Copyright TODAY
Season 9 of the hit Netflix reality dating series has had its ups and downs. The first group of episodes featured multiple unexplained departures, endless controversies and most of the couples unraveling before their trip to Baja California was over. In the second batch of episodes, there were glimpses of romance between pairs, like Jordan Keltner and Megan Walerius, and many successful meetings of the families. But in the lead up to the finale, two couples called it quits, leaving only three pairs who seemed determined to complete the experiment. As the season finale episode arrived on Oct. 22, it was possible none of the couples would say “I do,” marking a first in “Love Is Blind” history. So, did Season 9 end with any success stories to add to all the couples who have tied the knot on the show? Or did the turbulent season have a heartbreaking ending? Read on for a recap of the Season 9 finale, “Vow or Never,” below. Ali Lima and Anton Yarosh Ali arrived on her wedding day bright-eyed, but she revealed in her confessional interview that the moment felt “overwhelming.” Meanwhile, Anton appeared to be more confident despite telling the cameras that his “biggest fear” was Ali rejecting him at the altar. As Ali prepared to walk down the aisle, her mom, Vanete, voiced some concerns. Vanete mentioned Anton frequently drinking alcohol, a topic Ali discussed with him in Episode 10. But Ali defended her fiancé and asked her friends and family to give him grace. When it was almost time for the ceremony to begin, Ali repeatedly said she felt like she was going to faint. Still, she kept a smile on her face as her mom and stepdad, Desi, walked her down the aisle. As he recited his vows, Anton said he fell in love with Ali for her goals and their shared outlooks on the future. He added that their love was “indescribable” and he was excited to combine their families. Ali said it was “easy” to fall in love with Anton during her vows, praising him for being supportive and caring for everyone in his life. However, both acknowledged in their vows they had had multiple disagreements since moving in together. When the officiant asked for their decisions, Anton quickly said, “I do.” Ali was not on the same page. “I can’t be your wife,” she told him. “I feel like the person that I fell in love with in the pods isn’t the person I’ve gotten to experience in real life.” They let go of each other’s hands and she apologized before making her way back up the aisle in tears. Ali crouched to her knees as her family comforted her. “Cold-hearted f--ing b----” a member of Anton’s party said as he processed what happened. Ali told the cameras she wished Anton said no. She explained that she was hoping to feel at ease and confident at the altar but the ceremony didn’t feel right or how she imagined it. “I don’t feel like he was super forthcoming about his lifestyle,” she added before listing his drinking, partying, eating habits and comments from his friends as the reasons why her “perspective” of him changed. In the groom’s suite, Anton said Ali’s decision, “f---ing sucks” and he did nothing but care for her. He seems confused by her comment about him being a different person. Kalybriah Haskim and Edmond Harvey “The start of a new life,” an optimistic Kalybriah said when she arrived at the wedding venue. Edmond also appeared to be in good spirits. “I have never had a love like this,” he told the cameras. “It’s everything I prayed for.” He started to cry when he noticed the wedding bands in the groom’s suite. Edmond then revealed his mom “couldn’t make it” to the wedding due to “personal things going on.” His dad, who had yet to meet Kalybriah, was there to support him, as well as his fifth grade teacher. While getting dolled up, Kalybriah gushed to her wedding party, “I love the mess out of him,” before mimicking her fiancé’s signature “ooh wee.” But when she stepped out of the car and walked toward the aisle, her tone changed. She said she suddenly felt nervous. During his vows, Edmond profusely expressed his love for Kalybriah. He said he was confident in their relationship and excited for their future plans together. In turn, Kalybriah said he was easy to fall in love with. She encouraged him to be proud of his story and his difficult upbringing. “Your story is who you are,” she said and praised him for being strong and genuine. “I love the hell out of you,” they told each other. When asked to announce his decision. Edmond said, “I do” After a dramatic pause, Kalybriah said “I’m sorry” as her voice began to break. She started sobbing and Edmond let out a scream as he realized she didn’t want to marry him. She continued to apologize and explained she was “not 100% right now.” But, she said she still loved and accepted him. “I’m not OK,” he repeated while they embraced. After shedding a few tears, he collected himself and said he respected Kalybriah. Later with her mom, Kalybriah sat on the floor in her wedding dress and wept. Edmond also seemed emotionally drained. “I’m just hurt,” he told the cameras. “It’s still lonely out here in the world.” Megan Walerius and Jordan Keltner With about 12 minutes remaining in the episode, it seemed unlikely the show would be able to squeeze in another wedding. Turns out, a third ceremony wasn’t coming. Cameras cut to Megan and Jordan having a conversation in their apartment. She said she woke up at 4:30 in the morning and was a “mess” thinking about their upcoming wedding. “I feel like we’re ships in the night, like two different people,” she told her fiancé. Jordan pushed back and said he didn’t see how they were different. She described him as “simple” before listing the reasons they were incompatible. Megan explained that she pictured a marriage where she would go on vacations with her partner after taking solo trips for four years. She pointed out that Jordan, a single dad, lacked the flexibility in her schedule compared to her past partners. “Yeah, I don’t know why you chose me in the pods then,” he replied. “I told you you would have to make sacrifices to be with me and Luca … it’s not easy.” Megan said he intrigued her in the pods and she thought an “opposites attract” mindset would work for her. But, she couldn’t quiet the doubts in her head. She said she couldn’t go through with the wedding and apologized for not being the compassionate fiancée he deserved. “I can’t do this, Jordan.” she said as he cried. “I love you so much, but it just doesn’t feel right.” After their breakup, he told the cameras if he had more money and didn’t have to work they’d be getting married. When asked if he has any regrets, he replied, “Yeah, I wish I didn’t introduce her to my son. I feel like she doesn’t love me for me and that’s the closure I need.” Before the episode ended, Megan said in her final confessional interview that she was “leaning” into the “excitement” of Jordan being a single dad, but now she doesn’t know if she should be a stepmom or a mom. “Maybe I am too caught up in my own life,” she said. She added she will love Jordan forever, but he is not her partner. Which Season 9 couples broke up before the finale? Multiple couples broke up in the lead-up to the finale. Nick Amato ended his relationship with Annie Lancaster, telling her simply, “The reason that I am not willing to marry you is because I am unhappy.” Joe Ferrucci also broke things off with Madison Maidenberg.
