LeagueLove – The League

From Goldwyn

My 2020 New Year’s resolution was to take dating more seriously. The year started with a couple of terrible dates and then COVID. Due to Rona, I had to resort to apps, which was an interesting proposition for a guy with a flip phone. Jordon promised to be my app guru and set up my profiles. Dwight said the type of woman I would be looking for would be on The League, but I’d have to be patient because the app took months to accept new applicants. I applied in August and was accepted in December. Lia loves to remind me that she was accepted in 3 days.

In March, I matched with a curly-haired woman who lived in Ossining (I’m a sucker for curly hair). Ossining was where I considered living when I moved to NY before ultimately deciding on Stamford. She said she had kayaks, which I loved. If nothing else, I’d see what my life could have been kayaking in Ossining. Normally I’d put my tablet down for the day while I waited on a response. I thought I’d respond twice and she’d stop responding. We messaged all day. She liked my smile (thanks Dr. Forrest) and was “intrigued by my education.” We Skyped for 4 hours the next night. I asked her if she wanted to go out that Saturday. I didn't realize I was about to hang out with my future wife.

She was obviously very beautiful and could hold a conversation, but she was guarded and unsure whether she wanted to be there (her friends made her go). We walked in the park and talked about everything (college experiences, our trips to Iraq, the origin of gerrymandering). Conversation is important to me because Father Time and gravity are undefeated. I wanted to know that we’d be able to connect at 90. After that day, I couldn't wait to see her again and get to know her better. Now we get to spend the rest of our lives doing just that.

From Lia

In March of 2021, my friend Mike gave me a deadline by which I had to start dating again after a nasty breakup. I reluctantly downloaded a new app and half-heartedly perused options. I matched with exactly one man, put my phone down, and told Mike I’d met his deadline. Goldwyn had a bright, full smile and an eclectic résumé that guaranteed, at the very least, an interesting conversation.

Even in our first text exchange, Goldwyn was open and sincere. He told me he was looking for a woman to be his, “physical and intellectual equal" and "to be a role model for my children.” A tall order. Bonus points for wanting kids. In return, I divulged my love of ice cream and adeptly avoided more vulnerable conversation.

We wouldn’t be here today without ice cream. Halfway through our first date, a walk in The Rockefeller and lunch in Tarrytown, I texted Nupur & Kristen, “date update: I’m not feeling it.”

Goldwyn knew he was impressive without much effort. He was dressed sloppily, used a flip phone, and didn't try. He was also authentic in a way that intimidated me. I was used to being the intimidating one. I felt vulnerable and uncomfortable - his authenticity demanding my own in a way I wasn’t ready for.

After lunch he asked, “Where is ice cream from here?” With that single question, he broke through the fortress I had built to keep him out. It’s not because he bribed me with mint chocolate chip and rainbow sprinkles, which didn’t hurt. It’s because this question told me everything I needed to know. He wanted to make me happy. He listened to and heard me. He cared what I loved. He was confident and assertive. He was my equal. We sat on the curb eating our ice cream and he asked if he could kiss me. I said yes then, have continued to say yes to his many propositions since (including crazy ones, like "Will you move to Florida with me?" and "Can we buy this house you've never seen?"), and look forward to a lifetime of love and ice cream dates as husband and wife.

Tell us your #LeagueLove story in your own words!

By the time we matched on The League in late May 2019, Tory was at her wit's end with what felt like endless swiping on dating apps and was just about to throw in the towel, but luckily she had one last swipe in her. Anthony, despite thinking he was too busy to date because of extensive business travel, was in search of someone that could challenge and engage him emotionally and intellectually and also help him explore the DC area. Both Anthony and Tory had experience in failed long term relationships in the past and knew exactly what they were looking for in building a successful relationship. As they started to get to know each other, they discovered a mutual love of jazz, comedy, travel, brunch, and yes even sarcasm. And after a three-hour-long, conversation-filled first date at Blackwall Hitch in Old Town Alexandria, they haven't looked back since.

Over the course of the net year, while traveling at a pretty continuous clip they realized that they would never see the world the same way without each other. Despite globetrotting together from Dubai to Singapore to London to Turks and Caicos, Anthony and Tory landed back on the very same bench where they exchanged their first "I love yous" in Asbury Park, NJ. Anthony popped the question and Tory gave a resounding "YES!"

What do you each consider a unique aspect of your relationship now?

