. I almost feel like I know her, you know? I think about her all the time. I wonder what she's doing, and I just hope that the lovely lady that's going to marry me will appreciate me. Oh, I'm getting the butterflies. Butterflies, girls. I feel like a little boy. I feel like a little boy on his first day of school. At the moment, I'm feeling very emotional, nervous. I hope he's feeling a lot like me ` wondering what I look like, what I do, where I live. (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) Mum, you look beautiful. Stop stressing, even though it's hard not to stress. Hiya. Hello, everyone. Hello. Hi. I've had my moments where I thought 'What am I doing? Am I really marrying a complete stranger?' And please remember it's my party, and I'll cry if I want to. (CHUCKLES) Do you think you're going to? Yeah, where are the tissues? Keith, you got the tissues? God, I'm gonna cry. Not too much, I hope, especially with my daughters there. Yeah, yeah. Bound to. We're literally here. I know. This is it Rebecca. Breathe. I'm breathing. Hello. I'm gonna be your stepdad. (LAUGHTER) Come to, Poppa. Come on. Come to Daddy. (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) Whoo! You're shorter than I thought, mate. My fear is that she won't like me, and she'll do a runner on the day. I really hope she doesn't. I always say what I lack in vertical stature and good looks, I more than make up for in personality. If your husband is not nice to you, I'll literally pull you out of the wedding if he is not a nice person. Kicking and screaming? How do you know? You haven't met him. I will know in the next couple of minutes if he's not the right one for you. My worst fear would be that he looks at me, and I can tell by the look on his face that he doesn't like me. I need to get in there before I run. Oh, the suspense is killing me. C'mon. I'm worried about being jilted at the altar. I'm very worried. That'd be horrible ` be horrible for me and my children. Give me a chance. Give me a chance please. Give it a chance. (DRAMATIC MUSIC) I'm worried about being jilted at the altar. That'd be horrible ` be horrible for me and my children. Give me a chance. Give me a chance, please. Give it a chance. (TENSE MUSIC) I look down the aisle, and there he is. My first impression is that he's a little bit shorter than what I thought. Hello. Hi. All right, take a seat. No, it's just us. Oh, just us? Yeah. Hello. Hi. Delighted to meet you, I'm Dominic. Hi. Lovely to see you. Marvellous. Thank you for coming, and I'm so pleased you could make it. My first thought was 'Just beautiful.' You're blushing. (LAUGHTER) You look very beautiful. Thank you. So, I would have liked him taller, that was one of my deal breakers. But he's got a really nice sense about him, like very open and very welcoming, so it's fine. It's time for the vows. OK. I would like our` sorry, I'm getting a bit choked up here. (LAUGHTER) It's OK. It is. Oh, I'm just feeling very, very emotional. I'm the type of person that wears his heart on his sleeve, so although we've just met, it's almost like we know each other, to a degree. I would like our lives and hearts to intertwine,... to become woven over time. I would like your family and friends to become my family and friends. I will listen to you. I will be faithful to you. I will care for you. I look forward to being your husband and friend. I would like a future with you, Claire, come what may. Thank you. Claire. I promise to you I'll be open to you. I will trust you and respect you. I will treat you the way I want to be treated, to have fun and be open minded to you. I understand this isn't for everyone. It's our journey, so bring it on and let's get going. Indeed. Thank you very much. They're beautiful. Will you, Dominic Paul Timmin, keep Claire Elizabeth Lawless... I loved her vows. We just really seem to have the same values. I will indeed. She's got a spark about her. She just seems like a really wonderful woman; the kind of woman that is easy to fall in love with. SOFTLY: I do. Thank you. I can't say it was love at first sight, but I don't know him yet. I just didn't want a grumpy old man, and I don't think he's gonna be a grumpy old man. Thank you very much. To those of you here today, do you give your blessing to this marriage? If so, please let your voices be heard. (WHISTLING, CHEERING) I did look at Rebecca's face. I don't think she thinks he's my type. We'll take that as a yes, then? Yeah, I don't know if it's sunk in yet. I don't know if it's sunk in. Like, everything's happening, but I'm not quite sure if it's sunk in yet. I now pronounce you husband and wife. Dom, you can kiss the bride. (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) Do I feel apprehensive about what I've done, taking this big leap of faith? None. None at all because Claire is just everything