Friday, July 1, 2011

{ DATE #1: Aaron Bennett }


When I opened my door and found a man with a guitar, I knew I was in for a treat. This wasn’t just any man, this was Aaron Bennett, who I had briefly met just about a month earlier in Huntington Beach at an Open Mic Night. I knew this guy had talent so I was excited to hear what he had prepared for me. He launched into a song that seemed familiar but I couldn’t name the tune. More intriguing though, were the lyrics which he had paired with the song. He’d even written lyrics for me and gave a stellar performance! This instantly got me pumped for what I could tell was going to be a great night.

I quickly learned that Aaron had overcome some big hurdles in order to make it to Arizona for our date. As he left Huntington, his air conditioning went out. Imagine a 6 hour drive through the hot desert, in the heat of summer, with no A/C! I actually understand what he went through as I had been in a similar situation when I drove to Phoenix for the Vans Warped Tour in the summer of 2000 in a black car that we didn’t realize lacked A/C. Cruising down the freeway with the windows down, having the sensation of standing in front of a huge blow dryer is not a feeling that I am likely to forget! The moving air seems to be better than stagnant hot air with the windows up, but either way it’s unavoidably hot and pretty miserable.

Aaron was quickly racking up the points for dedication to the cause. He won even more points when he told me that we’d be eating at one of my favorite local restaurants, Liberty Market. It has a very cool, urban vibe, paired with small town charm and some really great eats like the Italia Salad. I love one and only’s, that are owned by people who are passionate about their business. One of the owners, Kiersten, waited on us, wanting to make sure that we were well taken care of. The three of us ended up in conversation for a bit and she told us about the history of the restaurant. She explained that a few new restaurants had been announced recently for the same area and that there was concern about losing some business. Due to her worries, she and her husband had been praying for things to happen that could help their restaurant. She said that it was only shortly after that Aaron contacted them about bringing the show to their place. He’d been an answer to their prayer and I was grateful that he was led to them. What an incredible feeling to in some small way be part of an answer to prayer. I truly do love Liberty Market and will even more empathically recommend it now. With red velvet cake made from her mother’s recipe, you know these people put love in all they do - they are good people who deserve customer loyalty!

Dinner conversation with Aaron was easy, fun, and meaningful.  There was tangible chemistry in the air for sure. We took our time enjoying the pleasant setting, but it was time to kick this date up a notch and Aaron had just the activity for it – Michael Jackson Tribute Night at Skateland! How sad is that I’ve been here for 4 years and have never gone to Skateland? I was stoked to finally fix that! Once on the floor I was instantly impressed by Aaron’s obvious comfort in his skates. I supposed if I’d rollerbladed to school every day during 7th and 8th grade that I would have been pretty good as well.

Fortunately, I wasn’t totally inept and though I couldn’t do the fancy stuff Aaron can, I could keep up. He was really great with me, patient and encouraging to push myself to try a cross over, or to lift one foot up onto just its heel. I can’t say that I was super successful at either, but I did try a little, and I was grateful for Aaron’s enthusiasm to give it an attempt.

Aaron and I whirled around the floor, singing and dancing along to some great Michael Jackson songs, as well as some other popular hits. My favorite song of the night? “The Way You Make Me Feel”. How can you not love that song? Aaron and I definitely rocked out on that one. I loved Aaron’s energy – it was contagious.

In the middle of the rink there were some hard core skaters who were throwing down some amazing tricks. We made sure to watch some of their performance, as well as a moon walking contest that included two adorable young boys – they were dressed the part from head to toe in vests and fedoras. So cute!

Things were winding down and so we started the drive home and after a short conversation on my doorstep, we parted ways. I felt myself smiling after I said goodbye. The whole night was such a blast. Aaron had made me feel very special. You can’t help but feel on top of the world after a date like that.

*A big thanks to my girl at Kaela Wheeler Designs for my wonderful turquoise hair clips. You can check out more hair clips as well as headbands and baby bibs on her website here, or her facebook page here. Always a great way to spice up an outfit!

12 comments:

Geoff said...

Ten bucks says we won't make it through the season without someone taking her to Joe's Farm Grill.

Great quality production this year! No interview videos with Ashley, eh? Suspense!!!

Sara Borg said...

Aaron Bennett is a good friend an I was so excited to see him as Ashley's first date! Looks like they had a great time! Getting serenanded, a yummy restaurant and MJ! Sounds like the perfect night.

Cami said...

What happened to going to Savers for crazy costumes?

Monique said...

Two words: Total champ! If I were single and not married to your brother I would give him a second chance. (B actually told me to write that.) Do you sense a similarity to a certain brother in law as well?? FUN!

Kim Messick said...

It seemed like they really had fun with each other! I liked the skating a lot! Looks like there is potential in the chemistry department too!

Caity said...

I have to say that the videos are SO great this season. Awesome job!

Unknown said...

Firemen have great retirement plans.

Julie Tomoser said...

It looks like Aaron and Ashley had fun, good food and conversation and learned more about each other. I feel bad that the AC in his car broke!! Interesting that they had already met a month ago in California. My husband also plays the guitar and I love that about him! I am excited the dates have begun and look forward to a great season!

CWaterhouse said...

On behalf of all of us here at Skateland Chandler, we'd like to thank The Mormon Bachelorette for the opportunity to meet these fabulous young adults and are thrilled everyone had a good time.

P.S. We LOVE Joe & Kiersten at Liberty Market too :)

Anonymous said...

When talking about Liberty Market, I think you mean "emphatically" instead of "empathically." Sounds like a great place! :)

kiersten said...

Ashley and Aaron...it was wonderful meeting you and I'm glad we could be part of your date! Thanks for letting us serve you both!

Tammy said...

I thought Aaron was a big sweetheart! When he was singing the song to her, she looked SO disgusted. I was laughing really hard. What's up with the filming the food instead of the actual date. I want to see more of them. Plus, I would die if they zoomed in that close to my face. They looked like they worked together. I thought it was funny that he thought it was really "hot" there, maybe he was just getting heated over their hug?