Swim superstar Stephanie Rice marries Perth pastor in intimate vineyard ceremony

Former Olympic champion Stephanie Rice, 36, has officially tied the knot with Perth-based pastor, Mark Lassey, 46 in an intimate vineyard wedding in Perth.

Former Olympic champion Stephanie Rice, 36, has officially tied the knot with Perth-based pastor, Mark Lassey, 46, in a heartfelt Instagram post shared on Friday.

The couple, who began dating in February last year, celebrated their nuptials in an intimate outdoor ceremony at a picturesque vineyard in Perth earlier this week.

The wedding took place at Sandalford Wines in the Swan Valley.

“Surrounded by our closest family and friends, those who have loved, supported, and guided us on our journey, all came together to celebrate our love and the beginning of forever together,” Rice wrote in the caption, accompanied by photos of the newlyweds.

Rice wore a strapless satin-finish gown, while Lassey opted for a white suit jacket and bow tie.

Stephanie Rice marries Perth pastor in intimate vineyard ceremony. Photo: Novare Weddings

Stephanie Rice tied the knot with Mark Lassey in Perth this week in an intimate vineyard ceremony. Photo: Novare Weddings

The ceremony marked the culmination of an 11-month whirlwind romance, underscored by long-distance challenges and transcontinental relocations.

Rice surprised fans in September when she revealed her engagement to Lassey — a father of three and a pastor with Kingdom City, a global church headquartered in Perth, who she met through mutual friends in February.

The proposal itself took place at Dubai’s luxurious Atlantis The Royal hotel, just seven months into their relationship.

Late 2023, Rice relocated to Dubai for what she described as a “fresh start.”

However, by October 2024 she shared another update — this time indicating she had “packed two suitcases and headed for Australia to finish my Master’s degree and get married.”

Details of the wedding were kept largely under wraps until Rice’s Instagram reveal, which offered a glimpse of an intimate celebration.

“Thank you to everyone who made our day so special! We are truly blessed,” Rice concluded in her post.