Now a Vail, Colorado resident with her husband Ryan, Trista Sutter (formerly Rehn), was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. After receiving a Bachelor Degree in Exercise Science from Indiana University, she went on to earn a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami. She enjoyed Miami so much that she ended up calling it home for five more years, with four being spent practicing pediatric physical therapy at Miami Children’s Hospital, and two years as a Miami Heat dancer.
Looking for something new and exciting, Trista applied for a new show called “The Bachelor”. After being chosen to appear as one of 25 bachelorettes on the ABC hit, she achieved overnight fame as the runner-up who was not ultimately picked as The Bachelor’s dream girl. Not being chosen proved to be the best thing that ever happened to her, because she was then asked to become the first Bachelorette. On this spin-off, she not only met the man of her dreams in handsome firefighter Ryan Sutter, but said “yes” to his televised marriage proposal that over 30 million people tuned in to witness.
After a long engagement they planned a dream wedding with the industry’s best for a special that was shared with the millions that had watched their love story unfold. Along with Jason and Molly Mesnick and Ashley and JP Rosenbaum, Trista and Ryan Sutter are only a few couples from “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” to actually tie the knot, and one of few to even remain together.
As icing on the proverbial cake, they gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Maxwell Alston Sutter, on July 26, 2007 after 2 long years of trying and 20 months later were doubly blessed with the birth of Blakesley Grace Sutter on April 3, 2009. Their family of 4 ½ (including their 5 pound Yorkie, Tank) live a happy life in the Vail valley where Ryan is currently a Lieutenant with the Vail Fire Department and Trista works as a stay-at-home-and-work mom. In December 2013, they celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary renewing their vows to include their children. Life is good.
In addition to her involvement on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Trista has graced the covers of People, Us Weekly, In Touch Weekly, Life & Style, Modern Bride, TV Guide, and Woman’s World. She was a contestant on the first season of the Emmy-nominated Dancing with the Stars, appeared on Marriage Bootcamp: Reality Stars, and has co-hosted The View, Good Day Live, VH1’s All Access, and Trista and Ryan’s Honeymoon Hotspots on the Travel Channel. She has also worked as a correspondent for Extra, Miss America, and Good Morning America. She appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Ellen, The Tonight Show, Howard Stern, Fear Factor, The Rachael Ray Show, According to Jim, and Less than Perfect.
In December, 2013, she penned a book all about the benefits of gratitude called, Happily Ever After: The Life-Changing Power of a Grateful Heart. As a newlywed, she wrote a column in Redbook entitled “My Life as a New Wife”, has since written multiple blogs for outlets such as E! Online, and has been featured hundreds of times in national press, including: Woman’s World, People, The Oprah Magazine, Parade, Maxim, MOM magazine, In Style, Good Housekeeping, TV Guide, In Touch, Ok!, Life & Style weekly, and US Weekly.
Trista tries to connect daily with her fans daily on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook fans. And stay tuned for exciting new projects in the works, including her continuing gift, jewelry, and home collection with Glory Haus called The Grateful Heart Collection!!
I have been a fan of the Bachelor since it first aired and remember feeling for Trista as she got her heart broken on National TV. So I was beyond thrilled when it was announced that they chose her for the original Bachelorette. I, along with millions watched as her fairy tale came to life and she found her prince-charming. Sometimes you see people and you just know that they are meant for each other, and Trista and Ryan are a perfect match. I had the honours of reading Trista’s new book “Happily Ever After, The Life-Changing Power of a Grateful Heart” and it was completely inspiring. I love how she can embrace life’s ups and downs and continue to have a compassionate heart. She sees the beauty in the little things and allows the lessons to teach her. Happily Ever After is a book that will warm your heart and encourage you to find more gratitude, grace and happiness in your everyday life. This is one, of many favourite quotes I love from her new book, “Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures and the most unassuming things that can have the greatest effects.” This interview really was a full circle moment for me, and I feel grateful to share it with all of you…………….
BB411~ What was your experience being on the Bachelorette, what did you learn and would you have done anything differently (Now looking back)?
TS~ I have learned to be true to myself and life will happen as it’s supposed to. Life has changed drastically as I am now a dedicated mommy and wife and that wouldn’t have happened in the way that it did had I not met and married Ryan. If I could go back, I would let Ryan know how I was feeling before the final rose ceremony. He had a hard time because I wasn’t giving him any verbal reciprocation of his feelings and I’ve always regretted that.
BB411~ What do you love most about Ryan?
TS~ There are too many to mention! The thing I fell in love with most was that he was so kind and genuine. Now, I LOVE that he is such a wonderful and giving father, that he always makes me laugh, and that he is such a dedicated hard worker.
BB411~ What are the key points to having a happy, loving marriage? What are the must do’s in every relationship?
TS~ Love, commitment, respect, trust, forgiveness, friendship, communication, laughter, attraction, fun, support, faith, and gratitude. Must do’s are making your relationship a priority, constantly working to better your relationship, encouraging each other to do what they love, and dedicating time to each other.
BB411~ Who did you admire today?
TS~ My husband. He is the best, most genuine, kind, funny, beautiful, intelligent, thoughtful person I know.
