Married At First Sight bride Carina Mirabile has opened up about the highs and lows of life after reality TV fame, revealing how her world has changed since appearing on the hit Channel Nine dating experiment earlier this year.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail, the Perth-born beauty said that while the experience brought her exciting new opportunities, it also came with unexpected challenges and lessons in resilience.
‘Life has changed in the best way possible,’ Carina shared.
‘The show has introduced me to opportunities I could’ve only dreamed of before – I had no idea what I was getting myself involved with.’
She continued: ‘I really didn’t think long term as my brain capacity was focusing and adapting to short term, from facing a fast-paced marriage, building a relationship and trying to navigate through the tasks that were constantly thrown our way each week!’
The brunette stunner, who relocated to Sydney after the show, said she’s poured her energy into building a career that feels ‘authentic’ to her.
Married At First Sight bride Carina Mirabile (pictured) has opened up about the highs and lows of life after reality TV fame, revealing how her world has changed since appearing on the hit Channel Nine dating experiment earlier this year
‘While juggling new friendships and the other relationship drama that came with the filming aspect of MAFS – in saying that, I feel I have adapted naturally,’ she continued.
‘From working in fashion and content creation prior to being on MAFS to collaborating with amazing brands and people I genuinely admire, I’ve really focused on building a career that feels authentic to me, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come since filming.’
Carina, who paired with French groom Paul Antonine, admitted that the transition from reality TV bride to public figure wasn’t easy, especially when it came to navigating the spotlight alone.
‘The biggest challenge was probably finding balance and doing this experience alone,’ she confessed.
‘I really did want the fairytale ending and to experience this part of the show (post) together with my partner… go through the new exciting shiny parts together, meet viewers of the show together, continue the couple friendship catch-ups post filming – but unfortunately that’s not how my experience went.’
She added that learning to separate her on-screen persona from her real-life self was another hurdle.
‘Also learning how to separate the TV version of me from my real life and staying grounded through all the noise,’ she said.Â
Despite the difficulties, the former bride said she’s been blown away by the continued support from fans.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail, the Perth-born beauty said that while the experience brought her exciting new opportunities, it also came with unexpected challenges and lessons in resilience. Pictured with groom Paul Antoine
‘The show has introduced me to opportunities I could’ve only dreamed of before – I had no idea what I was getting myself involved with,’ she said
‘The biggest surprise has been the amount of support I still receive; it’s honestly so heartwarming to know people connected with me beyond the show,’ she said.
‘It’s been a privilege hearing viewers’ personal stories and life experiences. I resonate with people, and I love meeting and talking to people, so it’s been a blessing.’
Carina believes her ability to remain grounded and genuine helped her transform her fleeting TV moment into something lasting.
‘I was my true authentic self throughout the whole filming of the show!’ she said.
‘It’s hard to hide your true colours as it’s such a fast-paced environment, and filming long hours means people’s real personalities are bound to show regardless of how hard they try to be the ‘ideal’ character for the cameras.’
‘I respected everyone around me – from the other cast members to production to the crew. That’s how my parents raised me. I treat people with respect and I enjoy meeting and learning about people’s stories.’
Since leaving the show, Carina has leaned into her background in communications, fashion, and media to carve out her own path.
‘I focused on consistency, professionalism, and staying true to who I am, which has helped me connect with my community,’ she explained.
‘The biggest surprise has been the amount of support I still receive; it’s honestly so heartwarming to know people connected with me beyond the show,’ she said
‘That’s enabled me to continue sharing my life experiences and views post-show through social media engagement.’
Asked whether MAFS has become too toxic for contestants to build real careers from, Carina said that it all comes down to mindset.
‘I think it depends on how you handle it. But in short answer – no,’ she explained.
‘It may be oversaturated but reality TV can be intense in general. It’s also what you make of it. If you stay authentic, surround yourself with good people, and focus on what comes next rather than just the fame, you can definitely create something real from it.’
As for what advice she’d give to next year’s brides and grooms, Carina didn’t hold back.
‘I’d highly recommend that you work on yourself mentally and physically before this life-changing experience,’ she advised.
‘Go in knowing who you are and don’t lose that – always stay grounded and don’t get a big head. The key is to turn the moment into momentum.
‘It goes fast, so make the best memories, capture everything in photos – your relationship and marriage, your friendships made in the apartments – all while enjoying the rollercoaster ride!’Â
She added: ‘Remember to make those TikToks and funny videos because I love looking back at my camera roll and rewatching the video Dave took of the cast pranking each other!’
Since her time on MAFS, Carina has continued to grow her presence online, collaborate with top Aussie brands, and inspire others to chase their dreams.
