IS CARA MATCHMAKING THE RIGHT MAINE MATCHMAKER FOR YOU? Cara Matchmaking is a Maine-based matchmaking service founded by Noreen Rochester in 2013, following her original service The Matchmaker (established 1995). Based in Biddeford near Portland, Rochester serves singles statewide from their 20s to 80s. At $499 for a 1-year membership with unlimited introductions, it's one of the most affordable matchmaking options available. Rochester takes an "old school" approach—no databases or algorithms, just color-coded files and personal intuition built over nearly 30 years in the industry. KEY INSIGHTS: * Noreen Rochester founded Cara Matchmaking in 2013; she's been matchmaking since 1995 * Membership costs $499 for 1 year with unlimited potential introductions—significantly more affordable than most services * Rochester takes an "old school" approach using color-coded files and sticky notes rather than databases or algorithms * She accepts only about one-third of applicants—those she believes she can genuinely help * Clients receive 3–5 profiles at a time with photos to review; Rochester doesn't arrange dates directly * The service spans all of Maine, with clients ranging from their 20s to 80s * Limited online reviews: 4 stars on Yelp (1 review from 2014), A+ BBB rating with no complaints Our team of experts has been in the industry since 2009, and we've reviewed over 200 matchmaking services. Thanks to all that first-hand experience, we know exactly what clients value most in a service. WHO IS NOREEN ROCHESTER? Noreen Rochester is the founder of Cara Matchmaking and has been in the matchmaking industry for nearly 30 years. As she expressed in an interview with WGME [https://wgme.com/features/dirigo-stories/dirigo-stories-traditional-matchmaker-creates-dating-success-in-digital-age], > “I've always wanted to interfere in people's lives and make them better, and I've always felt that if you're in love, everything's better.” Rochester's matchmaking career began organically when friends and family sought her help with their dating lives. She realized matchmaking was her calling and took a grassroots approach [https://www.datingnews.com/movers-and-shakers/cara-matchmaking-offers-professional-services-for-singles/] to launching her business: > “I saved up $35 for business cards and went into gyms and restaurants and any place with a bulletin board. After that, things took off.” This effort paid off, and she established her first dating service, The Matchmaker, in 1995. She organized monthly social events and made appearances on local television programs. In 2013, Rochester launched Cara Matchmaking. The name "Cara" comes from Gaelic and means "beloved companion" or "soulmate." Her mission is to bring joy and companionship to others' lives. Born and raised in southern Maine, Rochester operates from Biddeford, just outside Portland. Her clientele spans the entire state and includes men and women from their 20s to their 80s. She's noted that women are more likely to seek matchmaking services, with the majority of male clients falling in the 38–55 age range. Rochester has also built a reputation as a relationship expert, with her dating advice featured in numerous publications over the years. Here’s a peek at some of her best dating advice from around the web! HOW DOES CARA MATCHMAKING WORK? Potential clients begin with an online inquiry, followed by an in-person meeting to determine fit. Rochester is selective about who she accepts. As this Portland matchmaker explained [https://www.datingnews.com/movers-and-shakers/cara-matchmaking-offers-professional-services-for-singles/], > “I take probably a third of the people I meet with. If I can’t do a good job, I feel like I can’t take their money.” THE INTERVIEW For clients she accepts, the process starts with an interview where Rochester gets to know you and learns what you're looking for in a relationship and partner. She takes a quality over quantity approach when it comes to selecting your potential matches, explaining that her clients are often tired [https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/community/matchmaker-portland-helps-mainers-find-love/97-33c31a37-e7ac-45f8-9a74-b03abd8f1a7b] of the endless stream of profiles on dating apps. > “They'll come in and just say to me, 'Look, I just want you to find me my person, I don't want to date 50 people. I've already done that. I want to find my person." THE MATCHING PROCESS Rochester describes her approach as “old school” - she doesn’t rely on databases, preferring instead to use color-coded files and sticky notes. Once she understands your preferences, she compiles a list of other clients who meet your criteria, narrowing it to the top 3–5 contenders. She discusses profiles and shares photos to gauge your interest. However, decisions aren’t made on the spot. Rochester encourages “clients to go home and think about it first [https://www.datingnews.com/movers-and-shakers/cara-matchmaking-offers-professional-services-for-singles/].” MAKING CONTACT When you’re interested in a match, Rochester doesn’t actually arrange the date [https://www.datingnews.com/movers-and-shakers/cara-matchmaking-offers-professional-services-for-singles/] for you: > “I suggest starting with a text saying who you are and that