Tuesday, September 21, 2010

{ DATE #5: Matt Laidlaw }


At one time or another we've all wanted the "bad boy" am I right? But our Mother's always told us "Leave the bad boys alone. Find yourself a sweet boy who will love and honor and cherish you." Well Mom, what if I found both?

Matt Laidlaw is a catch and a half! I've known Matt for a few months now. Until his recent move to Glendora to be closer to work, he and I were in the same singles ward here in Huntington Beach. We'd been to a few dinners together here and there and spent some time with the ward on a canoe trip earlier this year, but never had an opportunity to get to know one another on a personal level.

Because of Matt's interview I knew a date would be coming, and I knew he would probably show up on his Harley, I just didn't know when. Because each date is anonymous to me until I open the door, the Staffers advised me to "dress warm, wear jeans, and closed toe shoes." I probably should've put two and two together but for some reason it still didn't click.

The doorbell rang and there he was! All 6'6" of him, looking handsome and standing there in his leather jacket, helmet in hand, and a HUGE smile on his face. I knew this was going to be a GOOD date! As we walked out to the bike he helped me with my helmet, gave me some gloves and off we rode into the sunset...well, at least it felt like that to me!

Was I nervous being on a motorcycle with someone I barely knew? Not at all! I loved cruising down PCH together with my arms wrapped around his waist, squeezing tighter and tighter as he'd test the speed. It was absolutely incredible! For those that never watched Matt's initial interview, his family owns a Harley dealership in Glendora called Laidlaw's Harley Davidson, which is where Matt began working after graduation from UVSC with a degree in Business. Hence, the sexy Harley!

Matt decided to take me to eat at The Rusty Pelican along Mariner's Mile in Newport Beach, somewhere I've always wanted to go. The food was to die for! We both had a perfectly grilled Halibut, his topped with butter and mine with pineapple/mango salsa. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. The conversation was some of the best I've had on a first date. At times I forgot we were in a busy restaurant surrounded by chatter and yes, even a video camera. It felt like just the two of us, smiling, laughing, and getting to know each other as we dined on the harbor front.

I learned a few things about Matt while on our date. He's 29, loves his job at the Harley dealership, is the middle of 3 children, loves snowboarding, wakeboarding, and recently purchased his first home in Glendora with plans to turn one of the home's additions into his own personal gym. He's also a worthy return missionary from the Las Vegas Nevada Mission, honors his priesthood, and loves fulfilling his calling. I'm telling you, he's pretty much got it all.

The ride back to my house was waaaay too much fun. As we pulled out of the parking lot and stopped at a red light, I whispered in his ear "Wanna know something funny? I got a ticket here 2 days ago for running this 'orange' light." He laughed, choked back on the throttle and spun a u-turn right through the red light. WHAT!!!! I started laughing so hard and then he joked "The sensor would have never been triggered by this bike and we would've been sitting there all night." We had another good laugh!

As we cruised along the coast the fog started to make it's way in, creating this almost movie-like-setting. There we were, just the two of us, speeding (carefully) down the southern California coast into the misty air ahead. I could not have loved it more! As we approached my house I fussed over my "hat hair" for a minute and finally gave up when I realized Matt was putting his arm around me, walking me to my front door and reaching down to hug me goodnight. And then, like magic, it happened. He looked straight into my eyes, leaned in, and kissed me! And I welcomed it!

Probably one of the best first dates I've ever been on, which makes me wonder, would he be able to top it if I let him take me on a second? I guess we'll have to wait and see...

30 comments:

Meagan @ Meagan Tells All said...

I have been converted!! Love Matt Laidlaw!!!! He is adorable! The kiss was totally appropriate! so smooth.

His shirt kind of killed me but he is totally a Buckle kind of guy anyways and I'm excited to see this guy progress! (riiight Aubrey??)

Erin Elton said...

Are you kidding me???? I am away on a business trip when the first kiss happens? Aughhhhhh you girls did an AMAZING job and dare I say I have my vote? ;)

emily said...