Our ability to know what the other is thinking before they say it. Anthony is intentional, genuine, and has an amazing sense of humor that keeps me in stitches. Tory is compassionate, has a beautiful sense of adventure, and inspires Anthony to be a great communicator.

When did you know this was your person?

Tory knew when she got back from a date at a comedy club and Anthony made her bacon for a late-night snack. Then they slow-danced in his living room. Bacon is most definitely the way to Tory’s heart, especially when accompanied by dancing!

What stood out to you about each other's profiles?

We had the same interests -- music, comedy, travel, family, and of course, brunch.

Who initiated conversation on The League and what was the conversation like?

Tory did! She let her nerd/Trekkie flag fly and he tried to keep up.

How did this match feel different than other matches you had previously?

The depth of our conversations was unparalleled. Talking to each other was free-flowing, organic, and effortless.

How long did it take before deciding to meet up?

A week.

Where did you go on your first date?

Blackwall Hitch in Old Town Alexandria, VA

Tell us your #LeagueLove story in your own words!

Phi Beta Kappa at the University of Pennsylvania and a Baker Scholar and Graduation Day Speaker at HBS, Brooke was used to her adult life going according to plan. However, finding lasting love was something she still wasn’t sure if she’d ever achieve. After watching her mother struggle with a very difficult partner in her dad, she was particularly picky. From 2013 to 2018, she went on about 300 dates while balancing a challenging career at McKinsey & Company, but she vowed to not give up until she met a caring, compassionate, dedicated, and selfless partner. It turned out he existed, and also happened to be on The League.

Alexander had two very clear criteria for his partner: someone smarter than him, and someone he could picture himself growing old with. An added bonus was finding someone who hates the Philadelphia Eagles as much as he does, being a diehard Patriots fan from Massachusetts.

When he found Brooke through The League, and saw she was a passionate Dallas Cowboys fan, he thought it was definitely worth a first date. On October 28th, 2018, Brooke and Alex had dinner at Bud & Marilyn's in Center City. The evening went so well that Alex didn’t mind that he had skipped his beloved team – the Boston Red Sox – winning the World Series to get together.

Early in 2019, when they were driving around exploring the suburbs of Philadelphia, Alex cracked a joke and Brooke – appreciating it as an official roaster at McKinsey and unofficial standup comedian – retorted with “and that’s why I love you.” Suddenly, realizing what she had done and that he might bolt from the car by her casually escalating the relationship so quickly, she tried to walk it back. Alex interrupted her and said “I love you too.” He claims that that day he knew they’d get married.

Alex proposed to Brooke in Kyoto, Japan on October 3rd, 2019, and worked with her family to throw a surprise engagement party on their return trip to Philadelphia. Their wedding hashtag of "Prattically Perfect" ended up being particularly prescient given the number of times the wedding has needed to move due to COVID-19. Not wanting to indefinitely put their lives on hold, they were married in courthouse on November 13, 2020. On the same date in 2021, they will celebrate their marriage with all of their family and friends in Dallas, Texas.

Was either of you the other’s first match or first date on The League? What made you want to keep seeing each other after the first date?

I had been on about 150 first dates with men who weren’t interested once they heard I went to Harvard Business School. You guys can probably keep me honest, but VERY few of those dates were from The League. I joined The League in 2018 and met Alex shortly thereafter. I was using other dating platforms and just didn't feel like the guys had the same priorities that I did. I knew that men who self-selected for The League would likely have similar priorities to me (education, career, etc.). It turned out great!

Alex was so smitten after our first date that, for our second date, he spent a small fortune on tickets so that I could see the Cowboys play in Philadelphia. That morning I came down with a horrible stomach flu. Alex gave away the tickets and came over with chicken soup (Eagles Superbowl branded, just for fun) instead of attending. That evening, he also mentioned he had already started a 529 in case he had kids. That was pretty much it. We were inseparable from that day forward.

What do you each consider a unique aspect of your relationship now?

When The New York Times asked us to describe our relationship in one word, we both independently said "partnership." To me, we are unique in how we approach our relationship and each other -- truly being purposeful to continue to make our relationship great and support each other in our endeavors.

Tell us your #LeagueLove story in your own words!

Matt & I matched on The League in late November 2015. Though we can't remember who messaged whom, our initial exchange vibed so well that we arranged our first date soon after. Since then, we've both changed jobs & now live in West Hollywood and we're grateful to have our story begin in San Francisco. Matt is from San Diego & I'm from Chicago, so unsurprisingly, nicer weather and more space drove us to LA. Matt & I got engaged during the middle of Pride Month (June 15th) in San Diego's Little Italy. We're so excited for this next chapter of our lives together--and lucky we matched when we did!

