Exclusive: Joe & Serena on Their Engagement and Future

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Speaker 1: What's a Boucher Happy Hour listeners, I cannot believe we have reached the end of paradise. It seems at times it was a long time coming, and at times it seems like it just absolutely flew by. But Tia, I am so glad that you have been here by my side to recap each and every week. I couldn't have done this without you. Oh it definitely might it go by a way better. It's bitter sweet. It has been so nast doing this with you, and I'm so excited for our guests today. I know, I can't wait. We have the happily engaged couple, Joe and Serena, the King and Queen themselves hopping down very shortly. But until then, Tea and I have to go over I mean absolutely everything that went down in this finale, because it was a long one. It was three hours. I did two. It was emotional. It was good, It truly was. And I'm not really that much of a crier, but seeing these three couples who are not only in love, but who have become close friends and like family of ours, it was really special because I mean, you and I were there with them day in and day out, for most of the time until that very last day, and obviously, like since then, we've talked to them, we've been able to hear their side, but until you're actually watching it back and witnessing what they say to each other and seeing the guys get down on one knee. I had chills so many times I was steering up, I was holding mine on the couch, just squeezing her so tight. It was so special to see it in person, up close, but also to see those sweet moments that we wouldn't get to see otherwise. It was a bitter sweet for me to leave single, of course, and with you and Thomas having your ending, but I'm honestly, so so happy for all the couples that left together. It's just so nice to see and so amazing to see this franchise work because I know it can it did it did It's I remember that last and well not even the last day, like you and I had already left Mexico and one of the producers, one of my friends, texted me and all she sent one of the three diamond emojis, and I was like, shut the front door. Three engagements, because you know, you never know, like we all knew how strong all three of those last couples were, but you get down to that day and you don't know. One of the couples could have had cold feed. So I was maybe expecting two couples to get engaged, not all three. So when I got that text, I think I was on the airplank because I had a super long delay coming back to the Midwest. I think I screamed. I think I next to me on the plane was like, what the hell. I know Serena wasn't expecting it either. I feel like Serena was like I would actually be shocked if Joe proposed. So just seeing it all play out was so special. And let's just get into those last moments because obviously we'll have Joe and Serena on to pick their brains and to kind of relive that last day. But you and we were friends with Kendall, and we had no idea that she was still there. We had no idea she had been in Mexico since she left and that she went down that last day. I had texted her when I got my phone back, and I didn't hear from her for a couple days, and I was like, what the heck, like is she just does? She just need time away from the franchise? What's going on? And then she texted me a few days after that and was like, so I stayed till the end of had a conversation with Joe And I was like, no, way, what And so she was probably sitting in her room for a week waiting longer than a week. Yeah, yeah, I really didn't know what she was going to say. I was like, she's either gonna give her blessing or just be like, hey, I'm still into you, don't do this. And I had to watch, like through my fingers. I was going, yeah, I just knowing Kendall though, I know how hard it is, and she's such a strong woman and she she never wants to do, I think, burden anyone else. And I think she is so respectful that she as hard as it was for her to fully and completely let Joe and what they had in their past relationship go. I think in her heart of heart, she knew it was the right thing to do, and she just you know, I know, walking down that day, people thought like she was there to break up this engagement and break up Joe and Serena and I don't think that was her intention. I really think she just went to give her full blessing and be like, yeah, here you go, my little bird, now fly right. And I'm glad Joe didn't get too distracted either, because I know that can rattle you a little bit to see someone you had something so long and special with right before you're going to propose. Oh lord, I can't imagine, But Joe handled it well. I also actually did love Serena's reaction when they were standing up there on that in those last moments and Joe's like, yeah, actually, you know, my action showed up and Serena's like what are you lying? Like are you kidding? But it was sweet because her first reaction was to see if he was okay, you know, not how she was feeling. But she was like, are you doing okay? How are you? And I thought that was really sweet. It just as a testament to who they are as a couple in their relationship and how much they care about each other. So um, yeah, seeing all of those couples have those last conversations in the fantasy suits with something really special, I mean we saw two seconds of all of it. I'm sure they had so much more time to just talk and unwind and like really let loose of everything they had wanted to talk about. I mean, I remember the fantasy sweets, how important they were. Um. Right, so it's a pivotal moment. But I mean the entire episode was filled with so much like we started, and we see that breakup take place, We see Abigail, you know, kind of breakdown. Um, it's like, I mean, cats out of the bag. Now they're happy they're back together. That at the end, I want to get into the epilogue two. But before that, let's just go through everything. Yeah, So we kick off still at from Abigail and Noah leaves separate. They left early. I really waking up the next day and it just felt obviously each week the group gets smaller and smaller, but it just felt really somber that morning. Obviously, Dn and Calem came in and said that Paradise is done. You have big decisions to be made. But even before that conversation took place, like the beach felt weird. Right, Yeah, Well we went into a ROAs ceremony too, didn't we The next day? Oh yeah, that was the day where it was like very quiet. You don't know what was such a paraster. Noah was always laughing and like the loud, fun funny one out of the group, and so to not have them there it just felt really bizarre. Kind of Yeah, and the cocktail party was canceled too, and Wells comes in and it's like, Okay, this is the end of paradise. You need to have serious conversations. And I'm like, I just got a rose from this buffoon errand and you think we're gonna have serious conversations and then Paradise is gonna be over, Like what is actually going on? That was such that last week for you team was so random. You've been through the ringer. You were just up and down and all over the place. But you kept such a good sense of humor. I mean like even until the last day, the very last conversation you and Aaron