that I could wish for in a lady ` beautiful, fun, lovely family. What's not to like? And eventually, what's not to love? (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) At the moment, I don't feel any physical attraction, but he's a nice guy, so we'll just see. This is honestly one of the craziest things I've ever done, though. Yeah, right. Probably one of the most awkward moments that the couples are going to encounter is when they're doing the wedding photography. Put your hands around her waist. Oh, here we go ` intimacy. Stand up straight. Stand up straight. Hm? Oh! OK. PANI: They have to stand really close to each other. They have to act like a couple that's been together for a long time. When I tell you, kiss each other. OK. All right? We don't` We barely know each other. This could really be challenging for the participants. Ready? Not really, hold on. Oh seriously, I gotta burp. (BURPS) Pardon me. Shit. Oh shit! Crickey. Here. (LAUGHS) Don't film that. Sorry, was I your pillar? Yeah, you were. Yeah, sorry. Apology. Great start, great start (!) It's all right. It's all right. We're back. OK, you two, let's get serious here. OK. (CAMERA LENS CLICKS) Yeah, that was probably, a little` Did it look awkward? Wedding photos can feel quite artificial. It can feel quite disjointed. We're doing that thing, like, when you're in a sports team, and you're like, 'Whoa,' like that, and everyone goes like that. Why don't we just do that, right? Next time, he's like, 'OK, ready?' Well, no, cos we'll get in trouble for that. OK, mate. He's ready. If they were physically reassuring the other person, that for me would be a fantastic insight into what's to come. One, two, three. BOTH: Yeah! Did you get the shot? No, do it again. See? (CHUCKLES) It's all right. It's fine. Lacey's made me feel really comfortable. It's OK. It's a little bit funny, right? Yeah, totally. Cos you can see that I'm kinda stressed out a little bit, so she's been brilliant. What, are you ready? He's a crack. Nah, look at the camera, like, that one. See? That's way better. - Looking great. - (CAMERA LENS CLICKS) I look even shorter now. (CHUCKLES) Those experts have done a bloody good job. Just every second I spend with her, it just gets better and better. Look into each others eyes for sec. (CHUCKLES) Can you guys get a little closer? You've got beautiful eyes. Oh, thank you. Just stunning. They're really lovely. They're blue, aren't they? Yeah. Dom seems really funny. He's quite affectionate, like, just touching, which I like. I think he thinks I look really lovely, and I'm not used to somebody actually feeling like that, that I look nice. So, you know, love the fact that he thinks that I look beautiful. Perfect guys. You look great. That's really special to me. (CHUCKLES) I didn't feel awkward. It was, sort of, just nice, so I'm happy to go from there, and I'm sure things will evolve. Perfect. We haven't had the reception yet, (CHUCKLES) so we'll see. (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) But will their reception run smoothly? And here's to forever. Cheers. Or will family have other ideas? (BOTH LAUGH) I'm over it. I'm over it. I'm over it. Becca? What? (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) See, I nailed the Queen wave. So at the reception, the participants are going to be a little bit under the microscope. And friends and family are going to be watching them for cues of whether they're getting along, whether they seem to have an initial attraction, whether they seem to have an initial rapport. Where's that bar guy? Yeah. Hi. Am I allowed to go behind that bar myself? All right guys. What would you like? That's the way. I like the cut of your gib. What about you hubby? Are you good? Uh, I'm good, thanks, babes. That was cool. She just fully took charge. Would you like a drink? Jump on in. And I was just like, 'Yeah, that's pretty cool.' It's all right. I also did this at my hen's do. I like someone who can` who just knows what they want. Cheers. Here's to Lacey's bartending skills. Cheers. That's 10 out of 10 behaviour. Come on. What a lass. That's the way to take hold of a situation. (CLICKS TONGUE) One to me. (CHUCKLES) (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) Here's to Married at First Sight, and here's to forever. Cheers. Claire kinda took a shine to me, I think, cos there's some very positive eye contact there. I think there's` stuffs gonna happen. Definitely. Here's to you and me, babe. Thank you. (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) (INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) He's not actually my type. But I'm open to this because the experts have matched me with this lovely man. I'm gonna give it 110%. That was nice, wasn't it? By going through the ceremony with him and just that small amount of time that