Back in March 2020, when coronavirus restrictions were in full swing, Michelle Jenkins decided to take a massive plunge, saying 'I do' to a complete stranger on Married At First Sight.
For those yet to tune into the addictive Channel 4 dating show, Married At First Sight pairs up singletons looking for a long-term commitment, with a panel of experts deciding upon matches that are "scientifically" designed to last.
The paired-up couples then meet for the very first time at the altar, saying 'I do' before even having been out for drinks together.
Michelle, a 27-year-old who lives in Sheffield, was paired with 33-year-old IT manager Owen, having decided to apply to the show "on a whim" back in December 2019.
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Speaking with The Sun, Michelle explained that "internet dating just hadn’t worked for me", and although she'd met up with a few men, "it never went anywhere".
Michelle then had just six weeks to get a wedding dress, plan her hen do, and organise prenuptial agreements plus a will ahead of her legally binding ceremony.
According to Michelle, her mum "was a bit upset as she felt like all the traditions and excitement had been taken away from her", and was also worried about things not working out. However, fortunately, most of her family and friends gave her their support.
Aside from a few "minor details", Michelle knew absolutely nothing about her husband-to-be before their wedding. Thankfully, they had "an incredible day", and even Michelle's doubtful mum was left "besotted" by Owen.
Michelle admitted: "It was certainly an intense way to start our relationship, but being thrown together like that also made it easier, and I knew I was developing feelings for him – by the end of the first week, we had both said ‘I love you’".
Unlike previous seasons of Married At First Sight, Michelle and Owen were in their "own little bubble" 24 hours a day during the early days of their married life, given that filming took place during the coronavirus pandemic.
After the show wrapped up, the couple stayed together and are still very happy to this day. In January 2021, they bought a four-bedroom house in Sheffield together.
Then, shortly after their one-year anniversary, Owen proposed, with the former strangers being completely smitten by this point and fully prepared to share their future together.
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