Back from Paradise

The honeymoon in Antigua seems like a big blur.  Maybe it's because instead of waking up to the ocean every morning and seeing the stars at night, I woke up to our doorman buzzing us that our mail for the past couple weeks was ready for us and we had packages to pick up.  Taxis and fire trucks screeched down our block throwing us back into the real world.

The wedding was like a dream.  An absolute bubble world of family, friends and tropical paradise.  I am finding it difficult to describe to people who were not there.  Perhaps these pictures will help.  I don't think that I have specifically mentioned it up until now, but the welcome dinner and actual wedding took place at the InterContinental San Juan Resort.

Here are just a couple of candid photos before we get the real ones back:

Me and The Husband, my cousins, father, aunt and uncle (Welcome/Rehearsal Dinner), Picture of Stacey B & The Husband at Farewell Brunch and a Picture of me after the wedding - coming back to the bridal suite to find the bed decorated with rose petals. 

Stacey B and The Husband!

It's 9:45 AM, and I am sitting in the bridal suite, getting ready to go down to the beach and meet my family.  The wedding was a complete hit - it really could not have been more perfect.  I will have more pictures to share once I get my act together, but here's one quick one taken with the Best Man's iPhone.  How hot is my husband? Tomorrow we are off for our honeymoon in Antigua.  Tonight is the 20/20 Bachelor special and we are having a pizza party in the bridal suite to watch it.  Can't wait to hear what you all think!

We are back early next week - and my writing/blog/our podcasts will continue in full force.  We thought about doing a podcast live from the bridal suite after the wedding reception was over and The Husband threw me over his shoulder and ran out of the ballroom and up to our room (no joke).  But that's just strange. 

See you after the honeymoon!  Ok, off to the beach.

Second Podcast Just Posted: A Bon Voyage for Our Wedding...

The Fiance and I took a break from packing this evening and posted our latest podcast (and last one as an engaged couple).  Why not download it and take it to the gym, on your commute, or a walk around the block.  Click on this link at my other website and click on "JaketheBachelorPodcast2" under "Links to Great Distractions" at www.knottheone.com/id2.html

 The Fiance is STILL packing after 4 hours of going through drawers and underwear.  This is going to be a very long evening. 

I just called my Grandma Lillian to say goodbye before our big trip.  She is 102 and isn't able to come with us.  I asked her whether she had any advice for us in our upcoming marriage.  She said, "Don't pick on each other and treat each other well and you'll be very happy for a long time."  Wise words from a woman who has seen it all.  With that said, my next post will hopefully be from the beach!

March Wedding Madness: Jason & Molly, Stacey B & the Fiance

With 24 hours until I leave for my own wedding, last night’s episode of the Bachelor really showcased just EXACTLY what my own wedding will be like.  I can’t believe Molly stole all of my ideas – Neil Lane allowing me to borrow millions of dollars in diamonds to wear down the aisle, Ken Paves is going to make sure my blonde hair does not frizz up in the tropical climate of Puerto Rico and of course I’m handing out Manolo Blahnik shoes to my bridal party.  Actually, I was going to hand them out to the entire wedding, but Molly has stolen my thunder.  Now that all of my brilliant, over the top, incredible, breath taking ideas have been played out on national television via Molly and Jason’s wedding, I guess I’ll have to go back to the drawing board.  I wonder how much control they had over their guest list. Did they really want all of those Bachelor folks at their wedding?  Does Molly genuinely want the girl that Jason proposed to (DeAnna) at her wedding?  Was this optional? 

So first off, it was very interesting and heart warming that the focus of last night’s show was really on the Bachelor/ette couples who have made it.  I think we heard Molly say at least 17-20 times last night how much she is in love with Jason, how they very much plan on having their fairytale ending and how they are soul mates.  I found myself saying to the television (the Fiance refused to watch anything but the last 3 minutes of the wedding as there was a hockey game on and he was busy packing for our wedding), “Don’t worry, Molly and Jas – I believe that you’re in love.  Even though Jason proposed to another woman and then realized so late in the game that he would rather sleep with Molly.  I don’t need to hear you say 100 times how in love you are.  You don’t need to prove anything to me!” 

