Thursday, September 30, 2010

{ DATE #14: Emanuel Zevallos }


How interesting to go from last night's date with Nick Haycock who knew absolutely nothing about me, to tonight's date with Emanuel Zevallos who seemed to know everything there is to know about me (and more)! Honestly, even when he asked me a question like "What is your favorite movie?" I felt like he already knew the answer! It was quite flattering to hear that he's been following the dates closely, reading up on my bio, and even keeping up to date on my Design By Aubrey floral blog. I've never met a guy who was so focused on and dedicated to me...even before our first date. Way to impress Emanuel.

Date #14 started out like all the others with a knock at the door, a simple introduction, and a walk to the car. But that's where the familiarity stopped. There waiting in the middle of the street was our get-away car complete with personal chauffeur, Alfred. (Looks like I'm not the ONLY one out there with really supportive friends!) I liked the creative idea to have a driver take us around all night because it gave Emanuel and I a chance to get to know each other without the distractions of navigating our way up to LA. Oh, and did I mention the car ride came complete with Diet Coke's and Trader Joe's trail mix?  Someone did his homework.

Emanuel is a very talkative guy. At first I thought it was just nervousness, but he really does have the gift of gab!  Which is a good thing on a first date when you've got a limited amount of time to get to know someone. During our time together I found out that he's 29, from Palos Verdes, a convert to the church, loves Paris more than anywhere in the world, is an entrepreneur, has a band, and spends most of his days taking care of his ill mother. I have a feeling this guy would have been one heck of a missionary!  Oh wait, he is.  Since his baptism in 2007, he's shared the gospel with many of his friends and family members and even seen his mother join the church just months ago.  I applaud him for his steadfast commitment to the gospel and to share his burning testimony with others.

For our date he took me to a driving range and bought us a basket of golf balls to hit. I would be lying if I didn't say I wasn't super stoked on this idea, but only because I've been to a driving range one other time and well, I was terrible. (That line sounds familiar.) But fortunately, Emanuel said he'd never really been golfing either and that the reason he chose golfing was because he heard me once say "I'd like to try something new together."  It was then that I knew I could loosen up a little and just have fun with him. And guess what? We actually hit a few golf balls.   And it was fun!  I was quite impressed with myself (and Dad you should be too!) Maybe it's because Emanuel's friend James (who oddly enough looked like the twin brother of Alfred) showed up to give us a mini-lesson.  "Keep your eye on the ball Aubrey!" It actually works!  Who knew?

With the sun setting we decided it was time to move on and head to dinner for some replenishment. Emanuel had Alfred take us to Venice Beach where his Uncle owns this amazing restaurant called Primitivo. (If you click on the link you'll see the gorgeous/delicious/amazing appetizer we ate).  The food was so incredibly good! I loved everything we ate, and especially loved the intermission when Emanuel took me through a nearby garden and there gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and personalized gift (a copy of his conversion story, his band's cd, and a backstage pass to all his future shows).  I could tell a lot of time and effort went into everything he said and did.

At the end of the date, Emanuel had a song he'd hoped to sing for me on his guitar, but the clock was telling my body it was time for bed. (I don't know if you know this, but working 2 jobs and going on a new first date every night is kind of exhausting!) so I politely asked if he could save his song for a later date. Like maybe Date #2? I don't know. I guess we'll just have to wait and see...


{ Special Thanks to Larry for following me around on my date and doing a phenomenal editing job...except for the clip you replayed over and over and over again of me whiffing the ball...I thought we were friends Larry! }

19 comments:

Kim Messick said...

What a sweetheart! I love that he took you to his uncle's restaurant! And I'm so sorry that your father has failed to teach you golf! What?! Are we lousy parents or what - first cooking and now tennis and golf!? SORRY!
I think you should go hear his band!

Unknown said...

Hi Aubrey... My name is RoSeY... I am a friend of Emanuel, James and Alfred... I just have to say that Emanuel is a Great guy... As you know, he is awesome with details... But his Spirituality is even more Amazing... He is an inspiration to all Converts... I hope you really do consider another date... His music Rocks, don't miss out..!!
Side Note - "Alfred and James must have been hilarious...Oh those Brad Pitt look a-likes" LOL :)

Erin Elton said...

What an amazing date!!! I thought your golf swing looked very Tiger and your shoes were to die for. I want to hear the song he wrote for you! Second date! Second date!!!

McMemories said...

What a fun date! Way to rock that golf ball Aubrey:) I don't know but his friend was super funny...is he an applicant???

emily said...

What a nice guy! You look like you are having a blast with all these dates!

Cami said...

Give him a second date!

Unknown said...

Looks like you guys had fun!! You two should totally go out again!

Anonymous said...

Emanuel is one of my best friends and he happens to be a great guy, very talented, and a real gentleman!
He is such a great singer! Please go out on a second date with him and ask him to bring his guitar!
He is also very funny! You'll never get bored with him, he'll always make you laugh!;)

Jaime said...

Aubrey, I am also exhausted but I don't get to wear cute outfits, get flowers and eat great food! And the men I get to hang out with are 3 feet tall =D (they do pick me flowers though). Bentley loves watching the videos of your dates with me and calls you the "waterslide girl." Seems you've met some awesome guys. I am so addicted to watching your dates and hope you find eternal love because it rocks!

Love You!

Stacie S-H said...

agreed! give him a second date. he seems like a wayy fun guy! and he is spiritually hot :)

Amanda said...

You must be saving so much money with all of these free dinners. Amazing. P.S. You totally rocked the crap out of those jeans! You go girl!

Jackie said...

Aubrey I have to support my boy Emanuel and agree with Erin, second date second date!! Looks like you had a blast, he's an amazing guy..you can't go wrong :)

Michelle Christensen said...

Second date for sure!!! :) It's been so fun to watch these, and coming from a married gal that has been on lots of dates and found "the one" - my advice (for what its worth?!?) is to pick the guys that have the qualities you are looking for...not necessarily the ones that you have instant chemistry with. The chemistry will grow.... I really believe it takes 3-4 minimum to get to the point where there is chemistry. (It was 6 weeks of dating before my hubby and I had that intense chemistry, and once it ignited, we've never lost it!) Once you are married, those qualities that are important to you will be what creates a strong, happy marriage... Good luck! PS- I sure hope E.E. and all you other cute HB gals are planning to take dibs on these guys that don't make Aubrey's FINAL cut! :)

Kaitegirl said...

Aubrey, you had the date of a lifetime...gentleman and scholar. He showed you the interest and respect. What else could a girl ask for...every woman needs to know that she is appreciated...and his planning for your date shows that he is the genuine thing...And has talent to add to that...he deserves date #2.

Unknown said...

Hi Aubrey, my name is Raul I'm a friend of Emanuel, and I think you guys deserve a second date, plus I want to here the song he wrote for you lol:)

TheSinglesWard said...

Totally digging the shoes Aubrey, like always.

Angie said...

I'm very impressed with the thought and effort put into this date! He definitely seems genuine.

Melody's Voice said...

Um...I kinda actually liked the chauffeur/golf instructor...

Unknown said...

aubrey!! what a thoughtful date!! i feel like he's a total keeper--cute style, good testimony, funny, creative, etc. good luck, but i'd say he goes elite 8 at LEAST!