More often than not the answer to the question: “How did you two meet?” is on Tinder, Grindr, OK Cupid or simply “on a dating app…” And for all those whose relationship started with a swipe, we love that for you! 

But what we really love is when a connection is made from a personal place. A nuanced place of being seen, heard, and understood by another, not benchmarked, interpreted, and networked by an algorithm. While this was the way of love for centuries, gone are the days of someone saying: “I’ve got someone for you!” Almost. 

Fern Connections is an LGBTQIA+ matchmaking service, founded by Daphney Poyser, committed to helping singles in our community find the person to accompany them on this journey called life. Each person is their own story, but many in our community have added particularities and subtleties that are essential to understand and get out there right up front. If you’re very newly out of the closet or barely back into the dating world after a long-term relationship, working with someone who gets what each of these stories implies, is part of Fern Connections’ effectiveness. As their founder and CEO, Daphney says “we’re all on our own journey through life and our company's goal is to help you navigate that journey by helping you find the person you want to take along for the ride. So buckle up.”

Virtually or in-person, Fern Connections starts by getting to know you. What makes you tick, what makes you ticked off, what brings you joy, what makes you wink, and what makes you think. Deep questions that reveal more than you think you can share, and that help steer Fern Connections towards your ideal first date. Pictures make sure there’s a match, but it is the date that helps determine if there’s a click. A post-date debrief with their Matchmaker is the extra seal on the date to understand more about what you liked, what you didn’t, and send Fern Connections back into their dating pool of eligible people. 

And like all good things, they come to those who wait. Dating takes time and the Fern Connections’ team takes its time to understand you and find what you’re looking for. Purchasing a 3-date package gives Fern Connections up to a year to find your plus one. A 5-date package extends over 15-months. And for those higher-profile singles, the 3- and 5-date packages take 15- and 18-months to deliver for. But they also encourage you to take time after you’ve met a match. Because to borrow another proverb, slow and steady wins the race. Keeping your guard up as you let your guard down is how we tune back into our feelings for who and what we want, well beyond what a swipe does. 

Everyone deserves love. And everyone deserves help. When you’re asked, years from now, “how did you two meet?” you can answer “Fern Connections.” Because Fern Connections loves to help people find love. People who are asis unique, special, diverse, celebrated, and extraordinary as you.