During a regular season of the Bachelor we typically only get to rejoice with a happy couple for the 3 minutes at the very end of the finale.  Sometimes these couples do not even make it to the After the Final Rose show (which is typically 6 weeks after the finale) nor do we see them end up walking down the aisle like Trista and Ryan.  I guess it would get a little boring after a while just watching a couple gush about each other all season.  But that’s why last night’s episode was unique – we could finally be happy for the rare couples that are still together.  And it justifies our investment in spending so much energy on watching and dissecting this show.  Who didn’t smile when Trista and Ryan’s kids were shown on the screen? Mini versions of the couple themselves.  Although I have to say that Trista didn’t look as cute and sweet and she did on her season of the Bachelor.  She looked a bit matronly while Ryan looked pretty much the same – adorable and like he stepped straight of a soap opera.  They were the matriarch/patriarch of the Bachelor series, however, and seem just as happy as ever.  It seems to be a Bachelor/ette trend to go brunette after a season on the Bachelor.  Trista did it – I far prefer her as a blonde - and so did Molly.  But maybe that’s the secret to making the relationship work. 

It was really fun to see Jillian and Ed together.  Jillian seemed much more relaxed and like herself than during her cameo on Jake’s season.  So she finally did move to Chicago which shows they have gotten past all of those horrible tabloid reports of Ed having 2 flings after he proposed to Jillian.  I really hope he is as into her and she is into him.  I loved Ed on the show, but after hearing those reports, it made me think of him as more than just a workaholic who needed a hug.  It made him out to be a little bit a of player – and I need Jillian to be with someone who absolutely worships her and is devoted to knowing that she’s adorable.  I hope Ed is that guy.

Sarah and Charlie seem to have a long road ahead of them before they walk down the aisle.  Did anyone else think that Charlie is a commitment phobe when Sarah said she needed a ring before they bought a house?  If they dated for two years, broke up and then have been dating ever since and are still not engaged, this relationship may be doomed.  But she’s really cute – much cuter than him, and so I am sure she will do well no matter how things turn out. 

Seeing Jake and Vienna together (this had to be filmed before their finale aired – which is why they weren’t at the wedding), you can tell that Jake has no doubts about his final choice.  Despite Vienna’s lack of popularity, this couple may be the most devoted one to date.  There are serious fireworks going on between these two.   She may not have won the America’s sweetheart award, but from the huge grin and adoring glances she gives to Jake, I doubt she really cares.  As I said on my last post, if Jake is happy, so am I.  I’m cheering for love and they definitely seem to have it.   If Jillian and Ed are not next to get married, it will certainly be Jake and Vienna.

The Fiance was completely amazed that DeAnna was dating Stephen Stagliano (twin brother of Michael - a viewer favorite on Jillian’s season).  He didn’t understand how all of these people just meet up.  He was also very confused about Stephanie (Jason’s season) and her facial work.  At first, I didn’t even recognize that it was the Southern mom.  Not sure whether it was her makeup, her haircut or some severe plastic surgery, but I barely recognized Stephanie.  Similarly, Nikki sideburns (whose sideburns were in check from what I could see), also looked different.  Do these girls have a team of stylists that work on them for Bachelor appearances?  I wouldn’t doubt it.  I also wonder whether it was awkward that Jesse Csincsak was there knowing his history with DeAnna.  I will never forget his really sad and pathetic video message that he cast out into the Internet world telling everyone that D dumped him and he was heart broken.  We never really got the full story with what happened, but it didn’t look like he was over it.  Stephen, however, looks adorable (as Michael is), and I loved the clip at the end of him break dancing.  Chris really put them on the spot when he asked if she was engaged.  Sounds like something may be brewing…

The weather.  Ok, so I have to hand it to Molly that she was the calmest, most laid back bride ever considering that there was a monsoon which chose to peak as she is delivering her vows.  I am thinking she must have used the “Model in a Bottle” product that Oprah Winfrey recommended to keep her make up in check.  Not to worry, I ordered this product online and received it yesterday.  It has received rave reviews and I think is the only explanation as to why her mascara and eye shadow were not bleeding into her nostrils during the ceremony.   Not to mention that her Monqiue Lhullier gown (holy ruffles!) did not seem at all affected by the intense amount of rain it received.  Was it a waterproof gown?  I noticed at the Oscars the other night that the big jewelry trend was to have big earrings, no necklace.  I loved Molly’s necklace, but thought it was bit much with such an intense dress and gorgeous diamond drop earrings.  But I’m no Joan Rivers or Fashion Police expert, so I defer to the Bachelor stylists.  Here’s my big question though – this was obviously a high budget, spare no expense, blowout wedding sponsored by ABC.  So here is my question: why on earth was there no indoor back up plan for the ceremony?  Could they not have had a tent delivered last minute?  Or at least give the damn couple an umbrella so they can avoid having rain drip all over them?  What kind of wedding planner doesn’t have a back up plan?  Was a decision made that the wedding needed to be outside no matter what so if it rains, everyone is getting wet?  Very poor planning, if you ask me. I can’t imagine how they kept the expensive video equipment dry.  And you know the women in their high heels and designer dresses were pissed to have to sit out in the rain.

