Its so exciting to be able bring to you the amazing ABC’s Bachelorette Jillian Harris engagement photo shoot with her fiancé Ed Swiderski. Many of you probably followed along like I did as Jillian weeded out the other contenders before deciding that Ed was the man for her. We laughed and we cried watching all of those episodes and now we’re fortunate enough to have a glimpse of what its like for the two of them to enter our world of weddings!
Let me just say that when I first saw the images taken by the talented Wedded Bliss Photography duo Renee and Kate, I was inspired! I loved how Renee captured them; so real, comfortable and relate-able . Kind of reminds me of the US Weekly Magazine features: “Stars, they’re just like us” and especially now that she is a bride, to all of us wedding vendors, media, bloggers, and fans, we in the industry can relate on a whole new level. If you don’t feel like you knew them before I think these images tell a wonderful story about them. Aren’t they just so happy and cute? My favorite is the one where she is having a cup of tea bundled in her winter gear and laughing without a care.
I had the chance to catch up with Jillian yesterday and may I say- she couldn’t have been any more down to earth! She opened up to me and trusted me with the truth about her and Ed and what wedding planning has been like. We connected on so many levels. Most of what we talked about I choose not to share as I’d like to respect their privacy but I will share a few little snippets! Here are some excerpts from our lovely convo:
How has wedding planning been so far?
“Stressful! 80% of the time we just to do something small and private and make it our own.” I mentioned Molly and Jason & Trista and Ryan’s weddings and asked if doing something televised for their own wedding is out of the picture. She mentioned she had just talked to all of them about it and she’s not ruling it out. She just knows as both a bride and designer she wants it to be very inline with her personal taste and aesthetic. “I told Ed he could be as involved or not involved as he wants to!” She explained that Ed does want a say in some aspects but when it comes to minute décor and detail choices- he’s leaving that up to her design expertise.
Have they set a date?
She says no, not yet! They aren’t ready to commit to a date. Originally they were looking for Fall 2010 but now it maybe sometime next year. “I’m pretty sure I know where I want to do it, what I want to wear, and who I want to come, but that’s really it.”
Is there a wedding planner on board?
Yep! But she can’t say who just yet. That’s ok! I’m just so excited she is enlisting the help of a planner- Jillian totally gets it!
How did they choose their engagement session photographer and what was the inspiration behind the shoot?
“Wedded Bliss was always sweet and supportive of me back when I was on The Bachelor with Jason. I’ve loved her work and knew I wanted something both artistic and outdoors.” Winter is Jillian’s favorite time of year and being outside in the beautiful backdrop at home in Canada was the perfect setting.
Wedding Must Haves?
Being true to her small town roots and bringing in personal elements. She firmly belives that it’s not about making it commercialized by what everyone else wants them to do, its about them (so refreshing!) An 80’s band and also some great country music are in order. (I wonder if Wes will bring his band to come and sing? LOL) “I’m into country but Ed, not so much.” She’s a fan of ivory hues, hydrangeas, and mason jars! “I’m thinking backyard country with a feminine twist.” Plus being Green is a big part of her lifestyle and as a designer she enjoys finding ways to use reclaimed and sustainable items when she can.
Wedding Magazines She Reads for Inspiration?
She only had InStyle Weddings (RIP) and Martha Stewart Weddings (of course!) on hand, but I told her I’d send her a box of my favorites and list of wedding blogs that can inspire her too. If any of you want to share your favorites here for Jillian, we’ll pass the list along!
Thanks again to Renee from Wedded Bliss Photography. You did a fabulous job and I wish nothing but success and good things to come your way. Looking forward to meeting you next month out here in California. Follow Renee on Twitter here. Jillian, thank you for opening up your heart and for making time with me. Excited for what’s to come. To follow Jillian on her journey of wedding planning and life, click here.