had, I yelled the pants on. I was ready for my fly. I'm like, can someone book me a flight out of here? I'm ready to go. I'm gonna have this serious conversation. You were ready to break up with him. All of us girls were chatting. You're like, Okay, this is what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna end things. I'm gonna tell me he's a nice guy and that I wish him the best, but like we're just not for each other. And then all of a sudden, like he runs in and pulls you a whole seven feet and I remember sitting there watching it, and we can, all of us girls, you were like, what the hell you're doing this right now? It was the fastest conversation, and watching Aaron and James sleeve together, we were like, this makes sense. This was the entire season that actually was and they were happy for it to happen, and we like, no one was really shocked that that happened. Of course, it's like funny and comedic and we're all like, what the hell just happened. But I don't think any of us were like, oh, we can't believe that. No, it wasn't shocking, not at all, not at all. All you can do is laugh. Had you and Thomas split or I was, no, we were one of the last breakups, so they showed it at first, but him and I went last. So Anna and James had already had their conversation. You and Aaron had already quickly exchanged seven words. Yeah, so you were gone and I wasn't expecting Thomas to come pull me when he did. I thought I was going to have way more time because I was so up and down of like what the hell am I going to do right now? How do I even approach this conversation? And so I was really kind of shocked when he pulled me. It was just such a weird day. I feel like my headspace was so off. Obviously we see me and things with him. It was really tough. I know it showed that conversation seemed very brief, like it didn't seem that long, but we actually talked for quite some time. Well, Yer serious at the end, it feels very real, and you have gone through this process multiple times before, and you're like, hey, if I'm not one hundred percent sure, I'm not doing this, And I'd totally get it. And I think Joe made a comment to about you had two very public breakups and it's just scary to think about having to do that again. Yeah, And that's something that I was very up front the entire time with everyone of like, if I don't feel one hundred percent confident in my relationship or whatever partner I have in this, like I'm fine with choosing myself at the end and leaving, and that's it was like this weird. I was like one foot in, one foot out. It's like I needed more of him. And in that very very last conversation was when I actually got that, and I felt like in that moment it was too too late. But the one thing, well two things that stuck with me was he was like, I don't want you to have any what ifs. And of course, after him kind of opening it up and breaking down and actually really saying how he felt about me and about like where he thought a relationship wasn't that he wanted to pursue something out of this. That's when I was like, oh, like he's actually really like serious and wants to do this. But I was already like my mind had already been made up. And so that's why I ran after him, because I was like, I don't want him to think that this was just like a quick summer fling and that the feelings weren't there, like and when he hugged me goodbye, it was heavy, and so I left and he was like half faith in me, just like pick me, choose me, half faith in us, and no man has ever fought like that before. Like usually when you get to the end of a breakup, they're like, okay, go on your marryway. Like no guy has been like pick me, you know, like the scene in A Grazing Enemy were like pick me, choose me, be with me. That's how it felt. And I was like, oh, okay. So I came back to the hotel. I actually tea and I had to sleep over that night because I was so sad. I got to the hotel and that's like when I really broke down after. I just want to say, He's not the only one that was emotional. You were very emotional. There was black stains on the bed. What is this You're like, that's my mess, Garret. I've been crying. The bed was soaked. I'm like, my little baby. Yeah, so hard on her. Yeah, you see some tough breakups. I mean the Enna McKenna one, Oh Mercy. It was like, God bless him for trying. I think all of us knew it wasn't gonna work out, but you gotta get really thought she was gonna or he was gonna convince her. He just kept going. I was like, he is gonna convince this girl? He's he convinced her to go in onto her date. He invited himself on her date. He convinced her in that moment. And then yeah, he I mean he's good with us where he's such a sweetheart. Um, I think ultimately with them though, as she knew, she's like, look, I've known you for less than a week. I live in Canada, you live in Florida. This isn't gonna work. So yeah, they break up. Obviously James and Anna en did things. Didn't see that one coming. No, I thought James and Anna were going to try to continue something else. I at least say, hey, let's see how this works outside of this. I don't think she expected that. So those were mainly it for the breakups, and then we see the three happy couples. It's just weird thinking that it's already done, Like, oh no, it's nuts. It's freaking nuts. And just to think too. It is such a short period of tim but it's so crazy and cool to see these couples get so close and they all said I love you, all of them. I know Kenny, I wrote down. He said several times he was worried about his age gap with Marie and then Raleigh kept messing with Marissa. I love that. I was like, I'm gonna slap him messing with her like that because he knows she stresses the hell out. But Joe string And made me cry every time they were on street. Yeah, it's just every couple is so different too. It's like they all have this really strong love and these great connections and relationships, but they're all vastly different. Um And to go into I know, I want to talk quickly about the whole Kenny Maury age difference because I've seen a lot on social media and just out there of people just kind of bashing the age difference, and realistically, like Auto, there's there's an age difference. Yeah, between I mean a lot of the couples on the beach, and like, at the end of the day, we're all adults, Like we all pick and choose who we want to be with when we want to be with them. Like my parents had an eleven wait, a nine year or an eleven year they had a big age gap, too close to a decade age gap, and they had a beautiful relationship. And yea with all of those last three couples, like they're all very mature. Even though Serena's only twenty three, she is one of the most mature. You would not know it, no, exactly well spoken. So yeah, you know, age is just a number. It's just it's it's I don't think it needs to hinder any sort of relationship. But I am glad that Kenny brought it up because he did make a good point. He's like, I don't want her to feel like she's ever missing out on her single twenties and thirties. But Maurice is also very mature, She's it's already unconventional anyways, exactly exact. An age gap doesn't even mean anything when you get engaged after. This is the weirdest social experiment and