One other question was about Molly’s hair.  Ken Paves is supposedly a gifted hair designer, and yet I was not a fan of Molly’s poof ringlet push back look with pieces falling down in her face.  She is a gorgeous woman, with beautiful straight hair. There were so many options for how to do her hair and the one she ended up with was kind of confusing.  The Fiance complained that Molly had too much make-up on.  She’s got gorgeous eyes, for sure, but you could see in the rain how much make up was actually on her face.  It’s a good thing that her everyday look is a much more natural style.  It’s just too bad that hair and makeup were not enhancements – but rather, unnecessary distractions.

Going back a bit, I thought it was interesting that they chose to focus on all the bad publicity that Jason and Molly received after Jason’s controversial moved to dump Melissa and pursue Molly.  The finalists really do get completely torn apart by the press. I can’t imagine not being able to leave your apartment/house for fear that random strangers will throw fruit at you or call you a scum bag.  If I was publicly denounced by strangers for some of the mistakes that I made in my love life, I would never go anywhere again.  Yes, Jason went from being one of the most loved Bachelors to the villain of the Americas, but after seeing how much he genuinely loves Molly (and also seeing how this breakup really was the best thing for Melissa who recovered rather quickly – getting engaged/married, being a finalist for Dancing with the Stars and now a current hostess) how can you still hate the guy?  I also liked very much that Jason did not want Ty to be on camera during the wedding.  Chris Harrison tweeted that Ty was standing with him during the ceremony.  I loved how Chris has become a regular fixture in any major relationship moment between any of the contestants. I wonder if he will show up in the delivery room to narrate as Molly pushes out her first kid. 

A couple of other points – what on earth was Jason Castro doing there?  Did Molly or Jason have a secret crush on the guy and demand that he be there to sing at their ceremony?  I wonder how much he got paid for doing that wedding.  People loved that guy on American Idol, but he drove me nuts – mostly because he never really seemed to care whether he stayed or went home.  He just seemed like such a random choice of entertainment for a wedding.  The Gavin DeGraw first dance was a nice gift from ABC.  As the couple started making out on the dance floor throughout the song, the Fiance turns to me and says, “Should we suck face during our first dance?”  How does one answer a question like that?

Side note: in the clips of Jason and Molly’s journey on his season of the Bachelor, they show Jason bungee jumping with her.  Interesting how Jason and Vienna also had a date of bungee jumping.  Might it be that the one chosen for a bungee jumping date will ultimately end up being “the One?” 

Jason and Molly’s trip to Vegas seemed fun.  A little less dramatic than the Mexican joint bachelor/ette trip that we saw on Ryan and Trista’s wedding episode 6 years ago.  Does anyone else remember Trista running around in Mexico the night before her wedding being like, “Where’s Ryan? I know he’s upset and I can feel he needs me.”   I loved how when Molly met up with Jason after a long day of being pampered and being forced to learn exotic dancing, she kisses him in front of the Bellagio fountain and declares it “the most romantic place on earth.”  Nothing like Vegas blinking lights in the background to strike up the romance in a girl’s heart. 

The guys’ bachelor party for Jason seemed pretty tame.  But that’s ok with me, because Jason is a dad and he’s no 25 year old spring chicken so to watch him suck back shots from an ice luge or do upside down keg stands would have been disturbing.  I thought some of the speeches his friends gave at their dinner were more of a roast than a toast.  I didn’t like when one of his friends said, “Of all the women that Jason’s proposed to, Molly is the best.”  Yeah, why don’t you remind the guy on a night of celebrating him of the two biggest mistakes in his life.  Real thoughtful.

Off topic: The woman sitting next to me on the train fell asleep with her mouth open and is practically breathing down my neck.  She did not brush her teeth this morning and I am hoping that my computer screen doesn’t turn yellow from bad breath bacteria.  Let me shift seats. Please stand by…

Ahhh, much fresher air over here.  We are about 20 minutes from my stop, so I’m going to wrap this up soon.

