Canada's 'Bachelorette' awards her final rose in a dramatic season finale

The Bachelorette host Chris Harrison is notorious for citing each rose ceremony as the "most dramatic" in the show's history. However he definitely had a point about this year's season finale as Canada's first Bachelorette, Jillian Harris awarded her final rose to Ed Swiderski.

The decision was made after many unexpected obstacles - most notably the return of Reid, a suitor Jillian dismissed in the show's second to last week, bringing her decision down to Ed - a technology consultant from Chicago, Illinois - and Kiptyn - a Business Developer from Encinitas, California.

After meeting the Harris family, both Kiptyn and Ed were treated to some alone time with their lady. And, while 31-year-old Kiptyn explained that he was falling in love with Jillian, it was Ed who took it one step further declaring that he was completely in love with the bubbly brunette.

The couple's chemistry has been hard to deny over the show's 12 episodes. Despite leaving the show early on due to pressure from his boss back home, which left Jillian emotional and upset, the 29-year-old later returned to the show because of his strong feelings for the BC native.

Ed's absence did come at a bad time, however. Because of his departure Jillian never had a hometown date with the puppy-dog eyes suitor. But, knowing how important family is to Jillian, Ed had his parents flown out to Hawaii to meet her later in the series, which was a real turning point in their relationship.

Further showing his respect for familial ties, Ed took Jillian's father aside prior to the final ceremony to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage. And so it was no surprise that once Kiptyn had left, and Reid's curveball had been dodged, Ed got down on one knee and presented the Bachelorette with a $60, 000 Neil Lane platinum and diamond ring.

Her response? "Absolutely!"

First published in Hello! Magazine 28 July 2009.
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