anyone can ever go through. So you know, a ten year age difference is nothing. Everything else we go through and it works, and it works. Yes, and uh, with that, we'll see firsthand just how much it works when we bring Joe and Serena onto Bachelor Happy Hour right now. Okay, you're too welcome to Bachelor Happy Hour. Serena. We've had you on before, but Joe, this is your first time. Ta and I I have been raving about you while we've been recapping because you guys obviously have been one of the fan favorites of this entire season, but we just love the two of you so damn much, so we're so excited to have you sit down to begin welcome show off at Ring. Serena, I'm finally wearing it is so big, like very tiny fingers to begin with. That is stunning. You guys look put it on. I was like, I have to make sure this doesn't slip off because it wasn't size and it was so big on my finger and I'm just like shaking. You get the design or Joe, did you pick it out? I picked that. I didn't pick anything. I gave him no guidance or advice, so he did really good. We really have pree conversations about engagement rings because we just didn't think it was going to happen. Yeah, Serena was like, now I'd be shocked if we get engaged, and I'm still shocked for a month later. Yeah, because Tina were talking, we I think expected Kenny and Murray and Marissa and Riley to get engaged. You were as like the one on the Fence show. We knew how strong you two were together. And how much you cared about her. But I don't think we expected you to actually get down on one knee. When was that moment that last day where it clicked and You're like, yep, I'm doing it. I'm getting that ring and I'm proposing to this woman. Yeah. Well, I had said the whole time that I wouldn't leave unless I saw a real future with someone. So then when we get down to like the ending days and we separated after the fantasy suites, I was like, I truly think I'm going to spend the rest of my life with her. So that was like, is it crazy to get engaged? Well, sure it is. I mean the idea of getting engaged in a few weeks and on national television is crazy. But the whole process isn't normal, and it's worked before and it's working again, and it just fell right and it felt really romantic, so I did it. It was so too that it's so authentic and real and it's just the best freaking thing ever. It makes my heart so warm. That's you know, Okay, Um, I want to get into the last night, the fantasy suits and the engagement, but first I want to take it back to the very beginning. Because Joe, we knew you were going to go to Paradise, we obviously didn't quite know how it was going to go the second time around for you, And even when I came down a week later, you were like, I was ready to leave at first. It was really tough. So take us back through, walk us through your mindset when you first arrived on Paradise, like what ultimately made Do you want to come back the second time around? So yeah, I would says to go on Paradise. I thought, Okay, well I'm single, it worked before. Why not. I've been here before. It's going to be fun. I forget what it's like to have to talk about your feelings and push yourself to have uncomfortable conversations and do all that. Like, I completely forgot what that was like. And to see that same exact environment where you knew you had fell in love before, it is just the trippiest deja vous ever. Yes, yeah, it really is. And I call it an ego. I was like, I know, I know everyone there, this is just gonna be this is gonna be fun for me. I'm not going to fall in love like it could happen, but it probably won't. And then as soon as I got down there, it all came, you know, flooding back, and I'm like, oh, yeah, this does work, and this could work. And then my conversation with Serena, I remember like being so flustered and thinking I could fall for this girl. And I know what it's like to fall for somebody on this show, because it's not it's not an easy road. It's not just it's gonna be smooth sounding. So yeah, panics day one, you thought that was serena first day day won. Yeah, that's why I That's why I was so flustered. If you see in the interviews of me, like I should have got my hair, Why didn't I cut my hair? All the nonsense was really because I I knew I could potentially work with her and I was trying to get out of there and it did. And it's that not only is the ring huge, but your smiles, you guys, you are both just glowing. Um, Joe, I want to ask you this because I think you and I had a similar mindset where we win and we're like we're gonna have fun. We're gonna have you know, hot girl, hot boys, summer, enjoy it. I don't think either one of us expected to fall like we did, or have those strong emotions for somebody else, especially you right away. Do you kind of compare? Okay, I've always heard people say this, like when they have a baby and they go into labor, obviously it's probably the most painful experience they could ever go through, but then once they have that baby, they're like, oh, it was the best thing I've ever done. You kind of forget the pain and you just look at like the beauty of what it is. Is that kind of would you say your mindset going in of like you looked at the shiny positive sides and then once you were down there, you're like, oh shit, this really could hurt again. Yeah, one hundred percent. I actually did it. We did it yesterday where I looked at an old Bachelor in Paradise photo. I said, it was so easy being back there, but during it, it really wasn't. And that's definitely what I did. And I would also say, Becca, you and I are very similar and why I think it the process does work for us because it only really works when you completely let go, and you you just let go and you let it happen. And I did that right away, as you saw in the first episode. If you need freaking out right, I think when you go in with no expectations, like I think some people go in and they're like, I'm gonna find my partner, I'm going to get engaged, I'm going to get that ring and all the things, and that's where sometimes it goes wrong because there's so much pressure and so yeah, when you kind of just let go and let it be and take it day by day, that's when you're very pleasantly surprised. Speaking of expectations, Serena, when you came in, what were your expectations walking through the Gates of Paradise, Because obviously you made it very far on Matt's season, so you knew that it worked to a certain extent, But what did you hope would be the outcome for you when you first t put on that beach. I mean, I think I definitely went in optimistic. I was for sure feeling ready to enter a serious relationship, so I had that going for me, But there's obviously that skepticism. I mean, I felt that the environment of Paradise, having that unlimited time, getting to talk to all these people, like the structure of it was probably a little bit more at my alley than maybe the structure of the Bachelor was. And as much as it didn't work for me on The Bachelor, I did make it far enough that I was like, this could work for me. But yeah, I kind of just went in with an open mind, Like I was like, you know what, if I leave single, I don't find my person, that's okay. And if I find someone I really fall for them, then amazing