Married At First Sight Season 16 took place in the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee, introducing five unique couples with varied backgrounds and expectations. However, the major question arises: where are these couples now post-show? Throughout the season, an intriguing dynamic unfolded, revealing tensions among several participants while one couple seemed to swiftly establish a solid bond. With the primary aim of the experiment being to assess whether these couples could forge genuine relationships based on their aligned personalities as determined by MAFS experts, it inevitably led to some unexpected outcomes.
From the outset, some couples appeared mismatched, while others fostered hope for deeper connections. The experts played a vital role in guiding these couples through their struggles, urging them to work through their differences rather than abandoning ship. In the end, although one pair decided to part ways prematurely, the remaining couples committed themselves to the process, even amidst their personal challenges. So, where do these couples find themselves now?
Domynique & Mackinley
Left MAFS Early
Despite initial excitement, Domynique Kloss and Mackinley Gilbert quickly discovered that their connection was lacking. The couple’s relationship started on shaky ground; at just 25, Domynique faced the gravity of married life, while Mackinley—almost a decade her senior—struggled to step out of his comfort zone. This resulted in a series of heated disagreements that only widened the gap between them.
Ultimately, they recognized early on that their relationship wasn’t meant to last. Opting to exit the series during the midpoint of Season 16, both felt a wave of relief at not forcing a connection anymore. Although Mackinley has expressed some regrets about his participation, Domynique has fondly reflected on her overall experience with the show, despite the lack of chemistry with her partner. Since then, Domynique briefly connected with fellow season 16 participant Clint Webb, although their relationship was short-lived.
Jasmine & Airris
Divorced
Jasmine Secrest, a competitive cheerleading coach, was eager to bond with her MAFS partner, Airris Williams—a 39-year-old software engineering instructor. Initially, they seemed to share common interests, but it soon became clear that Airris did not perceive Jasmine as his ideal partner. His admission of lacking both physical and emotional attraction to her made him a contentious figure among fans, who rallied in support of Jasmine.
Despite sincere efforts to make their marriage work, the couple ultimately decided to divorce on Decision Day. Viewers praised Jasmine for her resilience in the face of Airris’s dismissive behavior, and many were delighted to hear of her recent engagement to another partner. Meanwhile, Airris has taken a backseat on social media, choosing to focus on his career while distancing himself from his previous role as an MAFS villain.
Nicole & Christopher
Still Married
Nicole Lilienthal and Christopher Thielk emerged as a standout couple from Season 16 of Married At First Sight. Their rapid connection following their wedding set them apart from others in the experiment. Nicole, a 32-year-old marketing advisor, was yearning for stability, while Christopher, a 36-year-old business coach, shared her desire for a meaningful partnership. Through their distinct personalities—Nicole’s forthrightness and Chris’s calm demeanor—they found harmony.
Throughout the challenges presented by the experiment, their bond only grew stronger, cementing their mutual love and commitment to one another by Decision Day. Following the season’s conclusion, the couple celebrated their newfound life together, actively sharing updates on their relationship through social media. Additionally, Nicole has ventured into podcasting alongside fellow season 16 cast members Gina Micheletti and Kirsten Grimes, where they explore their reality TV experiences on the show titled D-List Diaries.
Clint & Gina
Divorced
Clint and Gina’s relationship was characterized by early mismatched expectations which resulted in a tumultuous dynamic. At 40, Clint—a hopeful account executive—had uncommunicated ideals about his partner’s appearance. When he met Gina, a 35-year-old hairstylist, his disappointment was palpable, impacting their interactions throughout the show. Clint’s inconsistent support often veered into uncomfortable territory, as he openly expressed his lack of attraction to Gina, compromising their potential connection.
Conversely, while Gina navigated the experience with more grace, both ultimately concluded that their relationship was unsustainable. They maintained a friendly rapport post-show, with Clint extending support for Gina’s professional endeavors. Although neither gained a villain status during their time on the show, Clint’s past with Domynique raised eyebrows. Gina, in turn, has also joined Nicole and Kirsten in podcasting efforts, expanding her engagement with fans.
Kirsten & Shaquille
Divorced
Kirsten, a 32-year-old real estate agent, entered her marriage with Shaquille Dillon, a 31-year-old executive director, with a sense of eagerness for commitment. However, their relationship faced significant challenges arising from Kirsten’s struggles with emotional vulnerability, often leading to Shaquille feeling underappreciated. Although there were moments of progress, their issues proved to be insurmountable.
While Kirsten expressed her willingness to remain in the marriage on Decision Day, Shaquille chose to end their union, citing an imbalance in emotional support. This decision left Kirsten startled, prompting her to reassess her MAFS experience in the aftermath. Both participants have since kept a low profile on social media. Kirsten has begun podcasting alongside Nicole and Gina, while Shaquille has successfully completed his PhD and is focusing intently on his career.
Source: Nicole Thielk/Instagram