Bloom Matchmaking Reviews [Should You Hire Paula Pardel?]

Bloom Matchmaking is a Virginia-based matchmaking service founded by Paula Pardel in 2020, with offices in Midlothian and Virginia Beach. Packages range from $500 (Dating Coach) to $10,000+ (Concierge), all with 6-month contracts. The service focuses on meaningful relationships with thorough vetting, background checks, and compatibility-based matching. Bloom holds a 4.6-star Google rating (10 reviews) but has no presence on Yelp, Trustpilot, or BBB.

Key Insights:

• Paula Pardel founded Bloom Matchmaking in 2020 after discovering her passion for matchmaking in 2018
• Offices located in Midlothian and Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Three packages: Dating Coach ($500), Premier ($2,500), and Concierge ($10,000+)—all with 6-month contracts
• All potential matches are interviewed, vetted, and background-checked
• Free database membership available, but you're only contacted if you match a paying client's criteria
• Bloom hosts local singles events as additional networking opportunities
• Google rating: 4.6 stars (10 reviews); no presence on Yelp, Trustpilot, or BBB

Our team has reviewed over 200 matchmakers, from the boutique operators to the big industry players. These reviews are built on insights that come from 14+ years of first-hand experience in the industry, combined with comprehensive research and a keen understanding of what clients value most in a matchmaking service.

Paula Pardel's matchmaking career began unexpectedly in 2018. As a stay-at-home mom, she stumbled upon a newspaper ad seeking a matchmaker, and it ignited a spark within her.

She joined that company, but her time there was cut short when it closed. Pardel's passion for bringing people together led her to take a bold step: opening her own matchmaking company.

In 2020, Bloom Matchmaking opened in Midlothian, Virginia. It now has an additional office in Virginia Beach.

Learning From the Best

When asked about her most significant business decision, Pardel emphasizes the incredible value that Bloom has added to her life. She shares, 

“Starting my own company, and then learning the profession from seasoned matchmakers — the best in the business, some of whom have been matchmakers for generations.”

Finding Her Passion

Reflecting on her journey, Pardel acknowledges that she wishes she had recognized her true passions earlier in life. Having spent too much time in her previous career as a real estate agent, she now recognizes the importance of aligning one's passions with their work. 

In an interview, she admits, 

“I spent far too much time in unfulfilling careers. I would have realized earlier what my true passions are because my passion for what I do is an asset to my business and my clients.”

Your first step is calling the Bloom office. Their team will get to know you and understand the qualities you're seeking in a partner.

If they believe you'd be a good fit, you choose a membership package to get started.

Matching Philosophy

Pardel takes a holistic approach to matching. It’s not just about someone’s must haves and deal breakers, it’s also about the quality of the relationship. As she explained in an interview with Richmond.com,

 “More than ever, more people are looking for ways to find healthy relationships in a safe and effective way. As a matchmaker, I can help people achieve their relationship goals, and for me that is personally satisfying as well.”

Serious Relationships Only

Bloom primarily works with singles who are focused on meaningful relationships rather than casual hookups. Pardel explained it this way to Style Weekly,

”We also determine intention, so we can match them with people who are ready for a serious relationship, not just a causal connection.”

If they believe you’d be a good fit for their services, you can simply choose one of the membership packages to get started.

The Matching Process

The search begins within their database of singles. Each potential match undergoes interviews and vetting to ensure they align with your preferences.  

According to Pardel, matchmaking involves both science and instinct. As she puts it,  

“I also have a free database, which helps me find prospective matches. They’re all interviewed, vetted, and background-checked. All matches are based on scientific compatibility … and, of course, my intuition.”

Bloom also coordinates local singles events, offering additional ways to meet new people beyond one-on-one introductions.

Bloom offers three packages, all with 6-month contracts:

Dating Coach Package — $500

• One-hour Zoom session for relationship guidance
• Assistance with online dating profile
• Photo guidance

Premier Package — $2,500

• 3 months of relationship coaching (phone or Zoom)
• Professional photo shoot

Concierge Package — $10,000+

• 3 months of relationship coaching
• Professional photo shoot
• Personal stylist
• Post-date feedback
• Date arrangement services

Free Database Membership

You can join Bloom's database at no cost. However, you'll only be contacted if you're believed to be a good match for a paying member. For proactive matching, you'll need to become a paying client.

Dating advice is incorporated into many Bloom packages. Here's a sampling of Pardel's relationship wisdom, shared with Style Weekly:

Online reviews for Bloom Matchmaking are limited.

Google: 4.6 Stars (10 Reviews)

Almost all Google reviews are positive. Reviewers express satisfaction with the service from Pardel and her team. One reviewer mentioned how Pardel took the time to really get to know him during the matchmaking process.

And this client mentioned how Pardel took the time to really get to know him during the matchmaking process:

The single 1-star review didn't share any details about the service—just a rating with no explanation.

Other Platforms

Bloom Matchmaking has no presence on Yelp, Trustpilot, or the BBB, making comprehensive assessment difficult.

Paula Pardel brings genuine passion to matchmaking, with a holistic approach focused on relationship quality and serious connections. The tiered pricing ($500–$10,000+) makes the service accessible at different commitment levels.

The service works best for Virginia singles in the Midlothian or Virginia Beach areas, those seeking serious relationships (not casual dating), clients who appreciate background checks and thorough vetting, and singles interested in local events as additional networking.

There are factors worth considering. Very limited online reviews (10 Google reviews, no Yelp/BBB/Trustpilot) make it difficult to assess typical experiences. Matches come primarily from Bloom's database, which may limit options. All packages require 6-month contracts. And as a newer service (founded 2020), the track record is still developing.

Expanding Your Options

Many matchmaking services pair clients only with others from their own database. While your perfect person might be there, the art of matchmaking is about finding two people whose must-haves and dealbreakers perfectly mesh—nearly impossible from a limited roster in any single location.

Some services take a dual approach. Enamour has a curated, invite-only database plus recruiting technology and scouts to search for highly compatible Virginia singles.

VIDA Select leverages the largest pool of Virginia singles available with month-to-month packages requiring no long-term contracts. On average, clients meet someone special after just 3 months of service.

Ready to explore your options? Schedule a free, confidential consultation to see which approach fits your goals.