What stood out to you about each other’s profiles?

Reflecting on our profiles from back then, it must have been that we both thought the other had a unique vibe & sense of style. Our conversation on The League was super fluid and efficient--which admittedly are weird descriptors--but it was a quick indicator that we were a different caliber of professionals in search of a different type of relationship.

How did this match feel different than other matches you had previously?

With our pairing, we matched with someone who not only compliments the other extremely well --but also someone who would be open to change and excited about growing together.

How long did it take before deciding to meet up?

Less than a week after matching, we made it happen. We found an Italian cafe equidistant from each other's workplace so the walk would be short for us both--a good sign to each of us that we'd found a thoughtful--and equal--partner.

Where did you go on your first date?

We went to an Italian cafe in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood after work. Matt was working in the Marina District & I was in the FiDi at the time. Fully immersed in our conversation & not realizing how much time had elapsed, we decided to keep it going & got a reservation at an Italian restaurant nearby afterward.

What do you each consider a unique aspect of your relationship now?

Having an equal partner in all respects--and someone to have an endless conversation with--are pretty unique characteristics of our relationship. Our friends jokingly say that being around us is like being on the 'Matt & JT' show.

What are 3 things you value in your partner?

We value each other's ambition, loyalty, and ridiculous sense of humor.

Tell us your #LeagueLove story in your own words!

We met on The League in December of 2018. By that time, Lindsay had lost her father and Dustin had already been through a marriage and divorce, so both of us really knew what we wanted in a relationship. We knew from the beginning we were going to give this a true shot! After matching on the app, we had talked for hours on end on the phone and on FaceTime until we met in person on January 2, 2019. After so much anticipation, we met in Alamo Square here in San Francisco, where Lindsay jumped into Dustin’s arms and kissed him immediately. The rest is history!

What do you each consider a unique aspect of your relationship now?

We both make one another better. We cheer each other on and want to be our best selves for one another. While this may seem small, it is truly different than any relationship either of us has ever had.

Tell us about your wedding! We know that this time is hard for so many couples. Did anything inspire you two to make this decision now?

We had planned our wedding originally at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, but due to COVID, we had to put the celebration with family and friends on hold. May 23rd was always our special date, and we decided to keep that date for our civil ceremony, as we are eager to start a family. Once we made the decision to make lemonade out of the lemons, we asked local news and TV stations if they would be willing to help us make the day special. The Chase Center (home of the Warriors) replied back almost immediately saying they loved the idea, and they really went big to make it special for us in getting Jordan Poole to serve as our legal witness, and customizing the 74-foot screen with our photos and wedding logo. We had family and friends with us via Facebook Live, and the ceremony turned out even better than we could have ever imagined!

Do you have any advice or words of encouragement that you want to share with other engaged couples right now?

To other couples: Be one another’s constant in a world full of uncertainty and change, and don’t forget to keep love at the center of it all.

Tell us your #LeagueLove story in your own words!

Harvey: Our story began almost a year before we had our first date. It was the fall of 2017. I was in Paris, on my first trip out of the country making good on a pact I made to myself; not waiting to travel until I meet the special girl. I was standing at the Eiffel Tower, praying, telling God I was ready to meet the woman he made for me to spend the rest of my life with. After that night, I had a strong sense that I was going to meet my future bride soon. Around the same time, my future wife had some prayer time with a close friend. After that prayer session, she felt a strong sense she was going to get married soon as well. In early 2018 my best friend told me about a new dating app he joined called The League. He sent me a referral link and I signed up. Being on the waiting list for months, I forgot I signed up, but I eventually received a notification that my profile had been accepted and I would begin receiving matches. Jonalisa also heard about the League from a friend and signed up. I was on the app for about a month, and I decided to check my matches one last time before deleting the app altogether. When I checked my matches for the last time, I came across Jonalisa’s profile. Our first date was great and our second date was even better! We dated for a little over a month and a half before we committed to each other to date exclusively. Three months later we got engaged, and almost two years from when I was in Paris asking God to bring me my wife, we got married!

What stood out to you about each other's profiles?

Jonalisa: He had a sweet smile and a lot of pictures with friends. He also mentioned his Christian faith and two of my favorite things: food and travel.

Harvey: Her smile, it was so magnetic, genuine, and beautiful. I’m also passionate about my Christian faith. I noticed in her profile that she went to seminary school, that was a commonality that I deeply appreciated and was intrigued by.

