READY FOR “I DO”S
Ashley Iaconetti was ready to do whatever it took to meet former crush — and current fiancé — Jared Haibon
Bachelor Nation’s Jared Haibon and Ashley Iaconetti spill to In Touch about their prewedding diet and big-day deets
Ashley Iaconetti and Jared Haibon are eternally grateful to Bachelor Nation for bringing them together. But Ashley says she would’ve gone after her man — who was left heartbroken by Kaitlyn Bristowe on Season 11 of The Bachelorette — even if producers hadn’t cast them both on Season 2 of Bachelor in Paradise in 2015. “If I had just seen him on The Bachelorette, and was never on the show myself, I would have stalked him fangirl style,” admits the podcast host, who made a name for herself while vying for Chris Soules’ affections on Season 19 of The Bachelor. These days, the super-adorable couple — even A-listers Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis were famously rooting for the longtime friends to fall in love — are too busy planning their August nuptials in Newport, R.I., to wonder “what if.” Here, Jared, 30, and Ashley, 31, talk to In Touch’s Katie Bruno about shedding for the wedding (they’re both on the South Beach diet), having kids and their celeb-filled guest list.
It took you two Bachelor in Paradise seasons and three years to finally get together. Do you think you would have found each other anyway?
AI: We’ve thought about it. I don’t know! Jared is so hard to win over.
JH: I was the worst; as soon as someone showed interest, I was out.
AI: I was the same, and that’s how I knew he’s my person. After being together for a bit, I was like, “I’m not turned off by him, and he’s not turned off by me!”
The wedding is around the corner — why did you decide to prep with the South Beach diet?
AI: I just want to feel my very best for the wedding. South Beach has been awesome — the food is delicious!
JH: I kind of lost myself over the winter. We’ve been doing the diet for a few months and I feel a lot better. I have like four abs right now. I really want to get six before the wedding!
You sent Ashton and Mila save-the-dates to the wedding. Any word on whether they’ll attend?
AI: We thought it would be fun to invite them but it’s never going to happen. We’re getting Rob Thomas though! And [American Idol winner] David Cook is coming to sing.
Are you feeling any pressure to start a family once you’re married?
AI: I wouldn’t call it pressure….
JH: But both our moms want to be grandmas.
Do you have a timeline?
AI: Well, watching pregnant Jade [Tolbert, their pal] with her daughter Emme, I go back and forth between let’s do it this year to let’s wait as long as physically possible!
JH: It’s tough! You see how wonderful a child can be but also how much it changes your entire life. Tentatively, we’ll start trying next year.
What’s the plan for your honeymoon?
AI: We don’t have it set in stone, but I think we’re going to Italy and Greece. JH: We want to leave the reception and go off to our own little excursion. AI: Yeah, we’re not afterparty or morning-after brunch people. I want it to be like, “OK, now it’s just about us!” ◼