Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Stephanie Rice has tied the knot with her partner Mark Lassey following a whirlwind ten-month romance.The former Olympic swimmer, 38, took to Instagram on Friday to reveal that she exchanged vows with the Aussie pastor during a vineyard ceremony in his native Perth.The couple met at the start of 2024 and got engaged in September after seven months of dating.For the ceremony, Steph looked every inch the blushing bride in a gorgeous strapless satin gown which featured a long train that billowed out behind her.She let her dress do all the talking as she simply accessorised with a dainty necklace and droplet earrings, while she wore her brunette tresses loose over her shoulders. Steph gazed lovingly at her new husband Mark, who cut a dapper figure in a tuxedo, made up of a white shirt, black trousers and a suave cream suit jacket. Stephanie Rice has tied the knot with her partner Mark Lassey following a whirlwind ten-month romance The former Olympic swimmer, 38, took to Instagram on Friday to reveal that she has exchanged vows with the Australian pastor in a vineyard ceremony in his native PerthThe couple shared a video documenting the moment they were declared a married couple.In the footage, they beamed with joy as they stood holding hands at the outdoor altar which sat underneath a natural green vine pergola.They were then showered with confetti as they walked down the aisle together as newlyweds before they shared a romantic kiss.The couple then celebrated their union with their closest family and friends during an outdoor reception at sunset on the grounds of the vineyard. Later in the evening, the couple kissed while sparklers lit up the sky behind them.In an accompanying caption, Steph shared her excitement over starting off her married life with Mark in Dubai, where they plan to live together. She gushed: ‘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.’As we step into this new chapter as husband and wife, where two become one, our hearts are so full. For the ceremony, Steph looked every inch the blushing bride in a gorgeous strapless satin gown which featured a long train that billowed out behind her The couple exchanged vows in a picture-perfect ceremony held at a wine vineyard and shared a video documenting the moment they were declared a married couple (pictured)’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.’She finished off her post with a Bible quote, adding: ‘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 – Jeremiah 29:11 TPT.’Three-time Olympic gold medallist Stephanie joined the church when she relocated to Dubai late last year and is now heavily involved with Kingdom City. Mark is a pastor with the same organisation in Perth and has been with the church for more than 10 years, according to his LinkedIn profile.Kingdom City started in Perth in 2003 and has since gone global with branches in Africa, Europe and Asia in addition to the Middle East. Their wedding comes after a whirlwind ten months of dating after they were first introduced by a mutual friend at the start of 2024. The couple then celebrated their union with their closest family and friends as they all sat down for an outdoor meal at sunset on the grounds of the vineyard Later in the evening, the couple shared a kiss while sparklers lit up the sky behind them as they looked happier than ever after saying ‘I do’They quietly dated for five months before going public with their romance on Instagram in July, just weeks before they got engaged. The couple have been in a long-distance relationship with Mark being based in Perth while Steph moved to Dubai in November 2023. The couple announced their engagement in September after Mark popped the question at Dubai’s luxury Atlantis The Royal hotel while visiting Steph.Mark is a father to three sons – Tyler, Joel and Luke – from a previous relationship.Steph was previously romantically involved with former soldier Dane Christison, who she met at an Australian church. They holidayed in the United States together over Christmas 2023, but she publicly announced their split just months later in May 2024.Stephanie had deleted images of her boyfriend from her Instagram page even earlier in March and had not mentioned him in some weeks. The sportswoman later opened up about how she was happy their relationship had ended. The swimming legend, 36, took to Instagram on Thursday to confirm the jovial news, just weeks after first going public with her and Mark’s romance in July’When I moved, I really wanted to share a lot more of the journey with you guys in real time,’ she said.’I just was going through the deepest healing. I was in a really challenging relationship at the time, when we broke up, I felt the peace of God was upon me. I felt like I felt free. I felt happy.At the time, Stephanie said that her new life in Dubai had lifted a weight off her shoulders.’For the first time, I realised the heaviness that I was carrying. I just felt like it all lifted off me, and I feel like I’m in this amazing place now where I feel so happy, so content,’ she said.’God is so good. I’m seeing so many fruits of the amazing things God has given me, and I want to be able to share a lot more of what’s kind of happened over the past six months’ she said.’Now that I have a lot more clarity, a lot more peace, and a lot more happiness.’
