The Shocking Truth About Sara Carton: From Ben's Fiancee To Joey's Girlfriend On Love Is Blind Season 8

Sara Carton emerged as one of the most compelling and talked-about contestants from Love Is Blind Season 8, a season that aired in early 2025 and followed a cast from the Minnesota area. Her journey was a rollercoaster of intense connection, deep philosophical divides, and a shocking twist that played out long after the cameras stopped rolling. The latest updates, as of December 2025, confirm that Sara's life post-pods is just as dramatic as her time on the show, with a surprise romance emerging from the cast.

The oncology nurse quickly became a fan-favorite for her outspoken nature and willingness to tackle difficult subjects like politics and religion in the pods, setting her apart from others who stuck to small talk. While her engagement to Ben Mezzenga seemed picture-perfect at first, the cracks began to show, culminating in a dramatic walk-away at the altar. However, the biggest shock came months later when she revealed a relationship with another Season 8 cast member, Joey Leveille, completely blindsiding viewers and adding a fresh layer of complexity to her narrative.

Sara Carton's Love Is Blind Season 8 Biography & Profile

Sara Carton’s presence on Love Is Blind Season 8 was defined by her professional background and her strong, unapologetic views. Her dedication to her career and her search for a partner who could match her intellectual and emotional depth were central themes of her story. She was looking for a "goal-oriented guy who looks on the sunny side of life," according to promotional materials.

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• Full Name: Sara Carton
• Age: 29 (at the time of filming/airing)
• Birthday: January 17, 1996 (Making her a Capricorn)
• Occupation: Oncology Nurse
• Hometown/Filming Location: Minnesota
• Relationship Status on Finale: Single (Did not marry Ben Mezzenga)
• Current Relationship Status (Post-Show): Dating Joey Leveille (Also a Season 8 contestant)

As an oncology nurse, Sara's profession brought a level of maturity and emotional resilience to her interactions, which resonated with many viewers. Her job requires immense empathy and strength, qualities she sought to bring into her romantic life. This background also informed her desire for a partner who shared her progressive values and social consciousness, which ultimately became a major point of contention with her fiancé, Ben.

The Pod Journey: Sara's Intense Connection with Ben Mezzenga

Sara's main storyline revolved around her relationship with Ben Mezzenga, a 28-year-old developer. Their connection formed quickly, built on deep, meaningful conversations that skipped the superficiality often seen in the pods. They were the first couple to get engaged in Season 8, signaling a strong and seemingly unbreakable bond.

Their relationship seemed idyllic, with both expressing a profound emotional connection. However, the first signs of trouble began to surface when they transitioned from the pods to the co-ed living space and then to the Mexico retreat. The central conflicts were rooted in fundamental differences regarding politics and religion. Sara was vocal about her support for the LGBTQIA+ community and her progressive political views, while Ben held more traditional or conservative beliefs, leading to several tense discussions.

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The disagreements were not just surface-level; they touched on core values and how they envisioned raising a family. Sara felt Ben was not as "open-minded" as he claimed to be, and she struggled with the idea of a life partner who held opposing views on social justice issues. This dynamic led to a debate among fans, with some praising Sara for her clarity and others suggesting she was "closed-minded under the guise of being 'Open-Minded'"—a common critique on fan forums like Reddit.

Despite these significant hurdles, Sara and Ben decided to proceed to the altar, becoming the first couple of the season to have their wedding shown. This decision kept viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering if love truly could conquer all their ideological differences.

The Altar Breakup and the Shocking Post-Show Twist

The climax of Sara and Ben's relationship came in Episode 13 at the wedding ceremony. In a moment of high drama, Sara delivered the heartbreaking news to Ben: she couldn't marry him. Her decision was based on the realization that their fundamental differences were too significant to overcome, stating that she couldn't commit to a lifetime of compromising on her core values.

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The breakup was emotional and left Ben visibly devastated. It underscored the central theme of the season for their couple: the strength of an emotional connection versus the reality of incompatible worldviews. While the show ended with Sara walking away single, the true twist was yet to come, revealed months after the finale aired.

Sara and Joey Leveille Go Instagram Official: A New Love Story

In a development that thrilled and surprised the Love Is Blind fanbase, Sara Carton confirmed she was dating fellow Season 8 contestant, Joey Leveille. Joey had also made it to the altar with his pod connection, Monica Danús, but neither married their respective fiancés.

The reveal came via a "steamy kissing photo" shared on Instagram, officially confirming the rumors that had been circulating. This post-show romance created a huge buzz because, while Sara and Joey had connected in the pods, they both chose to pursue their engagements with Ben and Monica, respectively.

Sara later shed light on the situation, revealing an "unaired 'love square'" during her time in the pods. She explained that she had strong connections with Ben, Joey, and another contestant, suggesting that the dynamics were far more complex than the final edit showed. This revelation provides context for their eventual romance, indicating that the initial spark was always there, only to be rekindled after the pressure of the engagements was off. The fact that two individuals who both said "I don't" at the altar found love with each other from the same season is a rare and compelling outcome for the franchise, proving that the experiment's timeline doesn't always dictate the final love story.

Sara Carton: The Fan-Favorite for All the Right Reasons

Sara Carton's impact on Love Is Blind Season 8 goes beyond her tumultuous engagement. She is considered a fan-favorite for injecting real-world issues into a reality dating show. Her commitment to finding a partner who was not just emotionally compatible but also morally and politically aligned resonated with a modern audience.

Her willingness to discuss difficult topics, such as social justice and the importance of supporting marginalized communities, made her a standout personality. While some critics on social media viewed her as overly focused on these issues, the majority celebrated her as authentic and uncompromising in her values. This authenticity is what makes her post-show relationship with Joey so satisfying for viewers, as they see her finding happiness with someone who likely shares her worldview more closely than Ben did. The journey of Sara Carton serves as a powerful reminder that while love may be blind, shared values and a compatible vision for the future are essential for a lasting partnership.

The story of Sara, Ben, and Joey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the Love Is Blind experiment. It cemented Season 8 as one of the most surprising installments, demonstrating that the deepest connections can sometimes be found in the unexpected aftermath of a broken engagement. The ongoing relationship between Sara and Joey continues to be a major talking point, with fans eagerly following their updates as they build their life together outside of the pods and the altar.