Did anybody else wonder whether that tree looking thing at the ceremony was serving as a chuppah for Jason?  For anyone who does not know, a chuppah is a part of a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony and represents the Jewish home that a couple will build together.  It is typically open on all sides to symbolize that the couple will always welcome others into their home in hospitality.  Last night, however, they weren’t really standing under the chuppah and although it was a priest that married them, it was Molly’s relative, and I didn’t hear the word “Jesus” once, so it seemed like a non-denominational service.  There was no mention of any religious aspect whatsoever.  I don’t think he wore a yamulke either.  Is Jason still the Jewish mensch we all thought he was?  Hmmmm.

I loved Chris Harrison’s ridiculous interviews with Jo Gartin, the wedding planner and Eden of Eden Designs.  The weather was horrible, there are 1000 things to do and they have to speak to Chris the Host?  Hilarious. 

I did find one thing that I have in common with Jason and Molly – we are both registered at Macy’s.  I thought it was strange, however, that Jason kept scanning her with the radar gun.  Those things are probably cancerous and I would not want anyone shooting particle rays into my brain.  The Fiance, like most guys going to register, found the gun fascinating.  It definitely kept his interest level up when I was deciding on flatware.

This wedding had absolutely no drama, second thoughts, or crazy moments.  The only out of norm situation that arose was the paparazzi with their cameras. I think someone got tackled, as this was replayed over and over and over in teasers throughout the show.  But other than that, the focus was on love.  And Molly’s butterflies.  We get it, Molly.  Jason gives you butterflies.  The Fiance hated the dove release at the conclusion of the ceremony.  He was hoping the birds would crap on the guests.  I agree that this would make the most dramatic season finale ever.

Final thought on the wedding: Was Kiptyn uncomfortable sitting within feet of Ed and Jillian?  The guy proposed to her less than a year ago, and now they’re all totally ok with sitting together at a wedding? What kind of strange fantasy world do all of these people live in??

Speaking of fantasy worlds, my own personal fairytale begins tomorrow. I’m on a 2:30 PM flight out of JFK airport, San Juan bound.  It is very hard to believe that my own wedding weekend begins in a matter of days.  My bags are packed, my nails are polished and I survived a waxing last night (barely).  It is amazing to me that this weekend is finally here after counting down the months, weeks and days.  When I started watching the Bachelor 16 seasons ago, I was a very single girl, dating a lot of not so wonderful guys with big dreams of finding “the One.”  I think that is why this show initially appealed to me.  Single women come on the show and within a matter of days, believe that they are falling in love.  As we saw last night, a lucky few actually do find it.  I have to say that in watching last night’s wedding and all of the happy love stories that have emerged from the show, it makes me really appreciate my own happy love story.  I am so excited to become the Fiance’s wife.  The fact that he will watch this crazy show with me, just proves that he’s a keeper. 

So on Saturday, March 13^th, please keep us in your thoughts as we become husband and wife.  On Monday, March 15^th will be the 20/20 segment at 8 PM where this blog will be featured.  Then Tuesday we are off for our honeymoon to Antigua.   We may try to put up a few photos or video clips from the wedding before we go.

We are planning on doing a podcast on here if we can get all of our packing finalized tonight – so please let us know if you have any questions.  I will continue blogging upon my return and look forward to hearing what you all thought of the 20/20 special. 

My blogging will continue on various shows until the Bachelorette begins in May.  Please continue to stop by and let me know what you have been up to.  A special thanks to all of the readers of this blog out there – for supporting and encouraging me throughout this season.  It’s your appreciation of the blog and my writing that keeps me going (it’s certainly not the money. Ha!).  

See you on the flip side!!

-Stacey B

Did You Think I'd Leave for My Wedding Without Discussing Jason & Molly's??

AS IF!  Blog post is coming Tuesday evening...

So what that I still have to pack, go to the drug store, run a few errands, go to work, etc.??  So what that I am leaving for my wedding in a manner of hours!  This is important stuff!

And yes - no offense taken at all on either of the dresses in the last blog post.  Feel free to bash away (but not too harsh, I am human afterall). 

I will definitely post some pictures of our wedding for those interested.  Ok - back to organizing!

Don't Believe the Hype

For all those horrible rumors coming out in the press which say Jake is cheating on Vienna with an ex girlfriend, I have to say - that would be very strange.  If you're thinking that Jake could have any girl he wants at this moment (and had 25 to choose from), he definitely had a very specific type in mind (Vienna).  The fact that he chose her and they seem completely obsessed with each other in a goofy, genuine kind of way that kind of repulses people, it's doubtful he had eyes for anyone else.

