A Match Made on Camera
Ariel and Esther Tie the Knot in Emotional 'Vort' Wedding Episode
The wedding episode showcased emotional highlights including Ariel sanctifying Esther under the chuppah, the breaking of the glass, and their first hand-holding as husband and wife before retreating to the yichud room.
In a heartwarming culmination to one of the season's most promising romances, Ariel Gian and Esther Kanuchan walked down the aisle in a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, as broadcast on Reshet 13's hit matchmaking show "Vort" last night.
The episode, part of the show's "wedding week," captured the couple's journey from on-screen meetings to matrimony, drawing a season-high rating of 10.3% and warming the hearts of viewers across Israel.
The second season of "Vort," which pairs Orthodox singles through professional matchmakers Yaki Reisner and Sara Pechter, has been a ratings success for Reshet 13, blending humor, drama, and heartfelt moments in the style of popular dating formats like "Married at First Sight" but tailored to religious traditions.
Ariel and Esther stood out from the start, deciding to get engaged after just three dates.
Their engagement featured a particularly romantic proposal from Ariel, orchestrated under the noses of the unsuspecting matchmakers.
Adding a playful twist, the couple pranked Reisner and Pechter by initially pretending to break up, only to reveal their engagement moments later, leaving the hosts stunned and the audience in stitches.
Clips shared on Reshet 13's platforms captured Esther's pre-wedding jitters and Ariel's excitement, with the bride humorously asking, "Am I married?" post-ceremony.
The broadcast also teased upcoming content, including developments in other couples' stories, such as Moshe and Avigail's off-camera meeting.
This marks the first of two weddings this week on "Vort," with Israel and Maayan's nuptials set to air on Tuesday, further boosting anticipation for the show's finale.
The high viewership reflects the program's appeal in portraying authentic relationships within the Orthodox community, amid a broader trend of reality TV successes on Israeli networks like "Big Brother" and "Survivor." Social media buzz has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans congratulating the newlyweds and wishing them a "bayit ne'eman b'Yisrael," a faithful home in Israel.
As "Vort" continues to break records, producers hint at potential spin-offs or international adaptations, capitalizing on its unique cultural niche.