For more of Shea’s thoughts on the finale, head to SOAPnet.com to see extra interview footage!

Pre-marital counseling is good for any relationship – it gives you a chance to address issues before you get married rather than after. I would advise it for anyone.

It wasn’t difficult to hear how I annoy Jeff – it’s healthy to know those things, and what better environment to speak your mind? You’ve got someone to help the two of you communicate. With Jeff and I – we sit at home and talk a lot. We have good communication skills, so most of the things we said in counseling, we had already told each other. Read more…

I took an active role in Russ and Hadley’s relationship because she asked me over the phone to keep her away from him. You don’t have to ask me twice, especially with Russ. I see Russ out and about, all over the club scene always with different young “girls.” (Not women.)  I really was suprised to find out that Hadley had any romantic feelings for him.

I think Hadley is way too special to be with such an immature individual. I want to protect her feelings because there is 100% chance of this boy flirting and being inappropriate with other “girls” while being so-called committed to her. I know she really didn’t want to hear what I had to say at the time; however, I’ve seen to much of Russ’ behavior when she is not present to not want to and protect her.

When Russ pulled me aside and asked for my blessing, I thought that was too cheesy for words. All I could think was “are you kidding me?” I don’t have the time or energy for stupidness like that. Grow up and be a man. You ask a father for a blessing, not a protective girlfriend that has seen you out with half of town!

Russ calling me a bitch is kind of a compliment. I mean, it is coming from Russ after all. If people like him think I’m a bitch — go ahead! I do think that it, once again, shows his lack of class and maturity.

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I don’t so much believe in astrology and tarot cards — I just think it’s an interesting way into analyzing things that are going on in your life. I don’t think a deck of cards is going to tell me what’s going to happen in my life, but having someone just talk to you about your life can make you aware, make you think about what’s going on, look at issues both positive and negative, think about your life and where it’s headed. Read more…

Emily’s haircut – she was a little redundant when she was talking about it. But I thought it was good that she got those extensions taken out, I wasn’t a huge fan of those. They did not look right in person and I’m glad that she had the guts to go for the change. Now she’s really embraced the look, it just took her a little while to get used to.

Would I go for a drastic haircut? As a matter of fact, my hair was ten inches longer before taping, but Jeff likes short hair. So when were still long-distance, I cut it up to my chin, flew to Pennsylvania and surprised him when he picked me up at the airport.

It was fun while it was short, but I’m going to go back to long hair. I like to pull my hair back all the time and it just doesn’t look right pulled back short. I need to be able to get it out of my face. Read more…

I would absolutely consider myself outdoorsy. I love every kind of outdoor activity — in the right weather! No one would believe me now, but I grew up as a tomboy. I would hang from trees and go swimming in lakes, I was a total barn-rat. I grew up riding horses – it didn’t matter what I was wearing as long as I could get on my horse. It wasn’t until I got to college that I got more into fashion.

That said — nobody caught anything on our fishing trip! Kellie was the most experienced one out there, she could actually bait a hook. Miss Mother Hen herself, she was the one with the worms.

A lot is made of my style in this episode — and it’s really changed as I’ve grown up. When I was really young, my mother had me and my sister dressed to the T. We had the fur coats with muffs for our hands, everything decked out and identical. When I started to get older, I went into that barn-rat style, everything was about the basics: tennis shoes, jeans, t-shirts, I just really cared about getting out there, getting on the horse, and being outside, fashion didn’t matter to me whatsoever. Then once I got into college, I got my first taste of fashion and designers and developed that side. As the years go on, it seems to get a little more addictive! I would say now I really follow in my mom’s footsteps as far as fashion is concerned. She’s always been classy, fashion forward, and just a little sexy. Always show a little bit – but limit yourself to one thing. If you’re going to go with a short skirt, pair it with a high neckline. If you’re going to do backless, everything else needs to be covered. She’s very much been a mentor when it comes to style.

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Heading to Julie's Birthday Party

Since the premiere, people have mainly approached me with behind-the-scenes questions. They’re really into it, and they want to know how everything worked. Meanwhile, the person who has experienced the best “getting recognized” moment was my Dad — and believe it or not, he really loved it! He had been hesitant about being on the show at first, and now I think he’s getting a trip off it. He thinks it’s funny.

People here are still very supportive of the show. The production team got a lot of pretty shots of Louisville, and people are happy to see the city getting recognized for more than just one day of the year (the Derby). Read more…

Seeing myself on TV is funny, because when you’re talking with your friends, you see it one way. But when you see it aired, it all feels different. You realize people are watching, and you start critiquing yourself. So watching the premiere I felt exposed, but at the same time, I knew that I wanted to share my story – and I hope that’s what’s going to come out of this.

Also, on a different level, when we were filming I was struggling with the fact that I had gained a significant amount of weight for the first time in my life. When people see me in interviews now, I look quite a bit different than I do on the show. Personal trainers! Only get the hot ones. They will encourage you to come back. And then suddenly you’ll be wearing makeup to the gym, it’s really weird!

Of course, my friends and family have been so supportive. They loved watching the 30 minute preview. They also understand that this show is something that I did with a lot of trust, and that it’s difficult to put yourself out there and be vulnerable. The fact that I’m on the show, I have nothing to hide – it almost builds stronger bonds with me, my friends, and the community. And the community is very proud of Louisville being aired in such a beautiful light, which it deserves.

Shea, a diamondtini, and some gorgeous loaner jewelry.

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Check back on Friday morning to read Shea’s reaction to episode one, including her thoughts on the charity event and ring-shopping with boyfriend Jeff.