Jessi Ngatikaura and Jordan Ngatikaura‘s marriage issues will play out on season 3 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives — but where do they stand now?
“We’re back working on things. Every day is different,” Jessi, 33, exclusively told Us Weekly while promoting her partnership with RumChata. “Marriage is hard. We still have ups and downs — and you will see a lot of that unfold in season 3.”
Jessi was hopeful about their future, adding, “I do think that overall it’s going to be inspiring to people. I hope that a lot of people can relate.”
Jessi noted that as a result of the hit Hulu reality show, the pair “didn’t have a choice” or option to work things out privately, resulting in the cameras capturing their marital woes.
“But I’ll say I’m an open book. Even though there were things I hadn’t shared yet — once I was in the position to share them — I have nothing to hide,” she explained. “I was willing to just lay it all on the table.”
Jessi said it is important to “just be honest,” sharing, “I’ve made mistakes. My husband has made mistakes. Everyone in their life has made mistakes. I think sharing those is relatable and hopefully people can get something out of it.”
Season 2 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives started with Demi Engemann being accused of getting too close to Marciano Brunette while filming Vanderpump Villa — despite being married to Bret Engemann.
Demi denied being unfaithful and Marciano ultimately made separate claims about his relationship with Jessi. In May, Jessi acknowledged that she wasn’t wearing her wedding ring but has since documented her travels with Jordan.
“Every relationship has ups and downs. But when you’re on reality TV, it puts a microscope on it and everyone sees everything and has opinions. It’s hard not to have it affect your friendships, your relationships and your family life,” Jessi told Us. “That was definitely hard.”
She continued: “Now that we’re done filming for a little while, I’m just going to focus on my family, my kids and get back on track with all of that. Then hopefully I will be in a better head space for the next time we film — if we do.”
According to Jessi, it wasn’t easy to have her marriage issues at the center of the season.
“It was definitely something that was hard. I always say Taylor [Frankie Paul]‘s been so vulnerable with the audience, with her relationship and her life. I think you’re going to see a lot more of that from me next season. Luckily I had her to look to as a guide for that,” she noted. “It was definitely probably the hardest time of my life filming the next season. I do think it’s going to help a lot of people. I’m excited to share my story and help with what some women go through. I do think that it’s going to be a good thing — as hard as it is.”
Hulu viewers need to wait a little longer to see Jessi and Jordan’s relationship journey play out on screen. For now, Jessi is partnering up with horchata-inspired liqueur brand RumChata for her help to give the dirty soda a grown-up twist.
“It’s an adult twist on the dirty soda trend and I am the one in the group that likes to drink and have fun. I think I’ve showcased that on the show a little bit,” she shared. “RumChata is bold, flavorful, energetic — and I feel like that’s just like me.”
When it comes to making a dirty soda, the key is making it “even dirtier.”
“I do cola as the base. You can do any base you want but that’s the one I prefer. Then I do a little bit of coconut creamer and then I do the RumChata,” Jessi detailed. “You can do a lemon in there if you want. Extra ice is always my go-to as well. But the RumChata is really creamy so it kind of mimics the creamer that we do in our normal dirty soda. So it’s perfect.”
In addition to Jessi’s recipe recommendation, fans have the opportunity to win a trip to Salt Lake City for a VIP experience. Hosted by Jessi, the winner and two friends will join the reality star for a glam makeover, an intimate RumChata meal and a chance to hang out and swap soda secrets with Jessi.
Fans can enter by commenting on RumChata’s Instagram post with their favorite dirty soda recipe, a housewife-style tagline and how they plan to spike their summer. One winner will be selected for the ultimate fizzy getaway, while others can still sip like a star with Jessi’s Dirty Secret Soda.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is currently streaming on Hulu.
