'Married at First Sight' recap: Brandon throws his wedding ring and has meltdown, Mindy expresses disappointment, and Meka and Michael make a connection

Married at First Sight featured Brandon Reid throwing his wedding ring and having a meltdown over the show's production, Mindy Shiben admitting her honeymoon was a disappointment and Zach Justice was "a d-ckhead," and Meka Jones finally feeling a connection to her husband during Wednesday night's Season 10 episode on Lifetime.


An unprecedented five pairs of strangers were matched by returning Married at First Sight experts Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Calvin Roberson, and Dr. Viviana Coles to marry on Season 10 of the Lifetime reality series.

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Brandon, a 34-year-old sales manager originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands who was raised in Washington, D.C., wed Taylor Dunklin, a 27-year-old research scientist from Pittsburgh, PA.

Mindy, a 34-year-old figure skating coach from Frederick, MD, wed Zach, a 32-year-old fitness professional from St. Mary's, GA.


Meka, a 25-year-old category analyst from Baltimore, MD, was shown marrying Michael Watson, a 31-year-old education director from Washington, D.C. 

Katie Conrad, a 26-year-old mental health professional from Woodbridge, VA, married Derek Sherman, a 26-year-old cyber security engineer from Maryland.

And Jessica Studer, a 31-year-old nurse manager from Oak Harbor, OH, walked down the aisle to Austin Hurd, a 31-year-old network technician from Maryland.

Married at First Sight, Episode 6

The Married at First broadcast began on Day 5 of marriage.

Katie had so many doubts going into the Married at First Sight process about whether she'd feel chemistry with her groom and be happy, but she said the experiment was turning out to be "a dream" come true for her.


Katie thought she and Derek were matched very well, and they continued to learn more about each other.

"I first thought, 'This is the male version of me, but a foot taller.' But we're starting to see some differences too -- that complement each other, though," Katie told the cameras.

RELATED LINK: 'MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT' STAR BRANDON CLAIMS TAYLOR COMMITTED ADULTERY DURING MARRIAGE, ONLY DID SHOW FOR PUBLICITY (EXCLUSIVE)

Derek also called Katie "the complete package" and said he was attracted to her mentally, physically and emotionally.

Brandon struggles with the TV cameras

Meanwhile, Brandon was struggling with the documentation part of Married at First Sight. He disliked having cameras in his face and being told when and where to go, as well as what he can and can't do.


Brandon therefore fought with his wife when she shoved a camera in his face in one morning, but she was almost glad they had that disagreement because now she felt closer to her husband.

Brandon revealed he and Taylor weren't in the place where they were ready to sleep with each other; however, Brandon said he was enjoying getting to know his wife on a deeper level.

Jessica also said everything felt "so comfortable and natural" with Austin and she loved waking up next to him every morning. Jessica also gushed about how she loved everything that was happening behind closed doors and their sex was "great."

Austin appreciated how Jessica is a strong woman who states her opinions, and she's apparently exactly what he had asked the experts for.

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Austin and Jessica agreed they wanted a dog together but it needed to happen at the right time, especially since they've never lived with each other before.

As for Mindy and Zach, they both slept really well and seemed a little more at ease around each other.

Meka and Michael boycott the cruise

The five couples were then supposed to gather for a day of sailing around Panama on a catamaran, but Meka and Michael decided not to go so they could be alone and attempt to establish more of a bond.

Meka didn't feel comfortable around her husband yet, and Michael refused to wear his wedding ring. They were also still sleeping in separate rooms, and both spouses were very disappointed in how their marriage was going.

Michael felt he was failing as a husband, but he remained hopeful. He also planned to no longer sleep alone.


"We have to do a better job of finding common ground. I didn't come into this marriage to fail or to not see it all the way through. So giving up is not an option," Michael said in a confessional.

While in the van, Brandon and Taylor shared with the group they both wanted one or two children -- but in a couple or a few years -- and Katie and Derek agreed they were on the same page.

RELATED LINK: '90 DAY FIANCE: BEFORE THE 90 DAYS' COUPLES NOW: WHO IS STILL TOGETHER? WHO HAS SPLIT? WHERE ARE THEY NOW? (PHOTOS)

Zach, however, was hesitant in sharing whether or not he wants kids down the road.

The four couples on the catamaran were very excited and happy to be married, and they mentioned how Meka and Michael were really missing out.