that'll be that'll be great too. But you can't really predict how it's going to go until you get down there and you start meeting people and actually seeing if there's someone that you have that connection with, because I really don't think you can force anything. Well, so we obviously know just talking to Joe right now that he was smitten with you. He was, I would say, caught off guard with how he felt right away in that connection. Did you feel that right away after talking with him too, or did you need some more time, some more conversations to feel that spark with him? Choose your words. Watching over there, I definitely felt it right away. I mean I would say it took us a couple of days, like after our first one on one day is I think when we were both like, whoa, this would really be something. But after our first conversation, I was very smitten. Like I think I said in multiple interviews, like I've talked to so many people today, there's so many great guys here, but Joe's the one that gives me butterflies. I don't know what it is, but he gives me that like giddy, nervous, excited feeling that I want to have. That. Yeah, I hadn't had in a really long time until I talked to him. And it's so ironic because he was so flustered and just freaking out during her first conversation. But I found it so endearing and just very genuine. I used that. I used that to my benefit. I knew what I was doing right. It was to an extent, to an extent, to an extent. Look, I would say, you were just you were just yourself. Yeah, Like you weren't pretending you were fine when you were freaking out. You were just like I'm freaking out and I'm being awkward. And that's who you are as a person. Yeah, that's who I am. Yeah, and I know how Yeah, and you just own it. It It was some sort of strategy because that I kind of want to just listen. It was not. It was definitely not the socks of the sandals. I will say that right now. It's a staple. I love, my favorite. The first night, the first day, I caught my foot on a rush and then my foot was rubbing up against the sandal and it was making it very uncomfortable. But then besides that, Okay, the one night when we said we were falling in love with each other and I wore the long socks and the sandals. That night, I took a really nice shower. I was really comfortable, and I just wanted to feel like I was back at home and the side my feet were finally dry, so the socks pulling them up with the sandals, and I just felt like, tonight, I'm going to relax. Um, it's gonna be a nice night. I had something really sweet plant for Serena, and I'm gonna feel like I'm in my living room opposed to on a beach. And how it worked, it worked? Did yeah, lead, It's fine, So apparently he was doing something right. Sermon, when you saw him walk down with those socks, did you was there any part of you that was like, maybe I shouldn't tell him I'm falling in love with him in this moment. I didn't know, but I didn't know I was going to say it, like there was no It was very in the moment, but I mean, I wouldn't say the socks and sandals helped you. And you know that was funny too, That was I didn't know she was gonna say it either. I was truly surprised when she said it. Yeah. There was definitely like a couple beats of silence where he was just like, really, no way, and I was like yeah. When he said it back, and you were shocked too. You could tell that was a sincere real moment and it was so special to watch. I've said that about ten Towns already, but it was so Yeah, it was. It was definitely special for us to watch back because that was a huge moment for us and obviously super romantic with the setup and everything like that. And I didn't know I was going to say it as much as I knew I was feeling it, So when it came out, it was like spurred the moment. I was crazy nervous to tell him because I genuinely didn't know what he was going to say, but I kind of just came to terms with like, if he doesn't say it back, I took the rest. I put myself out there and he knows how I feel. And it was just like it was just awesome. She said it back, using the word awesome. But that's just I was so super But it was, it was. It was really romantic. It was a big moment. Yeah, and it was. It was very much a real life moment, it felt because you know, when you're on these shows, there is a lot that um, you know, it's not that the show set up, but you like set up the moment or you go in there knowing a little bit of what you're going to say, and like it was just really like, whoa, this is shocking, but okay, yeah, I feel it too. What I love about you two and Serena you I think you had alluded to this and something you said last night after you got engaged of like, you two are some of the most logical people on that beach, and I think with for me as a friend and as a viewer, you guys had this great balance of logic and being real versus like you also are not versus, but like combined with this romance, and I feel like even though you were both kind of unsure of where you were at feeling wise, you always still landed on the same page and still supported each other, and you were always there, whether you knew it, like right at the moment or not, you both had this safe place to land with each other, which Joe, I mean when you say like it was just real, Like we felt that because like just the shock and the awe and the excitement that you both shared in those little moments, not only when you were saying you're falling in love with each other, but when you're actually in love with each other, which Serena, props to you, girl for always beating him to the punch. I'm proud of you for that one thing. I really just lost. I felt a couple of times this season. Apparently that's what happens when you fall in love. It's just like word vomit and you just can't keep it, you know, penned up. I want to know. And this is something that T and I touched on in the recap, is there's not only with you two, but with other couples on the beach there's been such a conversation around the age difference between some of the couples. Is that something that has ever bothered you? It seems like from from my standpoint, it hasn't. But I'm sure those are conversations you too have had, but it wasn't something that ever in the back of your mind were like, oh, this is weird or are you just like it's good, it's okay. I think that the age difference is we've had different perspectives on it, Like it hasn't phased you at all, even from the beginning. No, I'm almost I'm also very youthful. Um, that's I think I am. Yeah, so it doesn't really bother me at all. Joe, you you are youthful, but you're like this, you have this youth like in a grandpa's like curmudgeon body. Sometimes I think, yeah, I don't know how to take that a grandpa's curmudgeon body's there's no, that's a compliment. I have a phone, I have a body like an eighteen year old. No, I would say, honestly, age really is just a number and it isn't a sure anything. And the way Serena handled my axe coming to the beach in such a mature way, and if I found it extremely attractive, and I would say I am somewhat immature, so I think it like matches up perfectly. I was gonna say, I'm twelve great, Yeah, I mean I would say I've never dated someone eleven years older than me. I