Season eight of Netflix's reality show "Love Is Blind" recently witnessed Sara Carton and Ben Mezzenga's emotional rollercoaster, culminating at the altar where Sara delivered her pivotal "no". Despite beginning as one of the season's standout couples, the reality of their fundamental differences came crashing down on their wedding day.
Sara, 29 and working as an oncology nurse, expressed during her time on-screen how important it was for her to share core values with her partner. Her decision stemmed from significant disparities between her and Ben, 28, now identified as an account executive. Their relationship, which blossomed amid the show's intense environment, quickly revealed deep-seated issues tied to politics and religion.
Reflecting on their connection, Sara noted the importance of values, mentioning, "Ben, I love you so much. But I've always wanted a partner to be on the same wavelength, and so today I can't". This statement encapsulates the sentiments she carried as she approached their wedding day. Throughout their time together, Sara's concerns about Ben's beliefs surfaced repeatedly. While they could bond over shared interests, their conversations frequently veered toward uncomfortable topics.
One of the stark contrasts came during discussions about their political beliefs. Sara became more politically engaged following the events surrounding the 2016 election of Donald Trump and the murder of George Floyd in her home city of Minneapolis. Ben, on the other hand, revealed he did not vote and had limited opinions on the Black Lives Matter movement, which left Sara visibly unsettled. "I will tell you, basic human rights, equality," she told him. "I need someone to be on the same page with me about [these issues]."
Through episodes two and five of the series, Sara was open about her worries, which she articulated to Ben repeatedly. While he endeavored to convey his willingness to learn and grow, Sara carried the weight of doubt about whether their relationship could evolve meaningfully. Eventually, Ben proposed, and to his relief, she accepted. They became one of five couples followed during the show's getaway to Honduras, creating sweet memories but seemingly building on shaky ground.
But their honeymoon phase did not last long. After returning to Minneapolis, Sara found herself struggling to align her expectations with the reality of their relationship. Despite both sets of parents showing general approval of their engagement, Sara's reservations about Ben's faith intensified. While she participated in church with him, she felt disconnected due to his steadfast Christian beliefs—an aspect he had not fully explored with her. When Sara researched sermons on LGBTQ+ issues for guidance, she encountered messages she found unsettling. This compounded her uncertainties about him and his faith.
"I caution you as your sister, it is not real right now," her sister advised her after meeting Ben, signaling to Sara the need for clarity before the wedding. Adding to the drama, Ben's past resurfaced when Sara stumbled upon a viral TikTok alluding to potentially troubling behavior he had displayed with another contestant. Discussing this upheaval added another layer of skepticism for Sara.
When wedding day arrived, the contrasts between them were stark. Ben was unwavering and excited about the union; he expressed minimal doubts, believing they had overcome the hurdles to commit. Conversely, Sara was wrapped in doubt. Moments before the ceremony, she shared her concerns with her bridal party, reiterading her fears about their value differences.
Despite the palpable connection they shared, Sara's heart spoke louder than her desire to maintain their bond. The show captured the moment, and as she announced her choice, Ben's immediate response revealed his underlying hope for their relationship to continue: "Can we still stay together?" He seemed unfazed by her decision, showcasing his unwavering love for her. Sara, taken aback, hesitated, opting to delay the conversation, signaling she had potentially already decided to move on.
Post-wedding, friends of Ben comforted him, expressing surprise at Sara's choice. Interestingly, Sara's reflections after leaving the altar painted Ben's eagerness to grow as insufficient for her. She told the cameras she sensed no curiosity from him to expand his views. Despite following each other on Instagram, which could symbolize cordial relations, it was clear they did not intend to reignite any romantic feelings. Moments captured during the reunion preview indicated Sara confronting new revelations from the remote TikTok and questioning Ben, even accusing him of slipping messages to another cast member.
During her interview with People, Sara elaborated on feeling unsettled post-altar when Ben proposed they remain together; she regarded the act as somewhat disrespectful, executing the show's central premise of committing or walking away for good. They had previously conversed about their possible outcomes before arriving at this point, which added layers of complexity to her decision.
"I was shocked he asked at the altar," she reflected. With her expectations unmet, the ideal of depth she had hoped for dwindled. "It just never evolved," Sara concluded, alluding she had made her choice clear.
At the close, their story might seem definitive, but fans eagerly await insights during the 'Love Is Blind' reunion, poised to discover whether any reconciliation may begin after the fallout from the season finale. The reunion episode streamed on Sunday, March 9, 2025, around the nation, where they were poised to reflect on their time and the relationship past year, as viewers anticipated their final verdict on love.