Brandon voices concern about Taylor's Instagram following

At one point, Taylor asked Brandon to take a photo of her on the boat, and Brandon acknowledged she has a large following on Instagram and posts often. He found her social-media activity "a little bizarre" but tried not to read into it too much.

Meka and Michael bond

Meanwhile, Meka and Michael explored the city together, ate, shopped, and talked about their likes and dislikes. Meka was trying to establish a friendship, while Michael's goal was to open up, be vulnerable and show his wife who he really is.

Michael runs programming all day for students with special needs, which requires a lot of patience, so he tried to bring that virtue into his marriage. Michael told Meka he wanted to invest a lot of time and energy into her, just like he does with his students and family.

Meka was putting her "best foot forward," admitting she had to get over her "own B-S" and put her first argument with Michael behind her.

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The pair bonded over their shared love for travel and appreciation of the beautiful sights.

"We connected, vibed and had fun, and that was what we needed for me to move forward," Meka shared in a confessional.


Back on the boat, Brandon called Zach "Mr. Dapper," teasing that his hair was always in place and he was going to look so good on TV.

Brandon gushes about Taylor

As Brandon and Taylor explored the ocean together, Brandon told the cameras he had been looking for a woman who would take him into the next stage of life, and he was so pleased his "white-picket-fence" dream was coming true with Taylor, his new best friend.

Brandon revealed to the guys he was "close" to consummating his marriage, and although Austin didn't want to kiss and tell, he shared how he was leaving Panama "a happy man."

Brandon said it felt like he and Taylor had been together for years and were able to talk through their first tiff. Brandon called himself "an idiot," saying he has a tendency to shut down but Taylor gave him his space and supported him well.

Brandon admitted he's a private person and wasn't used to having cameras in his face and being so vulnerable, but he was trying to come around.

Zach talks about not being attracted to Mindy

Zach then confessed to the guys, "I've never been in the situation where attraction needs to evolve or I need to search for an attraction."


Zach said Mindy was mature, "amazing" and great to hang out with, but the other guys hoped Zach would be able to get past his lack of attraction for Mindy. Zach explained he and Mindy were starting out as friends and not forcing intimacy.

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Derek, however, said Zach wasn't making any sense and he was "confusing as f-ck."

Taylor then told the ladies Brandon tended to get "a little moody," and she called him "a princess." However, Taylor had hope they could work through that, especially since Brandon had shown her a romantic side of himself one of their previous nights in Panama.

Taylor recalled the story of how Brandon scattered rose petals around the bathtub for her, and Mindy vented about how that was such a sweet gesture and she was "not seeing" that kind of effort from her own husband.

"It's frustrating," Mindy said, although Katie pointed out each couple was going to have its own timeline for showing affection and being romantic.


Katie shared that she and Derek were on the same page and there was real potential for a lasting marriage. She also confirmed the attraction was there and she had a lot of fun with her husband.

Katie and Derek visit the Panama Canal

On Day 6 of marriage, Katie and Derek visited the Panama Canal, which was something Derek was really interested in. She wanted him to feel special. Derek admitted he was a little bit of a nerd and was studying engineering so he really appreciated Katie taking him on this date.

The pair then enjoyed a meal and Derek revealed he'd love to try a dish from every country in the world. He also looked forward to cooking for Katie with lots of spices and sauces.

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Derek and Katie then discussed getting an apartment together and welcoming Katie's dog into the picture. Derek assured his wife that he loved dogs and wouldn't mind sleeping in bed with her furbaby, and Katie was glad he loved animals.

"I can't say I'm in love yet, but so far, she's my perfect match," Derek told the cameras of Katie.
"I'm definitely getting a crush on her, and at least for me, that's something that hasn't happened in the last three years."

Austin and Jessica go sightseeing

Meanwhile, Austin and Jessica had yet to have "a dull day" together and they explored an old city with ruins, a cathedral and a stone bell tower.

Austin said he was religious but didn't attend church on the regular, and Jessica was on the same page, saying she liked to go to mass on Christmas, Easter and major holidays.

Austin shared he'd like his children to go to Sunday school in order to gain good values, and Jessica agreed. Their similar views on marriage and family checked off another box for Austin, and he expressed, "I can see myself falling in love."

Brandon and Taylor talk about her social media

That night, each of the five couples enjoyed a nice dinner out separately with their husband or wife. Taylor told Brandon she only had two boyfriends in the past and her last boyfriend was "really horrible."

