After the media blitz the two have endured following the finale of The Bachelor: An Officer and a Gentleman, last Friday, Andy Baldwin and Tessa Horst were finally able to return to Hawaii…to meet with more media.

In a press conference held at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider on Waikiki Beach, Andy and Tessa wore leis, talked about their experiences on The Bachelor, and revealed some of their future plans. Tessa also sported her diamond engagement ring, which she was forced to keep under wraps for the two-month interim between the end of the taping and the airing of the show.
As expected, both Andy and Tessa have had to endure some awkward moments as a result of starring in a reality program like The Bachelor: An Officer and a Gentleman. As the show aired, Andy had to keep his feelings private as complete strangers would exhort him to “Pick Tessa!” Andy admits it was difficult to not just reply “I already did!”

Tessa says she has had difficulty watching herself as the show aired, and they both say that there have been some uncomfortable conversations that were the result of Andy’s very touchy-feely take towards the other women on the show.

Nevertheless, the two plan to move forward with a wedding. Andy says he imagines the ceremony will include elements of native Hawaiian tradition as well as references to his Naval career.

Speaking of: Andy confirms he plans to stay in the military, saying he is “committed” to the Navy, and will not be pursuing a career in modeling or acting despite his popularity on The Bachelor: An Officer and a Gentleman. He is considering an additional tour of duty, however, after his final year at Pearl Harbor comes to an end.

Tessa’s plans to join Andy permanently in Hawaii are moving forward, although she does not plan to complete the move from her current home in the San Francisco area for a few months. Once she arrives, she plans to continue her career in social work.

- Leslie Seaton, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
(Image courtesy of ABC)
(Source: Wilmington Morning Star)