O.M.G! I love this guy! He has my vote for sure! I hope it wasn't just editing that made him look so adorable. But by your giddy smile in the interviews I can tell that you like this one! He better be in the top 8!!!!!!

XOXO said...

Despite the "pure smoothness" comment....I do like this guy the best so far....Aubrey, if you don't end up with him, send him my way! :)

Cristin said...

Finally some action! I was beginning to worry I wouldn't be able to endure this process if every date was going to continue being super boring.

Steve and Katie Hoffman said...

hands down, my FAVORITE! pick him BOSS!!! "pure smoothness"? love it!!

Lauren and Taylor said...

Matt is an amazing person and it wasn't the editing I promise! He's my cousin!! Haha I had no clue he was going to be on this so I was quite surprised to see him!!! Vote for matt!!!!

The Glitter Sisters said...

Agreed. I loved the "pure smoothness" comment. He's totally cute!

Kasi French said...

Alright ... my vote {which is doubled and weighted} is for the Harley guy ~ I knew he was a keeper!!!

Kim Messick said...

The Rusty Pelican was a good choice! That's Dad's favorite! I hope I get a chance to meet this one!
I am glad he brought you a helmet! He seems sweet and genuine.

Jammie said...

Pick Matt! Pick Matt! I don't even know you and I would pick Matt for you!

Carly said...

Matt has my vote! What a stud! Hot Hot Hot!

Jodi said...

I was smiling by the end of the video. He seems GREAT!

Unknown said...

Matt is the Man! Hands down the best out there... This contest is over!

Molly said...

HOT!
if she doesnt pick him, can he be the bachelor... and can I be a contestant? hahaha... smokin hot.

Bracken and Bracken said...

I had a feeling you'd kissed this one when I talked to you, before I watched!! What an awesome date :) You're brave, motorcycles freak me out, but of course, that was Dallen's favorite part!!

McMemories said...

Done and Done!!! :)

Stephanie said...

Matt is a great guy! He is genuine, hard working, and has the best sense of humor! I never laugh more than when Matt is around.

Ty Bebe said...

Pick him!! Pick him!! Definitely my favorite so far!

Jessica said...

OMG I lovvvvveeee this guy. I hope you pick him. He seems like a prefect choice. My whole family is talking about your dates- and noah loves watching aunti aubrey on the computer.

Oyama Family said...

What a keeper! Finally a kiss, and so perfect too...not too much for the first date at all- just "pure smoothness" :) PICK HIM! PICK HIM!

Melody's Voice said...

She is so giddy. So cute :) He is a MAN! Love it. Six-foot-six...NICE! My favorite so far!

Shayla said...

I am so giddy for you!!! Love it, hope I can keep up with but I'm pretty sure I have my pick now :) Have fun & good luck!!

Nicole P said...

You have the most adorable laugh- this is fun to watch!

Sotto Voce said...

Matt gets my vote!

Heather said...

She totally likes him...a lot!

I can't believe I've been sitting here for 45 minutes watching and reading all of this. Haha!

Great blog, great idea.

Kiele, I love you!

xoxo, Your Very First Roomie!

The Good Life said...

This is such a great idea. I have a friend that actually married a girl that did something similar to this. Okay I don't know you, but doesn't this guy have a TOTAL advantage over the others because you were friends before the date? It just seems like it would be easy to pick him because you have a better foundation with him than with the others. Anyway thanks for putting it all on a blog for us to enjoy. It is definitely entertaining. Good luck.

Angie said...

I can't believe he kissed you!! I'm smiling! This date had GREAT chemistry!

Anna Elizabeth said...

Matt is the bees knees,
He can be your main squeeze.

Treat you like a queen,
puts the dishes in the washing machine.

How can you not like him a ton?
he needs to be your eternal companion.

Maybe he'll take you on his boat,
Matt gets my vote!

Natasha and Jesse said...

What a great date! And he kissed you...he was so smooth about it!