Wednesday, September 26, 2012

{ Reality Web Show Helps 'Mormon Bachelor' Find 'Eternal Marriage' }

Chris Barbour, The Mormon Bachelor
"The Mormon Bachelor" is unlike the show that inspired it.  In a way, it's ABC's "The Bachelor" minus the sex and scandal.

"The Mormon Bachelor" -- seen on the web -- features speed dating with distinctly Mormon values.  The dates have less drama, the conversations more wholesome, but the stakes are just as high. Contestants on the show, now wrapping up its fourth season, are hoping to find a marriage partner.
The star of the show is Chris Barbour, a 26-year-old virgin.

"Mormons don't engage in sexual activities before marriage," he said. "You have the physical kisses and what not but past that, not too much."

The rules the Church of Latter-Day Saints go way beyond simply refraining from pre-marital sex. The couple also can't smoke or drink alcohol.

"We definitely do have our standards and our guidelines that we go by, that we try to live by, as much as we possibly can," Barbour said.

It's a far cry from the sort of rule-bending on the ABC version. This summer on "The Bachelor Pad," a bunch of contestants ended up naked in the pool in the season premiere.  
That's not likely to happen on the "Mormon Bachelor."

"I don't even like to kiss on the first date," Barbour said.

The show's creators, Aubrey Laidlaw and Erin Elton, came up with the idea for the reality series after graduating from Brigham Young University and moving to Southern California.

They were frustrated with a dating scene so different from what they had known at BYU, where many of their classmates joked they went for an "MRS degree."

"Our dating practices are so different than the dating practices of mainstream," Elton said. "Holding hands and kissing, which is not very passionate is pretty much all you can do before you're married."
Laidlaw actually auditioned for ABC's "The Bachelor," but didn't make it, which is probably just as well, she said.

"I don't know why I was thinking I would do something like that because in reality, I really wanted to marry an LDS guy," Laidlaw said. "But I was so in love with the show. So we came up with the 'Mormon Bachelorette,' and I was cast as the first bachelorette."

The first season of the web series was a huge success for Laidlaw. Her handsome prince rode up on his Harley Davidson. Six months later they wed in a temple ceremony and now have a baby girl.
They do get some pressure from viewers to sex up their on-line series for the sake of ratings.

"We get emails constantly about doing a fantasy suite," Elton said. "Sorry, you're out of luck. Hand-holding and kissing is probably all you're going to see."

When reviewing contestants' audition tapes for the current season, one thing the producers are not casting for is drama. Elton said she is truly trying to find Barbour a wife he can love for all of eternity.
"He likes girls that are really fun loving, not too serious, good, strong LDS Mormon girls, so active in church, good families," she said.

In the Mormon Church, Laidlaw said couples are not just looking for marriage but for "eternal marriage and an eternal family" and there is no "'til death do us part."

"That means to be married in the house of the Lord, one of the temples, for time and all eternity," she said.  

Another reason for making the show, producers said, was to help clear up public misconceptions about Mormons, although Laidlaw admitted that "the majority of our viewers are LDS."

Popular TV shows such as "Big Love" or "Sister Wives" -- that focus on LDS splinter groups -- have highlighted the fact that Mormonism once allowed polygamy, a practice the church has not condoned for more than a century.

The show's creators said they are often asked why the Mormon Bachelor even needs to make a choice among the prospective brides.  But the fact is, he only wants one wife.

"We don't practice polygamy," Barbour said. "That's not us."

Barbour has yet to find his eternal partner -- at least until the season finale. But the show's executive producer said she finally has. Erin Elton, 32, plans to get married in the Mormon Temple this weekend.

Read the ABC Nightline story here.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

{ The Mormon Bachelor Finale PART 1 }


As we have followed Chris on his journey to true Mormon love there have been all the makings of a great love story - the ups, the downs, romance, friendship, and all around fun in the process.  The last few days in Utah with Chris and the girl of his dreams turned out to be one of our most meaningful last dates.  Enjoy Part 1 of The Mormon Bachelor Season 4 Finale and thank you for joining Chris in his journey.  Part 2 will be posted this Thursday, September 27th.

Friday, September 21, 2012

{ 3rd Dates - Chris & Courtney }

 

I have a really strong connection with Courtney - I always have and from day day I met her I could definitely see potential. As a disclaimer, now that everyone is able to watch our 3rd date video it has come out that I kept in really close touch with Courtney after our dates. I even went to visit her in her home town of Arizona because I have been feeling so strongly for this girl.