I gave them your number. I think it’s a good idea to text or talk a little bit and then get out there.” FEEDBACK Clients can check back in with Rochester afterward, and let her know how things went. She’ll get the match’s perspective too, explaining that she takes the feedback process seriously [https://www.datingadvice.com/for-women/cara-matchmaking-helps-singles-take-calculated-risks]: > “I’ve got their version, and I’ll get your version, and we learn more about a person from feedback after a date than a two-hour interview. I never want to hurt anyone’s feelings, and it’s a scary and exciting process. It’s all done kindly and gently with love.” If no one from that group turns into a promising connection, she’ll present a few more profiles. EVENTS In addition to matchmaking services, Cara Matchmaking also organizes speed dating [/expert-speed-dating-guide/] and dating game events around town. So that’s another way to meet people if you’re interested in attending one of those. HOW MUCH DOES CARA MATCHMAKING COST? Cara Matchmaking costs $499 for a 1-year membership. During that time, you're matched with other clients with no limit on how many introductions you may receive. Active clients can also attend singles events, and Rochester is available for dating support and advice. CARA MATCHMAKING REVIEWS Online reviews for Cara Matchmaking are limited. YELP: 4 STARS (1 REVIEW) Cara Matchmaking has a 4-star rating on Yelp based on a single review from 2014. The reviewer found Rochester's date coaching helpful and the price affordable. BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU: A+ RATING Cara Matchmaking holds an A+ rating with the BBB, with no reviews or complaints on file. OTHER PLATFORMS The service has not been reviewed on Trustpilot or Google. MEDIA COVERAGE Rochester has shared client success stories in various media interviews throughout her nearly 30-year career, and the Cara Matchmaking website features testimonials. IS CARA MATCHMAKING RIGHT FOR YOU? With almost 30 years in the business, there’s no doubt Rochester is an experienced matchmaker and dating coach. But is Cara Matchmaking the right choice for you? Online reviews can be a factor in that determination, but in this case it will come down to other considerations, such as how various aspects of her service align with what type of service you’re looking for. For instance, you’ll want to consider where your matches come from. Like many traditional matchmakers, Rochester pairs you with other singles who joined her service. Your perfect match may have signed up for Cara Matchmaking just like you did. But keep in mind that making consistently high-quality matches is difficult to do from within a smaller database simply because compatibility is a two-way proposition. It’s not enough that you’re interested in a match - that match also has to be interested in someone like you. So in addition to Cara Matchmaking, you may also want to think about a service like VIDA Select [https://www.vidaselect.com/] that leverages the largest pool of eligible Maine singles there is! VIDA’s modern approach to matchmaking significantly extends its reach beyond a limited database, and that means you’ll never have to “settle” for matches who don’t check all your boxes. Intrigued? Discover how VIDA can find your ideal partner today! [https://qualify.vidaselect.com/] FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HOW MUCH DOES CARA MATCHMAKING COST? Cara Matchmaking costs $499 for a 1-year membership with unlimited potential introductions. This includes access to singles events and ongoing dating support from Noreen Rochester. WHO FOUNDED CARA MATCHMAKING? Noreen Rochester founded Cara Matchmaking in 2013. She's been in the matchmaking industry since 1995 when she established her first service, The Matchmaker. She has nearly 30 years of experience. WHERE DOES CARA MATCHMAKING OPERATE? Cara Matchmaking is based in Biddeford, Maine (near Portland) and serves singles throughout the state. Clients range in age from their 20s to their 80s. DOES CARA MATCHMAKING HAVE GOOD REVIEWS? Online reviews are limited. The service has 4 stars on Yelp (1 review from 2014) and an A+ BBB rating with no complaints. Rochester has shared success stories in media interviews throughout her career. HOW DOES CARA MATCHMAKING FIND MATCHES? Rochester uses an "old school" approach with color-coded files and sticky notes rather than databases or algorithms. She presents 3–5 profiles with photos at a time. Clients review at home before deciding, then initiate contact themselves. DOES NOREEN ROCHESTER ACCEPT EVERYONE? No. Rochester accepts about one-third of applicants. She only takes clients she believes she can genuinely help, explaining that if she can't do a good job, she can't take their money. DOES CARA MATCHMAKING ARRANGE DATES? No. Rochester provides contact information and suggests starting with a text. Clients initiate contact and arrange dates themselves. She's available for coaching and feedback afterward. ALL PRODUCT AND COMPANY NAMES ARE TRADEMARKS™ OR REGISTERED® TRADEMARKS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE HOLDERS. USE OF THEM DOES NOT IMPLY ANY AFFILIATION WITH OR ENDORSEMENT BY THEM.
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