MAFS’ Jamie Marinos tells all about dinner party showdown with villain Tim Gromie and unexpected connection with groom Dave Hand

Married At First Sight’s Jamie Marinos has quickly become one of the season’s most talked-about brides.

In an exclusive chat with Daily Mail Australia, Jamie shares her thoughts on their wedding, her strong connection with groom Dave Thomas, and her heated encounter with controversial groom Tim Gromie.

Jamie, a 28-year-old marketing manager from Melbourne, admits she was thrilled when she first saw Dave, particularly his tattoos – something she considers a major attraction.

‘I literally screamed down the aisle when I realised he had a neck tattoo,’ she said. ‘It was very boganic of me, but I was just so excited!’

The connection between Jamie and Dave was instant, with Jamie firing off 37 questions as soon as they had a private moment.

‘I had to know what I was working with. But the biggest shock? Dave doesn’t go to raves. As a party girl, I was like, “Alright, looks like someone’s staying home while Jamie goes out.”‘

Despite their differences, Jamie says their wedding day felt completely natural.

‘It was just easy. He made me feel relaxed, comfortable, and, most importantly, he thought I was funny. That’s all I needed’ she revealed. 

However, emotions ran high when Dave spoke about his stepfather’s health.

‘That was a beautiful moment. Seeing that vulnerable side of him just deepened our connection. I put my hand on his leg, gave him a hug – I wanted him to know I was there for him’ she said.

Jamie also had a few lighthearted relationship rules, including her famous ‘no hatchbacks’ requirement. ‘My husband cannot fit into a hatchback, so we’re all good.’

When it comes to drama, Jamie is not one to back down.

She made waves at the dinner party, standing her ground against Tim Gromie after his controversial behavior toward Katie.

‘I just knew it with this man. Women’s intuition is real. And I’m so glad I went as hard as I did. Honestly, I’d go harder’ Jamie explained. 

Jamie also faced personal challenges during the honeymoon. 

‘It was Fear Factor for me. I’m not great with animals, so it was a lot’ she said.

Another potential obstacle? Dave’s dog.

‘I have a legitimate dog phobia, but when someone ticks so many boxes, you’d be silly to throw them away over one thing. I’m open to working on it’ she added.

Jamie isn’t fazed by criticism and has a strong message for her detractors.

‘They can blow me! Can I say that?’ she joked before adding, ‘I’m not here to hurt anyone. Just choose love.’

Despite some negative remarks, Jamie is embracing the positive feedback.

‘People can see I’m my authentic self. And yes, I know my nose is big – I have a mirror. But I love who I am’ she said. 

When asked why she really signed up for the Channel Nine hit show, Jamie replied: ‘Dating apps are a nightmare. 

‘They’re like a catalogue of the worst men. I was like, “Jesus take the wheel” – or in this case, the experts take the wheel.’

Jamie also addressed her tension with fellow bride Lauren Hall, who called her ‘boganic.’ Jamie remains unfazed.

‘Honestly, I think “boganic” is hilarious, so thanks Lauren. And personally, I love trash bag nails – the longer, the better.’

With plenty of drama, romance, and strong friendships ahead, Jamie teases what’s to come.

‘I can’t give too much away, but let’s just say, expect a lot of amazing friendships and a whole lot of fun’ she said. 

‘I connected straight away with Katie, Ash and Awhina. They were just the three really bubbly, down to earth, and I think real definitely recognises with real, and I connected to them quite instantly.’

Married At First Sight continues Sunday at 7pm on Channel Nine.