I chose a Real Salt Lake soccer game for our date because major league soccer is my absolute favorite thing in the entire world and I wanted to share it with Courtney. Going into the game I had really high hopes and expectations especially since we have always had such a strong connection and I have always seen Courtney, as well as Danielle and especially Sharla, at the end of all of this dating.

So I was a little surprised that things were a little bit awkward during the game. I think it's my fault because I was so nervous. This is the last date before I have to decide who I will choose to be my girlfriend and hopefully more after that and I want to make sure the feelings are real on both sides. At the end of the date I decided not to take the awkward as a sign that things aren't right between me and Courtney and I am going to still give some serious thought about whether or not to choose her at the end of this journey. I really think we have eternal potential and I need to take the next several days to make sure I am making the right decision if I pick Courtney, try to convince Sharla to give me another chance or choose a stronger friendship with Danielle that may lead into something much deeper with more time.  I really don't know what to do.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

{ 3rd Dates - Chris & Sharla }


When I first met Sharla at the beginning of The Mormon Bachelor I was blown away by how beautiful, smart, vibrant, and fun she was.  She is also extremely passionate which is something I am looking for in a future wife.  She seemed to fit the description of everything I wanted, which is why I am really disappointed in myself that I let our relationship slip through the cracks.  

I guess I turned into the "typical guy" - we went on our dates, and we held hands, and I kissed her and enjoyed every second of it.  But then I didn't call.  I didn't text.  I didn't keep in touch and let her know that she was important to me.  There are a lot of reasons why - I was busy thinking about one of the other girls on the show and it was definitely distracting my ability to show Sharla affection.  But I still really liked her and wanted to see where things could go.

I would be the first person to tell you that I thought Sharla and I would be standing at the end of this hand in hand and preparing for our future.  Without attention and work at the relationship it didn't quite get there.  I am not sure how my last date will go but I still have hope that Sharla will change her mind and reconsider if there is an opportunity.  I was glad that Devin, the Producer of TMB was able to spend time with her since I didn't but I don't think I can shut the door on Sharla.  She is a such a great girl.

Monday, September 17, 2012

{ 3rd Dates - Chris & Danielle }

 

For the 3rd dates the producers of The Mormon Bachelor decided to take my dates to the blessed state of Utah. I go to school at BYU and the summer was actually winding down so I thought there was no better place to go to take the 3 girls that I thought had the most potential for a 3rd date with me out on the "town" of Provo and surrounding cities.

It was difficult for me to choose the 3rd girl out of the original 11 to take out on a 3rd date because I see a future with 2 of the girls I took out but 3rd place was such a toss up.  I had fun with everyone on the show so I had to make a quick decision about who I might connect with for a last try before the finale.  I really want to find love through this show and I don't want to make the wrong decision.  As I narrowed it down and wrote out a "pros" and "cons" list, Danielle always seemed to rise to the top.  I am highly attracted the Danielle, I love her original laugh, and she has so much to offer.

I did originally think that there could be a romantic possibility with Danielle even though I was feeling stronger feelings as friends but when I called her to ask her on a 3rd date she quickly made it known that she didn't have that spark for me so I decided that I would take her out anyway as friends.  It's always hard to hear that a beautiful girl doesn't want a relationship with you but at the same time I am glad that she was honest.  The silver lining is that in 2 days I am taking out a girl that I have strong romantic feelings for and another a few days after that I can absolutely see as my future.  So in the meantime I am glad that I could take out a new, good "friend".

Glass blowing with Marge in her garage was AWESOME!  She made us each little replicas of our favorite temples to take home.  I thought it was so cool that she started this business and shares her talent with the world and with us that day.  I can't wait to put my little temple on my desk so when I study every day I can be reminded of where I want to get married someday and hopefully soon - the temple.

Even though Danielle and I will only be friends from here on out I can't help but think maybe there is a future?  After all you marry your best friend right?  If it never works out I am glad we have met through this experience and she will make some guy very happy someday.  If it isn't me then it better be someone cool.

