Married at First Sight’s Season 5 Couples Feel Instant Chemistry at Their Weddings: See the Photos

Married at First Sight returned for its fifth season on Thursday, April 20, and there was something just right about the new set of couples. In fact, there was undeniable chemistry between this season’s participants.

The Knot has inside details about all three weddings, which took place inside the historic Palmer House in Chicago, Illinois. Check out the standout moments from the highly-anticipated season 5 premiere below.

Cody Knapek and Danielle Degroot
From the moment Cody saw Danielle walking down the aisle, he was instantly drawn. The bride looked resplendent in a form-fitting, lace, sheath-style gown by Robert Bullock that featured a deep V-neck. Danielle opted to wear her hair down in loose waves, and topped her tresses with a fingertip-length veil and a sparkly headband from Nina Shoes.

Cody notably stumbled while reciting his handwritten vows–and there were plenty of laughs. However, his new wife felt the sincerity in his words when he promised to give 100% to the relationship. “I vow to make this as fun and positive of an experience as possible,” Danielle assured him in return.

After sealing their union with a kiss, the newlyweds took a few moments to get to know each other. The groom, who owns a gym and cares immensely about health, saw it as a good sign that Danielle is a dietician.

Danielle was touched when she learned that the bow Cody gifted her before the wedding was a memento from his grandmother’s wedding dress. Making the moment even more special was that the new couple’s families enjoyed each other’s company, which helped since the bride’s only wish for her wedding day was for everyone to have a good time.

Nate Duhon and Sheila Downs
The physical chemistry was palpable. Nate was wowed by Sheila as soon as he saw her, and the bride was equally impressed by her new husband. The local school district director donned a fit-and-flare, sweetheart gown by Winnie Couture paired with a waist-length veil from Nina Shoes. All of the bridal wear was selected from Chicago-based bridal boutique Weddings 826. During his vows, Nate referred to her as the “most precious jewel on earth.”

Nate and Sheila gave each other a high-five when they were told that they have a shared sense of humor. Sheila was also impressed that Nate seemed to speak from his heart.

After multiple kisses, the duo snuck away for some time alone. Sheila was surprised and concerned to learn that Nate is only 25 years old–five years younger than her. But Nate reassured her that he’s ready for marriage and wise beyond his years.

At the reception, Nate and Sheila’s fathers began to argue. In the confessional, Sheila explained that both men have big personalities and “will not be tamed.” Her father gave a sweet, encouraging speech to his daughter and son-in-law, but when it was Nate’s father’s turn to speak, he belittled Sheila’s dad. His father accused Sheila’s father of stealing money from the tithe at church, but after shocking his fellow guests, Nate’s father explained that he was joking, which broke the building tension.

In the confessional, Sheila acknowledged that her new father-in-law had good intentions.

Anthony D’Amico and Ashley Petta
As with the other season 5 couples, Anthony and Ashley hit it off right away. The bride looked lovely in her lace, strapless, mermaid gown by Madison James, which she paired with a sparkly headpiece. Anthony promised in his vows to cherish their relationship.

Ashley, meanwhile, told her husband that she would  stand by his side. In a sweet and funny moment, the bride asked the groom to tuck her vows into his pocket for safekeeping.

Anthony was quick to admit that he was relieved to be matched with someone beautiful. Ashley was thankful for the chemistry between them–and her husband’s personality. “I can’t imagine anyone not liking him,” she shared in the confessional.

Both Anthony and Ashley’s mothers agreed that their children were perfectly matched. Ashley could already see the possibility of falling in love with her husband.

Married at First Sight airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Lifetime.