It's really annoying that the gossip tabloids, etc. try to cook up some sort of scandal just to make a little cash.  This ex of Jake's probably saw an opportunity to capitalize.  Maybe in her mind the relationship never ended with Jake.  Maybe he dropped her a line about them having "sexual chemistry" but no "physical chemistry."  Who knows.  I don't believe his ex for some reason.

http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/news/jake-pavelka-denies-cheating-on-vienna-with-ex-201043

What I do believe is that I need to get the Fiance up and out of bed because we are down to FOUR days before we leave for our wedding.  Some of you asked to see some of the wedding planning photos.  Below were two contenders for the rehearsal dinner dress. Neither made the cut. But it sure was fun searching!  The one on top felt too business like.  Maybe if I was going to a business lunch at a horse race it would have been appropriate, and you know how many times an occasion like that comes along :)

The second dress - I love the color, but it just seemed a bit plain to be a rehearsal dinner dress.  Especially when the dress code is "tropical casual." 

Jake Chooses Vienna AND 20/20 Chooses Me!!!

Before I talk about last night's 3 hour saga and Jake's choice of Spice (Vienna) over Sugar (Tenley), I will reveal the big news about this blog (drum roll please........)

About four weeks ago, I was contacted by ABC.  A producer told me that 20/20 was doing a special on the Bachelor, an in-depth look at the Bachelor series.  The show will air on March 15th (the Monday night after our wedding!) for 2 hours, during the would-be time slot for the Bachelor.  20/20 is interviewing some of your favorite Bachelors / Bachelorettes from the past to see how they are doing and talk about what goes on behind the cameras.  There will be interviews of Chris Harrison, Mike Fleiss and we know from Twitter that DeAnna Pappas, Brad Womack and Jesse Csincsak all participated in interviews for this segment along with many others.  Here's where it gets exciting: there will be a segment on the 20/20 show which will discuss the phenomenon of the Bachelor.  They want to explore why so many millions of people watch this show and they wanted to interview a blogger.  Well guess who they chose to interview? Me!!  So if anyone ever tells you that getting laid off from a job and sitting around in your pajamas while you blog about a reality tv show that people make fun of you for watching will never get you anywhere, remember Stacey B!

Last night, I rushed home to find 5 staff members from ABC in our living room, setting up for a shoot (that's me from behind - the blonde in the red top matching the red tablecoth on our dining room table which served as both a camera equipment holder and buffet for our guests). The ABC producers were such a smart and fun group and even agreed to cater a dinner for some of my girlfriends who came over for a finale viewing party.  So there I was, fresh from work, throwing

on some makeup in my bathroom, while I prepared to get interviewed by ABC producers in the middle of my living room.  What planet was I on??? The Fiance watched this all with a big grin on his face.  He even took the pictures which are posted here.  After my interview, they shot us recording a podcast.  Then it was time for my friends' arrival which they captured on tape.

They taped us while we watched last night's finale and asked a few questions throughout the show. Given, I'm not sure whether more than 3 minutes of the 8 hour shoot will actually make it on the 20/20 show, but it was quite an exciting experience regardless and the blog will hopefully be featured to millions of viewers!  I also got filmed on my way to work today, to capture how I blog on the train commuting to work.  You will see me at my finest (7:30 AM after going to bed around 1 AM from the excitement of being interviewed by ABC!) I am hoping that someone is interested enough in this blog and/or our podcasts to request that we do it for them professionally!  For now, I'm ecstatic to be "the blogger" on the 20/20 Bachelor special airing on 3/15.  Pretty freakin' cool!!   Don't let the serious posture and facial expression of mine fool you in the above picture - this was one of the highlights of my life: having ABC discover my blog, contact me to be on 20/20 and all with almost a week before marrying the love of my life!!  I could not have done this blog without all of your support and wonderful feedback.  You keep me going when it's 2 AM, I have work the next day and the last thing I feel like doing is sitting at a computer to type anything.  And so as long there are people who look forward to this blog, I will keep writing it!  Please tell people to watch the 20/20 special and spread the word about this blog and our podcasts.  The more people who see it, the better our case for someone taking us on to blog/podcast for them. 

