She signed up to find love in paradise – but for Stranded On Honeymoon Island bride Brie White, the reality was far more intense than she ever imagined.
The 29-year-old admitted to Daily Mail Australia that watching her wedding back for the first time felt like ‘looking at a younger version of myself’ – even though the experience still triggers memories of the emotional rollercoaster she endured on the island.
‘I was watching it thinking, “Oh my God, I was just a baby!”‘ she said. ‘It was really sweet to watch, but also kind of wild. I looked so unsure.’
Brie, who had never been in love before entering the show, was paired with Byron, 33 – and said there was a spark from the moment they met.
‘I felt a connection straight away,’ she said. ‘It was definitely there… but that also scared me. Watching it back reminded me of that claustrophobic feeling. There was no escape.’
She signed up to find love in paradise – but for Stranded On Honeymoon Island bride Brie White the reality was far more intense than she ever imagined. Pictured
The 29-year-old admitted to Daily Mail Australia that watching her wedding back for the first time felt like ‘looking at a younger version of myself’ – even though the experience still triggers memories of the emotional rollercoaster she endured on the island
While she wouldn’t go so far as to say it was love, Brie admitted the emotional bond rattled her in a way no past relationship had.
‘There was something there. I was scared of how strong it felt,’ she confessed.
Still, the fast-tracked wedding process was confronting.
‘That sh*t scared me,’ Brie laughed. ‘It felt surreal – suddenly I had a ring on my finger, I was sharing vows with a stranger. I never thought I’d do anything like that. And I definitely didn’t imagine doing it without my family.’
Brie said getting married without her loved ones was one of the hardest parts of the process.
‘I always imagined a massive wedding with everyone there celebrating me,’ she said. ‘But it was just me and him. None of my people were there. It felt uncomfortable and scary.’
Despite the nerves, Brie said she knew she wanted Byron from the speed dating round.
‘They asked who I wanted – I said, “Number 11 only,”‘ she revealed. ‘When I saw him coming down the aisle, I was so relieved. It just calmed me instantly.’
Brie, who had never been in love before entering the show, was paired with Byron, 33 – and says there was a spark from the moment they met
The most challenging part of the show, she said, wasn’t the isolation – it was the personal growth.
‘I went on a huge personal journey,’ she explained. ‘I couldn’t call my best friend, couldn’t stalk him online – I didn’t even know his last name, let alone my new one. Everything I usually did in relationships was stripped away.’
‘There were moments where I was lying in bed thinking, ‘I can’t do this’ – I remember day three specifically. I didn’t know how long we’d be there. We had no idea what day it was. One day felt like a week.’
Asked if things ever felt different when the cameras weren’t rolling, Brie admitted the lines blurred quickly.
‘Honestly, there was no difference,’ she said. ‘After the first day or two, we just forgot the cameras were there. Two days felt like two weeks. Three days felt like three months.’
Brie also revealed how little the participants were told going in.
‘They told us nothing,’ she said. ‘I knew I was marrying a stranger from the speed dating round and going to an island – that’s it. I didn’t know who the other couples were, or if we’d ever see them again. We didn’t even know it would last three weeks.’
Looking back, she said the emotional intensity forced her to face a lot of fears – including red flags she’d previously ignored.
The most challenging part of the show, she said, wasn’t the isolation – it was the personal growth
‘I used to be scared of nice guys – anything about relationships scared me back then,’ she said. ‘Now, I’ve learnt I need someone who’s kind, not arrogant, not rude… and with good hygiene!’
As for the glamour side of reality TV? Forget it.
‘After day three, you stop caring,’ Brie said. ‘I was more worried about not having my dental floss or mouthwash. Makeup? That didn’t even cross my mind.’
The upcoming series promises drama, tears and unexpected love stories – but Brie says it’s the authenticity that sets it apart from other dating shows.
‘This wasn’t polished. We didn’t know what was coming next – and that’s exactly how it felt living it,’ she said. ‘It changed me.’
Stranded On Honeymoon Island continues Tuesday at 7.30pm on Seven
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