we've been up there, I think he's just a honey. Did you eat some of my food? Who ate some of my food? I'm putting on a brave face for Mum's sake. But he's talked to my brothers, he's talked to everyone ` he hasn't talked to me. I don't know if he's scared. I don't know if` because Mum's told him that 'My daughters quite protective.' I don't know, but I need to talk to him. I need to have some one-on-one time. Like, we need to get to know each other, because this is a red flag for me. Lacey, what do you think of your new husband? Out of ten. Be fair, though, you know? We've got what we gave him. What you gave him? Like for me? No, for him. Oh, for him? We're still working on your score. (CHUCKLES) Luke's friends and family are super friendly. Nothing bad. Nothing bad. That's probably about a nine. A hard nice nine. Nine. They're totally approachable. I love it. They're warm, and it's great. They just pounced in on me. Oh, what's your rating out of 10 for Lacey? Purely on looks. Uh, 7.2. Ooh, point two? What does that mean? Well, it's a decimal point. Seven's not bad. I can't believe he rated me a 7.2. That's harsh. No. 7.2? I have to speak to Skye to still kind of find out what her reaction was. I have to speak to her and see if she was happy or not. Oh shit. Am I getting eyed up now? Oh yeah. What did you say? 7.2? 7.2? Yeah. No, I didn't say that. About what? No, it was out of eight. Out of eight. Oh man, I'm getting thrown under a bus. Once we sort of walked up the aisle. and I saw you and we saw that the interaction between you guys, great. Yeah. Or you know, then your minds at ease and you're thinking, 'I don't have to shoot this guy.' (LAUGHTER) Yeah, yeah. Well, yeah. No, I definitely see myself as someone you wouldn't have to shoot. We hope so. Yeah. Do you have a gun? No. When I came to New Zealand, I threw all my guns away. Her dad's pretty classic. Thankfully, there's no real risk of him shooting me. Um, not that there would be anyway, but it's good to know that he got rid of his guns. Thank you for being so accepting and understanding, and please don't shoot me. (ALL LAUGH) I think my parents think he's really lovely. I haven't had a bad thing from either of them, which is good so it's a good start. Here's to our wonderful children, Claire, to our wonderful children. To all six of them. Yep, the six. The Brady Bunch. It's not a good start. I'm not gonna lie. I guess his family seem amazing and his daughters are gorgeous, but I just can't fight the fact that he is beating around the bush and he is not talking to me, like, yes, there's been a lot going on tonight, they've just got married, they've just done it everything, but he still needs to talk to me. We are gonna have an enduring relationship. Good. No one's asked me if I'm OK. We've been talking. I know we've been talking all day but you haven't asked me one time since you've met him if you're OK. If I'm OK. The evening's going lovely. I don't know this guy. Like, I've had no time... I've tried to talk to him before but everyone was trying to take him away, everything. Here we go. Cheers to you and me. Cheers. Long may it last. Till death do us part. OK, I'm over it, I'm done. I'm over it, I'm over it, I'm over it. I've told you a million times. That you're not OK? Becca. What? Yeah, all good, love. # Na, na, na, na. PHONE CHIMES Hey, the others wanna hang out. Um... GIRLS LAUGH ALL SING: # It's time to cut and run. This time I'm really done. # GIRL SQUEALS Oh my God! SHOUTS: Yeah! TECHNO MUSIC PLAYS, GIRLS CHATTER HORN BLARES, GIRLS SHRIEK, LAUGH (SIGHS) I've told you a million times. That you're not OK? Becca. What? Rebecca, um, was just feeling really anxious because she's worried about me. Maybe he's finding you a little bit standoffish because he can feel your energy. Am I that bad? Unfortunately, it emotionally came across as she was being a drama queen but she just cares. He's lovely why, why would I? He is so lovely but I haven't had that chance yet. He will come and talk to you, I know that for a fact. Hello, how are you? Welcome to your cold meal. Mine's cold too. Talk to Becca. Oh yeah, OK. No, no, no, not now. Just, yeah, because I think she's feeling that you've talked to everyone else but her. OK, sorry. Hey, will do. So, how are you feeling? Kinda overwhelmed and a little bit, getting quite exhausted. I think it's probably because I actually didn't have a lot of sleep last night. Nervous. Yeah. Lacey's been brilliant and she seems really kind and sweet and I am starting to relax a little bit more. I've been pretty tense and kinda uptight most of the day just 'cause there's so much going on. I need a little bit of looking after, not a lot of maintenance. But you can cook right? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Being able to have that conversation and that trust up front, which I think that we're slowly getting where he's a little bit more comfortable with the situation. Just not writing lists. Oh, I can't` I can't organise anything at all. It's all right. I'm really good at organising things. Perfect. And I'm just gonna let everything ride out. Can you do that? Yeah, I can. I can do that. Rebecca. Yes. Oh, hello, can I grab a bit of your time? Yes. Hello. Hey, big hug. How are you, babe? I'm looking around and I see them talking and I thought, it's all good. I felt a little bit like you were trying to avoid me. No. I'm really sorry. Hey, let's make up. Let's make up and make that time now. Hey, your mum's a beautiful person and I'm really lucky. I'm just scared that she's gonna get her heart broken, that's all. Hey, I knew I was invested in this when I wrote your mother's vows about three weeks ago and I burst out crying. Hello. Hi, family. I know, little intimate family. I'm sorry for being a drama queen. I knew that he would make her feel comfortable and at home. If you look after her, we'll have no issues. We will behave these days. Get a room. She is fine now. She's good as gold. She just needed that reassurance. (ALL CHEER) And I feel very privileged to have met you today and I'm very much looking forward to getting to know you a lot more. Luke is probably not your average guy. Everyone says he's a little bit quirky, there's something a little bit I haven't quite worked out what that is yet. Plus he has amazing eyes. Like, that's a score, right? And he's tall. Oh, yeah! No, that was part of it too. Also, the bridesmaids... (ALL LAUGH) You guys are looking fantastic. See, that was the part that I... I think Sky probably had some hesitations to start off with, but the more she's got to know him and having him sitting at the same table and having him be the person he is, I think she's very happy and relaxed with where he's at. She was always gonna be a hard judge so I think he did really well. From a father's aspect, I can say, you know, she's got a loving nature, she's friendly, um... Uh, I'm getting emotional. And trust me, she's gonna push your boundaries. I've kinda picked up on that already. (ALL LAUGH) Yeah. I think myself and Lacey are definitely getting on. I mean, I thought that as soon as I first met her. We pretty much got along straight away, and it's kinda continued a long that path, so up and up. Oh, you're spinning. Oh, there it is! Today was a 12. It was awesome. I loved it. It was so much fun. I don't think Mum is physically attracted to him, but that's not everything. I might not be attracted to him, but I'm thinking, 'Why can't I be attracted to him 'because he's such a gorgeous, loving man.' I don't think he'll get any taller but he'll grow on me. Can I get you smaller pants? I feel like she's in a dream world being here right now and she actually hasn't hit her until she's gonna be alone with him so that'll be interesting to see. I'm so pleased to meet you, Claire. 5 As the weddings draw to a close, it's time for our couples to spend their first night together as husband and wife. I am a newlywed and it hasn't sunk in yet. All right, where are we? But it's cool 'cause I've got a wife. It's been a long day and I'm really, really tired. Come on in, honey. Ugh. Made it home. Husband, are you happy with the day? Uh, yes, wife. Good answer. I was totally happy with that day. It's been a great day. Lots of highs, lots of emotion and can't wait to go to sleep. Yeah, um, we should get ready for bed, but I don't know how that whole, uh, situation works. Um, I'm totally comfortable sleeping in that massive bed. It looks really comfortable. Um, I don't know. I have no problems. OK, cool. Whatever happens tonight will remain between him and I. Shall we? Mm. Yeah. OK. OK, Claire. Hurry up, Dom. I'm en route. Welcome. Hello. Come and have a seat. I like the garter. It was made especially for me. Enchante. I knew this was gonna happen. Like, I knew I was gonna have to spend my first night with my new husband and I'm OK with it. Like, he's a gentleman. The chemistry between us, I believe is there, but as far as intimacy goes, personally, I prefer to leave it until the time is right. But who knows? Leave a little bit to the imagination, honey. Leave a little bit to the imagination. ...when Jay-Jay and Dom and Randell catch up with the stars of 'Married at First Sight NZ' tomorrow morning at 7.35am on The Edge. Tomorrow night, it's the morning after for our newlyweds. Oh no! Our experts match the next two couples. High risk, high gain. But how will the news go down with their nearest and dearest? In five days' time, Granny, I'm getting married to a stranger. And how will our brides and grooms feel... Um, I'm pretty freaked out, eh. No going back, this is it. ...when they meet at the altar? Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2017