Speaking of exciting news, I guess we should talk about last night's dramatic finale.  I still have a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.  Watching Tenley get her sweet little heart broken, seeing her makeup sizzle in the hot St. Lucian sun, I could just feel the pain bubbling out of her.  The worst part was watching her thank Jake for allowing her be able to finally love again after he dumped her.  Can you imagine that?  Thanking the guy who just shattered your heart into a zillion pieces?  We watch Jake tear up at the exact moment that we know it’s not going to happen for her.  Of course, it was kind of predictable if you took ABC’s clues for what they were. For example:

1.    We already saw Jake ask Vienna what kind of engagement ring she wanted.  For those of us who have watched this show season after season, we know not to take this to mean anything too significant.  ABC rarely spoon feeds us the answer so clearly – and yet here they do it, and we are only left to speculate as to whether Jake has also found out Tenley’s ring preferences as well or that ABC is only showing us this clip to throw us off.

2.    We see the way that Tenley warms up to Jake’s family so naturally, so instantly.  She makes his father cry within minutes.  That may have been the quickest tears that ever came in Bachelor history.  Tenley is so clear and wellspoken about her intentions for being there.  She is able to express this honestly and sweetly to the Pavelka family.  She is an insant hit.  It's almost too easy and too perfect with Tenley.  Once we hear Jake's dad say that he thinks he met his future daughter-in-law, we kind of know she's doomed.

3.    Vienna’s visit to Jake’s family is in total contrast to Tenley’s.  They seem to hate her at first.   Vienna even goes as far as to call Tenley “non-opinionated.”   She tells Jake’s sister-in-laws that Jake is not in love with Tenley, only her.  They find her abrasive, hard to like.  And then all of a sudden, like the craziness that pours out of Michelle’s mouth whenever she opens it, Vienna is able to win them all over like a tsunami.  The mom goes from grilling to loving Vienna.  One sister-in-law, Laura, actually starts crying because of guilt that she misjudged Vienna.  So many tears for what is supposed to be a happy occasion. I guess I’d be crying too if someone was paying for me and my family to get on a plane and stay in one of the nicest resorts in the world.  Tears of joy.

4.    The most clear cut evidence that Sweet Tenley is not moving to Texas, however, comes during their time on the boat.  Jake tells her that they lack physical chemistry.  This is very confusing to Tenley, however, because she’s feeling the heat, but it’s obvious Jake is not on the same wavelength.  The only confusing thing Jake says is that “physical chemistry” is not “sexual chemistry,” which it seems that Jake is ok admitting that he has with Tenley. WHAT? I still don’t really know what this means.  If you have sexual chemistry with someone, doesn’t that automatically mean that you have physical chemistry by default?  It’s kind of an all-inclusive package.  Touching = physical = sex. Right?   And watching how excited Jake was to see Tenley after he spent a passionate night in Vienna’s hotel room – I was hoping there was some chance that he would make the practical decision and choose the girl.  Watching them thrash around together under the water I was convinced she would break into an Ariel song from The Little Mermaid.  Who else was humming “Under the Sea,” when they were snorkeling together??  The Fiance was singing, "Caannn you feeeel the loooove tonight??" but I immediately informed him that he was singing The Lion King.  Oh well, at least he was singing Disney.

Anyhow, we see poor Tenley step out of the helicopter first (why did the girls need to arrive in a helicopter if Tenley left by SUV motorcade? I guess this enhances the dramatic arrival), and we know it’s all over for her.  The Fiance wanted Tenley to have to leave by canoe.  Mean.  There was actually a moment when Jake was walking Tenley off, when he stopped her and my friends who were over and I started cheering.  YEAH!!! CHANGE YOUR MIND, JAKE!   Unfortunately this was never going to happen.  Jake was madly in love with Vienna and has been for a while now.  His only problem was trying to convince himself that there was something wrong with Tenley so that he could justify going off with the wild card 23 year old blonde.

I have to hand it to Jake.  He had his acting highlight of the season when he gave Vienna that little speech and returned her father’s promise ring to her.  I thought he was dumping both of them.  I really bought it.   For a split second I thought Jake was going to say that he wouldn’t propose until he was absolutely sure and because he was still confused the day before this final moment, he couldn’t in his heart propose.  That would have been the safe thing to do.  Although having two girls to possibly propose to and taking two Neil Lane engagement rings to later decide which one he’ll actually use is not exactly normal either. 

But then he gives Vienna the ludicrously large (is that a word?) diamond ring of her dreams, and we know Jake pulled a fast one on us.  He proposes, she accepts and the On the Wings of Love comes back on – Lucky Us!  And Lucky Us again when Jeff Osbourne shows up live on the After the Final Rose to sing the real song while the two of them slow dance, kiss and whisper sweet nothings to each other.

