After a heated honeymoon in Adelaide and constant bickering Bel Clarke and Haydn Daniels’ future on Married at First Sight NZ hangs in the balance, but thanks to the couple’s nuptials, one relationship is on the mend.
Following almost five years of no contact, Bel, 25, and her mum Joanne were reunited on the bride’s big day.
“I always knew if I didn’t extend the invite to Mum, our relationship would be irreparable,” says Bel, who works in travel and tourism.
“She will always be my mum and differences aside, I will never stop trying to repair that bond.”
Mum Joanne with a bouncing baby Bel.
Bel’s parents separated when she was nine and she’s a proud “Daddy’s girl”.
The blonde beauty lived with her mum until her late teens, when she moved in with her dad Trevor. “I call him Papa T – he’s my best friend,” says Bel.
“Dad and I are similar – we are both very driven and adventurous, whereas the rest of my family is quite content sticking to what they know.
The bride’s beloved “Papa T” couldn’t be prouder of his girl.
“I’ve often felt like the dark sheep and thought my mum favoured my siblings more, which put a strain on our relationship.”
But Bel says extending the olive branch to her mum is the first step to repairing their fractured relationship.
Reunited on her daughter’s big day.
“It just wouldn’t have felt right without her at my wedding – I felt a sense of calm knowing she was there.
“It’s baby steps,” adds Bel.
“I still have my dad on speed dial, but I know from now on that when I really need my mum, she’ll be there.”