never expected to. I don't know, in outside of Paradise, that's something I would have felt maybe comfortable doing. But Paradise really kind of gives you the opportunity to put those details aside, and you're really just spending all this time together, like age really does become just a number. On the way back from the hotel after we got shut down, I remember you thinking, I'm gonna have to tell my parents I'm with a man that's twelve years older than me. What am I going to tell about parents? I'm like, yeah, okay, yeah. That was definitely a part of one of many conversations I had with them, which I do want to get into, because you did make a comment this night after after you were already engaged, where you like, my parents are gonna kill me. How we'll get into all of the details of the engagement, but how has it been Joe I'm assuming you've met them now, and have they embraced this relationship or are they still kind of waiting to see how you guys handled the real world? You want me to go first? Yeah, okay, Um, I have not them. They're lovely people. Um, they're also very logical, real world people. So I think it's I think it's hard to completely understand it when you when you've never gone through something like this. So you know, I'm just like, you know, we're here for you. I get it, Like I don't expect them to open me with open arms, like we love you. You don't know me. So I think it's all it's going to take time, and I respect that. Um. And I just told them like I love your daughter. You know, there's really not much more to it than that. But like you know, and yeah, I think my parents definitely that I'm happy, I'm in love. I know they're going to grow to love Joe also. But yeah, just like you said, they're very logical, practical people. And I think when they envisioned me getting engaged, they expected to be a bigger part of it as you typically would be in you know, the real world. I guess you could call it but so yeah, it was a shock for sure when we told them, but they are so loving and so supportive, and yeah, it's just going to take a little time for them to get used to. I think, well, and it's one thing being able to meet you know, because you guys were in hiding for the past couple of months. It's been a while since you've actually gotten engaged, and so it's one thing to be living kind of in the slimbo world where you can't go out in public, you can't even say his name in public, your parents can't say his name. So I think now is when your relationship truly starts, where the families can meet and you can walk down the street together and they can see you and how you treat each other in real life, which I think is really important, which is really a special I mean coming from somebody who's gone through and now like this is the moment where it's like it begins to feel real and it's like this is the special time where you're like, okay, we can actually start our life now. Yeah, we are so excited. I'm so excited, Like what's out of hiding. I want to go to a restaurant, like this is the Highlands of the last couple of months. Well, that was a good part of the episode two when you were like, we just want to go eat together and go to the grocery store and do normal things. It's so weird how abnormal those things seem in that environment. But those are special day to day things you're gonna have to do wherever. Yeah, Like I just keep saying like we didn't do anything in a wrong order, we just did things in a different order. So it's like you take all these huge steps first, and now it's like we're backtracking a little bit and it's like, okay, like let's go out on a date night. That's something we haven't been able to do. You get to actually order a bottle of wine in front of a random person that you've never met before, and you can actually say his name and be like, this is my fiance. Is it weird for you to have bypassed the boyfriend and girlfriend phase and just go straight into fiance. That's not as weird because I felt like that's not as weird. For whatever reason, it is weird, I would say. The only thing is I always expected to live with my fiance before I had gotten engaged. So I think that would be the only thing. But we have spent, like you said, we spend so much time in quarantine that we know what it's like to live in an apartment together at this And I mean, I feel like, as much as it sounds bizarre, you go through the boyfriend girlfriend's stage on the beach, and it's just it's condensed into such a short amount of time, but it's like a really intense amount time where you almost feel like you do go through those steps and you just get to engagement significantly faster than you would not in paradise. But I mean, I do feel like we went through that stage too. Yeah, yeah, I just want I'm like, like, I definitely agree with you Becca when you say, like, this is the time where it really starts to feel real. Um, but this is all felt somewhat normal, like our relationship has has felt like a normal. Normal is a strong word, okay, but but then I don't have another word. Normals the only one in my head right now. I want to go back because I have a question for Serena. But Joe, you had mentioned seeing Serena in the atmosphere and dealing with the situation of your X on the beach and kind of navigating that was it attracted you more to her and how she handled that. Serena watching in his moments where you know, he had confronted Brendan and Piper on their situation and Chris on his situation. What did you feel seeing him take the lead in those moments. Yeah, I mean I was there for the Chris and Atlanta situation. I was sick the night Brendan Piper went home, so I did miss that. I did get to watch that back with the rest of the views for the first time. But I mean, Joe has a friendship with Jasenia and he has a very close, strong friendship with Natasha, So I definitely admire him kind of taking charge and standing up for his friends. You know, two women got really hurt, hurt, and he's not afraid to have those difficult conversations with people and be that kind of shoulder to lean on for those for those women that got hurt. So I'm friends with those people as well, and I think that, you know, Chris and Alanna and Brendan Piper leaving the beach gave Jasenia and Natasha the space to hopefully find love for them else, you know, with those people. I like that, you know, that was when I look back at um, that whole situation Chris and Alana, I do wish we would have handled a little better. I think we could have handled it not as intense, but it is what it is. And the Brendan Piper conversation, it was really just kind of like, Okay, there are two stories here, so like, let's confront that because it's ruining a lot of people's time now, because there's so much energy was put towards what's going on with Brendan and Piper. What's going on with Brendan and Piper. That it was just like, Okay, enough's enough and yeah, and Natasha is a real friend of mine, so to see her go through that was tough, even though at the time I didn't really see all of it, you know, because I was also focusing on us. You, I mean, you were focusing on a lot, not only having to be there for years friends, but focus on your relationship with Serena also while dealing with navigating