“Ignorance is bliss,” Kelsey said in agreement. “I don’t want to know.”
That’s not to say that the group didn’t prepare in other ways, though. Alicia, for example, made sure to stock her purse with “crack-ahs” and Fig Newtons, while Ashley packed eye drops, slippers, and electrolyte packets.
Arrivals to the RHORI reunion stage and greetings from Andy Cohen
As the RHORI cast wrapped up glam — which, for some, began more than four hours prior to the start of filming — Andy took his place on the reunion stage and snapped his signature selfie with his reunion cards. Ashley was the first ‘Wife to join him, and couldn’t help but marvel at the set. “This is so gorgeous,” she remarked.
The two proceeded to talk about their respective kids — from Ashley asking Andy what his favorite childhood stage has been so far, to Andy gushing over his daughter’s recent milestones — as well as Ashley’s inaugural season as a Housewife.
Rosie and Alicia came next, and after complimenting both of their dresses, Andy mimicked the latter’s now-famous quote from earlier this season: “Welcome to Rhode Island, bitch!”
Alicia, for her part, was quick to point out that she’s “never worn so much blue” until she joined the show. (The RHORI ladies also sported the color for their title card photoshoot.)
From there, the group was joined by Rulla — whose new, shorter haircut received rave reviews — as well as Kelsey, then Liz, then Jo-Ellen.
Finally, with everyone present, Andy got to talking about what the day would look like, as well as some dos and don’ts. His most important piece of advice? “I know you’re nervous, but it really is just all of us sitting around and talking.”
That, and “Make sure you’re sitting up straight.”
What went down during filming breaks at the RHORI reunion
The RHORI cast had plenty of off-camera conversations about how the day was progressing, but when they weren’t chit-chatting with each other or Andy, they were taking advantage of the nearby snacks and drinks.
Coffee was a popular choice for many, as was plain old bottled water. However, the options were plentiful — Coke Zero and Diet Coke, among other types of sodas, along with fruit snacks, chips, trail mix, candy, crackers, and more.
What the RHORI reunion looked like for the cast’s partners
The ladies’ significant others spent the majority of the reunion taping backstage in a designated viewing room, but toward the end of the day, they joined their wives on stage. Among them were Ashley’s husband Jared Haibon, Rulla’s husband Brian Pontarelli, Rosie’s husband Rich DiMare, Jo-Ellen’s husband Gary Tiberi, Liz McGraw’s husband Gerry McGraw, Alicia Carmody’s fiancée Billy Kitsilis, and Kelsey’s boyfriend William “Bill” L’Europa.
A filming break gave the RHORI women time to catch up with their partners before cameras began rolling, with plenty of hugs and whispered conversations along the way. Andy also got to talking with the men, and at one point, he proudly told Jared that Ashley had “barely cried.”
Her response? “Guys, it’s early.”
How the RHORI cast wrapped their first reunion taping
After one final filming break, a stagehand brought out a tray of cocktails for the cast’s final toast. “We are so close to being done, guys,” Andy told the group.
He meant it, too, because it wasn’t long until the ladies were raising their glasses as Andy declared, “Okay, that’s a wrap!”
