Lisa Barlow, who describes herself as “Mormon 2.0,” threw “the most extravagant” party for her son Jack to open his mission-location assignment. The news was delivered via text.

The New Look of Mormons

Opting for pomp over piety, wealthy Mormons in Salt Lake City are throwing lavish parties for teenagers to open their mission calls

By Samantha Leach

With more than a hundred high-school students expected to descend upon her house for a party, the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Lisa Barlow knew which aspect of planning to home in on: the catering. Her favorite Italian cookies were flown in from New York City, and a local chef prepared caprese skewers and charcuterie boards.

For the most part, the 2023 event looked like any other party showcased on Bravo. But Barlow’s cause for celebration—aired this past fall, during the show’s fourth season—was a Mormon mission “call opening” for her then 18-year-old son, Jack. That explained why the two-story cake was decorated to look like a suitcase.