I think that more shocking than Jake’s choice was the announcement that he will be on Dancing with the Stars next season.   Personally, I think that would have been a perfect role for Tenley and her heartbreak.  Or even better – it would have been amazing if Tenley AND Jake could have competed against each other.  With Vienna watching in the audience of course.  I was equally excited that Shannen Doherty would be one of the competitors as I have always loved her since her Little House on the Prairie days as Jenny Wilder (niece to Laura Ingalls Wilder).  Of course Shannen goes on to play one of my favorite TV characters of all time – Brenda Walsh on 90210 (the original, although she does appear on the new, horrible 90210).

We also learned last night that Ali is the new Bachelorette.  This was pretty predictable, but interesting to see nonetheless.  I wonder if they considered offering it to Tenley or if they thought she wouldn’t make such a popular choice.  I loved how After the Final Rose, all of the women kept coming up to Ali and hugging her.  The girls over at my apartment kept asking who these women were and I think they were just members of the audience that loved Ali on the show.  Ali looked great and I am sure they have continued to attempt to clean up her “I Hate Vienna” rampage she went on.  The damage control squad was in full force over the past couple of weeks.  I think Ali will make a great bachelorette, especially if she is interested in “Funny” guys.  I just couldn’t see Gia or Tenley making it all that interesting. 

As far as Vienna’s appearance on the After the Final Rose, I thought she looked different, though I couldn’t quite put my finger on what exactly had changed about her.  She definitely had her roots done since the finale and looks like she lost some weight.  She still had the same huge grin and big smile.  It was something around her eyes.  Maybe she just wore less makeup.  In any event, I did have to admit that the couple looked happy.  So many people seemed to be outraged and disappointed by Jake's decision.  At least he didn't dump Vienna and go back to Tenley last night.

Some additional highlights from last night’s 3 hour event:

-    I loved Tenley’s hot pink strapless sun dress she wore while hanging out on the beach

-    I actually thought Tenley looked incredible with no make up on and just a little bit of a sun burn on her face.  So much more natural and younger!

-    Sallie (Jake’s mom) and her intuitive/automatic dislike of Vienna when learning that the other girls in the house don’t like her

-    Sallie’s insisting that whomever Jake picks must be able to get along with his sisters-in-law because they hold the family together.

-    Tenley walking in with flowers and then Vienna trying to top that with a fruit basket that she drops on the floor as soon as she enters the date

-    Jake’s sister-in-law and her quirky jumper outfit and flower hair accessory

-    Tenley making everyone cry in the Pavelka family and us all screaming at the TV when she once again mentions her ex husband to Sallie

-    Vienna sticking up for herself in front of the Pavelka family by saying she will always be honest.  Jake’s sister asking Vienna if an outfit makes her look fat and Vienna saying, “Yes.”

-    Vienna responding to one of the sisters-in-law on how she is different than Tenley: “I’m not a robot.”

-    Vienna’s response to being asked by his family what she likes about Jake, “I don’t like anything about (Jake) (huge grin)…I don’t want to give him a big head.”

-    Sallie pointing out that Vienna having trouble with the other girls is a “red flag.”  Jake is now engaged to that red flag.

-    Vienna telling the sisters-in-law that she thinks Jake is in love with her, not Tenley and one of them mocks her by saying, “Well, won’t YOU be shocked if he doesn’t choose you in the end!”

-    Jake’s sister-in-law, Laura, saying “When I first met her, I judged her…(sob, sob, cry…)."  Yes and this was SUCH a long time ago.  How long? Like a half hour ago?

-    Smartest reality check of the night: Sallie asking Vienna how she’ll like being married to a pilot. What will she do when it’s not going well and he’s not there?   Excellent point!

-    The entire Pavelka family going from hating Vienna to deciding she’s the “perfect fit for the Pavelka family” within a couple hours’ time.

-    Worst Idea of Romantic Date in Bachelor History: Going mud wrestling in a sulfur spring.  It stinks like farts the entire date and yet Jake still picks Vienna.  That’s love!

