This story contains spoilers from the Jan. 27 episode of The Bachelor.
First impressions are everything—just ask The Bachelor’s Grant Ellis.
And on the season 29 premiere of the long-running dating series, the charming day trader from Newark, New Jersey, gave his highly sought-after first impression rose to 27-year-old Alexe Godin, a decision he still stands by.
“Looking back, I wouldn’t have done it any other way,” Grant exclusively told E! News. “I would give it to Alexe again. That night was meant for her and I really don’t know if I had any runners-up, honestly.”
Alexe, a pediatric speech therapist from Atlantic Canada, did earn some extra points for bringing along an unconventional four-legged friend to help woo her new suitor.
“She brought a llama,” Grant recalled. “I’m an animal guy so I had a lot of fun with that. I’m happy I didn’t get spit on!”
With a staggering 25 women to choose from on night one, the 31-year-old admitted he “had such a hard time” choosing who to bestow the first impression rose on. In the end, though, Grant was clearly impressed by more than just Alexe’s llama-handling abilities.
“That was a really, really fun time and she deserved the first rose,” the reality star continued. “We had so much fun on our little mini-date that we were on. We laughed, we joked and I feel like the conversation just flowed really well. And I liked her personality.”
Judging by a sneak peek of what the season has in store, Grant and Alexe’s romance has only just begun.
“I am not used to dating emotional guys,” she gushed in the season 29 teaser. “I’m having the best time of my life.”
Of course, Grant's journey won't just involve Alexe. Keep reading to see who else will be competing for his final rose this season on The Bachelor.
Rose
The 27-year-old joins the show from Chicago, Illinois, where she works as a registered nurse.
Vicky
The nightclub server, 28, works in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Bailey
The 27-year-old social media manager currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Zoe
The 27-year-old pulls double duty in New York, New York, as a tech engineer and model.
Alli Jo
The boxing trainer joins the series from Manalapan, New Jersey, and is 30-years-old.
Kyleigh
The 26-year-old works as a retail manager in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Sarafiena
The 28-year-old is an associate media director in New York, New York.
Christina
Living in Fargo, North Dakota, the 26-year-old works as a marketing director.
Parisa
The pediatric behavior analyst, 29, lives in Birmingham, Michigan.
Ella
The 25-year-old works as a luxury travel host in Los Angeles, California.
Juliana
The 28-year-old from Newton, Massachusetts, is a client service associate.
Savannah
From Charlottesville, Virginia, the 27-year-old works as a wedding planner.
Radhika
The 28-year-old is an attorney from New York, New York.
Litia
Living in Salt Lake City, Utah, the 31-year-old works as a venture capitalist.
Chloie
The 27-year-old works as a model in New York, New York.
Neicey
The pediatrician, 32, hales from Blythewood, South Carolina.
Dina
Working as an attorney, the 31-year-old lives in Chicago, Illinois.
Kelsey
The interior designer, 26, lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Beverly
The 30-year-old is from Howard Beach, New York, and works as an insurance salesperson.
Natalie
Living in Louisville, Kentucky, the 25-year-old is a Ph.D. student.
J'Nae
The 28-year-old lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she works as an account coordinator.
Carolina
The public relations producer is 28 and joins the show from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
Rebekah
The 31-year-old works as an ICU nurse in Dallas, Texas.
Alexe
The 27-year-old hales from New Brunswick, Canada, and works as a pediatric speech therapist.
Allyshia
The interior designer, 29, is from Tampa, Florida.