BB411~ You have 2 beautiful children with Ryan, what do you love most about being a mom? What do you want to teach your children most about life?
TS~ I love the pure beauty of unconditional love. I want to teach my children to be grateful for the blessings in life, about the beauty of the world, to be good friends and good people, enjoy this life, and that they should never take their time on here or the people surrounding them for granted.
BB411~ Would you consider another reality tv show, if so what would you like to do?
TS~ We always say “never say never”. There is always a possibility, but it would have to be something that could fit into our lifestyle and not be too intrusive into our children’s lives.
BB411~ How did your parents influence the person you are today?
TS~ They showed me through their example, how to be dedicated, loving, family oriented, and respectful of others.
BB411~ First, Congrats on your new book and the tour! What was the inspiration behind “Happily Ever After”?
TS~ I wanted to write something with meaning…something that would hopefully inspire people. Gratitude has always been a powerful force in my life’s happiness and I wanted to share my stories, along with those of others as well as tons of research on how you can live a happier life if you embrace a grateful heart. And, with the holidays approaching, as well as the more inexpensive version out Dec 2014, I hope people will pick it up and make the new year their best one yet!
BB411~ What did you learn about your self from writing this book?
TS~ I learned that I can do anything that I set my mind to. I’m not a writer by trade, but I didn’t give up even with massive writer’s block and a household that needed mommy. I know it’s not a new concept or even always grammatically correct, but I’m still proud to say that after lots of hard work…it’s mine.
BB411~ Describe your style?
TS~ Classic with a touch of trend.
BB411~ What are the key ingredients to throwing a great party?
TS~ A great guest list, fun theme, beautiful location, lots of yummy treats, activities galore to minimize boredom and of course, the well thought out details.
BB411~ What are the top 3 designers that grace the space of your closet?
TS~ Everyday: Splendid, So Low, and Forever 21. Higher End: Jimmy Choo, and Louboutin.
BB411~ What are the 5 key pieces that every woman should have in their wardrobe?
TS~ Jeans, White tanks, Spanx, Nude heels, and my staple…yoga pants.
BB411~ How do you stay motivated with life’s daily stresses that come up?
TS~ I let myself stress, vent to my husband or friends, then pick myself up and keep moving along. Music doesn’t hurt either.
BB411~ Have you always been in love with fashion and beauty?
TS~ Definitely. I remember wanting to be a model when I was younger because I was in love with the beauty in magazines and wanted to be part of that world.
BB411~What does beauty mean to you?
TS~ Confidence, expressions of pure joy, and uninhibited love.
BB411~ What inspires you personally and professionally?
TS~ My family and anyone who attempts to fulfill their dreams all while having a grateful heart.
BB411~ Are you involved in any charities that are close to your heart?
TS~ Yes. First Descents – it’s an organization that fund adventure programs for young adults, ages 18-39, who are suffering from or have survived cancer.
BB411~ What does it mean to you to give back?
TS~ I think it’s the responsibility of everyone…especially those in the public eye.
BB411~ If you could tell your younger self something you have learned and know now, what would it be?
TS~ All your dreams will come true. Just believe.
BB411~ 3 words that best describe you?
TS~ Loyal, nurturing, and grateful.
BB411~ What is your skin care regime?
TS~ Wash with Purpose Soap, moisturize and tighten with Cetaphil or Hydropeptide products and repeat. Occasionally fit in a facial.
BB411~ How do you stay fit?
TS~ Hitting Dogma Athletica (my gym in Edwards, CO) for interval training classes, or popping in a BeachBody dvd as much as possible. That, and ending the day with push ups and sit ups.
BB411~ 3 beauty products you carry with you always?
TS~ Lip gloss, mascara, and tweezers.
BB411~ #1 beauty product you could not live without?
TS~ Visine
BB411~ What is your favorite fragrance?
TS~ I love Jo Malone Orange Blossom
BB411~ Do you have a best kept beauty secret that has been passed down to you (say from your Mother or Grandmother)?
TS~ Other than how to do your mascara in the car, no. ;)
BB411~ Fun fact that people may not know about you?
TS~ I read magazines and catalogs from the back to the front.
BB411~ Favorite quote?
TS~ “I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars.” – Og Mandino
BB411~ Favorite food?
TS~ French fries
BB411~ Favourite book/movie?
TS~ “Happily Ever After: The Life Changing Power of a Grateful Heart”/ Despicable Me 2
BB411~ #1 thing you want to cross off your bucket list?
TS~ Writing a children’s book.
BB411~ What has been your biggest Aha Moment so far in life?
TS~ That Ryan was the one.
BB411~ Describe your perfect day when you have some down time?
TS~ Sleep in, hit the beach (assuming I’m at the beach), eat, hit the pool, eat, snuggle with my kids and hubby, and hit the sack.
BB411~ What advice would you give entrepreneurs starting out that are following their dreams?
TS~ Be realistic, work hard, and never give up hope.
BB411~ Where do you see yourself in 1 year, 5 years and 10 years?
TS~ Pretty much in the same place, just with older children, more experiences, more wrinkles, and a 11 year, 15 year, and 20 year marriage.
BB411~ When I say the words #lovethis, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
TS~ #myfamily
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Much Love, Beauty Buzz 411
