For reality television star fans, you have probably heard of Holly Durst. She was the winner of The Bachelor Pad 2 AND unlike her appearance on The Bachelor (Matt Grant edition), she managed to find her true love. In just six short weeks, Durst will be walking down the aisle to join forces with Bachelorette star (Ashley Hebert edition) Blake Julian. Celebrity VIP Lounge spoke with Holly about her upcoming wedding, her take on Bachelor Ben’s choice and her new book “Chocolate Socks”.
DANITY: It is fabulous to chat with you, girl. Now you are no stranger to reality television with not only your appearance on The Bachelor, but also The Bachelor Pad 2, where you won $125,000 prize money. So what are your thoughts on this season’s Bachelor and the woman he chose? Do you think that he chose her for ratings or do you think he is really in love with her?
HOLLY: I think Ben really is in love with Courtney and more power to him for sticking with what he wants and now what everyone else wants for him. Only he knows what makes him happy.
DANITY: You met your true love Blake Julian on The Bachelor Pad 2 and then got engaged to him by the end of the show. How did you know that he was the one for you? After your experience on The Bachelor did you have doubts when you met Blake?
HOLLY: They always say “when you know, you know” and I knew with Blake. There was something about him that I couldn’t get away from. We fell in love quickly but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have no doubt in my mind that this is the man I’m spending the rest of my life with.
DANITY: Did you watch Blake on his installment of The Bachelorette? If so, what did you think about him?
HOLLY: I did but I don’t really remember. I only saw a couple episodes before leaving for Bachelor Pad.
DANITY: I hear you guys are getting married this summer. How has the wedding planning been going for you? Can you divulge any fun details? Colors? The dress? Theme?
HOLLY: YES! June wedding, here we come! I’m so excited! It’s been a breeze planning because we have the best wedding planner. I’m thankful for her taking on the whole load herself so I’m not stressed out.
DANITY: Congratulations on your new children’s book “Chocolate Socks”! Were your aspirations to be a children’s author?
HOLLY: Yes, They have been for the last 6 years! I cannot believe Im finally an author!!
DANITY: With the prize money you received for The Bachelor Pad, you fulfilled your dream of writing your own book. What inspired the concept behind Chocolate Socks?
HOLLY: I received a gift once of a box of chocolate and a pack of socks. I was overjoyed because I love both so much. I accidentally said “chocolate socks” and the idea just hit me!
DANITY: What part of the process was the most difficult for you? How did you choose an illustrator?
HOLLY: The hardest part was finding someone to believe in your work enough to publish it. Finding an illustrator wasn’t too bad. I put an ad on Craigslist and received thousands of responses. I went through them until I found what I liked.
DANITY: When you received your first final copy of the book in your hands, what was your immediate reaction?
HOLLY: I was in disbelief. I cant believe after 6 years of trying to accomplish something finally came true.
DANITY: I got a chance to read the book and it was adorable! I know my kids will love it. When you decided to write the book, did you know from the get go that you wanted the book to have a positive message, one that kids could learn from or did that come later in the writing?
HOLLY: I wrote the first half 6 years ago and the second half a couple years after that. The positive message came in the second half of the writing. It took me a while to figure out how I wanted to end the story and one day it just came to me!
DANITY: What’s next for Holly Durst? (After the wedding of course!) Another book, perhaps?
HOLLY: I sure hope so! I have a novel I’m working on and I would love to finish that!
So many exciting things happening for Holly! We are excited for her and we hope to have details on the wedding after the big event.
You can get Holly’s book Chocolate Socks here! It is honestly a great story with an inspiring message for kids.
Photos via Jennie Raff Photography