Taylor told Brandon that he was exceeding her expectations but she didn't want him to stop trying, and Brandon promised he'd continue doing his best. Taylor took a picture of their cocktails and Brandon liked to take photos as well, but Brandon pointed out he liked to keep his photos private.

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Taylor, on the other hand, loves social media and said she uses the platforms to stay connected to her friends. Taylor said she wasn't sure how she got so many followers but she loves keeping in touch with family and friends living in different states.

"I tend to stay away from females who have huge followings, because in the past, they're not real, like, they're living for lights and they're not real people," Brandon said.

"That's not something I look for. I want a human being that's down to earth, someone who I know I can go on adventures with and not have to worry about taking 8,000 pictures. I want someone who is not just concerned about getting attention. That's not the type of woman I'm looking for."

Brandon told Taylor her social-media activity was going to be an adjustment for him because he didn't care about it at all. Brandon had hope he could overcome this, but Taylor said she wasn't trying to be famous or gain a following.

Brandon said he just didn't want a stuck-up or pretentious wife, but he assured Taylor she didn't seem to be that way.

Taylor revealed jealousy had been a problem in her last relationship because she does tend to get a lot of attention from men on her social media. She therefore told Brandon to communicate his concerns with her going forward, and Brandon agreed because he wanted their marriage to work.


"You have some amazing qualities, and it feels we've known each other for years," Brandon told his wife.

Taylor was excited to bring their positive energy home and continue their relationship in the real world.

Derek and Katie make move-in plans

At dinner that night, Katie politely told Derek she needs her space sometimes and living together would take some getting used to. Katie, for instance, wanted to take a shower and have some peace and quiet before dinner but Derek had jumped into the shower with her.

"This is marriage," Katie joked, a little annoyed.

But the pair continued to get along and were both happy with the direction their relationship was going.

Meka and Michael talk some more

As for Michael and Meka, Meka actually finally felt comfortable with her husband and said she was enjoying his company. Meka began entertaining the idea, "Maybe this is the person I am meant to be with," and a connection was blossoming naturally.


When talking about moving in together, Meka asked Michael to clean up after himself, put his phone away during serious conversations, and allow her to have most of the space in their bed. Meka also asked Michael never to wake her up in the morning.

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Michael was realizing Meka may be a little high-maintenance, but he was starting to like her and told his wife that he'd have her back.

"I care about you a great deal and I like you," Michael told Meka. "There's something about you that makes me feel like you are my person. You are my girl. You are my wife."

That put a big smile on Meka's face, and then she pulled him in close for a big hug.

Mindy notes Zach isn't wearing his wedding ring

But a little bit of tension still existed between Mindy and Zach. Zach said he had "zero complaints" about their honeymoon, but Mindy said the experience had been very "eye-opening" for her and "not at all what I expected."


Mindy told Zach he was being considerate towards her but she had noticed he wasn't wearing his wedding ring that day. Mindy didn't want to come across insecure or angry, but she admitted the gesture "really hurt" her feelings.

Zach wasn't trying to make excuses, but he told his wife he genuinely forgot to put on his jewelry at times. Mindy said it made her feel like Zach wasn't taking the process as seriously as everyone else.

Zach then changed the subject and said their time in Panama together would probably make it "easier" for him to "build an attraction" once they return to Washington, D.C.

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Zach explained an attraction to him would be missing Mindy when they're away from each other.

"It's hard for me to come out and say I don't know what to do, and I don't know which direction to go and me extending myself to say, 'Help me figure this out,'" Zach explained.


"What do you want me to do?!" Mindy asked. "Get breast implants or something?!"

"Whoa, jeeze! I did not put that on my questionnaire, what are you doing?!" Zach replied.

Zach said he wasn't asking Mindy for all the answers or for her to say or do something in particular. Zach attempted to explain he just didn't have the right answer and didn't know what to do.

"Zach has no idea how he comes off," Mindy told the cameras. "I've been trying to give him a chance, but the guy is a f-cking d-ckhead. I don't know. I am speechless right now."

Austin and Jessica enjoy a private dinner

For Austin and Jessica's dinner, he decorated a table in their hotel room with rose petals and candles to show his romantic side. Austin felt very fortunate in his marriage, and Jessica totally agreed that she had found a best friend already.

Jessica, however, was almost afraid things were "too easy." Her walls were down, and Austin was all smiles.


