Carina and Paul's Final Vows
Carina and Paul's Married At First Sight journey has been nothing short of, well, eventful.
They got the shock of their lives when they met on their wedding day – as they already knew each other!
After matching on a dating app the pair went on a casual hiking date before Paul ghosted Carina.
Despite the shakey start, the pair went onto become the strongest in the experiment – but then came a string of challenges that pushed them to their limits.
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During the fourth Dinner Party, Paul told the group he'd "lost control" and punched a hole in a door after learning Carina had slept with a rapper in her past.
Their relationship hit another roadblock during the Partner Swap task when Paul was asked to spend time with Awhina – after he'd dated her twin Cleo years prior.
Carina knew of this, and made a comment that he didn't think Paul "would go for that calibre" of partner. Paul told Awhina this during a Feedback Week challenge, saying he thought his wife could be "a snob" at times. Carina felt she'd been "thrown under the bus" after that.
Their relationship hit another low when they were presented with an opportunity to go on a date with their alternative match. While Carina refused deeming it "borderline cheating", Paul went on the date leaving his marriage in total disarray.
Could Carina forgive Paul again? Or was she finally at the end of her tether?
Scroll through to see one of the most dramatic Final Vows in MAFS history...
Heading into the Final Vows, Paul was hopeful that he could win Carina back despite his many, many mistakes.
"Carina means a lot to me, honestly, and I've actually realised that even more after I nearly lost her a few days ago [after] making the foolish decision to go and meet this other person," he told cameras.
He admitted going on a date with another woman was "a really big mistake," but he was counting on their usual relationship pattern of patching things up.
"I'm very confident that she's going to be willing to forgive me and move forward," an upbeat Paul said.
Whether she was there to break hearts or claim her man, Carina was dressed for the occasion.
She looked like a Roman goddess in a custom silver chain metal gown.
The glittering material draped across her body while she wore her hair in a braided bun.
Carina was torn between her head and her heart.
"I was raised on forgiveness and seeing the good in people," she said.
"But then, on the other hand, I don't know if I know the real Paul because he wouldn't have put me in this position."
Despite all the hurt she'd experienced, Carina couldn't help but look back fondly on the good times with Paul.
"I also know that when I do see him in person, I do crumble a little bit. Paul's very loving, and he is very affectionate. He fits so well in with my family, and I love that about him.
"So can I forgive him? I believe my decision that I've made right now is the right one for myself and my future."
Paul stood anxiously waiting for Carina's arrival and the verdict that would follow.
When he finally saw her he couldn't help but let out an almighty "Oh wow".
Carina greeted Paul with a friendly kiss on the cheek while he embraced her.
"It's so good to see you. God I missed you," Paul couldn't contain his excitement.
But Carina kept her cards close to her chest.
"I guess I'll go then," Paul held his breath.
Paul's Vows
"Carina, when I entered this experiment, I had no expectations, but my heart was open, hoping to find love and meet the partner I would spend the rest of my life with. Little did I know that this journey could lead me to someone who had already crossed my path.
"When I turned around on that wedding day and saw your face, it felt like fate, it felt like the universe was giving us a chance to explore what was once missed.
"I still remember how nervous I was to meet your family. Carmel and Tony and everyone else welcomed me with open arms and I felt an instant connection.
"The feelings I started developing for you were strong – stronger than I ever anticipated. But with those feelings came a fear of letting my walls down, fear of being hurt again.
Paul's Vows
"Then came our first real challenge. In a moment of frustration, when I felt disrespected, I made a terrible mistake, the guilt I felt afterward was overwhelming. I cried for days, consumed by disappointment for ending things so poorly. But even in that dark moment you stood by me, that I will never forget.
"I saw how hard it was for you when we had to swap partners and write letters raising our concerns. When I expressed that sometimes I felt like you could be a bit judgmental I never meant to hurt you. I was simply trying to communicate honestly, but I know it upset you.