You can buy the LDS Mission Tees Rated RM t-shirt that Chris is wearing on DailyLDS for $8.97 each - 55% off through the end of the month!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

{ 2nd Dates - Chris & Kirsty }


In Kirsty's Words:

When Chris called and asked me on a second date, I knew that no matter what we did, it was going to be a blast! We had a great time on the first date, even though he was totally exhausted from the night before. I was hoping on this second date, I would have some time to get to know Chris better. I thought beforehand about all the things he might choose to do, but when Chris said he wanted to take me to Disneyland I was pleasantly surprised! Even though I was born and raised in Southern California, my family did not go to Disneyland all the time. I was excited to spend the day at the Happiest Place on Earth with someone who really likes to have fun.

One thing that I really like about Chris is that he has an amazing sense of humor; it also doesn’t hurt that he’s 6’4”! Being a tall girl, that is a definite plus. We had a great time, even though a lot of time was spent waiting in the many lines found at Disneyland on a busy summer day. Among the fun highlights of our day was the super crazy look on Chris’s face in our picture taken on Space Mountain. It had all of the people around us totally laughing! Chris was a great sport. We also had a good laugh when we were trying to squeeze into those tiny elephants on the Dumbo ride! I would have to say, however, that our ride on Splash Mountain was the best. I had forewarned Chris that when it comes to Splash Mountain, I’m CURSED! It seems like every time I go on this ride, regardless of where I sit, I always get soaked. Well the curse continued; not just for me this time, but for Chris also!!! Both of us got drenched from head to toe. We couldn’t help but laugh our heads off looking at each other with our clothes dripping wet!

At the end of the night Chris and I took a stroll down Main Street towards an amazing hidden gem that he had learned about a year or two before. We stopped at a cute corn dog stand and ordered one for us to share. Chris swore by these corn dogs and they didn’t disappoint. All in all it was a fun day!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

{ 2nd Dates - Chris and Courtney }


In Courtney's Words:

When Chris asked me to come back out to LA for a second date, I was super excited to see him again.  He told me to wear workout clothes, which my first thought was great, he is trying to punish me  for making him look silly by going paddle boarding on our first date but still looked forward to the adventure.  Apparently our dates are themed, outside and windy and we are the physical activity duo.

When I saw him again, it was like picking up right where we left off, not awkward at all.  He told me we were heading to the Culver City Stairs, and were going eat lunch at the top.  I was nervous, what if the hike was hard? But to my surprise it was a pretty easy staircase to climb.  Chris and I had fun hiking it together we just made fun of each other and laughed A LOT! I was a tad slap happy which I warned Chris of because I drove all night from Arizona and didn’t catch a wink of sleep.   I gave him a pretty hard time joking with him but he wasn’t afraid to dish it right back. I loved that.  Right before we got to the top he told me he had a surprise.  (I hate surprises, I get so embarrassed but this was a welcomed surprise).  There we were walking up to the top and I saw the picnic all set up.  It was the most adorable thing EVER, and he is seriously such a sweetheart and it shows.  After our trek up the stairs we got to sit back and relax, cheers to a gorgeous view and good time with each other.  We shared funny stories during lunch and got to know each other in another way. 

As we finished up lunch and started to head back to the car, we put all our stuff in the bag and about half way there the straps snapped, it was funny but cute that he let me help him carry it the rest of the way.  When we got in the car he had me open a present to guess where our next stop was… I opened it to find nail polish and other nail accessories and my first thought was a PEDICURE? Wait, Chris was going with me to get a pedicure? That is exactly what we did, together.  He is such a man to go do that with me!  When we got to the nail place, I had him pick out the color for me.  He decided on a blue, he’s reason “that was the color you were wearing when I first met you”.   How cute is that.  I gave him a little attitude for being so sentimental but it was really thoughtful. The best part was when Chris was getting his feet scrubbed and he was laughing well it was more of a giggle because he was so ticklish on his feet it made me laugh. 

He took me back and we said our goodbyes.  I had such a good time with Chris, we laughed a lot, we’re complete goofs and you could tell we were both so much more comfortable around each other and the cameras.  I have really enjoyed getting to know Chris, and excited to see what the future holds for the both of us.

A huge thanks to Truth Treasures for sponsoring this date!  Visit www.DailyLDS.com for up to 50% off until the end of September at Truth Treasures.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

{ Maybe This is LOVE - Tarrish Potter }

Hello TMB followers!  Many of you have been asking for a link to download our new theme song for Season 4 - "Maybe This is Love" by Tarrish Potter.  She is amazing!  You can download this song and Tarrish's other hits on iTunes here.
Tarrish Potter Music