Who initiated conversation on The League and what was the conversation like?

Harvey: I initiated the conversation. I was casual and intentional in my communication with Jonalisa. I wanted to see if there was initial conversational chemistry and interest. After a little back and forth messaging in the app, I asked if I could give her a call and move our communication offline as quickly as possible to see if there was a deeper connection between us.

How did this match feel different than other matches you had previously?

Jonalisa: I had only been on The League two weeks prior to meeting Harvey but I loved that he took things offline pretty quickly. A lot of guys want to text for a while before talking and I’m really not into texting with people I don’t know. With Harvey, after chatting on The League a couple times, I remember him asking, “Excuse me if this is too forward, but can I call you sometime?” I loved that and our first phone conversation was a few days later and it lasted a couple hours!

Harvey: I was only on The League for about a month before meeting Jonalisa. I liked how she was communicative and asked great questions. I could tell she was genuinely wanting to get to know me. Our first phone conversation was something like two and a half hours long! After we hung up, I couldn’t wait to get to know her more and meet her in person.

What do you each consider a unique aspect of your relationship now?

Jonalisa: Harvey and I are both in our 30s and we spent most of the last decade single. It is amazing to me how well we fit with each other. We just get each other without much effort. He fits in so well with my family and we share similar backgrounds, beliefs, and values. Our premarital therapist told us we are the most compatible couple she has ever met. We are also different in many ways but our differences complement each other and make us an even better fit. Also, we both had experience with the foster care system (personal and professional) and had individually decided that we wanted to adopt kids in the future. My professional background as a social worker opened doors for deeper conversations about Harvey’s experience being adopted as a child. Another unique aspect of our relationship is that we got married less than a year after we met on the League.

Harvey: If I had a list of all of the qualities I wanted in my wife, Jonalisa checks all the boxes. I know it sounds cliche, but her worldview, family values, and faith are identical to mine. There’s an unspoken understanding between her and I. We effortlessly fit. It’s so powerful and beautiful.

What are the 3 things you value in your partner?

Jonalisa: 1.) Harvey can connect with anyone! He loves people and has quickly bonded with many of the most important people in my life. We make new friends often because people are so drawn to him. 2.) He is extremely empathetic and one of the most nonjudgmental people I know. He understands me so well and places himself in the shoes of others before passing judgment. 3.) Harvey is very hard-working and ambitious! He had a solid career and future goals when I met him and the only way to go from here is up!

Harvey: 1) Jonalisa’s heart and compassion for people is indescribable. She has a way of connecting with people and making them feel like they're the only person in the Room. 2) Jonalisa lives her life with purpose and integrity. She says what she means, and means what she says. 3) Her faith. It’s so strong. It drives and inspires me to be a better person everyday.

Tell us your League Love story in your own words!

After several years of resorting to online dating, Keith and Michelle happened to land on each other’s profiles on The League. Michelle was drawn to Keith's love for travel, having a heart for the Lord, and was a fellow Pepperdine Wave! Keith was attracted to Michelle's radiant smile, passion to serve others, and immediately noticed one of her profile photos was taken at Mama’s Fish House in Maui, one of his favorite restaurants. After a few short days of texting through the app, it didn’t take long for them to connect in person. Michelle had just finished a long day of doing volunteer dentistry in Anaheim, so she happened to be in Orange County, and was desperate to make a connection. While she was tempted to have a night in and binge watch the Real Housewives, she reached out to Keith in hopes of a last-minute date. Keith happily accepted and recommended the newly opened Hive and Honey rooftop bar. He offered to pick her up, as a gentleman should, but Michelle politely declined and wanted the flexibility to escape yet another dreadful date if needed.

Amid the awkwardness of tracking down her blind date, Michelle found Keith in the lobby of the Marriott Irvine Spectrum, watching sports of course. The two of them enjoyed conversation and cocktails at the rooftop bar, not realizing a couple hours had already flown by. With the sun setting and not wanting the date to end (and Michelle getting pretty hangry), the two of them decided to extend the date through dinner at Puesto.

On the way to dinner Keith noticed Michelle had lip gloss on her teeth. He leaned over from the passenger’s seat to confirm, which prompted the two to have their first kiss.

Over tacos and margaritas Michelle and Keith shared stories of their childhoods and painful educational experiences. When it came time to pay the tab Michelle pulled out her credit card. Keith was nervous that she wanted to pay or go Dutch, because that is the tell tale sign that she never wants to see you again. After a few exchanges of who should cover the bill Michelle said, “I’ll pay, because you’re paying for brunch tomorrow morning.”

