They’re undoubtedly one of the most contentious couples in Married At First Sight history.
Yet, Bryce Ruthven and Melissa Rawson have not only survived the experiment, they’ve actually become one of the show’s biggest romantic success stories.
Engaged and more loved up than ever, the duo welcomed sons Levi and Tate in October 2021.
The couple met whilst filming season eight of Married At First Sight.
(Nine)Despite initial trepidations Melissa and Bryce’s nuptials seemed to go off without a hitch on the show – though there were plenty of roadblocks after they said “I do”.
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While Melissa was anxious to reveal she’d never been on a date, Bryce was unfazed by the news, in fact, trumping her statement with news he’d been engaged 6 months prior to MAFS.
Both moving past this, it was only the first of many hiccups for the couple.
There was the rating of other brides and grooms that saw Bryce put Melissa fourth and then came the ongoing allegations of a secret girlfriend back in Canberra.
Despite constant rumours and confrontations the couple made it to their final vows where they recommitted to their vows.
The couple have been loved up since and announced their plans to the knot for real in July 2021, with the couple celebrating their ceremony in February 2023.
“We’d already been married on the show and, with our relationship getting stronger, this just felt like the logical next step,” Mel told New Idea at the time.
Bryce added: “People saw on the show how supportive and loyal Mel was. I’m pleased to say that’s transitioned to the real world.”
The couple ended up welcoming their twin sons, called Tate and Levi, 10 weeks early in October 2021, but fortunately their darling boys were strong and healthy.
In honour of how far they’ve come, we’re going to relive their romance – just keep scrolling to see all their best moments.
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Bryce & Melissa’s big day went off without a hitch.
The groom sure did seem thrilled to see his bride.
The couple instantly hit things off.
The couple remained committed to one another through out the experiment despite a few rocky moments.
MAFS’ Melissa asks Bryce’s friends about his ‘secret girlfriend’
“The (green) eyes are the window to the soul,” Lis cheekily captioned her snap, making a dig at at her husband’s obsession with blue eyes.
“Have never been happier! ♥️” Bryce said of his relationship.
The couple took time out from filming to see the sights of Sydney.
To very few fans’ surprise the couple opted to re-commit to one another at their final vows.
“My heart is full. I love this man so much and we truly make each other happy every single day. While it might be hard for some to believe, it is my decision, my life and my choice. And I choose him,” Melissa said of her controversial decision.
The couple immediately went to the Gold Coast to meet Bryce’s family in real life after filming.
The duo enjoyed a bit of travel between lockdowns, making the most of their relationship outside of the experiment.
Despite many of the couples from their season of MAFS splitting, Bryce and Melissa’s romance stayed strong.
This snap seemed like a regular couple photo, but little did fans know Melissa was hiding a baby bump under that coat!
Behind the scenes, Bryce proposed to Melissa during a high-flying helicopter ride together in mid-2021!
“I wanted @lissrawson to help design it as it’s hers for life. It features a 2ct black pear shaped diamond with smaller diamonds around a white gold band,” Bryce revealed of his future wife’s unique ring on Instagram.
The couple kept their engagement a secret until they announced they were expecting twins too! They revealed the news to New Idea in July.
Bryce Ruthven and Melissa Rawson’s gender reveal party
The excited parents-to-be couldn’t have looked happier as they posed for plenty of bump photos on Instagram.
“The belly has certainly popped in the last few weeks – and every now and again, our two little babes give me a subtle jab, reminding me that their time to join us is rapidly getting closer 💛” Melissa gushed on Instagram as she prepared to become a mum.
Bryce was constantly gushing about his fiancee and her growing belly, captioning this snap: “How cute is this bump starting to look! 💝”
There was a bit of a scare when Melissa went into labour 10 weeks early and though her sons were born prematurely, they’re both happy and healthy little bubs! Melissa captioned this beautiful photo with them: “I love you now and forever, Levi and Tate 🥰”
Bryce Ruthven and Melissa Rawson hospital milestone
Bryce couldn’t be more proud of his future wife and their beautiful boys, whom he has big dreams for. The new dad penned on Instagram: “Loved for the boys you are, the men you will become and the sons you will always be 💙”
Despite their boys’ sudden arrival, the new parents still found time for each other.
Night out
Even new parents need a night to themselves!
Levi and Tate home
Back in time for Christmas! After two months in the NICU, Bryce and Melissa were finally able to bring Levi and Tate home in December 2021.
Bryce and Melissa
The boys got into the festive season by donning itty bitty Santa costumes.
Bryce and Melissa
Bryce threw Mel a stunning roof-top birthday party and shared a loving tribute on Instagram to celebrate his future wife.
He penned, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my gorgeous fiancée! An amazing partner.. an amazing mother & my soulmate. Love you more than any words on Instagram can describe ❤️.”
Bryce and Melissa
Mel documented her twins sitting up for the first time and joked about not being able to tell them apart even though they’re non-identical twins.
“My gorgeous little boys sitting up for the first time in their rocking chair. They’re getting stronger every day! Also, for non-identical twins, even I’m having trouble telling them apart!” she wrote.
Bryce and Melissa
Bryce is getting use to juggling his kids.
Bryce and Melissa
A date is set! Melissa revealed to her fans that their wedding has a date, and although she didn’t share specifics, it will take place in early 2023.
“It’s happening! We’ve FINALLY set a date and booked a venue for our wedding! 💒👰🏼🤵🏼As a matter of fact, it’s less than a year away!” she captioned her announcement.
Melissa Rawson hits out at cruel radio prank aimed at her and Bryce Ruthven
There’s always time for a quick selfie between nappy changes and feeds!
Bryce penned a tear-jerking tribute to Melissa on Valentine’s Day 2022.
“I’ve always called it a ‘Hallmark holiday’ BUT.. this girl deserves a lot of love ❤️ A happy V-Day to the most genuine, beautiful, kind hearted woman/fiancée/mother/partner a man could ask for!” he wrote.
For the international day of love, Bryce surprised Melissa with a hot air balloon ride!
“Fun fact: Bryce was actually going to propose on one of their balloons but COVID had other plans,” Melissa revealed.
Mum and Dad’s night out! Melissa and Bryce enjoyed a date night at Melbourne Fashion Festival in March 2022.
Couples that party together, stay together! Bryce and Melissa enjoyed a well-earned night off for her 33rd birthday, where they celebrated alongside their fellow MAFS stars.
Easy like a Sunday morning! The adorable family of four enjoyed some snuggles in bed in March 2022.
“No words needed ❤️” Bryce captioned the post.
In April 2022, Melissa and Bryce took the boys to their first NRL game.
“6 months old & at their first sports game 💙” Bryce captioned this photo of them at the Sharks v Storm match.
They grow up so fast – Levi and Tate were looking bigger than ever in July 2022.
The family that runs together, stays together!
“Some call it chaos, we call it family”
“First Father’s Day as a father.”
The boys celebrated their first birthday in October 2022.
The family celebrated their first Christmas in 2022.
The twins made some new friends at the aquarium!
The couple officially tied the knot in February 2023.
“Happy Mother’s Day to my beautiful wife and amazing Mum to Tate & Levi, @lissrawson.”
“It feels like they’re growing every time we blink!,” wrote Bryce.