your ex on the beach and you know, dealing with those types of conversations and how you and Serena interact in front of her which I can't even imagine that would have been. I mean, you guys went through the ringer in that, and I applied both of you for how you handled it and her as well. You all handled it so maturely. It's an uncomfortable, strange situation, but the way that the three of you all handled it, I think is the best way anyone could have it had the best outcome. I mean, especially for you two. But was it hard for you to keep moving your relationship forward at all knowing that Kendall was still there seeing everything, and you know, kind of being like, Okay, is she around to see this? Like? What was that mindset like? Like? Trying to progress your relationship forward while knowing she was still there when Kendall had first got there. Well, I really meant what I said. I wouldn't have went to Paradise if I wasn't over her when she first got there, just because everything's so heightened in Paradise. It just seemed so intense. We also didn't sleep as much, So like that first moment, I was like, Okay, this is going to be a little difficult. But truly the next morning, when I had breakfast with Serena, I was like this isn't think going to phase me at all, Like this is my relationship that that's really all I care about right now. I'm not an evil person, So I want to if if Kenball was upset, I was willing to be there for her and hear her out, But it didn't phase my relationship growing with Serena at all. I mean I don't think so. Yeah, I would agree. I mean it was definitely uncomfortable at times, and there was an awareness of the situation and awareness of her feelings. But at the same him, I would say it sped up the progression of our relationship because it was such an intense situation right at the gate that we really had to communicate through. So not only did it test our relationship and our commitment to each other, but it tested, like, you know, if we were going through a difficult time as a team. Yeah, it was really really actually worked very well. It was nice. Yeah, that's the best way to put it. Like it really tested our strength as a team. And I think I know you said, like the way I handle it made you more attracted to me, in the way he handled it made me more attracted to him, and just feel like I could trust him feel more comfortable in the relationship, and yeah, I just felt like we had the skills to handle that and that was going to translate to situations in the outside world, and that made me feel really confident in the relationship. Well. And it seemed like in those moments when you two would have conversations about it, I can imagine it would be easy to just focus on how you're feeling internally and why either one of you were hurt for your own individual specific reasons, but you were always checking in on the other. Like one of the first things, Serena you said during the proposal when Joe told you that Kendall had walked down and you know, surprised him that last day, your first reaction was, well, how are you doing? Like it wasn't you getting upset and being like, oh no, should I be here? Like what was that conversation? It was just Joe, how are you okay? Yeah? And he does the same for you, which I think is something like you said, you are a team and you do have that support system in one another, which is something really incredible. Yeah, that's actually true. I kind of forgot I said that, but I mean, I think when it came down to it, I thought confident in our relationship and I didn't think anything was gonna come between us at that time. And obviously he was the one that had the relationship with Kendall, it wasn't me, So I kind of felt like my role in all of that, as much as I wanted to be honest with him about how everything made me feel, was to support him in any way. Could that last her coming on at the end I thought was I just was like, Okay, at this point, I don't really care what you have to say, and like the nicest way possible, like this is just not the time. Yeah, well, I can imagine first something so big as an engagement, do you have your mind made up like that is set? And I would hope that nothing major would happen to sway that. So I think, you know, you guys were both very cordial, and I think she just had to say what she had to say. But at the end of the day, you were very still zoned in on what you were there to do in that moment, and that was to ask Serena to spend the rest of your life together. The night before, though obviously you guys went into the fantasy suites, and Joe, you made a comment the next morning saying, waking up the day after the fantasy suits that you would probably be very in your head about what's to come and the engagement the next day. But with Serena, you actually said that you fell more at peace and calm. So what was I guess what was the catalyst for making you feel so calm and just safe with her? Yeah, And I also would say because of that feeling, that was a big reason why I did get down on one knee, Because ever since since Serena and I said we were falling in love with each other, there was like this calming, piece, very confident feeling I had about her and our relationship. And I don't know exactly what it is, and I don't know if people are meant to be with each other or whatnot, but I think, um not the sound corny or a cliche, but I think it was just real love. And I was shocked that it did happen so fast. So yeah, I mean that's why I felt that way, and for the second time saying I love you, that's my girl, and then I one, so it was very it's my turn. Yeah, I'm doing this verse. Yeah, even said to me, did you just get engaged to be out of spite? Was I an't have any other options either way? Yeah? Worked out, Serena. I wanted to know from you because you said that you didn't expect him to get down on one knee and actually proposed. So I'm assuming you went into that moment having Joe be like, I love you, you know, let's take this outside of paradise and see how we are in the real life and can continue this relationship. Would you have been fine with that? Like is that what you I'm assuming expected to happen. Yeah. So, I mean from the conversations we had had, um, my expectation was we were going to go down be like, here's my final roles, here's my final roles. We love each other, let's get out of here. And that was kind of what we had agreed upon leaving each other after fantasy suitets of like we're just such logical people. But I mean I think, yeah, like the logical thing to do was like this is crazy, this is so fast, Like let's just you know, do the step by step thing and we'll get engaged down the line. M So he definitely called me off guard. But I mean one of my best friends was like, it's actually so beautiful because you are so driven by logic in every part of your life, and you clearly wanted to say yes this proposal, because if you didn't want to get engaged him, you wouldn't have said yes. And I'm absolutely no regrets to this day. I'm glad we're engaged. I'm glad I said yes. So she's like, it's really beautiful to see that this decision to be with Joe and to be engaged with him was just so like emotionally driven. Like I got so emotional, we got down on one knee. I was