Stephanie Rice marries pastor as dazzling wedding photos drop

Aussie swimming star Stephanie Rice has had the wedding she always dreamed of, just 10 months after she started seeing a pastor.

Stephanie Rice has always been happy to share the trust she had in the journey she was on — and she has arrived at the point she always wanted to.

The 36-year-old, who moved to Dubai in 2023, has shared the first photos of her dream wedding with partner Mark Lassey.

The adorable couple celebrated their special day just 10 months after they began seeing each other.

The 46-year-old pastor, who is also the father of three children, popped the question in September and they needed only four months to get Rice ready to walk down the aisle.

You can watch the special moment in the video below.

Photos shared on Instagram show the couple got hitched during a classy outdoor ceremony at a vineyard in Western Australia.

Rice’s Instagram stories included celebratory videos that showed the intimate ceremony at Sandalford Wines on the outskirts of Perth.

The couple celebrated well into the night with their guests with only a select few getting a seat at a long table where the dinner was held.

Stephanie Rice takes a stroll with Mark Lassey. Picture: Instagram.

Stephanie Rice has tied the knot with Pastor and father of three Mark Lassey. Pic: Instagram.

Rice was a vision in her classic, strapless dress which was partnered with a long flowing train.

One detail dazzling fans was how good the couple’s ensembles matched.

Lassey was also in fine threads, complimenting a white tuxedo jacket with a bold black bow tie.

Rice quoted a bible verse as she shared adorable snaps of her and Lassey together.

“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,” she wrote on Instagram.

“As we step into this new chapter as husband and wife, where two become one, our hearts are so full. The day was everything we dreamed it would be—overflowing with love, joy, and the tangible presence of God. It felt like heaven touched earth.

“Thank you to everyone who made our day so special! We are truly blessed.”

Her caption also a quote from the book of Jeremiah in the bible.

Party time. Pic: Stephanie Rice, Instagram.

Stephanie Rice got the wedding of her dreams. Pic: Instagram.

“I know all about the marvelous destiny I have in store for you, a future planned out in detail. My intention is not to harm you but to surround you with peace and prosperity and to give you a beautiful future, glistening with hope,” Rice quoted.

Details of the wedding had been kept secret for months, however, the three-time Olympic gold-medallist did share news in October when she posted: “Packed two suitcases and headed for Australia to finish my Master’s degree and get married.”

Rice was returning to Australia from her new home in Dubai.

Rice said she was taking a leap of faith when she blew up her life and moved to the United Arab Emirates in 2023.

Rice in September first shared the news Lassey had got down on one knee and proposed.

In May this year, Rice released a video on Instagram detailing the end of her “really challenging relationship” with ex-boyfriend Dane Christison.

Stephanie Rice waited 36 years for the special moment. Pic: Instagram.

In a video titled “Life Update” to her 147,000 followers on the platform, Rice was intent on explaining why she hadn’t kept them up to date on her new life in Dubai.

Rice had announced her move to Dubai in December 2023, describing it as a fresh start in a tearful video from a first-class flight.

She later revealed she was in a new relationship with Christison, whom she met through a church connection.

She shared snippets of their life together, including videos of the couple embracing and on holiday.

That same month, Rice also posted a series of videos detailing her swift transition to born-again Christianity.

In the video, Rice began by explaining the journey she had been on since the move to Dubai.

“Oh my gosh you guys, I’m so excited,” she said.

Her journey ended where she wanted it to.