The next morning, Keith and Michelle met for brunch at Haute Cakes, which is still one of their go-to breakfast locations. Although their second date was cut short due to their busy schedules, Keith and Michelle made plans to see each other again. Their first month of dates were centered in Long Beach, half way between their two residences during the work week. Meeting after work was definitely a commitment, compounded by LA and OC traffic.

A couple months flew by, Michelle was on her way to meet the Reschke family for the first time, and over a quick breakfast stop, Keith asked THE official question…”Will you be my girlfriend?” Now officially in a relationship, each month that went by became better than the last. Monumental firsts happened…Keith witnessed Michelle’s struggle with packing on their first trip to Portland, Michelle brought her first significant other to all of the holiday festivities, and Keith survived his first dental visit as Michelle’s victim…we mean, patient.

What do you consider a unique aspect of your relationship now?

Through our connection on The League we have found that we perfectly complement each other. We love to cook together, taking turns as chef and sous chef. We also love indulging in the LA and OC restaurant scene. Where one of us is lacking the other is strong. We keep each other accountable and are one another’s biggest fans. We have come to realize that both of us have lived very different lives, but with the same values. The League set the stage to bring two hardworking and driven individuals together. ur relationship started with mutual respect for our own journeys. We may have never crossed paths without The League, but when we did it was as if all of our previous heartaches were all worth it.

Tell us about your engagement & wedding! We know that this time is hard for so many couples. Did anything inspire you two to make this decision now?

Just a few weeks shy of their one-year anniversary, Keith and Michelle decided to take a last-minute trip to Maui. They planned to visit the hotel Keith helped build when he lived in Maui and to take a much-needed break from work. Somehow, some way… Keith had planned the surprise of a LIFETIME. After Joe sneakily took Cheryl and Steve out to dinner to ask for their blessing, spent months designing the perfect engagement ring, and coordinated all of the details with his buddy, Joe, in Maui… April 9, 2019 happened. Keith convinced Michelle to go on a helicopter ride, under the pretense of it being a “photography opportunity” for his friend, Joe. The helicopter landed on a cliff for a little intermission/break and Michelle re-situated her whipped ponytail into a high bun. She was craving a diet coke and took a quick peek at the surroundings of the cliff. Keith pointed out Mama’s Fish House, bringing things full circle, and started spilling out words that made Michelle’s heart melt. While her mind was telling her that this moment surely wasn’t happening, Keith got down on one knee, and asked her to be his wife.

God is so good, and His timing is always perfect. Keith and Michelle spent the rest of their week in Maui celebrating with Mai Tais and sharing the good news with family and friends! It has been a whirlwind in the best way possible, and Keith and Michelle cannot wait to celebrate such a long-awaited special day with each and every one of you!

Our wedding ceremony and reception was scheduled for April 24th, 2020, roughly 1 month after California’s order of shelter in place. Our venue, Ranch Las Lomas, reluctantly reached out to us to reschedule our wedding. It was heartbreaking. We had been planning this day for a year and were so excited to share in this moment with our family and friends. Floral arrangements, caterers, hotels, flights, and honeymoon were all lined up. We had so many questions regarding the future of our wedding and the venue, with no one able to provide reassuring answers. The two of us decided to put our energy on what was most important, our love. We immediately shifted our focus to the things we could control. We were able to contact the courthouse and obtain a marriage license, the only thing truly stopping us from getting married on 4.24.20. Michelle’s parents graciously open up their backyard for the nuptials and Keith’s father stepped up and became ordained to officiate the ceremony. In front of both sets of parents and before God we exchanged our vows in an intimate ceremony forever binding our love. We were overcome with emotions with a surprise drive-by parade of our closest local family and friends, including car horns, signs, vuvuzelas, balloons, and confetti. A completely humbling experience. It may not be the ceremony or reception we were dreaming of, but it was ours, and a story we will be able to share for generations to come.

We are happy to announce that we are planning our formal ceremony and dream reception at our original venue July 2nd, 2020. We finally get to share the joy and excitement of our union with our family and friends.

Tell us your #LeagueLove story in your own words!

Our story began before we ever saw each other’s profiles. While having dinner with a girl friend of mine, we were discussing the ups and downs of dating and I decided that I wanted to describe my ideal partner to ‘put it in the universe.’ After our dinner, I signed up for The League and also a few other dating services. Within our first few dates though, I knew Matt was the exact person I had described during the dinner weeks before. It gives me chills to think about it still! We were engaged 7 months later and he has continued to keep a smile on my face—being my supportive, smart, handsome, loving and one-of-a-kind partner that I pictured and described. Since that time, he has been nothing but supportive in my journey to leave my established career with a leading company and start from the ground up with my own new company, the Bloomi. @thebloomi

What stood out to you about each other’s profiles?

Honestly, besides his handsome photo, I loved seeing that he was driven and excelling in his career.

Who initiated conversation on The League and what was the conversation like?

Matt started our conversation with a mix of small talk, a bit of sarcastic humor and great questions to get to know me better.

How did this match feel different than other matches you had previously?

There was a easy vibe with us and we always wanted to spend our free time together. He never let the date end without asking about the next one — I loved that!

How long did it take before deciding to meet up?

A few days.

Where did you go on your first date?

We met at a wine bar for happy hour and actually decided to make it a tradition so we returned to the same place one year later from our first date.

When did you know that this was “your person?”

I was a single mom before I met Matt. The first day he met my daughter, he sat with us at the park (in freezing temperatures) and accepted her invite to watch cartoons after we couldn’t last in the cold. I was already in love with him but seeing him interact with her on that first meeting gave me a glimpse into what our lives would be together.

What do you each consider a unique aspect of your relationship now?

When we were dating, Matt and I talked about our careers, family and life goals. I shared with him that I wanted to start my own company and transition from corporate world to become a successful entrepreneur. He has been an amazing partner who values my ambition, my passion for women’s health/sexual wellness and the natural risk-taker in me. We are not only starting a life and family together, but we are also starting a company together that will hopefully make a difference in other people’s lives.

Are there any upcoming milestones in your relationship?

We just got married in December, launched our company in January and hope to bring a little one into the world in the upcoming year!

What are 3 things you value in your partner?

Loyalty, intelligence and chemistry.

Tell us your #LeagueLove story in your own words!

I moved to Chicago in the summer of 2016: my third city in 5 years. I landed my dream job working to combat educational inequity on the southside but was still on the hunt for my dream partner. A friend from NYC introduced me to The League right as it was launching in Chicago. Ross was my first match. I started to lose hope after a few days of unanswered messages, but it was a very busy time for him as a lifelong Cubs fan and season ticket holder. I decided not to hold a once-in-a-lifetime World Series run against him. We had our first date the weekend after the Cubs won it all at a pizza place near my apartment and returned there a year and a half later for a surprise engagement party with our family and friends after he proposed. 🙂

What stood out about each others profiles?

The first thing that stood out to me about Ross’s profile was his bright blue eyes and perfect smile. Then to see that he also worked at IBM… it seemed like an impossibly perfect mix of brains and good looks 🙂

Who initiated conversation on The League and what was the conversation like?

Ross sent the first message. I responded right away and then when I didn’t hear back, I figured it was too good to be true. I couldn’t believe it when he sent another message a few days later. He immediately made it clear that he was interested in meeting up in-person, which I found very rare on any other app and helped me know that he was for real.

How did this match feel different than other matches you had previously?

It was very clear that we were on the same page from the very beginning. The conversation was normal and easy and we had so much in common.

How long did it take before deciding to meet up?

Less than a week.

Where did you go on your first date?

A pizza place in my neighborhood at the time.

When did you know that this was “your person?”

About a month after our first date, Ross invited me to a concert with him and his group of friends. It was the first time that I really got to see what his life was like and the kind of person he was outside of our one-on-one interactions. He was even more kind, funny, and genuine than I had thought, and I knew from that point on that I could not picture a future without him in it.

What do you each consider a unique aspect of your relationship now?

Even though we come from different backgrounds, our views on all of life’s most important aspects align perfectly and we talk about planning for our future frequently. Big decisions are easy for us, which has allowed our relationship to grow and progress quickly.

What are 3 things you value in your partner?

Trust, selflessness, and drive.

Tell us your #LeagueLove story in your own words!

Greg and I were matched on the League in November of 2016 and I could not be happier. We work essentially across the street from each other and would never have met had it not been for the League. We chatted for about two weeks on the app prior to meeting on December 2nd for our first date. We’ve been inseparable ever since. Greg is exactly the man I’ve been looking for – honest, kind, generous and hilarious. While we couldn’t be more different, we are truly perfect together. Greg and I got engaged on my birthday (March 21st) and are planning our wedding, which will take place next May in Charleston. Thank you so much for matching us!

What stood out to you about each other’s profiles?

Greg always teases me because I had my height filter set to 6’2+ because I’m 6’0. I was drawn to his pictures holding his nephew and his dog because that showed he was family-oriented.

Who initiated conversation on The League and what was the conversation like?

Greg messaged me on Saturday morning and said “before we take this any further, are you a Cowboys fan?” because he saw that I’m from Dallas. I responded saying that I could careless about football, and I only care about the Yankees. Luckily, he’s a die hard Yankees fan too and we hit it off from there.

How did this match feel different than other matches you had previously?

He asked me to go to dinner, which was the first time someone had done that (usually first dates are solely drinks). I found out he wanted to do dinner because he doesn’t drink, and didn’t want to make me feel awkward. We went to a place important to his family and didn’t want the date to end, so went to get gelato afterwards and then to a wine bar. He sent me the nicest follow up text the next morning, and I knew he was special.

How long did it take before deciding to meet up?

2 weeks.

Where did you go on your first date?

Villa Masconi in the Village.

When did you know that this was “your person?”

After getting his amazing follow-up text the next morning, and then by our second date.

What do you each consider a unique aspect of your relationship now?

The fact that we could not be more different from each other, but have so much respect for one another. He’s from New Jersey originally and all of his family lives here, so I met them pretty early on. It’s been amazing to spend time with them, especially since my family is in Dallas.

What are 3 things you value in your partner?

His honesty, generosity and sense of humor.

Are there any upcoming milestones in your relationship?

Now that we’re engaged (!) planning our wedding and honeymoon!

Tell us your #LeagueLove story in your own words!

Mark’s profile caught my eye right away because he is British, which immediately peaked my interest as I lived in Europe as a kid and love to travel. He wrote in his profile that he was looking for a relationship with a “caring, smart, value-centric girl” which I thought very wholesome and exactly what I was looking for rather than a fling. We met in person quickly after connecting through the League, and saw each other every day that first weekend. Friday was our first “coffee date,” Saturday we went to dinner and bowling, and Sunday morning he and his puppy cheered me on as I ran across the finish line of a race in Central Park. He was witty, handsome, successful and that British accent just made me melt. The rest is history!

What stood out to you about each other’s profiles?

Mark had just adopted an adorable Cavalier King Charles puppy whose eyes just make you melt in his pictures!

Who initiated conversation on The League and what was the conversation like?

I don’t remember who initiated but one of my first questions was whether he still had a British accent.

How did this match feel different than other matches you had previously?

Mark came across as confident and a no-nonsense type of guy. Even if it didn’t work out, I knew he wouldn’t waste my time.

How long did it take before deciding to meet up?

We met in person the first week of chatting, so essentially right away.

Where did you go on your first date?

Mark asked me to meet him for coffee in the lobby of the Royalton Hotel on a Friday afternoon. I’m not sure they even serve coffee there because we were so engulfed in conversation, we never ordered anything!

When did you know that this was “your person?”

I knew Mark was the one for me after he went out of his way on multiple occasions to spend time with and get to know my family. My family is extremely important to me, and having someone who shares those same values made my decision easy.

What do you each consider a unique aspect of your relationship now?

Thoughtful surprises. Mark knew that I love dancing but it was not something he had done before. So he secretly took dance lessons for months to surprise me at a friend’s wedding pulled out all these great moves!

What are 3 things you value in your partner?

Great communication, a sense of humor, and the resiliency to work through hard times together.

Are there any upcoming milestones in your relationship?

We are getting married this July in New York City!! Lots of planning left to do, but we are very excited for the big day!

Tell us your #LeagueLove story in your own words!

We chatted on The League for about a week, then decided to meet for coffee. After coffee we went to a beer garden, and then decided to get dinner. Our first date ended up lasting 8 hours! We knew initially that we had similar family values and wanted the same things in life. After being career minded singles in living in NYC for years, six months into dating we moved in together. To seal the deal we got married in Hawaii the following year. Our lives together just keep getting more exciting as we welcomed our daughter, Delaney, into the world last November and we couldn’t be happier! I’m now the Creative Producer for Little Things, a leading lifestyle destination for inspiring, uplifting and engaging content. I regularly post about pregnancy/parenthood and am thankful everyday that I have a partner to support me in this major project in my life.

What stood out to you about each other’s profiles?

The photos!

Who initiated conversation on The League and what was the conversation like?

Hal did and it was pretty basic. Where do you live? Where are you from? What do you do? But we both knew we wanted to see if we had chemistry in person.

How did this match feel different than other matches you had previously?

It seemed more genuine. We never felt like we had to impress each other and we were immediately able to just be ourselves.

How long did it take before deciding to meet up?

One week.

Where did you go on your first date?

Gossip Coffee in Astoria.

When did you know that this was “your person?”

3 months later while on vacation in Rhode Island.

What do you each consider a unique aspect of your relationship now?

We balance each other out and work as a team to help one another achieve goals both professionally and when it comes to family.

What are 3 things you value in your partner?

Compassion, Work Ethic, Loyalty.

Are there any upcoming milestones in your relationship?

Our one year wedding anniversary on April 7th!

Tell us your League Love story in your own words.

After our first date, we both felt that there was strong compatibility on an emotional and intellectual level. Our dates thereafter were a lot of fun and full of the things we both love to do, which made the relationship exciting and easy to build. From the get-go, we both looked forward to each subsequent date, and once we started to travel together, we knew that there was a lot of depth and connectivity to the relationship. Despite all of the negative news happening at the moment, we got engaged at the end of March, which has brought tremendous joy both to us and to our families—because love won’t wait!

What stood out about each other’s profiles?

Besides finding his profile pictures to be adorable, Ashley saw that George had quite a few similar interests like live music and dining out. George also found Ashley to be very beautiful from her profile pics. He was also very impressed with her educational and professional achievements and thought they had many similar interests in music and travel.

How did the match feel different than previous matches?

Ashley: I noticed that George had genuine interest in getting to know me, and he was in a similar place in his life and career. From the moment we talked on the phone for the first time, the conversation flowed so naturally with good energy. After the first few dates, it became clear that we shared the same family values and life goals, so the compatibility felt right on.

George: I had the opportunity to correspond with Ashley and have a long telephone conversation with her while she was in Europe for business. I felt that there was an immediate connection which was amplified on our first date. There has always been excellent energy between us, an extreme attraction and respect/support for each other’s goals.

What do you consider a unique aspect of your relationship now?

We both share a similar drive in our professional lives, and have mutual respect and desire for each other’s success. At the same time, we both prioritize spending our free time with each other and having fun together.

What are three things you value in your partner?

Ashley values George’s kindness, family values, and desire to enjoy life and to have fun. George values Ashley’s sense of fun and loyalty, as well as her ability to always keep things moving in a positive direction.

#LEAGUELOVE SUCCESS STORIES

According to the New York Times wedding database, The League is 1,082 times more efficient than the leading dating app.*

Erica & David

Lia & Goldwyn

Megan & Rusty

Sean & Lindsey

Alisha & Vivek

Sarah & Will

Jenna & Max

Sonya & Nick

Ashley & Ari

Stepanie & Ashwin

Katie & Mark

Karina & John

Lloyd & Erik

Tory & Anthony

Emilie & Rylan

Heidi & Jack

Brooke & Alexander

Megan & Caleb

Juan Thomas & Matt San Francisco, California

Lindsay & Dustin San Francisco, California

Jonalisa & Harvey

Ben & Kylie New York City, New York

Jason & MicharraLos Angeles, California

Kelly & Bryan New York City, New York

Travis & Lisa San Francisco, California

Julie & Jim

Keith & Michelle Los Angeles, California

Leanna & Phil

Katherine & Hal

Sara & Nathan Los Angeles, California

Rebecca & Matt San Francisco, California

Toniann & Mark New York City, New York

Ross & Victoria San Francisco, California

Tricia & Greg New York City, New York

Michelle & Mark New York City, New York

Roxy & Hal New York City, New York

Eric & Rony New York City, New York

Brittany & Naseem New York City, New York

George & Ashley

Adam & Aubry New York City, New York

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#LEAGUELOVE
SUCCESS STORIES

Juan Thomas & Matt
San Francisco, California

Lindsay & Dustin
San Francisco, California

Ben & Kylie
New York City, New York

Jason & Micharra
Los Angeles, California

Kelly & Bryan
New York City, New York

Travis & Lisa
San Francisco, California

Keith & Michelle
Los Angeles, California

Sara & Nathan
Los Angeles, California

Rebecca & Matt
San Francisco, California

Toniann & Mark
New York City, New York

Ross & Victoria
San Francisco, California

Tricia & Greg
New York City, New York

Michelle & Mark
New York City, New York

Roxy & Hal
New York City, New York

Eric & Rony
New York City, New York

Brittany & Naseem
New York City, New York

Adam & Aubry
New York City, New York