so excited to say yes. I was obviously in complete shock, but I mean I knew he was the one. It wasn't like I hadn't already imagined, you know, one day as getting engaged. We just you know, he jumped the gun too a little sooner. But I also think I also think every couple or everyone that goes on the show, if they really love the person, should be okay if there isn't an engagement and it's just hey, let's leave as a couple, Because like if Serena was like, either we get engaged or this is all be like, Wow, that's I don't know about I don't know how I feel about that. It's not a lot better than that head Well, no, I get what you're saying. I think for because I mean, and you were a couple that really since the very first week hit it off, and you were the strongest couple on that beach. I think it's different if you were in a James and and the situation where you had a day you had this spark, this initial connection, but obviously you don't know each other for very long, so of course you're probably not going to live together. But for somebody like you, two who had spent so much time together, and I don't think people realize how much time you truly spend together. I know everyone's like, oh, it's only been you know, a couple of weeks, but it's like you're together day in and day out, dealing with things that you probably wouldn't in normal daily life, trying to navigate how you would navigate those things on a beach in very very stressful, hard situations, and so it just you know, formed your I would say, it kind of sped up and put your relationship in a microwave in a way, which obviously helps because it got you to where you are now. Oh man, I was going to ask you something about that last day, Oh Serena, this is what I wanted to say. You, I think gave one of my favorite moment in an interview ever where watching you two exchange your I love yous and your sentiments to one another. It got both me and Tia choked up at times and gave us the chills. But you gave an interview where you were talking and then you kind of stopped and started crying, and you were like, I didn't think I would feel this way. I didn't think I would get here. And the fact that like I'm allowing myself to feel all these things for him, it was just a really beautiful moment. It was one of the most beautiful interviews and words that I've ever seen anyone on the show Express And so, you know, I can imagine what it's like having you two be together, sitting side by side, watching all of this unfold, watching what you two are saying about each other behind the scenes. What has that been like, Because you've obviously had conversations face to face, not only while you were on the beach, but also outside of that, but there's still so much that you don't know what was said about one another in your itms and into different interviews. So what has that been like to be able to watch that not together? I mean, it's not normal by any means, but I would I would say it's like really romantic. I mean, Joe and I would say, don't like profess our love for each other every single minute of every single day as much as you know, we know that we love each other. So watching it back and remembering that time in our relationship where we're falling in love and seeing you know, us behind the scenes talking about each other, just kind of expressing our feelings like, yeah, it's it's it's weird in a good way. It's a gift. That's one of the gifts of the show. Yeah, that's a good way to put it. Have either of you said anything, and this is probably more for Serena said anything that has spaced each other off. Um, I don't think. So, Okay, we are going to play very soon a newly engaged game. But I do want to know what's next for the two of you, because you know, Serena, you mean Canada Joe, you live in Chicago, which doesn't make things easy. So what what's planned for the two of you? You know, short term and long term? Sure, so I would say, well, we have to figure out where we're going to live together right away. Not right away, but I have a lease that's up in April that we had talked about it. So we are either going to possibly try New York together or split time between Chicago and Toronto for the time being. That's what we're gonna do, is split time from Chicago in Toronto. And but that's gonna be our next big step would be moving in together. Yeah, yeah, I mean it's kind of just whatever makes sense for us in a couple of months, both personally and professionally. So we both love New York. It's kind of a bit of like a neutral space where we're both making sacrifice to be there. But Toronto Chicago both great cities too, so you know, we don't have kids at the moment, so it's pretty easy and with our lives to lifestyles to travel back and forth. So we're like, maybe we get place in Chicago, place in Toronto, and we do fifty fifty. I know our families would probably like that option, but we gotta we all live at a time. What's nice is we're an hour away from every place we just mentioned. Yeah, ideally the East Coast is where I would like to stay. Okay, Oh, I love that. I have a feeling. I already know how you both will answer this. But long term or short short term engagement? I mean, do you want me to answer? I would say mid range. Yeah, that would be my answer to mid range on the longer side. Yeah, like we're not rushing down the aisle, but I mean we definitely feel confident the fact that we want to be together, right, Yeah, I mean enjoyed this moment. Your lives are about to change. There's just something now where doing life as a couple, you know, because you were on the show and Bachelination as a whole, it's just has such a big fan base. It's going to be a lot. It's going to be intense. Um, so just really soak it in and enjoy it. Be nice to just take a breath, date, live together, and then marriage will come down the line, all right. So it's not Bachelor Happy Hour without our games. You know, we love to have our games. So it's going to be a series of questions and you just both have to answer who in the relationship it applies to. So to start, who initiated your first kiss? Me? I did? No, no, no, I I baded you into it. I bad you into it. You did not. Yeah, No, I did be you into it because I bad you into it by bringing you down there, bring me down to the David. Yeah, that doesn't mean I'm gonna kiss you. Because I was laying there and I was like, abolutely think it's going to be the first couple to kiss tonight. Yeah. I just wanted to be us and I was like, I do, let's make out. Okay, she got you, Joe. I love this. This should be such a simple game. And the fact that I hope every question is like this, Like, you guys are already the cute bickering couple. Okay, next one, who's the better cook? I would have to say me, Yeah, I'd have to go me on that one. I would go you on some dishes. But he overcooks chicken every time we make it because he's terrified of salmonella poisoning, so we've been eating dry chicken. But you are a good cook, and you watch a lot of food shows you're very knowledgeable about foods. I'll give you that, thank you. Compromise. Who is more romantic? Oh, I'd have to me on that one too. Yeah, it looks like this is all going to be me. I definitely don't think that's the case. You're two for three. I