-    Worst tradition in Bachelor history: the giving of a gift to the Bachelor the night before the final rose ceremony. Could there be anything more cheesy than Tenley’s “memory glass box” to Jake?  This felt very junior high birthday-ish – like something you’d give your very best friend.  What do you think Jake did with that thing?  Vienna probably opened it up and put pictures of her face over Tenley’s.  If there is anything worse, it’s got to be  Vienna’s promise ring from her father.  Here is another item that Jake has absolutely no use for.  If he picked Tenley (or nobody), was he going to wear that ring around?  If he was going to pick Vienna, would he wear that ring around?? It’s a ridiculous thought that a guy is going to have any good use for a promise ring.  Both gifts scream CHEESEBALL JUNIOR HIGH gifts, but I guess they are meaningful to each lady.

-    Most Pointless Question of Finale: Jake asking Vienna about her 3 week marriage when she was a teenager, the purpose of which was to annoy her ex boyfriend, “What was it like to be married?” Even better than that question was Vienna’s response: “It was horrible.”  What exactly does Jake learn from this?  Nothing.

-    Most Confusing/Hurtful Moment of the Season: Jake telling Tenley, as her perfectly tanned, hot body which is strewn across his legs, that they have no physical chemistry.  Jake then commenting later on that he always chooses relationships with enormous physical chemistry but that lack emotional chemistry.  Looks like he’s done it again!

-    Best Gig of All Time: Being Neil Lane, owning a diamond/jewelry luxury brand and then getting an all-expense paid trip to St. Lucia to show Jake a bunch of rings and have ABC pay for one!

-    Saddest moment of the night: Watching Tenley come out of the helicopter in her champagne flowing gown, nervous and excited that she could still possibly be with her love Jake forever and ever but knowing that she’s seconds away from getting her heart crushed.

-    And then we get what we’ve been waiting for all season: Jake’s crying over a railing shot after he sends Tenley away.

-    Jade Mountain looks amazing.  The Fiance and I looked into staying there for our upcoming honeymoon, but at over $1200 per night, I think we’ll wait until we win the lottery which will hopefully happen any day now.

So the finale ends with Jake faking out Vienna into thinking he’s giving back her promise ring because he’s ending it all with her but then revealing that he in fact doesn’t want to dump her – he’s actually in love with her and wants to marry her.  It’s always nice to make your future fiance think you’re dumping her right before you propose.  Kind gesture, Jake.

After the Final Rose was pretty uneventful.  I thought everyone looked really good – the one shouldered look seemed to be the uniform of the night.  I’m glad Jake finally told Tenley the truth: he just wasn’t that into her.  I also thought it was interesting that she asked if she could remain friends with Jake so long as it was ok with his significant other.  Yeah, I’m sure Vienna would love for Jake and the girl he spent multiple overnight make-out dates along with intimate bubble baths to spend lots of time together.  Maybe they could join a book club together or be dance partners at line dancing night.  I could see Vienna particularly loving her pilot husband having a layover in Tenley’s hometown and wondering whether he was having dinner with her.  She doesn’t seem like the jealous type at all so I’m sure it wouldn’t be a problem ☺  Tenley also seemed to be pretty affectionate with Jake at the After the Final Rose.  She was touching him while she was speaking to him, telling him that he smells good – basically treating him like he was still her boyfriend.   It must be particularly comforting to Vienna when Jake tells Tenley that his “heart still hurts for her.”  What on earth does this mean?  At least Tenley can be comforted that like Ali, she has a “life friend” in Jake. 

When Jake states that “Vienna is my baby,” I got a little nauseous.  But then it hit me – no matter what people think, he’s going to stick with his decision.  And really, who am I to say who Jake should or shouldn’t date?  He’s the one that’s going to have to get up every morning and live with his decision, not me.  So if he’s happy, I’m happy.  And if they can make it last, good for them!

Last night, I thought Vienna looked genuinely the happiest I had seen her the entire season.  I am glad that she verbally confirmed that there is no secret boyfriend.  At least we're not dealing with another Ed scandal.  I also like that Jake said to everyone, "If people don't understand (why I picked Vienna), that's ok, because I do."  It will be interesting to see how things develop between these two over the next 6 months. 

So there you have it.  An exciting and somewhat predictable and yet emotional ending to this journey. I am so relieved that it's over.  Now I can finally stop worrying about who he will pick.  It was starting to keep me up at night.  8 days until we leave for our own wedding.  6 days until we see Molly and Jason's wedding on TV.  And 13 days until the 20/20 episode airs on ABC.  Will you watch?  I sure hope so!!

Wishing you another great week ahead.  Another podcast is coming from The Fiance and me.  And not to worry - I will be blogging Molly and Jason's wedding as well as a few more things before we leave for Puerto Rico.

-Stacey B