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TMB began as a creative attempt by Erin Elton to help her best friend, Aubrey Messick get married. Patterned after the hit TV Series, “The Bachelorette,” Elton started the LDS dating show to find her friend a husband. Thirty dates, 22 bachelors and one true love later, Elton succeeded when Messick married Matt Laidlaw in the Los Angeles Temple in March. The couple are now expecting their first child.
“There are certainly many who believe there is a problem of singles not dating enough in the Church,” Elton said. “The Mormon Bachelorette became a solution to that problem.”
Elton may be on to something as Season 2 successfully matched bachelor Rick Buck of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., to Melanie Carney of Columbus, Ohio . The couple is dating exclusively now that Buck has moved to Utah to pursue the relationship while Carney finishes nursing school.
TMB’s newest season, set in Mesa, Ariz., started Friday. Fully invested by funding their own dates and travel expenses, 22 men are ready to win the heart of bachelorette Ashley Chapman, a BYU 2006 leisure services management major. Their efforts seem to be paying off.
“It is so refreshing to see,” Chapman said. “Many complain that men are not being men and stepping up like they need to. This experience has reiterated my belief there are good guys out there.”
When asked why she wanted to be the next Mormon Bachelorette, Chapman said she remembers the advice Buck gave to her.
“Dating is a numbers game,” Chapman said. “If you go out with 22 guys, you’re bound to find one you like.”
As Chapman takes on the daunting task of 22 first dates, she is enthusiastic. Her confidence is supported by new TMB staff member Tristen Ure, known as “The Mormon Matchmaker.” The Mormon Matchmaker coaches Chapman and all the men on the show throughout their experience. Bringing a track record of 30 matches resulting in temple marriages, Ure joined TMB as part of a plan to impact everyone who comes in contact with the series.
“We want all 23 of these people and everyone who watches the show to have success in finding love and make that next covenant,” Ure said.
TMB appears to be succeeding in helping people make marriage a priority. From the “camera guy” to former contestants, people are getting married. For those who take the risk, being a part of the show has helped them move in the right direction.
The reality show can be viewed on YouTube channel TMBseason3 with additional details on their website at themormonbachelorette.com.