love Who's more stubborn? Serena? Yeah, yeah, interesting, Okay, I'm surprised by that. I'm we're both pretty stuck. We're both stubborn but good at compromise. I know that's like a contradiction. Yeah, but I would say that's that's that holds true. I like that, yes, because he loves you. Who is more messy? Oh? John, No, are you? I am so neat? I am so neat? So type you are? You're clean? Like your apartment always smells good and it's clean, but you leave stuff everywhere. There's an empty surface, Joe finds a way to fill it with a heavy art Shirt's I think his closet is not it's his whole apartment, it's his closet. I think it's a g I understand. No, I do it, dude, But it's okay because I'm I'm organized, so I can help you. Sure, No, you are clean. You are, I'll give you that. Yeah. Who's the funny one? Oh, I meant, I don't think that's really a question. We both think we're very funny. Yeah, it comes natural for me. But yeah, I miss being with you too so much. I just fly again then hang out with you. Okay. Between the two of you, who spends more money? Joe absolutely like way more money on clothes, on beauty products, on so much sandals food I have. That's probably my biggest downfall in life is I'm a bad spender. I feel like the last time on Paradise you have about Gucci shoes and all this Gucci ship. I don't need to be any of that this time. He's a full blown brand horse. No, I've taken it easy on the brands, but I definitely spend money on um, enjoying my myself probably too much. If you spending it on me, I'm not going to complain about it. Who's the planner between the two of you? Most big planners? Yeah, to be honest, I'm also I do things sporadically, UM, but I also plan. No, I would say we're both we're both planners. We're definitely both parns. I'm honest. We've had so much time sitting doing nothing that like all we do is sit and plan, like where do we want to go on our first trip? Then where do we want to go for our first dinner? I would say Joe's definitely more spontaneous than I. And though, yes, yeah, yeah, who is more competitive? I'm not really a competitive person. It's just your lying to everyone right now, sorry face like you're competitive. I disagree, and I'm not. You think I'm a competitive person. Not a bad thing. This is a great example. I don't think it's a bad thing. I just think that okay, maybe yeah, Oh no, who do you think is more competitive in me? I don't really find you to be a super competitive Either of us are crazy competitive, super more chill. You know who takes up more of the bed? I'd say we're we are proportions very well together on a bed. Yeah, sleep in the middle, No one really. I hugged the covers and he snores a little bit and moves around a lot, like we're like, cuddle in the middle and then separate to each other's side and let's see you in the morning. Kind of people. I feel like I know the answer to this one. But who takes longer to get ready? I'd say we're both. We actually both get ready pretty quick. Yeah, I'm probably Serena because she's got to put makeup on if we want to go out. Yeah, like I have more hair to work with and more makeup, But Joe changes it out fit like six times. So well we saw it before the podcast started. That's false. Who is more likely to cry on your wedding day? Oh me, hands down. I'll be a mess. I mean I was a mess the entire day leading up to the engagement. I didn't even know I was getting engaged. So, yeah, you're gonna cry on our wedding day? No, I hope not. I hope so he will. I think one to seven tiers will be shed. I'll tell you what. It wouldn't shock me at this point. Are you a crier? Do you cry? Uh? You know, every time I say I don't, I find myself crying somewhere. So I don't think I'm a big crier. Huh, Joe. I would say I'm somewhat of a Uh, I'm pretty in tune with my emotions, but I wouldn't say I'm a crier. Okay, last question, who is always right me me, okay, so that makes it very simple, but we do both think we're always right. I get it all right, you two. That is the end as a game. This is the end of your paradise chapter, if you will. I can't wait to see where the rest of your life takes you both. Thanks so much for having us, guys. This is our first interview that we've done. This is really fun. This has been a lot of fun. Thank you. Joe. Can you plug us where you can find us? Oh yeah, so you can find me um at Joe Mobley one. On Instagram. You could hear me host a lovely podcast at clickbait. Um. You can find me on I now have TikTok. I have seven followers. Um, that is Joe Mobley on Show Up. You find me on Twitter, Joe and I saw Sundays at Joel dot com, which is delicious by the way. That's this is the content people need. Yea dot com, Serena. Um, you can find me on Instagram at Serena underscore pitt. I believe TikTok and Twitter is the same. So you guys, you two go enjoy your life. Go out, go be merry, Go shout this from the rooftops. Congratulations and we love you both so so much. Thank you. This has been This has been a blast. Oh my gosh, that was such They are just the funniest couple to me. I love them both so much. I'm glad that we were able to have them on today. Same, I'm so glad we have them. They're just the cutest, sweetest It's very rare for things to make me emotional on this franchise anymore, but they do it. M h. And you know, like just having them on, we saw them firsthand for that month that we lived with them, just such a great, inspiring, cute, respectful relationship. But just having them on, no, you can just see such a change of how much more they know each other, how much more they love each other. Just the banter back and forth is something so incredible to see. So, I mean, Tia, all I got to say is we better get invites to that wedding one day, no joke. So ready for some bachelor weddings. Oh yeah, it's been it's been a while, so you know, one of these three couples come on top on it. We need we need a good party. Tia and I were at the last one together, dring away too much tequila at the bar, and we need this again. So um, Tia, I have had such a blast having you on the podcast for these past few weeks. Please come back anytime, he describe is I know, Well, I'm going to see you soon. I'm going to be a national very soon, so I'll see. Yeah. But this has been fun. It's been such fun, such a blast, And just the fact that we were able to not only live through that but then be able to recap it together. It's then, I think that's ever been done in the Bachelor podcast before. So I just feel really lucky, really grateful that you were by my side the entire time. I could not have done any of it without you. I absolutely love you. Thank you so much for having me. I know I don't talk very much, but you're really great to wish Now I'd like to be your support. I'll be there any day for you. Well, you know what, here, I'm gonna give you some prep because this is your last Bachelor Happy Hour podcasting would be your last podcast ever, So Tia, please do the honors of closing out the show today. Make sure to hit us up on social at Bachelor Happy Hour on Instagram, at bachel Nation on Twitter, and Bachelor Nation on Facebook. And as always, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the Laundry app, or wherever you're listening right Yeah, thanks everyone,