RELATED LINK: 'MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT' STAR BRANDON CLAIMS TAYLOR COMMITTED ADULTERY DURING MARRIAGE, ONLY DID SHOW FOR PUBLICITY (EXCLUSIVE)

"It feels like I'm dating my husband, and I am enjoying every minute of this," Jessica said in a confessional, before closing the doors to their hotel room and leaving the cameras out.

Michael and Meka decided to sleep in the same hotel room for the first time on their honeymoon, and Meka felt hopeful about their future together.

Zach and Mindy both continue to voice concerns

While Mindy was in bed, Zach escaped with a camera and admitted the process "shouldn't be this hard."

"It's not supposed to start off this way. There's supposed to be something there -- something available for me to cling on to, and we've had nothing but challenges this whole time," Zach said.

"I genuinely don't know what to do."


As Zach was out of the room, Mindy called Dr. Viviana and said she had "no idea" why Zach wanted to get married at first sight because he didn't like using the terminology of "husband and wife" as well as "marriage" and "honeymoon." Mindy said those words made him nervous.

"He said, 'You don't have to use the term 'husband.' We just got married and we [barely] know each other,'" Mindy explained.

Dr. Viviana said Zach was probably coming to grips with how real this marriage was and he was probably coming down with a case of "really, really cold feet -- but after the fact."

Dr. Viviana asked Mindy if she thought Zach had another side to him that was genuine and kind or whether what she was seeing of Zach is who he really is.

"I believe there might be that side, but I don't think he wants to show that side to me. I think he sees problems with me that he does not like... He says there's no attraction," Mindy told Dr. Viviana.

Mindy said the main problem in her marriage was Zach's lack of an attraction to her, but Dr. Viviana said it almost seemed like Zach was scared. Dr. Viviana said the experts didn't match people for attraction; she matched couples with similar core values.


Dr. Viviana told Mindy they could work through this and attraction often grows from different places. Dr. Viviana told Mindy to continue being authentic and true to herself, adding that she should not change for her husband.

Zach dodges Mindy's question

On Day 7 of marriage, Mindy wondered if Zach felt getting married at first sight was a mistake, and he wouldn't really confirm or deny that.

While packing up her belongings, Mindy told the cameras, "There is a part of me that feels a little empty... because my honeymoon was disappointing. My husband barely kissed me on our honeymoon or held my hand. My husband told me he wasn't attracted to me, like, that's not a honeymoon."

But the honeymoon ended great for Jessica and Austin, as well as Katie and Derek.

Jessica said Austin was "super respectful" and always tried to please her. She could picture their marriage lasting for a lifetime.

And Michael also felt good and optimistic, saying he finally felt like he was married.

Brandon argues with the producers and crew

Taylor and Brandon, however, had an explosive ending to their Panama trip. Brandon was shown trying to avoid the camera crew and producers.

"You're trying to play me," Brandon said.

"I'm not trying to play you; I'm just trying to follow your story," the producer responded.

RELATED LINK: 'MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT' STAR BRANDON CLAIMS TAYLOR COMMITTED ADULTERY DURING MARRIAGE, ONLY DID SHOW FOR PUBLICITY (EXCLUSIVE)

Brandon was clearly in a bad mood, and Taylor could see Brandon struggled with filming constantly. She didn't like how Brandon treated the production team, and she called him "abrasive" and "very rude."

At one point, Brandon put his hand over a camera lens and demanded the crew "back up" and away from him. Brandon begged for 10 minutes alone, but he wasn't afforded that.


Taylor recalled telling Brandon, "The difficult person that you're being on camera is not somebody I really want to be married to. I like being married to the sweet, kind Brandon."

Brandon throws his ring and has a meltdown

Taylor's words apparently set Brandon off, and all he paid attention to was the "I don't want to be married" part of her statement.

"He takes that and runs with it. He responds like, 'Oh, you don't want to be married to me!' He takes off his ring, he throws it and says, 'We don't have to be in this marriage,' and he leaves," Taylor revealed.

Taylor therefore packed for both people, and she said he had the nerve to leave his ring and passport behind.

"Brandon was having a full-blown meltdown," Taylor said.

Brandon was then shown yelling and swearing in the van outside that also held the other four couples.


"I ain't got time for this sh-t," Brandon said, before Taylor could be heard saying, "I tried."

Brandon then told his wife, "No, you didn't try to do sh-t... You know what, f-ck you, Taylor. F-ck you!"

"Calm down," Taylor requested.

"I'm gonna calm down when I'm in Washington," Brandon replied. "F-ck y'all."

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About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski